I very much enjoyed Swordcatcher last year and was super excited when I got the ARC for this!
It was a bit of a rocky start at first because the world and the relationships between the nobles are quite complex. I really think this would benefit from a map and a dramatis personae or at least a recap of the first book.
CC throws a lot of this world at us in the first ten percent and even throughout you can’t go very long without one nation or the other being casually referred too. I had a hard time keeping them all apart and on top of that who has relations to what nations and so on.
This is also coming from someone who reads and enjoys complex high fantasy. In my opinion the world is very interesting, however the way we’re introduced to it is a weaker point of the book.

That’s really the only complaints I have. Apart from this the writing is compelling and kept me turning the pages. The mysteries are fun and slowly, satisfyingly unravel throughout the book.
My favourite thing about this series are the characters and their relationships. They feel real and flawed and their interactions are frustratingly believable.
CC does yearning really well and there is. so. much. yearning!

This is turning out to be a series I cannot wait to continue even though I wasn’t a big fan of the author’s other work. Has Cassandra Clare even heard of middle book syndrome!?

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC!

The courtly intrigue in this series is top tier with twisty politics and scheming. A brilliant second instalment with some great character development and some tender romances forming between characters. Conor and Lin have my whole heart! The tension and yearning are spectacular 👌🏼

Thank you Pan Macmillan and Netgalley UK for the great opportunity of reading this arc!

5/5

“There is no blackmail in politics […] Only bargaining.”

The Ragpicker King is a great political thriller, with elements of fantasy and romance, not to mention espionage. The inherent political nature of this series has properly surfaced with this second novel of the series, and has created an exhilarating read. Something always happens and manages to keep the reader on edge, and even when one believes that the situation is fully presented, the plot twists show up completely unexpectedly, shattering all expectations thus far. The novel does not present only the internal political battles and struggles of Castellane, but also international relations, diplomacy and conflicts, warfare and genocide, and they all connect with one another exceedingly well. The political world building is done rather subtly, and doesn’t eclipse the dramatic action.

The fantasy elements and lore are further developed in this book, and I have enjoyed how they have gradually evolved to being the centre piece of the narrative by the end. Part of the lore is deeply inspired by Judaism, and I have enjoyed their subtle inclusion within the universe building even more so than in the first instalment.

Regarding characters’ development; Conor and Lin are the highlights in that aspect. Both of them finally fully embrace whom they really are by the end, and the mirroring of their timelines is so satisfying that it enhances their romance. The two are both similar and different, and complement one another beautifully. The burning yearning between the two is intoxicating.

Between the prince and the goddess, Kel stands out as the action hero, the spy, the detective, the actor on whose shoulders the work behind the scenes falls. Throughout the entire story, Kel stands out as an emotionally complex individual, who finds compassion and acceptance for others while still maintaining his dignity and purpose. Kel’s journey represents the antithesis of Con and Lin, for he doesn’t have to embrace whom he is, he has to constantly find out which mask benefits him more, and eventually learn whom he is when stripped of all his secrets. The unfolding of his character has been a true delight. His relationship with Antonetta was passionate, seductive and sensual, and it ends with a spark which burns even more powerfully. The plot twists regarding their relationship have been equally tormenting and entertaining. I look forward to them moving forward, in their brand new dynamic.

Andreyen’s plot twist near the end hadn’t been what I was expecting at all, but retrospectively I realise that hints were dropped here and there, and yet I was blind to them. The structure of the story had been extremely well planned for his character, taking me by surprise the most.

Aron’s character was an intriguing addition, and I look forward not only to how his relationship with Lin will develop, but also to how he will exercise his authority as prince.

The prose is exquisitely beautiful; Cassie’s usage of metaphors in her descriptions is very glamorous, embroidered, graceful and elegant. Sensual as well.

Structurally, because the politics of this book are extremely entwined and ingrained in the narrative, I found that the writing style had been well-inspired and executed, quite suitable for a thriller. Usage of sentences or short phrases, always to the point, no word being used without purpose. It created an overall anticipation and awareness that the puzzle is still not complete.

The insertion of multiple points of view had been a nice surprise, and aided in the deception of the reader, creating the illusion that we know more than Lin and Kel.

Last, but definitely not least, the sex scenes were tastefully executed, elegant and sultry, adding more spice to the dynamics of both couples.

Certainly looking forward to the third book!

Prince Connor is fresh off the horror of his engagment party, and must make plans to survive the inevitable oncoming war.
Lin has claimed she is the Goddess, now she must back this claim up.
Kel is keeping more and more secrets and having to balance this with working as the swordcatcher.

Prince Conner is still reeling and feeling guilt over the attack and massacre of his engagement party but wastes no time in securing another betrothal alliance to fend off war.
Kel is balancing his role as Swordcatcher and hiding more and more secrets from Conner in his secret finding for the Ragpicker King.
Lin has claimed she is the Goddess returned and she must prove herself.


I loved the first book but felt this was even stronger than the first. Now the main world building is done we get to get deeper into the politics and layout of court and the charter families. I really enjoyed the different political machinations and scheming and complicated scenarios they had to manage their way out of. Its just so cleverly written it feels so indepth with its layers and multiple plot lines intertwining, I can’t wait to see the conclusion,

Also the most important part of this book. The yearning. Oh my, all three them spend time yearning and its palpable. Its so good and made me need to keep reading and devouring this book.

I feel we really define Kel and Lin as main characters here and lose a little of Connor but it’s woven beautifully together I dont even mind. Absolutely recommend picking this series up!

4.5 stars

This series has a strange hold over me. Despite another long book where not that much happens, I found it hard to put down and I was thoroughly invested by the time the plot finally started moving (in the last like, 100 pages). Some of the shine has worn off since Sword Catcher, hence the half star drop, but I am still really looking forward to the next one.

The Ragpicker King has all of the strengths and weaknesses of the first book, so if you liked that one will you probably enjoy this too, but if you didn't like it I don't think this will change your mind.

Everything is described in detail, almost too much. While this contributes to the vivid and compelling setting, a lot of the descriptive language can get pretty repetitive (the word tesserae is used often enough to stick out, and all the clothing seems to be made of either silk, velvet or satin. I would also like a bit less focus on clothes and furniture, and some more actual worldbuilding - we still don't know much about the people of Castellane's religious beliefs, for example (except for the Ashkar).

There are two main POV characters, Lin and Kel, with short segments from other character's POV in between chapters. You can see Clare clearly struggles with this - three separate times Kel is present for an intimate conversation between two other characters, says he should go, and is told to stay by one of the other characters for no good reason. And then Kel hangs around uncomfortably while the other two have an emotionally charged moment. It's hilarious.

I love the characters. Their interactions and relationships are complex and captivating. However, Andreyen and his gang are kind of useless? Most of the plot advancement, especially in the first two thirds of the story, is brought about by Prosper Beck or the villains while Kel and co stand around looking shocked. My biggest hope for the next book is that Kel and the others become less passive and actually accomplish some things.

Finally, I really enjoyed both romantic subplots in this. The angst is very good, no notes.

Looking forward to book three.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC.

I really enjoyed the first book, and I feel that the second book has fallen to the middle book curse it was just ok. I am however very much looking forward to the third book . Thank you for my advanced copy of this book.

This did suffer a little from middle book syndrome but the revelations of people’s identities and the denouement to the FINAL end of the tension buildup was well worth it. The world-building and plot and characters continue to be awesome, but one of the main romantic relationships just makes no sense at all and seems to be based on just attraction. In any case, can’t wait for book 3

I was excited for this second book, and I really liked it but it fell down for me with the characters unfortunately.

Thank you, to the publisher for my ARC. I may retry this one in the future. This sequel unfortunately did not hold my interest and felt a bit drawn out I still liked the characters but lost interest at 20% .

She fooled me... but first things first: I love this book, and it was actually amazing and exciting and heartbreaking sometimes as well. So, long story short, it is an extraordinary book. But now I need to TALK about it. So here we go...I knew this book would be good, but this good? It still managed to surprise me. I already knew that with Swordcatcher she made something special, and thinking that this is her debut in new adult fantasy is quite mind-blowing. The story is so complex, but so are the characters. Her writing is so beautifully done, and I loved that we got to know more characters, and we had (in a rather unusual way) new points of view. Although during the book I felt like I needed a Connor POV, because, boy, he was everywhere and in the middle of everything, and I wanted to see his thoughts. But I thought maybe there's a reason why we didn't have his view on things, and Cassie confirmed that at the end of the book. What I admire about her writing the most is how she can always create such complex and human characters. They're not perfect, sometimes not even good, and they make mistakes, but that's what makes them so interesting and amazing. I could connect to all of those characters, I understood why they made their choices and there are very few writers who can actually make me feel this way. Cassie's characters are never shallow; they feel so real and, like I said before, human, to me. And I cannot wait to see what comes next for them. Ohh, also the plot twist and the cliffhanger? I ate it up! I did not see them coming, and I was in awe. Do we know anything about the next book? Because I kind of need it as soon as possible.

Cassandra Clare’s second foray into New Adult Fantasy continues to build the intricate world of Castellane, filled with political intrigue, secrets, and power struggles. The plot is engaging, packed with high stakes and well-executed twists that keep the tension alive. The multiple POVs are handled well, adding depth without becoming overwhelming.

However, where the book faltered for me was in character development and pacing. While Lin’s growth was satisfying to follow, Conor’s transformation mostly happens off-page, making it harder to connect with his journey. Kel, meanwhile, faces a brutal series of events that set him up for major development in the next book. The romance, though filled with Clare’s signature yearning, didn’t land as well as I’d hoped, and some of the explicit scenes felt unnecessary to the overall plot.

The book is undeniably long, and the pacing dragged in places, making it a slower read. I put it down multiple times before pushing through to the end. Despite that, I can tell the next book is setting up for something big, and I’m still curious to see where Lin, Conor, and Kel go from here.

Holy sh*t, this was good. What a rich story and world that has been created here. This was far more fast-paced and gripping than the first - I feel so involved with the characters at this point and more familiar will all the players on the board and the political elements of the book, which has certainly aided that level of immersion. Cassandra Clare has created such an exquisitely written book and it was such a joy to lose myself in it while I devoured it.
Without ruining anything for anyone - this book has one of the most heartbreaking scenes I've ever read and I'm going to need a HEA conclusion at the end of the series to be able to heal!

Thank you so much to Pan Macmillan for the ARC via NetGalley and for giving me the opportunity to share my honest thoughts on the book. I massively appreciate it, and this was such a treat!

Thank you to Pan Macmillian/Tor and NetGalley for an e-ARC in exchange for a honest review!

This on is difficult for me to place. I've rounded it up to 4 stars here, but it's honestly somewhere in between 3.5 and 4. Mostly because I <i>liked</i> it but didn't love it, and I've spent a long time trying to figure it out.

Why?

The plot honestly was great. It's high stakes and extremely political, just like Sword Catcher was. I was genuinely hooked from page one to somewhere at the 47% mark. I lost a little interest around the midway point before it picked back up again at around the last 100 page stretch. But thing's get done and the plot twists are twisting. There are also many different POVs throughout that don't feel overwhelming at all, but help understand the situation around our main characters well.

Now... The characters. I only like three and that's predictable. I'm rooting for Lin, as she's the one who develops the most on page. Conor develops a lot off page, which I would've liked to actually read, but we get no POV chapters from him unfortunately. I think I'm most excited to see Kel's progression in the next book seeing as this book put him in through blender.

The romance is what made me disconnect from the story at around the halfway point. While there's been lots and lots of yearning, something that Cassandra Clare honestly does well, I do <i>not</i> at all care for most of the characters. The few explicit scenes there were, could've been replaced without affecting the plot or shock factor. And there should be trigger warnings for mention of r*pe and sexual harassment!

I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read and honestly review an advanced reader’s copy of this book.

I need the next book. I need it. I know I’m writing this review before The Ragpicker King has even been released, but I just finished it, and I need more.

I reread Swordcatcher right before diving into this, which made it effortless to slip back into the world of Castellane and its sprawling cast of characters. There are a lot of perspectives in this book, (something that could have felt overwhelming in less capable hands,) but Cassandra Clare masterfully weaves them together into a rich, intricate tapestry of storytelling.

This isn’t the first time Cassie has completely broken me with her characters, and it won’t be the last. Kel and Conor’s friendship in this sequel has wrecked me. I can’t stand it. I need to scream about it with someone immediately. And Lin and Conor? Their romance has utterly consumed me. The angst, the longing, the pining—I love a “they can never be together” dynamic, and this one is delicious. Cassie, I need you to pull off something as perfect as Clockwork Princess in the next book. I’m begging.

No notes. This is easily one of the best things she’s written in years, and I’m so glad she’s expanding into this new world. I’d recommend this series to any fantasy lover. Just be prepared to feel things.

No one does acute emotional torment like Cassandra Clare does. Also, second book syndrome who?

The 600 pages of this book absolutely flew by and left me wanting more. Every page felt packed full of action and necessary to the plot so it didn't drag at all.

The main characters are so well fleshed out. They develop so naturally throughout the book in response to the political goings on in the book. Clare manages to interweave their storylines seamlessly. Certain reveals about certain characters were done really well.

I will say, I wasn't entirely sure of the function of the scattered pov chapters when the book is in third person anyways. It felt a little unnecessary. I spent far too much time while reading trying to figure out why they were included the way they were.

Clare really gets to stretch her political intrigue wings in this series. She feels really in her element with the politics of the world and all the secrets and plotting that comes along with that. The world building is as interesting as ever.

Thanks so much to the publisher and netgalley for this arc! Can't wait for book 3!!

The story is intriguing and I love the characters.

The love between Conor and Lin progressed beautifully, Kel is always a great friend and protector and Conor really comes into his own as a leader. I can tell the next book will lead these three characters into greatness.

Besides the three main characters I didn't really care for any others and I would say the book is too long and drawn out, I put this book down so many times and it took me ages to finish. I did finish it though.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. - arc & monthly book box pick reviewer

The Ragpicker King is EVERYTHING I wanted from Sword Catcher's sequel!! More action! More character dynamics! More magic! More suspense! More plot twists! More romance! And SPICE! The Ragpicker King confirms that Cassandra The Plotter Clare 🙌🙌🙌 (long may she reign) is a masterful storyteller crafting complex plot lines but also characters you love with all your heart.

I know many people thought that Sword Catcher was too long, and I agree a little. The Ragpicker King, though, is much more fast-paced, and things are happening all the time!! Yes, it's long, but you're gonna love it! Exceptional plot and amazing characters, as usual in Cassandra Clare's work.

Lin and Kel were awesome, as always! Lin was set on healing her friend, her regular patients, and any patient who needed her help. And with the plot plotting and our characters scheming, Lin definitely had more emergency patients to take care of! I love Lin so much. She never loses sight of who she is and what she wants to do. Her morals are unyielding. She is fast on her beliefs and how the world should be. She is our beacon of morality, and she truly shines like a goddess.

Kel, my Kel, I love him so much!! We don't deserve him. The Aurelians don't deserve him. Nobody deserves him. He is sooooo good. He is smart and quick on his feet. He is brave and constantly puts himself on the line for Connor's sake and for Castellane's sake. I love him so much, people!!! Kel is EVERYTHING!!!

Connor grew up a lot in this book. He finally takes some responsibility as a Prince and actually works a LOT. He suffers from trauma due to one tragic incident and from the situation with his father. For the first time, what he wants is the one thing he cannot get and absolutely cannot keep. It was interesting to see him go through it all and grow up. I am really looking forward to seeing him take action in the next book.

This world is so beautiful, so vivid, so absolutely marvellous that I can walk around Castellane for hours following Cassandra Clare's prose and ridiculously adorable characters. Another thing I love is that the author has made this a diverse world and employed sensitivity readers and people who actually invented the various languages used in the book. She didn't just throw in some words from foreign languages and called it diverse. She paid attention and showed care, and it freaking shows in everything.

I love this series a lot. Yes, it's long, but I love the characters so much. I will follow Lin and Kel to the end of the world and back. The Ragpicker King shows how book 2 can elevate book 1 and make it a million times better. This is how sequels and series should be, one volume better than the previous one without flailing.

Outstanding fantasy series with a mesmerizing world, THE TWISTIEST PLOT, and characters you will gladly lose a limb for.

I usually adore Cassandra Clare books. I love her Shadow Hunter world so much and own all the books (just waiting on the newer ones to be released), however, this being her second dip into New Adult Fantasy, I was hoping for more of the world and story to build.

Yes, we do get that, however,r we also get so many POVs in this book that it makes it hard to keep up with,
I feel that we miss out on seeing how Conner has changed and instead,d we just get told. again, I know this was to build the story with Lin and Kel, but I would have liked to have read/shown more instead of it happening off-page.

There are true diehard fans of Clare's work, that will most likely lap this up and scream for more. I am a diehard fan of her Shadow Hunter world, but not so much this one, which does make me sad.

If you're after a fantasy build world full of politics and adventure, with a side of romance, then this is for you.

4.5 stars

Many thanks to Pan Macmillan/Tor and NetGalley UK for letting me read an ARC of this book! All opinions are my own.

"It is not the poison that kills, but the dose."

I read the first book, Sword Catcher, when it came out two years ago. I admit it that even though I liked it, I wasn't entirely sold. But I trusted Cassandra's writing, and I knew that she would deliver. Well, I am happy to say that this second book convinced me, and I want to know how the story continues. I got a bit attached to the characters too.

The story begins a few months after the events that shook Castellane - both on the hill and in the Sault. The main POV characters are once again Kel and Lin, who offer perspectives from both sides and whose stories intervene and in some ways, mirror each other. In between the chapters there are also shorter POVs from the perspective of other characters, known faces and new ones. I really enjoyed this switch because it let us see a new side to the story. It was like knowing a secret that the main POV characters Kel and Lin didn't know.

There was never a dull moment in this book, and it manages to keep you on your toes until the last page. The pace is what I would define as "balanced", because there was a good balance between plot twists and the general plot/subplots. I also enjoyed how the relationships between the characters (platonic and romantic) developed in this book.

I enjoyed the characters so much. Each character is recognizable and has their own voice, and I liked that we learned more about everyone but at the same time, there are still a lot of secrets to unveil. I was glad that some answers regarding some characters were answered in this book.

I will surely read book 3! There are still a lot of questions to answer and I think that the story just got it started.

This was an ok book. I don't think Cassandra Clare's writing is for me tbh, and I think that's why I don't gel with her writing.