The Ragpicker King by Cassandra Clare

Blurb

Kel Saren, body double to Conor, crown prince of the dazzling city of Castellane, is caught between two worlds. In order to protect his beloved prince, Kel must find the culprits responsible for a massacre at the royal palace—and the only clues are held by the Ragpicker King, the notorious criminal who rules Castellane’s underworld. The trail Kel follows leads back to the Hill, where among decadent nobles and glittering parties a dark conspiracy to destroy the royal family has taken hold—a conspiracy headed up by the monstrous Artal Gremont, the man engaged to marry the woman Kel adores.

Meanwhile, Lin Caster must face the aftermath of the greatest risk she’s ever taken. To save the life of a dying friend, Lin has falsely claimed to be the Goddess Reborn, the legendary heroine destined to save her people. Now the terrifying—but strangely magnetic—leader of her people has arrived to test her powers. The price of failure is exile, and only through her alliance with the Ragpicker King can she continue to access the magic that may save her.

Then Prince Conor reappears in her life, demanding that she use her healing powers to cure the madness of his father, the King. Lin soon realizes the King is gripped by an ancient and terrible magic, one whose lure she cannot deny any more than she can deny her growing passion for Conor.

As the simmering tensions in Castellane reach a fever pitch, Lin and Kel must decide who to trust when any false move means death—or worse.

First impression.

I fell in love with Kel and Connor in The Sword Catcher. Their relationship reminds me of another friendship in another of the author’s series. They care deeply about one another, yet the secrets between them just keep growing.

Lin took a little longer to grow on me, and I didn’t really attach to her until this second book. Her singleminded desire to heal her friend is admirable, but it is her growing commitment to Connor and to her people that intrigued me in this book.

What kept me reading (or didn’t).

It was Kel’s search for answers at the risk of his position and ultimately his life. He was told by several characters that his life only mattered in so much as he was valuable to Connor and the kingdom, but even though he put both of those first, he refused to believe he had no value as a person. He built friendships with those in the black mansion and began to see himself as more than just Connor’s shield. I loved that for him.

Lin and Aaron are an interesting combination. His choices – which I won’t spoil here – were surprising and gratifying. He brought out the best in her, if only because Lin is determined to prove him wrong. And I truly enjoyed the way he challenges her.

Connor – Oh, Connor. The choices he has to make are heart breaking. The author set up the betrayal so well! I didn’t see it coming, yet when it happened it was so obvious.

I think the character that will surprise the reader most will be a total surprise! It’s a reveal I truly never saw coming.

After taste.

I’ve read all of Cassandra Clare’s other books, and the feel, voice and texture of the characters are true to her author voice. I love her writing style, and this series is no different.

The content is definitely adult, not overly gratuitous, and the scenes can be skipped without losing any of the plot.

Final Thoughts.

I didn’t think I could fall into another of Cassandra Clares’ worlds, and yet, here I am sucked into the land of Castellane. If you enjoy fantasy, light magic, and character driven plots with emotional impact, this series is for you!

The audio is exceptionally well done.