The Ragpicker King DEALS
The Ragpicker King, published in 2025, is the second book in the Chronicles of Castellane series by Cassandra Clare. This series is an adult high fantasy, set in an entirely made-up world, where the main protagonists are over 20 years old.
Although fantasy series generally tend to be focused on young adults, under-20s, YA fantasy readers would still enjoy this series.
I bleed so that you will not bleed. I die so you can live forever.
The Ragpicker King Summary
Kellian (Kel) Saren is a body-double, otherwise known as the Sword Catcher, to the Prince of Castellane, Conor Aurelian. Kel has trained alongside Conor since childhood and would do anything to protect him.
A massacre is carried out within the palace walls, and Kel needs the help of the Ragpicker King, a criminal who rules Castellane’s underworld, to find out who is behind the killings.
Someone among the nobles of Castellane is weaving a conspiracy, and Kel needs to uncover the truth before it destroys their kingdom. In the process, Kel also discovers something about Antonetta, a girl he’s been in love with since childhood, but whom he cannot be with due to societal norms.
Lin Caster is one of the only female physicians from the Ashkar community. The Ashkar are the only ones in the kingdom who have magical healing abilities.
Lin has a lot of restrictions on her due to being a female as well as being one of the Ashkar, but she desperately needs help from the Ragpicker King to access forbidden knowledge that will help save her best friend, who is dying of a mysterious illness.
In her desperation, Lin has claimed to be the Goddess reborn and now must prove herself through a series of tests. Will she pass all the tests in time to save her friend? Amongst all this, Lin is also helping the King overcome a mysterious illness of his own. Lin and Prince Conor have feelings for each other, but theirs is also a forbidden union.
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Strengths
Aimed at adult high fantasy readers, this series does have some action, but has more politics, conspiracy, intrigue, secrets, and lies. The multiple narrators and plotlines are interwoven so seamlessly. It was really easy to follow.
This second book in the Chronicles of Castellane series is also lengthy, like the first book, but while the first book was introducing us to the characters and their world as well as giving us an interesting plot, the second book, having already established these, gives us more of the plot while expanding on the worldbuilding and character development.
This makes it a bit faster-paced compared to the first book.
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Weaknesses
The forbidden romances, though interesting, are not as captivating as you might find in a YA fantasy. I love how fantasy novels tend to have swoon-worthy love interests, but I find that a bit lacking in this series. I suppose that makes the characters a bit more realistic.
A gilded cage is still a cage.
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Key Themes And Takeaways
The themes of LGBTQ+ acceptance and women’s empowerment are continued in this second book of the series. Both are very important and relevant topics.
As with a lot of stories featuring thrones and a royal court, there are a lot of secrets, lies, and conspiracies in this series. There are politics, murder, and mayhem. A key takeaway is that there are people who keep secrets to protect those around them, and there are people who keep secrets to protect themselves for their own gain.
Verdict
The Ragpicker King, although lengthy, is a fast-paced second novel in the Chronicles of Castellane series. It will leave you yearning for the third book, which is still in the works.
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The Review
The Ragpicker King
The Ragpicker King, although lengthy, is a fast-paced second novel in the Chronicles of Castellane series.
PROS
- Fast-paced
- Multiple plotlines
- Great themes
CONS
- Lacks swoon-worthy romance
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