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jessread_s 's review for:
The Ragpicker King
by Cassandra Clare
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Thanks to Del Rey Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Review: A spellbinding sequel that kept me guessing until the very end!
Following the events of the previous installment, “The Ragpicker King” picks up with Kel Saren as he seeks out the culprits responsible for a massacre at the royal palace. Meanwhile, Lin Caster must face the aftermath of falsely claiming to be the Goddess Reborn, the legendary heroine destined to save her people. 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.
With the groundwork having been laid in the previous installment, I really enjoyed diving into the politics in this one, but even more so accompanying Kel and members of the Ragpicker King’s coterie on their hunt for the one responsible for the Shining Gallery Slaughter. The further Kel ventures into Castellane’s underworld, the more he (and the reader) discovers about the Hill’s involvement in the sinister plot to depose House Aurelian. Nothing is as it seems and I was captivated by the jaw-dropping twists and betrayals.
As with the last installment, I was most drawn to Lin’s point-of-view. With ties to the Hill, the Black Mansion, and The Sault, I loved watching her navigate all the curveballs thrown her way as a physician and the “Goddess Returned.” In her quest to heal Mariam, we gain even more insight about the magic of old and the Nation of Aram. The Exilarch’s arrival to test her powers creates a sense of foreboding that further invested me in her character. The forbidden nature of her relationship with Conor adds a layer of intrigue that left me itching for chapters written from her perspective. Clare definitely dials up the heat and I couldn’t help but swoon!
The addition of new perspectives sprinkled throughout were a nice change of pace and help clue readers in to the roles each character plays in the grand scheme of things. I was hoping to read from Conor and the Ragpicker King’s viewpoints but they were mysteriously absent. Nevertheless, I took immense pleasure in trying my hand at piecing the puzzle together!
The last 100 pages of “The Ragpicker King” were a real nail-biter! Until I get my hands on “The Bone Conjurers” (book 3), I will remain at the edge of my seat.
Review: A spellbinding sequel that kept me guessing until the very end!
Following the events of the previous installment, “The Ragpicker King” picks up with Kel Saren as he seeks out the culprits responsible for a massacre at the royal palace. Meanwhile, Lin Caster must face the aftermath of falsely claiming to be the Goddess Reborn, the legendary heroine destined to save her people. 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.
With the groundwork having been laid in the previous installment, I really enjoyed diving into the politics in this one, but even more so accompanying Kel and members of the Ragpicker King’s coterie on their hunt for the one responsible for the Shining Gallery Slaughter. The further Kel ventures into Castellane’s underworld, the more he (and the reader) discovers about the Hill’s involvement in the sinister plot to depose House Aurelian. Nothing is as it seems and I was captivated by the jaw-dropping twists and betrayals.
As with the last installment, I was most drawn to Lin’s point-of-view. With ties to the Hill, the Black Mansion, and The Sault, I loved watching her navigate all the curveballs thrown her way as a physician and the “Goddess Returned.” In her quest to heal Mariam, we gain even more insight about the magic of old and the Nation of Aram. The Exilarch’s arrival to test her powers creates a sense of foreboding that further invested me in her character. The forbidden nature of her relationship with Conor adds a layer of intrigue that left me itching for chapters written from her perspective. Clare definitely dials up the heat and I couldn’t help but swoon!
The addition of new perspectives sprinkled throughout were a nice change of pace and help clue readers in to the roles each character plays in the grand scheme of things. I was hoping to read from Conor and the Ragpicker King’s viewpoints but they were mysteriously absent. Nevertheless, I took immense pleasure in trying my hand at piecing the puzzle together!
The last 100 pages of “The Ragpicker King” were a real nail-biter! Until I get my hands on “The Bone Conjurers” (book 3), I will remain at the edge of my seat.