Chronicles of Castellane Book 2: The Ragpicker King by Cassandra Clare

 

Chronicles of Castellane Book 2

In the epic follow-up to the New York Times bestseller Sword Catcher, praised by George R. R. Martin as “everything I look for in fantasy,” Lin and Kel must chart a perilous course between love and lies.

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.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/214591924-the-ragpicker-king

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

I’ll admit it took me a hot minute to get back into this world and remember everyone. Made me wish I did a reread but I hit a point and everything came back to me. And not only that, I was totally sucked into this story. So much goes down in this book! And that ending!? Oh man, I need book three asap. Things have only gotten more interesting for Kel, Lin, and Conor. Kel has made the decision to work with the Ragpicker King and to continue to protector Conor. But in doing so it means lying and keeping secrets. Something he is not fond of doing but knows that at this time, it is the best thing to do. Meanwhile, Lin knows she is on borrowed time before her people will see her for the liar she is. Claiming to be their Goddess, Lin was knew it was wrong but the only thing she could do to save someone she loves. But in doing so she may have uncover more than she could have imagined. And for Conor, he has changed these past few months and knows he must be better if he is to protect his people. Another princess will arrive and he will marry her to keep Castellane safe. Not only that, but he has asked Lin to help heal his father. And this task only brings them closer together. And the feelings they have for one another only become stronger. There was just so much going on in this book. So many different pieces, so many twists and turns, and so many reveals. Just when you think you can predict and figure out what happens next, there is a pretty big twist that changes everything. That ending alone was just insane. Overall, I really enjoyed the continuation of this story. The romances are great and while I want to skip to where everyone is actually happy,  I can’t wait to see how they eventually reach there. Great book and I can’t wait for more!