The Ragpicker King

By: Cassandra Clare

Narrated by: Fiona Hardingham, Christian Coulson

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.

ONE OF PASTE’S MOST ANTICIPATED BOOKS OF THE YEAR

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.

Critic reviews

Praise for Sword Catcher

“Everything I look for in fantasy.”—George R. R. Martin

“Riveting . . . transports you to a dazzling (and dangerous) new world.”—Cosmopolitan

“This is Cassandra Clare at her cleverest, twistiest, and most heart-stopping—a triumph of a book.”—Holly Black

“A whirlwind epic fantasy featuring secret plots, ancient magic, and hidden identities . . . wonderfully enjoyable.”—Kirkus Reviews

“A sumptuous feast of a book, vivid and delicious and heady.”—Kelly Link

“Clare excels at writing ride-or-die friendships powered by unspoken truths.”—The Washington Post

Beautiful continuation of this storyline.

Clare uses beautiful imagery and well developed characters to pull our full attention into a storyline largely free from typical fantasy tropes. The characters develop into surprising roles that are in line with their history but not expected. This series has the potential to surpass any other recent fantasy series without needing to rely on graphic sexual content or violence.

Political Intrigue Meets Yearning-Laced Slow Burn

This sequel hit harder, deeper, and way more emotionally than the first. The romance between Conor and Lin had me clinging to every page. Beautiful, intimate, and quietly intense. This book whispered “ache” and I said “yes, louder.”

SO EXCITED FOR THE NEXT BOOK

I love how the narrators bring Castellane to life. The story and its characters were so captivating. The last few chapters had me stressed out of my mind. I really do hope we get a 3rd book!!

The Strategy!

I loved every bit! I was skeptical before I started this series. Clearly I was wrong, I love the attention to detail that Cassandra Clare put into her work.

I love this series books!!!

I can not wait for the next book . I feel like I waited for this book for so long ,but it was so worth it . I love all of her books . I really was stuck on the shadow hunters . I love the sword catcher one just as much .