Ragpicker King

Bestseller Clare delivers a dense but worthy sequel to The Sword Catcher. Conor Aurelian, the Prince of Castellane, and Kel, his Sword Catcher, a personal guard sworn to ensure no danger befalls the prince, navigate the aftermath of the Shining Gallery massacre, an attack that left many of the nobility dead, including Conor’s intended bride, the young Princess of Sarthe. To make amends and pay back Castellane’s debt to Sarthe, Conor now plans to betroth the beautiful Princess of Kutani. Meanwhile, Kel, on special orders from Legate Jolivet, the leader of the royal guard, goes undercover in the criminal court of the Ragpicker King to unmask the masterminds behind the massacre. Another story thread sees physician Lin Caster, Conor’s secret true love, tested on her claim that she is the Goddess Returned, the one true god of the Ashkar people. Clare gracefully juggles many narrators and plotlines while expanding her detailed worldbuilding and keeping the pages turning with plenty of intrigue and action. Fans will be more than satisfied. Agent: Suzie Townsend and Joanne Volpe, New Leaf Literary. (Mar.)