firefly99's review against another edition
3.0
It was ok. Again, interesting premise, could have Ben fleshed out more. The character I found most interesting, Sullivan, was definitely not explored as in depth as he could have been. 12 year old me would have loved it.
leonajasmin's review against another edition
3.0
I wasn't a huge fan of Lament, but the storyline in this one and the new POV character, James, were more interesting to me. This book wasn't outstandingly good, but its fault were less jarring and severe than the one's in Lament were.
classiccarissa's review against another edition
5.0
Appropriate that my final book of the year would also turn out to be my favorite. This was beautiful. I could feel bits and pieces of the characters as perhaps being prototypes for others, like Gansey being similar to Sullivan and James calling Nuala "Izzy" like Gansey calls Blue "Jane". It doesn't matter if its true or not, really, just fun to draw connections! I wish the series was finished, but I don't think it necessarily feels unfinished. Somehow, these felt like the most realistic teenagers I've ever read. There was an attention to actions I enjoyed too, an attention to EVERYTHING honestly and I loved every second. 11/10 will likely read again <3 it was a beautiful read
scrollsofdragons's review against another edition
Sullivan you seem a cool guy and Jamie I like you but I'm disinterested sorry and new character faerie girl you're disappointing and I'm not caring any to carry on. 121 pages I lasted but no more.
chluless's review against another edition
1.0
The quality of the writing and the plot was excellent but I just could not get into it.
I liked Lament and read Ballad a day or two afterwards but I just could not finish it. Lament was a page turner but unfortunately Ballad was not for me. I found myself bored and distracted. I didn't connect with the characters which I think was the source of the problem. I adore The Raven cycle and Shiver books but this one just didn't do it for me.
Maybe I will try picking it up again in the future, I hate leaving a book unfinished.
I liked Lament and read Ballad a day or two afterwards but I just could not finish it. Lament was a page turner but unfortunately Ballad was not for me. I found myself bored and distracted. I didn't connect with the characters which I think was the source of the problem. I adore The Raven cycle and Shiver books but this one just didn't do it for me.
Maybe I will try picking it up again in the future, I hate leaving a book unfinished.
rosetyper9's review against another edition
5.0
Ballad: A Gathering of Faerie is the sequel to Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception; together these books fit perfectly into the increasingly popular young adult genre but, unlike most of the other books sprouting up everywhere, these books don't contain fangs, they contain Fey. Ballad picks up a couple of months after the events of Lament, placing James, the unrequited best friend, as the main character.
The depth of research Stiefvater attained is increasingly obvious with the turn of each page. Ballad is chock full of amazing traditional Celtic faerie folklore and even a thoroughly researched Deity. "The Good Folk" have been an inspiration to thousands of writers throughout history; much of the folklore and faerie tales have remained consistent with each passing decade, and Stiefvater remains true to that tradition while adding her own flavor by revealing some folklore that is not popularly known. Her addition of Cernunnos, a traditional Celtic Deity usually depicted as representing for the dead, is what in my opinion pulled Stiefvater from researched well, to absolutely amazing. The plot was fast paced, action packed, and perfectly braided with the folklore and the characters.
The characters in this book were also, in my opinion, spot on. It has long been a belief from children's fables that faeries are a benevolent race of magical beings, but in this book, they are depicted as they originally were written, as a warning against the evils of magic. James is a typical teenage guy, with the addition of a genius musical talent and a smattering of psychic ability. Nuala is a not so typical faerie who trades musical inspiration in exchange for years of one's life. James's ability to recognize the faerie is the only thing that saved his life and brought these two characters together. The relationship that forms between Nuala is completely honest from the beginning and so different from the love that Dee and Luke shares in Lament. It was amazing that James could fall in love with Nuala even after everything that happens to him Lament; his ability to forgive and adapt is hopefully what will save the friendship that was destroyed by Dee being a selfish idiot.
At some points throughout the book Stiefvater could have let the reader into some of the secrets she was harboring earlier, it got a bit confusing in some areas due to what the reader is unaware of. Things of course become clearer at the end but, for a little while in the middle, the reader spends time trying to figure out the reasons for some of the inserted passages when there really is no need. It is suspect that they were written in an effort to foreshadow but as a young adult reader, it may have been too much. Overall this book was enjoyable, not as imaginatively pleasing as Lament but definitely not bad at all.
The depth of research Stiefvater attained is increasingly obvious with the turn of each page. Ballad is chock full of amazing traditional Celtic faerie folklore and even a thoroughly researched Deity. "The Good Folk" have been an inspiration to thousands of writers throughout history; much of the folklore and faerie tales have remained consistent with each passing decade, and Stiefvater remains true to that tradition while adding her own flavor by revealing some folklore that is not popularly known. Her addition of Cernunnos, a traditional Celtic Deity usually depicted as representing for the dead, is what in my opinion pulled Stiefvater from researched well, to absolutely amazing. The plot was fast paced, action packed, and perfectly braided with the folklore and the characters.
The characters in this book were also, in my opinion, spot on. It has long been a belief from children's fables that faeries are a benevolent race of magical beings, but in this book, they are depicted as they originally were written, as a warning against the evils of magic. James is a typical teenage guy, with the addition of a genius musical talent and a smattering of psychic ability. Nuala is a not so typical faerie who trades musical inspiration in exchange for years of one's life. James's ability to recognize the faerie is the only thing that saved his life and brought these two characters together. The relationship that forms between Nuala is completely honest from the beginning and so different from the love that Dee and Luke shares in Lament. It was amazing that James could fall in love with Nuala even after everything that happens to him Lament; his ability to forgive and adapt is hopefully what will save the friendship that was destroyed by Dee being a selfish idiot.
At some points throughout the book Stiefvater could have let the reader into some of the secrets she was harboring earlier, it got a bit confusing in some areas due to what the reader is unaware of. Things of course become clearer at the end but, for a little while in the middle, the reader spends time trying to figure out the reasons for some of the inserted passages when there really is no need. It is suspect that they were written in an effort to foreshadow but as a young adult reader, it may have been too much. Overall this book was enjoyable, not as imaginatively pleasing as Lament but definitely not bad at all.
thecozyreaderwbo's review against another edition
5.0
Please visit my blog to see my review in all its glory! Thanks, Jess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Plot: 4
Setting: 4
Writing: 5
Originality: 5
Characters: 4
Passion: 4
Overall: 26/30 = 86% = B
Cover/Title Bonus: 4
I won an ARC of Ballad on Maggie’s blog.
Ballad is the follow up book to Lament: The Faerie Queen’s Deception.
Summary (Amazon.com)
Remember us, so sing the dead, lest we remember you
James Morgan has an almost unearthly gift for music. And it has attracted Nuala, a soul-snatching faerie muse who fosters and then feeds on the creative energies of exceptional humans until they die. James has plenty of reasons to fear the faeries, but as he and Nuala collaborate on an achingly beautiful musical composition, James finds his feelings towards Nuala deepening. But the rest of the fairies are not as harmless. As Halloween—the day of the dead—draws near, James will have to battle the Faerie Queen and the horned king of the dead to save Nuala's life and his soul.
More details are on Maggi'e’s Website.
Sneak Peaks
I posted one.SNEAKPEEK
Maggie posted one.SNEAKPEEK
Plot
This story follows James and his adventure at his new school Thornking-Ash, where Dee transferred to as well. He meets a faerie girl, Nuala and they become friends in quite a roundabout way.
I really enjoyed the story. I LOVED learning about James. He’s a sweet guy! There’s lots of references to music and instruments but it’s nothing too extreme to confuse the reader.
The only thing I didn’t like about the plot is that I missed Dee’s POV. I have no idea what she was doing in this book and it kinda ticked me off to the point that I was hating her character. I would have loved her POV. The text messages just were not enough for me.
Setting
The setting is the school Thornking-Ash. There’s lots of scenes around a large round fountain, which was cool. The school is also very cool with forgotten buildings overgrown with ivy and such. There’s a quick journey to “somewhere” else that was cool too.
It’s set in present day.
Writing
Amazing. I love Maggie’s writing. She chose to write in alternating POVs between James and Nuala. There are also glimpses of unsent text messages from Dee to James that I honestly found confusing and ended up loathing to read them half way through the book. I would have rather heard from Dee than seen those texts. It was a cool idea but it made me hate Dee and I didn’t like hating Dee.
Originality
The idea of the King of the Dead was pretty cool. Nuala was also very awesome. She’s supposed to “steal” James’s soul so she can keep living, which would make her the villain but things evolve quite well for both Nuala and James.
Characters
The main character is James. He’s a very cool guy. He has an enormous ego, which was incredibly funny at times. He’s a very strong character, which was overlooked in Lament.
Nuala was refreshing. She comes out initially as overbearing but she quickly acclimates to James and then she transforms from faerie to something else entirely. Maybe a woman? She does mature a great deal.
Mr. Sullivan is James’s teacher. He’s a very cool character too. He’s like an older version of James. He ends up tutoring James to teach him the piano because he’s already mastered the pipes. He ends up helping James and Nuala.
Paul is James’s roommate and he’s freaking hilarious! The scene with the (non)beer is amazing.
Dee is there but so not there. I really missed her POV as already stated. She played such a role in Lament that I wanted her to be included in Ballad too.
Passion
I missed Dee and Luke in this addition.
James and Nuala’s relationship grows and matures really well. I really enjoyed their story.
James and Dee have an episode of confusion, which I could have slapped the shit out of Dee for, but, alas, it’s just a book.
Overall
A great read and follow up to Lament. I still wish there was more Dee to love rather than hate. I loved James and Nuala was a nice partner for him. The King of the Dead was super cool. I’m wondering if Maggie will continue with the series sometime? I’d love to know what happened to Luke and where Dee will find happiness.
Cover/Title Bonus
I love both! They are both impossibly perfect.
Series
Lament: The Faerie Queen’s Deception | My Review
Ballad: A Gathering of Faerie
Connect with Maggie Stiefvater
ico_www blogger_icon livejournalfacebook_icon twiiter_iconamazon-icon_bigger_normal_normal Flux
Trailer
Other Reviews
The Story Siren
The Magic of Ink
L.J. Boldyrev
Laura’s Book Review Shelf
Did you review Ballad too? Put the link in comments and I’ll add it!
Other Links
Author Interview by The Story Siren
Author Interview by Wondrous Reads
Author Interview by YAReads
Author Interview by Fangs, Fur & Fey
Win Ballad on Free Book Friday. Ends 10/02
Win Ballad on Book Reviews by Jess. Ends 10/08
line_separatorSo what do you think? Have you read Lament? Will you be reading Ballad? Did you enjoy it?
I’ll be giving away a copy of Ballad! See the next post.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Plot: 4
Setting: 4
Writing: 5
Originality: 5
Characters: 4
Passion: 4
Overall: 26/30 = 86% = B
Cover/Title Bonus: 4
I won an ARC of Ballad on Maggie’s blog.
Ballad is the follow up book to Lament: The Faerie Queen’s Deception.
Summary (Amazon.com)
Remember us, so sing the dead, lest we remember you
James Morgan has an almost unearthly gift for music. And it has attracted Nuala, a soul-snatching faerie muse who fosters and then feeds on the creative energies of exceptional humans until they die. James has plenty of reasons to fear the faeries, but as he and Nuala collaborate on an achingly beautiful musical composition, James finds his feelings towards Nuala deepening. But the rest of the fairies are not as harmless. As Halloween—the day of the dead—draws near, James will have to battle the Faerie Queen and the horned king of the dead to save Nuala's life and his soul.
More details are on Maggi'e’s Website.
Sneak Peaks
I posted one.SNEAKPEEK
Maggie posted one.SNEAKPEEK
Plot
This story follows James and his adventure at his new school Thornking-Ash, where Dee transferred to as well. He meets a faerie girl, Nuala and they become friends in quite a roundabout way.
I really enjoyed the story. I LOVED learning about James. He’s a sweet guy! There’s lots of references to music and instruments but it’s nothing too extreme to confuse the reader.
The only thing I didn’t like about the plot is that I missed Dee’s POV. I have no idea what she was doing in this book and it kinda ticked me off to the point that I was hating her character. I would have loved her POV. The text messages just were not enough for me.
Setting
The setting is the school Thornking-Ash. There’s lots of scenes around a large round fountain, which was cool. The school is also very cool with forgotten buildings overgrown with ivy and such. There’s a quick journey to “somewhere” else that was cool too.
It’s set in present day.
Writing
Amazing. I love Maggie’s writing. She chose to write in alternating POVs between James and Nuala. There are also glimpses of unsent text messages from Dee to James that I honestly found confusing and ended up loathing to read them half way through the book. I would have rather heard from Dee than seen those texts. It was a cool idea but it made me hate Dee and I didn’t like hating Dee.
Originality
The idea of the King of the Dead was pretty cool. Nuala was also very awesome. She’s supposed to “steal” James’s soul so she can keep living, which would make her the villain but things evolve quite well for both Nuala and James.
Characters
The main character is James. He’s a very cool guy. He has an enormous ego, which was incredibly funny at times. He’s a very strong character, which was overlooked in Lament.
Nuala was refreshing. She comes out initially as overbearing but she quickly acclimates to James and then she transforms from faerie to something else entirely. Maybe a woman? She does mature a great deal.
Mr. Sullivan is James’s teacher. He’s a very cool character too. He’s like an older version of James. He ends up tutoring James to teach him the piano because he’s already mastered the pipes. He ends up helping James and Nuala.
Paul is James’s roommate and he’s freaking hilarious! The scene with the (non)beer is amazing.
Dee is there but so not there. I really missed her POV as already stated. She played such a role in Lament that I wanted her to be included in Ballad too.
Passion
I missed Dee and Luke in this addition.
James and Nuala’s relationship grows and matures really well. I really enjoyed their story.
James and Dee have an episode of confusion, which I could have slapped the shit out of Dee for, but, alas, it’s just a book.
Overall
A great read and follow up to Lament. I still wish there was more Dee to love rather than hate. I loved James and Nuala was a nice partner for him. The King of the Dead was super cool. I’m wondering if Maggie will continue with the series sometime? I’d love to know what happened to Luke and where Dee will find happiness.
Cover/Title Bonus
I love both! They are both impossibly perfect.
Series
Lament: The Faerie Queen’s Deception | My Review
Ballad: A Gathering of Faerie
Connect with Maggie Stiefvater
ico_www blogger_icon livejournalfacebook_icon twiiter_iconamazon-icon_bigger_normal_normal Flux
Trailer
Other Reviews
The Story Siren
The Magic of Ink
L.J. Boldyrev
Laura’s Book Review Shelf
Did you review Ballad too? Put the link in comments and I’ll add it!
Other Links
Author Interview by The Story Siren
Author Interview by Wondrous Reads
Author Interview by YAReads
Author Interview by Fangs, Fur & Fey
Win Ballad on Free Book Friday. Ends 10/02
Win Ballad on Book Reviews by Jess. Ends 10/08
line_separatorSo what do you think? Have you read Lament? Will you be reading Ballad? Did you enjoy it?
I’ll be giving away a copy of Ballad! See the next post.
scent_of_the_rain's review against another edition
4.0
Again, this will not be my favourite Maggie Stiefvater book. But that’s ok.
I really like the fact that this one follows James instead Dee. She was not precisely bad, but
She wouldn’t be my best friend either.
Speaking of best friends, this book confirmed what I suspected in the first in the series, James & Dee are not really best friends. She doesn’t care much for his feelings and he said himself that he didn’t ever told her his true feelings/thoughts. Only at the end did James show some dedication to their friendship.
I really like James, he is a great character, and it was fun to be inside his head. I love his relationship with other people, like Paul & Sullivan. Dee on the other hand comes as selfish and kind of cruel. And way more stupid than in the previous book, maybe because it’s James’ perspective.
The love interest, Nuala, is cool but not really interesting.
I’m somehow torn because I don’t know what to feel about the ending, but It’s good that the format is how it is, that each book has different lead character and it wraps that character story somehow. That way I didn’t get depressed by the fact there is no more books in the series. But it does make me wonder who would be the lead in the next. I hope it would be Paul, he is so dorky and adorable.
I really like the fact that this one follows James instead Dee. She was not precisely bad, but
She wouldn’t be my best friend either.
Speaking of best friends, this book confirmed what I suspected in the first in the series, James & Dee are not really best friends. She doesn’t care much for his feelings and he said himself that he didn’t ever told her his true feelings/thoughts. Only at the end did James show some dedication to their friendship.
I really like James, he is a great character, and it was fun to be inside his head. I love his relationship with other people, like Paul & Sullivan. Dee on the other hand comes as selfish and kind of cruel. And way more stupid than in the previous book, maybe because it’s James’ perspective.
The love interest, Nuala, is cool but not really interesting.
I’m somehow torn because I don’t know what to feel about the ending, but It’s good that the format is how it is, that each book has different lead character and it wraps that character story somehow. That way I didn’t get depressed by the fact there is no more books in the series. But it does make me wonder who would be the lead in the next. I hope it would be Paul, he is so dorky and adorable.
smol_turtle's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
goatgranny87's review against another edition
5.0
Pretty freaking amazing book. I'm hoping there's going to be another book. I stayed up pretty late finishing this one.