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A review by sherwoodreads
Ballad & Dagger by Daniel José Older
The Rick Riordan series goes YA with this deliciously wonderful fantasy set on an island I wish existed, right off Brooklyn. The book gets off to a slow start, as Older builds both an intricate and fascinating world (Santeria, Jewish myths, pirates!) and develops the characters through Mateo, a shy music nerd who is used to nobody noticing him. he likes it that way.
We meet a richly diverse set of characters both young and old as danger threatens the balance of the island, which has been sunk and needs raising . . .
Okay, I just deleted five paragraphs of basically spoilers as I attempted to untangle the complexities of plot and character. I think it's far more fun for the reader to learn San Madrigal's history and rhythms as the pages turn.
Things I appreciated? the gradual rise in stakes and tension to a truly stunning climax. Also, I loved, loved, loved the way Mateo was written, seeing the world in musical terms. I also loved how the Spanglish infusing the narrative adds its own rhythms to the language.
I look forward to more in Older's series, as well as more YA entries in the RR wider series. It's off to a terrific start.
Copy provided by NetGalley
We meet a richly diverse set of characters both young and old as danger threatens the balance of the island, which has been sunk and needs raising . . .
Okay, I just deleted five paragraphs of basically spoilers as I attempted to untangle the complexities of plot and character. I think it's far more fun for the reader to learn San Madrigal's history and rhythms as the pages turn.
Things I appreciated? the gradual rise in stakes and tension to a truly stunning climax. Also, I loved, loved, loved the way Mateo was written, seeing the world in musical terms. I also loved how the Spanglish infusing the narrative adds its own rhythms to the language.
I look forward to more in Older's series, as well as more YA entries in the RR wider series. It's off to a terrific start.
Copy provided by NetGalley