Reviews

Ballad & Dagger by Daniel José Older

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nholman006's review against another edition

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Too slow and the narration was annoying. Felt too young/teenage.

beccas_bookreads's review against another edition

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slow-paced

2.0

snakeboba's review against another edition

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3.0

DID NOT FINISH

I gave 3/5 due to the fact it wasn’t the writing or story that turned me away at all. I simply couldn’t get into the book no matter how much I tried but I believe anyone who likes these types of stories should give it a try.

hannahhbic's review against another edition

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5.0

Older has created a world that's truly compelling and engrossing. There's a lot of new terms in three languages(!!) but fortunately there's a glossary in the back! The biggest strength is the characters and their COMMUNITY that's established way before the story begins. Mateo and his Tia Lucia are a fun combination of big personalities. My favorites are Tambs and Maza, who show up for Mateo over and over. You feel like you're actually there, in Little Madrigal. The setting is that strong! I highly recommend the audiobook version specifically.

Thank you to NetGalley for a preview copy of the ebook and eaudiobook in exchange for an honest review. Can't wait for book two.

freadomlibrary's review

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4.0

Trigger warnings: death, murder, violence, betrayal

BALLAD & DAGGER follows Mateo Matisse, a sixteen year old piano prodigy who has hopes of impressing his hero Gerval, the only musician from their refugee community of Little Madrigal who has made it in the outside world. His chance arrives at the Grand Fete, the celebration of the blended cultures of pirates, Cuban Santeros and Sephardic Jews which created the island of San Madrigal that sank into the ocean the year he was born. Instead of shining for his musical skill, Mateo receives unprecedented attention and is suddenly thrust into an ancient battle which forces him to confront everything he thinks he knows about his community, their history and himself.

I had really high expectations for this story and I was not disappointed! It has everything I love about a YA fantasy (action, adventure, mystery and lore), while adding new and unique elements that make this story shine. The use of music and the exploration of spirituality and faith really resonated with me and made me fall in love with the world. The vast cast of characters and the world building could be sometimes confusing, and it took me awhile to truly understand, but once the story picks up, it’s an amazing, wild ride. Definitely recommend!