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A review by freadomlibrary
Ballad & Dagger by Daniel José Older
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!
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!