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A review by thisdadreads
Last Canto of the Dead by Daniel José Older
2.0
Thanks to Disney Publishing Worldwide for the review copy of this book.
This dad read Last Canto of the Dead, the second novel in the Outlaw Saints series by Daniel José Older. We jump right back into the story of Mateo and Chela, a pair of teenagers-turned-gods that must fight for their love and the salvation of their native island, San Madrigal. What book one, Ballad & Dagger, had going for it was a unique take on the YA/fantasy genre. With its rich culture filled with music, language, and magic, I was delighted to jump into a world that felt ready for adventure. Did Last Canto of the Dead live up to my expectations? Let’s dig in.
Last Canto of the Dead sets up an intriguing second chapter for the Outlaw Saints. Mateo and Chela are not just teenagers in love but they’re now the embodiment of literal gods. With San Madrigal back on the map and a number of new threats on the horizon (including one that would make it near impossible for the duo to stay together), Canto primes readers for an epic experience. The story that unfolds ends up being unnecessarily intricate, a narrative that occasionally stumbles and ultimately left me unsatisfied.
At the very least I was expecting things that I always enjoy about Older’s writing: humor, humanity, and heart. While those three elements are definitely present in Last Canto of the Dead, they got lost amongst fight scenes, exposition, and a plot that never quite got off the ground. By the end of the novel I found myself confused at what exactly the stakes were for our heroes. I think that broadening the scope of the story actually hurt the novel in the long run. I can see what Older is doing here, blending fantasy, romance, and lore, but I think a smaller, more tightly focused plot revolving around Mateo and Chela’s relationship would have left me more satisfied.
Ultimately, Last Canto of the Dead is a stew with too many ingredients, resulting in an edible meal that won’t leave you asking for seconds. Hyperbole aside, this book left me wanting more; Older’s skill and personality definitely shine through and if you’re a fan of his writing and enjoyed book one I’d say give it a shot.
This dad read Last Canto of the Dead, the second novel in the Outlaw Saints series by Daniel José Older. We jump right back into the story of Mateo and Chela, a pair of teenagers-turned-gods that must fight for their love and the salvation of their native island, San Madrigal. What book one, Ballad & Dagger, had going for it was a unique take on the YA/fantasy genre. With its rich culture filled with music, language, and magic, I was delighted to jump into a world that felt ready for adventure. Did Last Canto of the Dead live up to my expectations? Let’s dig in.
Last Canto of the Dead sets up an intriguing second chapter for the Outlaw Saints. Mateo and Chela are not just teenagers in love but they’re now the embodiment of literal gods. With San Madrigal back on the map and a number of new threats on the horizon (including one that would make it near impossible for the duo to stay together), Canto primes readers for an epic experience. The story that unfolds ends up being unnecessarily intricate, a narrative that occasionally stumbles and ultimately left me unsatisfied.
At the very least I was expecting things that I always enjoy about Older’s writing: humor, humanity, and heart. While those three elements are definitely present in Last Canto of the Dead, they got lost amongst fight scenes, exposition, and a plot that never quite got off the ground. By the end of the novel I found myself confused at what exactly the stakes were for our heroes. I think that broadening the scope of the story actually hurt the novel in the long run. I can see what Older is doing here, blending fantasy, romance, and lore, but I think a smaller, more tightly focused plot revolving around Mateo and Chela’s relationship would have left me more satisfied.
Ultimately, Last Canto of the Dead is a stew with too many ingredients, resulting in an edible meal that won’t leave you asking for seconds. Hyperbole aside, this book left me wanting more; Older’s skill and personality definitely shine through and if you’re a fan of his writing and enjoyed book one I’d say give it a shot.