A review by starrysteph
The Ballad of Perilous Graves by Alex Jennings

adventurous funny inspiring lighthearted mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This has got to be one of the most innovative & imaginative fantasy books I've read in a long time.

Welcome to New Orleans – or, perhaps more accurately, welcome to the spirit of New Orleans. The Ballad of Perilous Graves is a love song speaking to and through the soul of the city. It's a special story with a bold, fascinating presence.

Things are going wrong in this dreamlike version of New Orleans ("Nola"): nine songs are on the loose (thanks to a ghost pianist) and wreaking havoc on the city and its inhabitants. It's up to three kids (well, two slightly-magical kids and one badass superhero kid) to save their home. 

Their heroic journey turns dangerous quickly as they face intense magical evils, tumble through various worlds and realities, and realize that they are more dependable than the adults who are too afraid to act.

Most of our narrators are children, and therefore we get to see the magic and the music through their eyes. But while there are several child POVs, let me be clear – this is an adult book and contains dark themes. By utilizing kids as main characters, Jennings invites us to explore the complexities of their reality with a special kind of openness. 

The plotting? It's madness. Like listening to a new song, you've got to embrace the rhythm of this book and allow yourself to be swept away. This story is BEGGING you to embrace the chaos and enter a world where the unexpected is expected. You WILL be confused. If you have a connection to Black NOLA or its slang, you may be less confused. But either way, there's a whole lot going on. If you are someone who requires linear storytelling and gentle worldbuilding, this is not the book for you.

We're jumping between POVs (often multiple within one chapter) and timelines and worlds. (This novel wins the prize for distinctive narrative voices, though – I never had to page flip and check who our narrator was.)

Though some twists are unveiled by the end, a lot of things are still left unanswered. This is a novel that invites a reread, and I'm sure that the next time I tackle it I'll find even more depth.

I'm sure that once more folks have a chance to read, someone will make a list of all the clever real-life references and nods to New Orleans that I missed as someone who hasn't had a chance to visit yet. Bucket list! :) 

Ultimately, this is a brilliantly creative novel with a fresh voice. It's funny and deep and it has a whole lot of heart. 

CW: murder, injury, death, child death, death of a parent, animal death, gun violence, mass shootings, abandonment, confinement, fire, gender dysphoria, lesbophobia
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