Ballad & Dagger: (An Outlaw Saints Novel) (Outlaw Saints, #1)

by Daniel José Older

Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents Daniel José Older's music-and-magic-filled YA urban fantasy about two teens who discover each other and their powers during a political battle within a unique diaspora community.

"Brimming with mystery, mayhem, and heart, Ballad and Dagger gives us wondrous new magic steeped in deep traditions. It's a gorgeous romance, a wild adventure, and a powerful story that unravels not only the pain of diaspora, but the strength of community and the ways we provide refuge for one another."--Leigh Bardugo, New York Times #1 best-selling author of Shadow and Bone

Almost sixteen years ago, Mateo Matisse's island homeland disappeared into the sea. Weary and hopeless, the survivors of San Madrigal's sinking escaped to New York.

While the rest of his tight-knit Brooklyn diaspora community dreams of someday finding a way back home, Mateo--now a high school junior and piano prodigy living with his two aunts (one who's alive, the other not so much)--is focused on one thing: getting the attention of locally-grown musical legend Gerval. Mateo finally gets his chance on the night of the Grand Fete, an annual party celebrating the blended culture of pirates, Cuban Santeros, and Sephardic Jews that created San Madrigal all those centuries ago.

But the evil that sank their island has finally caught up with them, and on the night of the celebration, Mateo's life is forever changed when he witnesses a brutal murder by a person he thought he knew.

Suddenly Mateo is thrust into an ancient battle that spans years and oceans. Deadly secrets are unraveled and Mateo awakens a power within himself--a power that not only links him to the killer but could also hold the key to unlocking the dark mystery behind his lost homeland.

From the author of the award-winning Shadowshaper Cypher series comes the first novel in the Outlaw Saints duology--a brilliant story that will transport readers to a world where magic, myth, and gods reign over the streets of Brooklyn.

• ISBN10: 1368070825
• ISBN13: 9781368070829
• Publish Date: 3 May 2022
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Rick Riordan Presents
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 384
• Language: English
• URL: https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9781368070829

Reviews

[Quirky Cat]

Book Summary:

Mateo Matisse's homeland disappeared into the sea. Yes, exactly like the story of Atlantis, only not. Because there are living people who are grieving the loss of their home, Mateo and his family are working hard to keep their culture alive, hoping to one day find their way back home.

Unfortunately, the evil that targeted their home isn't finished, and that means there's a battle looming on the horizon. Thankfully, there are a few secrets Matteo is about to learn about that will help to even the odds.

My Review:

Wow! Ballad & Dagger was such a fantastic introduction to this world. I can see why Rick Riordan backed it – it is right up his alley. This YA fantasy novel has a little bit of something for everyone and is such a fun read.

I'll admit that the introduction is a bit slower-paced than I would like. The good news is that it does pick up, with the latter chunk of the book going at lightning speed. At that point, you won't be ready to say goodbye and will be sad to see it go. The good news is that this is the start of a series, so there's more to come!

The cultural elements and insight into this novel were a delight and are absolutely one of several highlights of this book. Go read Ballad & Dagger if you have a moment; it's worth it.

Highlights:
Urban Fantasy
Mythology
Magic with traditions

Trigger Warnings:
Colorism
Death/murder
Diaspora

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