I’ve read some of Daniel José Older’s other works, in particular for Star Wars, so this was my first of his original works that he’s written. I wasn’t sure what to expect going into it, but I was immediately immersed and enchanted by the world he built.

Not just the imagery but the inclusion of music and rhythm that is completely throughout the novel.

The mythology as well that is built around San Madrigal is believable and I felt myself wanting along with the characters to go there myself.

All in all, this is a strong start for a new series and I am excited to see where it goes from here.

As soon as I saw that Rick Riordan was presenting it, I knew I had to read this. This was everything I did not know I needed. The worldbuilding is incredible, Daniel Jose Older knows what he is doing. I found the history, politics and culture so well portrayed during the entirety of the book. It has a slow start, but I think it really added to thee suspense of the story. I can't wait to read book two, and I am definitely going to read more books by Older. This was honestly a wonderful surprise.

This book really isn't for me but I can see the possibilities for a number of young readers. It has strong possibilities.

I really enjoyed this book. The story had me hooked from the beginning and I just couldn't put it down.

Daniel José Older’s worldbuilding in Ballad and Dagger is phenomenal. The way the he fleshed out the intricacies of the history, culture, and politics of Little Madrigal and San Madrigal was just exceptionally done. I loved how this book dealt with lies and legacy and history, and everything that means to the present day.

However, the first half of the book failed to keep my interest; I found it quite slow and hard to get through. The middle picked up a bit, and the end kept me spellbound, but if I wasn’t planning on reviewing the novel, I likely would have put it down before reaching the middle.

3.5 stars

I received an Advance Readers Copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Not only does Rick Riordan knock it out of the park with myth retellings he writes but he knows how to pick awesome authors for his imprint that does the same. I loved this modern urban fantasy which is my favorite type of fantasy with a twist. I love that it included pirates with the blending of pirate, Cuban and Jewish culture. This has been my favorite of the imprint books so far.

Did not finish, dnf. I did not connect with the writing or plot and decided to not read this one. Thank you, publisher and NetGalley for the early copy!

A highly enjoyable contemporary fantasy that leaves an ending that actually makes you want to get the second one as soon as it drops. Unsurprisingly, Daniel Jose Older has created another engaging world that teens will easily delve into and want to follow. There are some bits about the Judaism, Cuba influence, and such that read more like an info dump for a reader who isn't part of that culture that slows it down a bit in the beginning, but by the middle, it reads more naturally instead of educationally.

First read of 2022: Ballad & Dagger by Daniel José Older. I received an electronic ARC of this book from NetGalley and Rick Riordan Presents in exchange for an honest review. This was my first book by Older and wow, this was great. There was so much to love about this book from the characters to the setting to the mythology. Mateo and Chela have some of the best chemistry I have ever read in YA. The neighborhood of Little Madrigal as well as the island of San Madrigal felt so real I had to remind myself they’re don’t actually exist. This is absolutely a book I would have wanted to read in my Latinx lit class and I know my professor would love it. This book definitely has a place in my classroom and I believe students will learn so much about Latin American culture and Santeria mythology. I think this book will create some great discussions in and out of the classroom and I look forward to reading the sequel as well as more of Older’s work.

I was immediately drawn to this author, whose work I have enjoyed for some time, and the Riordan imprint. These books most definitely have a place on my classroom shelf — and Ballad & Dagger is another imaginative addition.

omg-omg-omg! This is what it's all about! This is why I read fiction! Ballad & Dagger was more than just a wild ride -- I mean, yes, it was a wild ride -- an exciting adventure, pure adventurous excitement -- but it was much, much more... A coming of age story with a budding romance; a complex, creative, new mythology; a mysterious, suspenseful plot, complete with backstory and mystical revelations; a colorful, diverse, an interesting supporting cast of characters; music, rhythm, clever dialogue... the whole package.

I could have done without the teaser at the end -- If you thought for one minute, Daniel, that I would need a teaser to entice me to read the sequel, you were deadly wrong. I'm going to read the sequel the second I can get my grubby little hands on it. I want it! I need it! How far along are you, Daniel? You'd better get to it. Tick tick... :)

So, if you haven't figured it out yet, I loved Ballad & Dagger! It was refreshingly original, fun, exciting, and captivating from beginning to end!

I need book two now and I just finished this one! This was my first time reading Daniel Jose Older and all I want to do is devour everything else he's written until the sequel releases. Holy cow, the world building and characterization and unexpected twists after unexpected twists left me practically breathless. What a fantastic YA to lose yourself in. I'll be thinking about Mateo and Tia Luca and Dan Madrigal for years to come.

Thanks to NetGalley and Rick Riordian Presents for a digital arc.