‘Ballad & Dagger,’ by Daniel José Older

Ballad & Dagger, by Daniel José Older, combines supernatural adventure with political intrigue among a diaspora community of pirates, Cuban Santeros, and Sephardic Jews which have made a new home for themselves in Brooklyn after their island community of San Madrigal sank into the sea almost 16 years ago.

The story centers around Mateo Matisse, a high-school student and gifted musician who, when the story opens, is only concerned with gaining the attention of Gerval, a famous musician with local ties. Mateo gets much more than he bargained for, however; when he witnesses a brutal murder committed by a person he thought he knew.

This book captivated my interest in so many ways. The story was suspenseful, and Daniel José Older’s thoughtful world-building introduced concepts early that were significant later on without giving things away prematurely. I especially appreciate the vivid detail that Older brought to depictions of music. I’m looking forward to continuing the story with the second book in this series.

Ballad & Dagger was published on May 3, 2022, by Rick Riordan Presents / Disney Hyperion. I received a digital advance copy of this book through Publisher’s Weekly’s recent Grab-a-Galley promotion, with fulfillment through NetGalley. This book was featured in a #BookTube “What I’m reading” video at https://youtu.be/ai6HKeab9ZQ. Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you are enjoying my videos.