I am a huge fan of Daniel Jose Older‘s Star Wars work and so trying his own creation was worth trying out. Ballad and Dagger is an intriguing tale filled with magic, mystery, and suspense.
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–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.
Ballad and Dagger is undeniably intriguing with its unique blend of cultures and magical elements. Mateo’s search for identity and connection to his past creates a compelling narrative that keeps us engaged. However, while the plot has its moments of excitement and intrigue, the pacing at times feels uneven, leaving some parts of the story feeling rushed or underdeveloped.
An area I feel that Ballad and Dagger falls short is in its character development. While Mateo is a sympathetic protagonist with a relatable struggle for belonging, other characters in the novel lack depth and complexity. This made it difficult for to fully invest in their journeys and relationships with Mateo. Additionally, as the plot progresses and more layers are added to the story, it can become confusing and convoluted at times, making it challenging to follow along.
Despite these shortcomings, there is no denying Daniel Jose Older’s talent for crafting vivid and imaginative worlds. The rich tapestry of cultures come to life on the pages of Ballad and Dagger, transporting us to a place filled with magic and mystery. The blending of pirate lore, Cuban Santeros traditions, and Sephardic Jewish heritage adds depth and richness to the story, creating a setting that feels both familiar and fantastical.
Ballad and Dagger by Daniel Jose Older offers fans of his writing a new immersive story to sink into. While I found it falls short of his Star Wars work, the plot and world building is a highlight. If you are looking for some mystery and fantasy, this novel might be just for you.
Ballad and Dagger is the first book of the Outlaw Saints series which is followed by Last Canto of the Dead.
Ballad and Dagger is available at bookstores everywhere. Check out the audiobook from Libro.fm narrated by Lee Osorio.
