Ballad & Dagger

De: Daniel José Older

Narrado por: Lee Osorio

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

"A new, magical world full of rich folklore and hitting all the right notes."—Kirkus Reviews

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 listeners to a world where magic, myth, and gods reign over the streets of Brooklyn.

Don't miss these other Rick Riordan Presents titles for all ages:

• Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez
• Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee
• Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia
• Paola Santiago and the River of Tears by Tehlor Kay Mejia

©2022 Daniel José Older (P)2022 Disney Hyperion

Great listen if you like humor and action

I really loved this one. The main character, Mateo is so funny and relatable. The narrator did a great job with that. And the magic and worldbuilding are so cool! Great pacing, too.

Muy Bueno🥰

This was a good novel. I can’t wait to read Last Canto of the Dead. I am glad I purchased the hardcover and audible. Very Enjoyable 🥰

Epic Start to A land of magic and power

Ok so I agree with Rick riordan and say that I want to be apart of this world!!! The power and magic screamed from the page as you dive deeper into the story. I would recommend this read because it symbolizes the pain and torment one community will go through; but at the end we all have a choice now to become who we are and serve a community that poured and dare I say healed the parts of us that was wounded. 11/10 🔥🔥🔥.