Ballad & Dagger

Starred review from March 28, 2022
Fifteen years after the free Caribbean island nation of San Madrigal sank into the sea during a hurricane, its peoples—pirates, Santeros, and Sefaradim—live in “what feels like a double diaspora,” Brooklyn’s neighborhood of Little Madrigal. Among them is aspiring musician Mateo Matisse, who has trouble finding his place in the community after spending years traveling with his doctor parents. During a celebration, he learns that he is an initiated child of the god Galanika, destined to channel the spirit’s healing power and—along with the initiates of the other two original spirits—help bring back the lost island. Initially resisting the role, Mateo must embrace it when Little Madrigal is rocked by violence and political infighting. Alongside quiet rabbi’s daughter Chela Hidalgo, initiate to the destroyer god Okanla, Mateo discovers San Madrigal’s buried history, and the two challenge their deepest understanding of their lost home. In this engrossing duology starter, the Riordan imprint’s first YA offering, Older (Flood City) explores themes of diaspora, colonialism, and identity via a vibrantly conceived, folklore-tinged urban fantasy that never loses sight of its immediate human elements, including a strong sense of community and blossoming attraction between its 16-year-old protagonists. Ages 12–up. Agent: Joanna Volpe, New Leaf Literary.

March 1, 2022
A striking adventure in a secret world. Sixteen-year-old Mateo Matisse now calls Brooklyn home, but that's not where he was born. He's originally from San Madrigal, a Caribbean island that was kept hidden from history books and maps. Finally, it sank as mysteriously as it had first erupted from the ocean. Feeling caught in between two worlds among the other San Madrigalero diaspora folks in the tightknit community that has formed in New York City, he is thrust headfirst into his community's dark secrets when, during a night of celebration, he sees Chela Hidalgo, his crush and the daughter of a rabbi, murder someone. Soon after, Mateo discovers he is more pivotal to the future of the people of San Madrigal and the island itself than he ever realized. This first entry for YA readers from Rick Riordan Presents offers the same heart and adventure that work so well in the imprint's middle-grade titles, with the addition of Older's finely tuned teenage voice and worldbuilding details that will make readers long for a place that feels believable enough to be real. The first book of the duology ends on a satisfying note, leaving readers excited for the conclusion. The population of San Madrigal, which avoided colonization and never had slavery, is descended from West African, European Jewish, and Indigenous peoples. A new, magical world full of rich folklore and hitting all the right notes. (Fantasy. 12-18)

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May 1, 2022

Gr 9 Up-Featuring a mix of urban fantasy, magical elements, and lots of music, this novel is full of adventurous moments and politically charged issues. Mateo Matisse still remembers when his homeland of San Madrigal, a small island, was tragically swallowed by the sea when he was very young. Now residing in Brooklyn as a high school junior with his two aunts, Mateo dreams of showcasing his magical and talented piano skills with local musical legend, Gerval. One day, he gets the chance at an event known as the Grand Fete, a party held every year that celebrates mixed cultures that used to reside in San Madrigal for centuries before its sinking. Unfortunately, his world is completely shattered when he sees a horrible killing committed by someone he thought he knew well. What follows is an ancient battle that throws Mateo right in the middle, where secrets are quickly revealed. Mateo realizes that he possesses powers that he never knew he had, or that were even possible, which could unlock the secret as to why San Madrigal was seemingly destroyed. He soon finds out he is actually Galanika, a healer god, and he must find two other people with similar powers in order to bring back their island home. Mateo also meets fellow teen, Chela, with whom he has amazing chemistry. Readers will enjoy watching their relationship unfold as they learn from each other. VERDICT A perfect blend of a suspenseful plot, musical vibes, a diverse cast, and ethereal elements that will stay with readers.-Aurora Dominguez

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2022
Mateo Matisse lives with his tias in Little Madrigal, Brooklyn, where exiles from San Madrigal, a Caribbean island that sank when he was a baby, have established themselves in the diaspora. San Madrigaleros are descendants of the island's three founders -- a pirate, a Santero, and a rabbi. The three groups have shared life through the exodus, proud of remaining unconquered and a true democracy. Underneath, however, power-grabbing schemes are taking place and will bring chaos literally to the surface. Mateo witnesses a classmate murder someone as a traditional celebration turns deadly. When he and his friends are forced to take action, Mateo will discover that he has a healing power, a crucial role to play, and new feelings for someone really dangerous. Older deftly combines fantasy with political concepts to portray a young adult's journey through identity, mental health, and romance. The fictional Madrigaleros represent a creative fusion of real Afro-Caribbean cultures, including religious traditions from Santeria (which incorporates Yoruba and Catholic elements) and Sephardic Judaism, rendered authentic by the story of the island's origins. Older cleverly integrates languages, music, foods, and other cultural elements, though some translation errors are present in this edition in Spanish passages. The novel's political coups, supernatural forces, and thrilling action should leave readers eager for the second half of the projected duology. Alicia K. Long

(Copyright 2022 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

July 1, 2022
Mateo Matisse lives with his tias in Little Madrigal, Brooklyn, where exiles from San Madrigal, a Caribbean island that sank when he was a baby, have established themselves in the diaspora. San Madrigaleros are descendants of the island's three founders -- a pirate, a Santero, and a rabbi. The three groups have shared life through the exodus, proud of remaining unconquered and a true democracy. Underneath, however, power-grabbing schemes are taking place and will bring chaos literally to the surface. Mateo witnesses a classmate murder someone as a traditional celebration turns deadly. When he and his friends are forced to take action, Mateo will discover that he has a healing power, a crucial role to play, and new feelings for someone really dangerous. Older deftly combines fantasy with political concepts to portray a young adult's journey through identity, mental health, and romance. The fictional Madrigaleros represent a creative fusion of real Afro-Caribbean cultures, including religious traditions from Santeria (which incorporates Yoruba and Catholic elements) and Sephardic Judaism, rendered authentic by the story of the island's origins. Older cleverly integrates languages, music, foods, and other cultural elements, though some translation errors are present in this edition in Spanish passages. The novel's political coups, supernatural forces, and thrilling action should leave readers eager for the second half of the projected duology.

(Copyright 2022 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)