Rick Riordan Presents: Ballad & Dagger

Praise

PRAISE FOR BALLAD & DAGGER

“Brimming with mystery, mayhem, and heart, Ballad & 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

“Ballad Dagger is a symphony of a book. Daniel Jose Older immerses readers in a sweeping epic about the power of ancient forces within the evolving reality of diaspora, all while balancing humor, magic, and romance. This is a story about teenagers who are willing to crack open history itself in order to find the truth, and Mateo Matisse is a hero worthy of song.”
―Tracy Deonn, New York Times best-selling author of Legendborn

“San Madrigal is as real as Wakanda or the Shire or Earthsea. Once you read Ballad Dagger, you will see what I mean. Only the best authors can make me feel nostalgic for a place that never existed but needs to exist, and Daniel Jose Older is one of the best.”
―Rick Riordan, New York Times #1 best-selling author of The Percy Jackosn and the Olympians series

“Evocative and enchanting. Older has created an intricate, sometimes unforgiving world that weaves a vital narrative and provides a feast for readers’ imaginations.”
―J. C. Cervantes, New York Times best-selling author of the Storm Runner trilogy

★ “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.”
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“A striking adventure . . . The 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. A new, magical world of rich folklore and hitting all the right notes.”
―Kirkus Reviews

“Older deftly combines fantasy with political concepts to portray a young adult’s journey through identity, mental health, and romance. Older cleverly integrates languages, music, foods, and other cultural elements. The novel’s political coups, supernatural forces, and thrilling action should leave readers eager for the second half of the projected duology.”
―Horn Book Magazine

“A ­perfect blend of a suspenseful plot, ­musical vibes, a diverse cast, and ethereal ­elements that will stay with readers.”
―School Library Journal

PRAISE FOR THE LAST CANTO OF THE DEAD

“A fierce and thrilling duology closer.”
―Kirkus Reviews

“A satisfying and suspenseful end to the ­duology.”
―School Library Journal