"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.
"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
"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, author of the New York Times best-selling Storm Runner trilogy
"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
"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."--New York Times #1 best-selling author Rick Riordan