Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater
Release Date: October 1, 2009
Publisher: Flux
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 360
From: ALA
Interest: author
Other Titles in the Series: Lament
In this mesmerizing sequel to Lament, music prodigy James Morgan and his best friend, Deirdre, join a private conservatory for musicians. James’ musical talent attracts Nuala, a soul-snatching faerie muse who fosters and feeds on the creative energies of exceptional humans until they die. Composing beautiful music together unexpectedly leads to mutual admiration and love. Haunted by fiery visions of death, James realizes that Deirdre and Nuala are being hunted by the Fey and plunges into a soul-scorching battle with the Queen of the Fey to save their lives.
Three words; addictive, magical, & wicked.
I’ve been eagerly awaiting this novel since the last pages of Lament. Eagerly awaiting to fulfill my craving of James, I mean! Ballad, although could be considered a sequel to Lament, is more of a companion novel. Let me just say that Ballad finally (finally!) satisfies that insatiable hunger for James, after that enticing, all to short, glimpse during Lament. And can I say, that I only love him more. His witty retorts, his one line smart ass comments, his idiotic t-shirts…. they only add to his charm.
Ballad is a completely different story than it’s predecessor. And I don’t mean that in a negative way, but it’s apparent from page one, that James’ story is deep. He is so much more than his humorous exterior, it’s heartbreaking. The beautiful complexity of his character is unbelievable. I was in awe of that alone.
However, I cannot fail to mention the extremely talented Maggie Steifvater. I can’t explain her writing. It’s addictive, it almost has it’s own melody, the chorus from a song that gets stuck in your head. It is absolutely beautiful, which is a completely simplistic depiction, yet there is no other word for it. It. Is. Beautiful! And the thing is, the writing for this series feels totally different than it does for Shiver. (Another one of Maggie’s novels) And Shiver is beautifully written as well, but it’s a different kind of beauty, am I the only one that feels this way? Maybe I’m crazy.
The story was fantastic. It alternates between James and Nuala. There are a few texts from Dee thrown in there (which I thought were crucial to the plot), but really she’s sort of background music in this novel. It was fast paced, but never felt rushed. Twists and turns that I never saw coming. Entertaining as well as enjoyable.
And I’m just going to stop right there, because I could keep going, but I’m not one for a long review, and this is like the longest in my history. Needless to say, I love this series. And I loved Ballad even more. I knew there would be great things to come when I read Lament. I’m so very glad to see it a reality.
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Okay, now I'm even more stoked for Oct 1st. Thanks for rubbing it in my face lady!
Hope you are having a great week so far.
Looks like I better get to read Lament so Ballad can be gobbled up.
It is upstairs calling me now.
I just finished this one today and loved it too. I wonder how long the wait will be for the next book. At least I hope there will be more in this series.
I can not wait to read this! I really liked Lament and I loved Shiver, so I have high expectations for Ballad. And I'm with you, the more James the better!! Great review Kristi.
Wow a full 5 starts, I definitely need to read this one!
Wow, what a rockin' review. I mean, the only complaint I have is that I can feel my hand going towards amazon and clicking to pre-order this (along with Lament and Fire by Kristen Cashore) instead of putting it on my Christmas wishlist. Must resist, must resist.
Why oh why must you write such amazing reviews? LOL
oh god. i need to read this. obviously.
I should go hunt Lament and Ballad really really soon.
I love Maggie's writing. I can't wait to read this.
You're right her writing is magical and addictive.
I know exactly what you mean about Maggie's writing, it's out of this world-it flows, its lyrical, its beautiful, it's just AMAZING. I wish I could write like that. Now I SO cannot wait for my copy of Ballad to get here!!!
great review!
I am going crazy waiting for this book! I want it NOW! Argh! Great review.
Whoa, awesome awesome review. I am so into reading Lament!
My copy of Ballad is on its way now! I can't wait to read it!!
Wonderful review! It sounds like this one will be just perfect. I love how you describe the melody of Maggie Stiefvater's writing. It really is beautiful.
It's so pretty! I'm about halfway through Shiver right now and loving it.
Thanks for the review!
I loved Shiver so I'm sure this will be a winner for me!
I totally agree about Maggie's writing. I read an ARC of SHIVER and loved it, then ran out to find LAMENT. I'm anxiously awaiting BALLAD.
Thanks for the review!!
Argh. I'm still waiting for the library to send me Shiver, but perhaps I should put Lament and Ballad on my list while I wait . . .
Wow i really need to add Lament and Ballad to my list!
Great review
This sounds good. Great review!
You're right – Maggie's writing is amazing. I've loved every one of her books and this is no exception.
I loved Lament. Love it. I need to read Shiver but I *must* read Ballad. I am glad to read that this book delivered!
Oh…forgot to add.
I agree, I think Maggie writes beautifully. I like how you described her writing in music terms…that is how I felt while reading Lament. Beautiful!
I really have to stop reading your blog, I just end up adding too many books to my list!
This time I had to add two to my list! I'm really excited for them, though.
You definitely convinced to read this book. I am really excited to read it now. Thanks for the great review!
Wow, I need to go find Lament at my library because Ballad sounds amazing!
I'm about to read Lament because you speak so good of it! I'm glad this will come soon after!! Yay!
This sounds like a good book.
Great review. I'm linking to it in my review that will post today.
I'm glad to see that you liked this one. I have it on my bookshelf for emergency use only—to read when I'm home sick and need something to look forward to.
I'm glad to see that you liked this one. I have it on my bookshelf for emergency use only—to read when I'm home sick and need something to look forward to.
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