<This is the sequel novel
in a duology.>
One’s a brilliant pianist who sees a world made of music
(Mateo Matisse Medina), the other a fierce force of nature who’s a terrific
dancer but a terrible singer (Chela Hidalgo). Both are just kids, chaotic
teenagers. But both are also ancient spirits in human form. Galanika the Healer
(Mateo). Okanla the Destroyer and San Madrigal the Creator (Chela).
They have raised the once-sunken native island of San Madrigal from the
Caribbean Sea, but the problems aren’t over. Two creature armies battle for
control and survival on San Madrigal (bambarúto are bad enough, but
now there are zambarúto?! why?) and in Brooklyn, New York, a tight-knit
community is riddled with division. People are being arrested by their own
people for made-up reasons and usually for no reason at all. Cops never
patrolled the streets of Little Madrigal, but they’re there now. Chela lets her
tether to the risen island keep her there. She’s got Odé Kan, an antlered
hunter spirit who’s fearless and ferocious. (She’s the hunter of hearts or the
first hunter: “Depends on who you ask, or how I’m feeling, really.”) Meanwhile,
Mateo returns to Brooklyn, dodging cops while trying to find answers for Chela.
His science-minded doctor-parents have returned, too, and that relationship is
tense. He avoids his dad, especially, until he can’t. Until his dad calls him,
frantic, because his mom’s been arrested. Mateo and Chela may house immortal
spirits, but they’re still teens. They’re trying to figure things out even as others
around them look to them for leadership and a plan. Will the prophecy keep them
apart for good? What will happen to their people, their newly-raised island?
Musician.
Healer. Creator. Destroyer. Older has magic of his own, for he’s able to make
writing this complex story look effortless. There’s musicality, racial and
ethnic diversity, community division, standout main and supporting characters,
a plot continually on the move and great world-building. Older writes Mateo and
Chela with authentic teen voices, making it easy for readers to become invested
in the characters’ reality and want them to find the solution to save their
island and their people and just be a real couple. The sequel book in the
thrilling Outlaw Saints duology is a magical bildungsroman
with a satisfying conclusion and is a book as strong as its predecessor.
Book One:
Ballad & Dagger
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