Ballad: A Gathering of Faerie by Maggie Stiefvater

Balladby SeeMichelleRead

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November 17, 2009: Maggie Stiefvater is a master at sequels. Okay, so that's not to say she doesn't competely rock at first novels (she does) but I can't remember the last time I read such a well-crafted second book with an unforgettable character like James. In Lament, we got snippets of James, enough to see what a freaking cool guy he happens to be but little enough compared to the screen time he richly deserves. Thankfully, Ms. Maggie Stiefvater fully satisfies every wish for more James in this lovely, haunting book.

Following on the heels of Lament, Ballad finds James and Diedre at the music conservatory Thornking-Ash with the faerie problem still dogging their every move. James still hasn't quite gotten over his last encounter with the faeries or the fact that when he finally worked up the nerve to tell Dee that he loved her, he got no such answer in return. Ouch. Their resulting encounters are awkwardly painful meetings between to incredibly broken people dealing with extreme heartache.

James is already a bit fragile when the soul-sucking faerie Nuala stomps, swears, and generally insinuates herself into his life. Nuala is a fae muse for only the most talented artists and musicians, helping them to create beautiful pieces far beyond human capacity, only asking for something small in return: years off their life. Not about to let Nuala anywhere near his golden years, James is determined to keep his distance but the smart-mouth Nuala fits perfectly with his cocky persona and he just can't forget about her.

For someone whose entire life is music, Nuala is basically irresistible. Some of their exchanges are the best I've read, even if they were just sitting around, banging about. Of course, the faerie court hasn't forgotten about Dee and James, forcing James to work every bit of magic he has to protect his life-long friend while trying to figure out how to help Nuala avoid the same fate.

Stepping into Maggie Stiefvater's world of faerie is like stepping into an alternate land where the colors are brighter, the people more compelling, and the music..? The music is achingly beautiful. Ballad is ultimately a world apart from Lament. This second book is a tighter, more coherent and more soul-wrenching book than it's predecessor. Everything about James combines for a seriously compelling character: his snarky one-liners; his oddball T-shirts; his wicked command of the BAGPIPES; his very own (very OCD) hand-writing complex?! Freaking-Fan-Tastic. If you haven't had a chance to read part of this breath-taking series, please do yourself a favor and track one down: borrow it, buy it - whatever, just get a copy and get ready to fall in love.

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Good Readby alissa47

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November 02, 2009: When I first discovered Maggie was going to write about James and not Dee, I was very disappointed. I wanted more Dee and Luke. Once I got going with the book, I became OK with this new direction. It wasn't the best book I ever read but it was a good read. I kept going and found my self thinking about the book when I wasn't able to read. That's always a good sign. You alomt forget about Dee, although she does have her place in this story. I love the new female character that we get to meet-she is very interesting. If you are a fan of Magie and liked Lament then you will find enjoyment in this book, maybe not as much as Lament, but it is worth the time.