Alex Jennings (1)Reseñas

I really wanted to like this one, but I am DNFing for now instead. There's a lot of jumping around in the timeline and I'm not sure what is happening when. Also, there are 2 main POVs, and they have very different tones to them, and I just can't wrap my head around that right now. Perilous is a grade school kid, and his sections feel Middle Grade. Then there's Casey, who's an adult, and his sections feel New Adult. Except sometimes the whole thing feels VERY adult... and right now that mix-up is just not what I want. I've been enjoying listening to it, I just don't want to continue right now. I may return to it later when I'm in a more flexible mood. ~ DNF @ 35%

Alex Jennings has written a lovely book that has won, among others, the Compton Crook Award. That's great and I wish him well. But it's not the kind of book I like.

Wildly inventive and unique world-building, so grounded in the love for a city and community. I felt nostalgic for this city I haven't seen in 20 years and connected to the author who can love a place the way others love their family. I'm positive there are many clever references to the real world that I didn't even clock; and that's ok, they are special treats for those who love this city too.
I didn't get solid reading time for this book; I picked it up in breaks and sometimes only got to read 3 pages in a day. I share that to say my opinion might be different had I read it straight and with full attention. There's a lot in flux in this story, setting, character, POV, timeline, and at some point I was convinced I'd missed a major reveal or flat out skipped a chapter. I had to take it on faith that the story would resolve in a way that made sense. In the end it was worth it, and I look forward to seeing what else this author produces. I also look forward to someday being able to travel safely and experience the vibe of New Orleans again.

might be the first in a series

What a wonderful read! It truly captures the magic that is New Orlean with a sense of jazz found throughout. By that I mean, what happens was rarely expected. The book wasn't afraid to rush when needed. Characters were given space to have their solo moments. Things were a little off beat, but it all worked.

I totally recommend it to anyone who wants to escape into a novel that still struggles with issues in today's world. Yet long for the magic that just seems under New Orleans' surface.

two cities of New Orleans, both magic, and full of comics, graffiti, and music. the onset of hurricanes drives the narrative. the language is full of colour and sound. the distinction between the living and the dead goes blurry. Professor Longhair and Dr John Rebennack bring the music. songs go missing, graffiti tags fill the air, dead cabs and sky trolleys cover the city. Lafcadio Hearn turns up. it's all kind of wonderful, and evocative of the power of the city, and of pop culture. the magic realism style is very vivid. this is a great new voice in fantasy, distinctive and rich. the narrative kinda runs out of steam though, about three-quarters of the way through; could have used another pass before publication.½

If you think New Orleans is rich in magic and enchantment, wait until you discover the secret Nola: filled with music, sky trolleys, zombies, haints, and floating graffiti.

Evil is out to kill nine songs in the city - and these songs are manifesting themselves as spirits. If the songs are killed, Nola will collapse under the power of all the storms that have battered the city throughout history.

Three children - Perry, his sister Brendy, and their bewitching friend Peaches - are asked to collect these songs, but this task leads them on a perilous journey through Nola, including rescuing their grandpa who has disappeared. At the same time, Casey, an artist searching for his missing cousin, has discovered the secret Nola and the magic that lies in their artistry.

This book captivated me from page one! The dialogue, the imagination, the adventure, the characters: it’s all so rich and vivid that I couldn’t put this book down!

Book Review…The Ballad of Perilous Graves by Alex Jennings

There is no other place like it. Nola is a place of sky trolleys and dead cabs, where haints dance the night away and Wise Women keep the order, and where songs walk, talk and keep the spirit of the city alive. Nine songs of power have escaped from the magical piano that maintains the city’s beat and without them. Unexpectedly, Perry and his sister, Brendy, are tasked with saving the city. But a storm is brewing and the Haint of All Haints is awake. Even if they capture the songs, Nola’s time might be coming to an end.

This was a vivid and magical read about family, friends and MUSIC! There's different points of views and some odd events and at times the story was a little confusing but it was still a wonderful read! I know I'm contradicting myself but the way the author made this story so vivid and rich was wonderful! The details in this story were amazing! The world building is imaginative, colourful and vibrant! The characters are diverse. Peaches was probably my favorite! She is mysterious and extraordinary. I'd love to read more about her! I know this book may not be for everyone. It's a story that takes patience but it is worth every moment you spend reading and losing yourself in the colorful, musical and magical world!

Everyone needs to go out and read everything they can find by Alex Jennings, Right. Now.