An enjoyable companion to Stiefvater's novel, "Lament." While "Lament" told Dee's story, "Ballad" focuses on her friend James, and the new music-centric boarding school they both attend. Though the plot was engaging, the ending left me wanting more. After reading "Lament," I had higher hopes for this book, and I'm not quite sure they were achieved.

Luke is gone and James and Deirdre are now at Thornking-Ash school - a school for the musically talented. But it isn't all James thought it would be. He followed Dee to this school, but never sees her. Since the summer, things have been awkward between them.

Then James meets Nuala, a half faerie who has to suck the life from humans to survive. She offers him a deal - which he refuses. Now she follows him, showing what he could have had. As they spend more time together, James realizes his feelings may be deeper for Nuala than what he had for Dee. But Halloween approaches and both Nuala and Dee's lives could be lost. Who can he save? Who should he save?

Another great story - and romance between - James and Nuala. Told in alternating points of view, things stand out and the adults are a little more believable.

Much like Lament, Ballad would've been a five star book for me when it came out. There is a lot more going on in Ballad; once it tipped over and began pulling together all of those threads, I couldn't put it down. Nuala and James were compelling, and the gathering around them of people who wanted to help was more interesting to me. (Lament felt like a very solitary book.) I enjoyed the revisiting characters return from Lament and meeting new ones. Sullivan was my favourite.

Really enjoyed the story being told from multiple POVs (including one that only exists as text messages), the hints given within the book via the stories within the story, as well as the expansion of Stiefvater's Faerie world. I would absolutely read another book if one happened to show up sometime in the future.

4.5 stars

I really liked pretty much everything about the book except for Dee and James' relationship. It made me hate her just a little and feel completely sorry for James. Plus, her texts were more annoying than helpful to the storyline and I found myself skipping over them most of the time.

Other than that, though, I did really enjoy it. XD

While still a good book I did not enjoy it as much as the fist one. I love fae lore and I will continue to pick up everything Maggie writes. This one just fell a bit flat for me but maybe that was partly due to the fact that it ha been awhile since I read Lament.

HOLY HABERDASHERY!!!!!!! (Yes I brought that one back! I KNOW!!!!)I LOVE THIS SERIES!!! Firstly, I've read reviews that say Ballad can be read as a stand alone, and I couldn't disagree more. Secondly, my hands are being forced and I MUST write a real review of this book and the first book ASAP. Thirdly, PLEASE Mrs. Stiefvater. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE write the third book to this series!! PLEASE!!! I beg of thee!! *gets down on knees pleadingly* My heart is breaking, my stomach is in knots, and Dee deserves a better ending. The poor thing is just so broken, empty, and alone... Please... pleeeeeeeeeeeease... *dabs at tears*

I enjoyed this book. It is very different series than her book Shiver and I didn't like it as well...but all in all it is interesting and I like the main character in this one.

3.5 stars; I really liked the story but it was a bit slow.