Last Canto for the Dead by Daniel Jose Older

It was such a JOY to talk to New York Times bestselling author, Daniel Jose Older about LAST CANTO FOR THE DEAD. It is the second book in his duology,  The Outlaw Saints. This is another great Rick Riordan Presents selection.

I am a great fan of mythology and have enjoyed Rick Riordan’s work since I read the first Percy Jackson and the Olympians. 

Daniel Jose Older has joined the list of exceptionally talented authors who have been selected by the Rick Riordan, the ‘Rock Star” of Mount Olympus, to bring mythology from around the world to young readers. Tehlor Kay Mejia and Roshani Choksh were two of the most popular guests I have had on Joy on Paper

Last Canto for the Dead is a sequel to BALLAD & DAGGER, and picks up the story of  San Madrigal, an island lost in the Caribbean. Now that the island has risen from the sea, the fate of the people who had been dispersed are facing new dangers from within their own community. 

Using his experience as an NYC paramedic and musician, Daniel’s main character, Mateo Matisse,, is a healer and a piano prodigy. Mateo is also a god uliving in the form of a teenager. As is the love of his life, Chelo Hidalgo.  Together they are facing a new challenge. Their beloved San Madrigal is under siege from evil forces and Chelo is being held captive. Meanwhile, Mateo is back in Brooklyn where the police are after him.  And so the story begins. How will it end?

This might be (or might not be) the end of the Outlaw Saints. But I know for sure that Daniel will be back on Joy on Paper, because he has certainly found the joy of writing.

Daniel Jose Older is thoughtful and generous. To help encourage writers, he has created a series of lessons. They are available on his website. You can also find out more about his other books and stories about when he worked as a paramedic.  CLICK HERE TO GO TO HIS WEBSITE.

You can also find him: @djolder on Twitter, @danieljose1 on Instagram, and @danieljoseolder on TikTok