THE BALLAD OF DARCY AND RUSSELL, by Morgan Matson, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, May 7, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 14 and up)
A chance meeting at a bus station turns into a whirlwind 24-hour date full of ups and downs in The Ballad of Darcy and Russell, by Morgan Matson.
Darcy believes in love at first sight.
Even though it’s never happened to her, she’s spent her whole life waiting for that perfect, magical moment. But right now, her life is anything but perfect. In the aftermath of a music festival, she’s stranded at a bus station until morning—the day before she leaves for college. Her phone is dead, she has no cash, and she’s convinced nothing good can come of this night…but then she meets Russell.
Russell. Cute and nice, funny, and kind. She knows this is the moment—and the guy—she’s been waiting for. And they have until sunrise to walk and talk and connect.
Over the course of this one fateful night—filled with football field picnics, night swimming, and escape-artist dogs—Darcy and Russell’s lives will change forever. They’ll discover things they never imagined about each other…and about themselves.
But can you really know someone after only a handful of hours? Is it possible to fall in love in just one day?
And is it worth saying hello…when you know you’re destined for a goodbye? —Synopsis provided by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Almost all of The Ballad of Darcy and Russell takes place over the course of one day, and it’s a book that you’ll probably read in one day, too.
Author Morgan Matson has spot-on pacing for this story about two strangers who magically connect when their bus breaks down. The book is divided into four acts, and while I don’t want to give anything away, the shift at the beginning of act II is exactly what the book needed to keep things interesting.
In fact, all four acts offer changes that are key to story and character progression.
The book unfolds from Darcy’s point of view. She comes across as someone who’s usually pretty reliable but struggles when concrete plans go out the window. This, of course, creates the initial tension and allows for growth on her part.
The Ballad of Darcy and Russell moves at a comfortable pace that seems right for the characters. It’s an enjoyable romance that celebrates connections and pushing yourself to be more.
Sensitivity note: Allusions to sex without gratuitous detail; curse words
Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.
