Review of The Ballad of Darcy and Russell

This Review of The Ballad of Darcy and Russell is part of my brand-new Author Spotlight on Morgan Matson. When I realized that YA author Morgan Matson had a new 2024 book, I was happy and then decided I had 1) read it and 2) collect my thoughts on all her books. Are they just for YA readers or are they What to Read After YA? Let’s discuss this one!

Jen’s Quick Overview of The Ballad of Darcy and Russell

• A travel meet-cute that reminded me of The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight and Betting on You
• Family and “finding yourself” elements
• Surprise celebrity encounters
• Long, as all Morgan Matson’s books are, but a book world I enjoyed spending time in
• To me it felt very classic rom com inspired!

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My Summary of The Ballad of Darcy and Russell

Darcy is not so excited about flying out to start her freshman year of college the next day , but she IS excited about the music festival she just attended.

She’s on her way back home when a bus breakdown strands her in Nowhere, Nevada, complete with a dead cell phone, no cash, and no travel companion.

Then she meets Russell. He’s the guy she always hoped to meet one day and the two decide to hang out until they’re able to get on a new bus in the morning.

But Russell has a secret, and when that secret is exposed, the story spins into a very unexpected direction.

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Review of The Ballad of Darcy and Russell: My Analysis

The Ballad of Darcy and Russell is almost like two (or three?) books in one, and to me, it also felt very rom com inspired.

But it’s also music inspired, so let’s look at it like a song:

The first part of the book (first verse?) is all Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight (catch the Netflix version of this classic 2010s YA book). Strangers meet while traveling and it’s kind of love at first sight.

The next part (the chorus?) feels like a 24-hour timeline YA book. Darcy and Russell proceed to find things to do while they are waiting for a new bus. Morgan Matson used this no-phone, no-cash plot device in Take Me Home Tonight, which I haven’t read, but want to!

But then, something new and unexpected happens (the bridge?)

I don’t want to say exactly what it is, but Russell hasn’t been entirely honest with Darcy, and suddenly the two of them are thrust into a completely different scenario.

I WAS surprised, but if you’ve read all Morgan Matson’s books, you might not be completely surprised. It’s a trope she’s used before, but she puts a new spin on it every time.

As always, a Morgan Matson book is a fun blend of family, finding yourself, a little bit of real-life sadness and struggle, and a sprinkle of sweet, first-love romance.

I definitely recommend The Ballad of Darcy and Russell to both teen YA readers and readers who are trying to find out What to Read After YA. This book has enough depth and life wisdom that I think it will appeal to a broad variety of readers.

More Books by Morgan Matson

To see ALL Matson’s books, including the ones she wrote under her other author alter ego, go check out my Author Spotlight on Morgan Matson right now!

You can also check out my reviews of:

Second Chance Summer : a summery family-oriented tear-jerker

Since You’ve Been Gone: a fun bucket list book about friendship and finding yourself

The Unexpected Everything: the book that might be most similar to The Ballad of Darcy and Russell

Save the Date: slapstick comedy at a chaotic family wedding