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Lulu Sinagtala and the Tagalog Gods #1
Lulu Sinagtala and the City of Noble Warriors
In this fast-paced, thrilling middle grade fantasy rooted in Tagalog mythology, a young Filipino girl discovers realms beyond our own full of monsters and gods, a terrible evil who wants her magic, and even a talking duck! The first book in a duology from Gail D. Villanueva (My Fate According to the Butterfly)that’s perfect for fans of Tristan Strong and Aru Shah.
Lulu Sinagtala can’t wait for a fun Christmas break. She’s excited to hang out with her sister, Kitty, and best friend, Bart; to reenact her favorite legends from Tagalog folklore (like the amazing tale of Bernardo Carpio); and, of course, to eat as much yummy street-side inihaw as possible!
But when a vicious wakwak attacks her neighborhood and kidnaps Mom, Lulu discovers the creatures and deities of Tagalog myth are real and that two additional Realms exist beyond our own. To make it worse, Lulu has superhuman strength and the ability to wield magic, meaning she's the only one powerful enough to stop the evil spirit who’s determined to rule the three Realms at all costs. No pressure, right?
Lulu, Kitty, and Bart set off on a quest to rescue Mom, where they outsmart cunning enemies, battle vengeful beings, and form unlikely alliances. Soon they find themselves swept into a centuries-long fight, unraveling secrets about Lulu and her past that threaten to upend everything and throw the whole universe into chaos. Can Lulu muster the strength (superhuman or not) to find out who she really is and who she can trust to save Mom and the three Realms before it’s too late?
Lulu Sinagtala can’t wait for a fun Christmas break. She’s excited to hang out with her sister, Kitty, and best friend, Bart; to reenact her favorite legends from Tagalog folklore (like the amazing tale of Bernardo Carpio); and, of course, to eat as much yummy street-side inihaw as possible!
But when a vicious wakwak attacks her neighborhood and kidnaps Mom, Lulu discovers the creatures and deities of Tagalog myth are real and that two additional Realms exist beyond our own. To make it worse, Lulu has superhuman strength and the ability to wield magic, meaning she's the only one powerful enough to stop the evil spirit who’s determined to rule the three Realms at all costs. No pressure, right?
Lulu, Kitty, and Bart set off on a quest to rescue Mom, where they outsmart cunning enemies, battle vengeful beings, and form unlikely alliances. Soon they find themselves swept into a centuries-long fight, unraveling secrets about Lulu and her past that threaten to upend everything and throw the whole universe into chaos. Can Lulu muster the strength (superhuman or not) to find out who she really is and who she can trust to save Mom and the three Realms before it’s too late?
368 pages, Hardcover
First published January 9, 2024
13 people are currently reading
2781 people want to read
About the author
Gail D. Villanueva
9 books169 followersGail D. Villanueva is a Filipino writer and graphic artist based in the Philippines. She is the author of the upcoming LULU SINAGTALA AND THE TAGALOG GODS series (HarperCollins, 2023) and SUGAR AND SPITE (Scholastic, 2021). Her debut novel, MY FATE ACCORDING TO THE BUTTERFLY (Scholastic, 2019), was named a Best Book of the Year by Kirkus Reviews, an Amazon Best Book of the Month Editor’s Pick, and a NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People. Gail was born in Manila but was raised in Quezon City. She and her husband currently live in Rizal where they run a web design company while constantly trying to keep up with the shenanigans of their many pets—dogs, ducks, turtles, cats, and random birds they befriend in the backyard. Learn more at www.gaildvillanueva.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 17, 2023
Actual rating: 2.5
I received a digital ARC of this book via NetGalley through the author in exchange for an honest review.
Not gonna lie, so much about this book did not work for me.
I didn't like how much of a Percy Jackson ripoff the first quarter was. You can literally map out comparisons between this book and the Lightning Thief even down to one of the chapter titles. It didn't feel organic or even like a nod to honor Riordan's work. It straight up felt like cheap fanfic.
I also found the main character insufferably annoying. Lulu doesn't have much character development but at the same time she is also unbelievably inconsistent. One moment she will act childish even for her age and then the next she will say something with the awareness of an adult. Many of the other characters' lines of dialogue also did not feel realistic, including the ones spoken in Filipino. In many ways, this book felt like it was written for Western middle-graders in mind rather than for Filipino ones. The unapologetic Filipino-ness was one of the things I loved about Sugar and Spite, and I'm sad to see that I didn't get that here. Don't get me wrong, there is a lot of Filipino culture referenced here, but it feels almost as if it was tweaked to appeal to a Western audience.
I also thought the pop culture references were a little cringe and repetitive. I mean, take a shot whenever "BTS's Jungkook and Blackpink's Rosé" is mentioned and you won't get drunk, but you shouldn't drive yourself home either.
The pacing was also irregularly fast. We aren't given time to really absorb certain events and some of the more emotional moments don't really feel earned.
There were also quite a number of errors in the pronunciation guide at the end of the book and, as someone who enjoyed his linguistics class in uni, this bothered me to no end.
All that said, I am still interested in how the story turns out in the sequel mainly because of how much I liked the ending scenes. To me, that was when the magic truly began. We are given higher stakes, intriguing plot twists, and the main character was forced to be more grounded.
All in all this was a bit of a miss for me, but I'm still glad to have read it.
I received a digital ARC of this book via NetGalley through the author in exchange for an honest review.
Not gonna lie, so much about this book did not work for me.
I didn't like how much of a Percy Jackson ripoff the first quarter was. You can literally map out comparisons between this book and the Lightning Thief even down to one of the chapter titles. It didn't feel organic or even like a nod to honor Riordan's work. It straight up felt like cheap fanfic.
I also found the main character insufferably annoying. Lulu doesn't have much character development but at the same time she is also unbelievably inconsistent. One moment she will act childish even for her age and then the next she will say something with the awareness of an adult. Many of the other characters' lines of dialogue also did not feel realistic, including the ones spoken in Filipino. In many ways, this book felt like it was written for Western middle-graders in mind rather than for Filipino ones. The unapologetic Filipino-ness was one of the things I loved about Sugar and Spite, and I'm sad to see that I didn't get that here. Don't get me wrong, there is a lot of Filipino culture referenced here, but it feels almost as if it was tweaked to appeal to a Western audience.
I also thought the pop culture references were a little cringe and repetitive. I mean, take a shot whenever "BTS's Jungkook and Blackpink's Rosé" is mentioned and you won't get drunk, but you shouldn't drive yourself home either.
The pacing was also irregularly fast. We aren't given time to really absorb certain events and some of the more emotional moments don't really feel earned.
There were also quite a number of errors in the pronunciation guide at the end of the book and, as someone who enjoyed his linguistics class in uni, this bothered me to no end.
All that said, I am still interested in how the story turns out in the sequel mainly because of how much I liked the ending scenes. To me, that was when the magic truly began. We are given higher stakes, intriguing plot twists, and the main character was forced to be more grounded.
All in all this was a bit of a miss for me, but I'm still glad to have read it.
Want to read
September 16, 2022➝ so here for an epileptic, bisexual, and brown young mc.
December 30, 2024
Ah I've been waiting to really dive into this one all year, and I finally picked it up. There was some elements that needed some work, but it was an interesting start to a new series.
What Worked: I'm pretty sure that out of all the middle grade fantasy that I've ever read, this is the first where Pilipino folklore and mythology is at the center of the narrative. Villanueva did a wonderful job giving readers a basic understanding of the mythos while also noting that her interpretations do not serve as a mouthpiece for all experiences with the folklore and mythology. Villanueva also centers the story around a bisexual character that has epilepsy in way that was seamlessly woven into the narrative. It didn't feel as though we had a character that simply filled checkboxes. The narration of the audiobook of this one was great and I highly recommend checking it out on audio considering that Tagalog is interwoven into the narrative.
What Didn't Work: This is going to be strange coming from me; however, I think that this book was too fast paced. There was so much going on with the plot that it felt overwhelming at times. Unfortunately, it was easy to miss things or feel confused. Additionally, as stated by another reviewer, this felt a little too close to Riordan. I'm all for providing read a likes to kiddos who have read and loved the Percy Jackson series, but I also look for a different flair. Structurally this reminded me TOO much of my own experience reading that series. I would have preferred for Villanueva to explore the structure of this book in a different way.
Overall, this was a solid read. I will be picking up the next book in the series.
What Worked: I'm pretty sure that out of all the middle grade fantasy that I've ever read, this is the first where Pilipino folklore and mythology is at the center of the narrative. Villanueva did a wonderful job giving readers a basic understanding of the mythos while also noting that her interpretations do not serve as a mouthpiece for all experiences with the folklore and mythology. Villanueva also centers the story around a bisexual character that has epilepsy in way that was seamlessly woven into the narrative. It didn't feel as though we had a character that simply filled checkboxes. The narration of the audiobook of this one was great and I highly recommend checking it out on audio considering that Tagalog is interwoven into the narrative.
What Didn't Work: This is going to be strange coming from me; however, I think that this book was too fast paced. There was so much going on with the plot that it felt overwhelming at times. Unfortunately, it was easy to miss things or feel confused. Additionally, as stated by another reviewer, this felt a little too close to Riordan. I'm all for providing read a likes to kiddos who have read and loved the Percy Jackson series, but I also look for a different flair. Structurally this reminded me TOO much of my own experience reading that series. I would have preferred for Villanueva to explore the structure of this book in a different way.
Overall, this was a solid read. I will be picking up the next book in the series.
August 5, 2023
This is the first book in the duology by @gaildvillanueva . An adorable world buildup with quite a few hilarious creature compositions. I had a lot of fun reading this book. It does give you a full dose of adventures in different reals, coinciding with the weirdest (in a good way) character relationships. For e.g, in our world, we usually adopt cats, whereas in this world a Cat has adopted a baby girl. The book did have that novel element that makes specific parts of the book memorable.
Talking about its pacing, definitely fast-paced, with a lot of things happening. I had to re-read quite a few areas to reconfirm my suspicions on 'wait! what just happened?'.Which made me think if we needed a breather in between or a slow buildup in certain situations. If I talk about the overall story m not sure if this is something I will remember for a long time. A few characters and moments here and there, I would for sure - but like every little thing? probably not.
Also, one thing that stood out to me was the creature's explanations after the story ended. That gives you insights into which name was derived from where. It's a good bonus to have in fantasy books.
Thank you @this_is_edelweiss @harpercollins for the digital ARC.
Genre: #middlegrade #fantasy
Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️
Talking about its pacing, definitely fast-paced, with a lot of things happening. I had to re-read quite a few areas to reconfirm my suspicions on 'wait! what just happened?'.Which made me think if we needed a breather in between or a slow buildup in certain situations. If I talk about the overall story m not sure if this is something I will remember for a long time. A few characters and moments here and there, I would for sure - but like every little thing? probably not.
Also, one thing that stood out to me was the creature's explanations after the story ended. That gives you insights into which name was derived from where. It's a good bonus to have in fantasy books.
Thank you @this_is_edelweiss @harpercollins for the digital ARC.
Genre: #middlegrade #fantasy
Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️
October 28, 2023
Lulu's average days of hanging with her sister and her best friend Bart are upended when a creature from Filipino mythology suddenly attacks and kidnaps her adoptive mom. It turns out Lulu is secretly a chosen one and has a huge responsibility to stop a legendary malignant spirit. But Lulu mostly wants to get her mom back. The trio voyage through mythical realms making new friends and trying to find the answers they need to stage a daring rescue, but soon Lulu will have to face the fact that her powers, while probably enough to save the three realms, are also likely to harm her or someone she loves.
Epilepsy rep? Check. Filipino rep? Check. Action-packed adventure full of humor, mythology, and heart-stopping scenes? Check. Heartfelt moments of friendship, compassion, and family loyalty? Check. A duck in an armored vest? Check. This book has it all. It's even set in the Philippines, which is a nice change from all these magic books set in USA or London. I was a little disappointed that Lulu makes a cringey predictable decision in the climax moment, but otherwise, I really enjoyed this book. I hope this becomes a very long series. Riordan fans should definitely give this one a try.
Thank you to Harper Collins and NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Epilepsy rep? Check. Filipino rep? Check. Action-packed adventure full of humor, mythology, and heart-stopping scenes? Check. Heartfelt moments of friendship, compassion, and family loyalty? Check. A duck in an armored vest? Check. This book has it all. It's even set in the Philippines, which is a nice change from all these magic books set in USA or London. I was a little disappointed that Lulu makes a cringey predictable decision in the climax moment, but otherwise, I really enjoyed this book. I hope this becomes a very long series. Riordan fans should definitely give this one a try.
Thank you to Harper Collins and NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
March 26, 2024
3.5 rounded up.
A Filipino bisexual FMC with epilepsy?!? This was a no-brainer must read for me and for the most part it did not disappoint.
I enjoyed this a lot and think it will be a big hit for Percy Jackson fans and those who enjoy books like the Theo Tan series by Jesse Q. Sutanto.
Where things lagged a bit for me was the way the author blended Filipino folklore with a LOT of mainstream pop culture references.
In addition, the overall pacing tended to be up and down - some parts felt like they lagged, while others were very fast paced and seemed to go quickly over important plot points.
I did enjoy the glossary of fantastical creatures included at the end, liked the narration by Ferdelle Capistrano and look forward to the final book in the duology.
A Filipino bisexual FMC with epilepsy?!? This was a no-brainer must read for me and for the most part it did not disappoint.
I enjoyed this a lot and think it will be a big hit for Percy Jackson fans and those who enjoy books like the Theo Tan series by Jesse Q. Sutanto.
Where things lagged a bit for me was the way the author blended Filipino folklore with a LOT of mainstream pop culture references.
In addition, the overall pacing tended to be up and down - some parts felt like they lagged, while others were very fast paced and seemed to go quickly over important plot points.
I did enjoy the glossary of fantastical creatures included at the end, liked the narration by Ferdelle Capistrano and look forward to the final book in the duology.
January 4, 2024
I really do love that I’m getting to see more Filipino lore and history in middle grade reads! It’s something I think elementary school Alexa would have enjoyed seeing tremendously, and something that even now, as an adult, I still find pretty cool.
Villanueva’s story is jam-packed with all sorts of Filipino touches, from language to legendary figures to food. It also has a fast-paced plot with plenty of action and witty comments. This book is also led by a refreshing main character… who I unfortunately didn’t end up strongly connecting to or feeling emotionally invested in, and neither did I feel particularly attached to any of the secondary cast. Still, as with a lot of middle grade books, I was content to let the story play out till the end and I generally enjoyed my time with it.
Villanueva’s story is jam-packed with all sorts of Filipino touches, from language to legendary figures to food. It also has a fast-paced plot with plenty of action and witty comments. This book is also led by a refreshing main character… who I unfortunately didn’t end up strongly connecting to or feeling emotionally invested in, and neither did I feel particularly attached to any of the secondary cast. Still, as with a lot of middle grade books, I was content to let the story play out till the end and I generally enjoyed my time with it.
March 10, 2024
I'll be completely honest in saying that I'm sure my younger (elementary) self would love this if it was released during early 2000s because this is definitely a good alternative to mainstream middle grade fantasy books that I read during that time.
However, the storytelling was not what I'm expecting especially since it was pitched as THE Filipino Percy Jackson highlighting Philippines' myth and folklore through the lens of a young warrior.
First thing that I think can be improved is the pacing. I know this is an adventure story following Lulu Sinagtala and her quest to save the world but the way the scenes were plotted was a bit too much some times. There are really good scenes especially Lulu and her interaction with the Filipino gods and goddesses, I really enjoyed it but most of it was super quick and it felt like the scenes are in fast forward leaving no room for the other characters to have more page time (screen time haha) and in the end affecting the reading experience as well.
And yes, I do love the way that this book showcases our local mythology featuring a mix of gods & goddesses but it felt like even their characters weren't given enough time to be known by the readers hence I felt no attachment at all.
But still, I had a pleasant time reading the first book in this duology and I think I'll read the second book once it's published. I just wish that the second book will be improved in terms of storytelling and highlighting scenes & characters that are essential to the overall quest. 3stars!
However, the storytelling was not what I'm expecting especially since it was pitched as THE Filipino Percy Jackson highlighting Philippines' myth and folklore through the lens of a young warrior.
First thing that I think can be improved is the pacing. I know this is an adventure story following Lulu Sinagtala and her quest to save the world but the way the scenes were plotted was a bit too much some times. There are really good scenes especially Lulu and her interaction with the Filipino gods and goddesses, I really enjoyed it but most of it was super quick and it felt like the scenes are in fast forward leaving no room for the other characters to have more page time (screen time haha) and in the end affecting the reading experience as well.
And yes, I do love the way that this book showcases our local mythology featuring a mix of gods & goddesses but it felt like even their characters weren't given enough time to be known by the readers hence I felt no attachment at all.
But still, I had a pleasant time reading the first book in this duology and I think I'll read the second book once it's published. I just wish that the second book will be improved in terms of storytelling and highlighting scenes & characters that are essential to the overall quest. 3stars!
January 19, 2024
It's a bad sign for me when a character dies and I don't feel anything. So many characters. They just pass by. No back stories so I don't feel anything for them. Too many descriptions of people but not of the action scenes. Too much bickering between two sisters and bro/sis. Even the few scenes of the mom didn't have any impact on me.
No real distinction on why one good is good or why the other one isn't. I don't even understand why maligno was imprisoned. There has to be a story and not just because he is described as evil.
Will still read book 2 and hope it will improve.
No real distinction on why one good is good or why the other one isn't. I don't even understand why maligno was imprisoned. There has to be a story and not just because he is described as evil.
Will still read book 2 and hope it will improve.
Want to read
November 7, 2023This is a Filipino version of Percy Jackson with a bi main character and it comes out on my birthday???
May 23, 2024
Lulu is adopted, only 3 months older than her sister Kitty. She loves her sister and mom and her best friend Bart and living on their street. However, she discovers was kidnapped from her birth family and holds powers that can save the three realms from the growing chaos as the Maligno tries to destroy all of the worlds. I found the cultural information interesting, but the dialogue and action seemed disjointed and incomplete, as well as often contrary to previous plotlines just developed or introduced.
January 22, 2024
Lulu Sinagtala is Gen Z Filipino Percy Jackson if he was a huge Jungkook stan and a Marvel fan. Not sure if this is a good or a bad thing since some elements of the story made me side-eye with its similarity to PJO. A fun and interesting read, but overall, it felt a bit lacking? The Filipino elements didn't feel seamless or incredibly intriguing to the story and plot. But the power interruption at the beginning of the story and Bads Bunny is toptier Filipino rep though haha 😭
January 9, 2024
4.5
What a fun and energetic middle grade filled with adventure, good fighting evil, and Tagalog mythology.
Eleven-year-old Filipino Lulu suddenly discovers that all the people she knows and the place she calls home are not exactly who or what she thought to be all these years. She also begins to remember another self.
With super strength, like a Marvel hero, she will do her best to keep her family safe from the evil plans of Maligno.
A great homage to the Filipino folklore that suffered from the Spanish imposition and dominance in the past recovers its lore with lots of action and humor. Deities obsessed with K-dramas the Korean wave of popularity and many other modern pop culture references that make the dialogue fun.
I'm so pleased that more books are being released that represent and teach us more about other cultures, their rich mythology, deities, creatures, demons, and legends.
I'm glad this is a duology.
Perfect for fans of Aru Shah.
What a fun and energetic middle grade filled with adventure, good fighting evil, and Tagalog mythology.
Eleven-year-old Filipino Lulu suddenly discovers that all the people she knows and the place she calls home are not exactly who or what she thought to be all these years. She also begins to remember another self.
With super strength, like a Marvel hero, she will do her best to keep her family safe from the evil plans of Maligno.
A great homage to the Filipino folklore that suffered from the Spanish imposition and dominance in the past recovers its lore with lots of action and humor. Deities obsessed with K-dramas the Korean wave of popularity and many other modern pop culture references that make the dialogue fun.
I'm so pleased that more books are being released that represent and teach us more about other cultures, their rich mythology, deities, creatures, demons, and legends.
I'm glad this is a duology.
Perfect for fans of Aru Shah.
October 8, 2023
Lulu never imagined what is to come for her, she thinks she is just an ordinary Pilipino kid waiting for Christmas, albeit one with epilepsy, which her sister helps her manage.
This is a wonderful middle grade book along the same lines as a lot of the Riordan presents books. The ones that bring in all the different lore from around the different countries and heritages. I love learning all the different stories that come out in these books. I hope this one is good for you all too.
This is a wonderful middle grade book along the same lines as a lot of the Riordan presents books. The ones that bring in all the different lore from around the different countries and heritages. I love learning all the different stories that come out in these books. I hope this one is good for you all too.
March 14, 2024
Rating: 4.5/5
Genre: Fantasy
Thank you HarperCollins for providing an e-copy through NetGalley.
Summary:
Lulu has always felt like an outsider in her Filipino community. Her sister and adoptive mom are a perfect match, but she looks nothing like them. Her epileptic episodes has made her an outcast at school as well. Luckily, her sister Kitty and best friend Bart are always there, even supporting her in reenacting her favorite Tagalog legends. And Lulu can’t wait to spend Christmas break with them and the neighborhood. So when strange things start to happen around her, Lulu grows concerned. First, the food vendor and his customer get possessed, spewing around world domination. Then there is an earthquake on her street. Then she stops a truck from flattering her sister with her bare hands, which now glow blue. The final straw is when her mother gets kidnapped by a wakwak - a birdlike vampire creature straight from Tagalong mythology. When Lulu demands answers, she learns that her whole street is under a Balabal - a veil - hiding from evil eyes and concealing mythical creatures, actual gods, and, most importantly, Lulu herself. She is the Salamangkero, a protector of the Three Realms, with divine strength at her disposal. The Tagalog gods and goddesses are real, and they need her help: A powerful spirit named the Maligno is rising from the dead and desperately wants Lulu’s power for himself. To save her mother (and the world), Lulu, Kitty, and Bart must make the perilous journey across the realms, encountering dangerous fiends, tricky obstacles, and unruly gods along the way. Can Lulu save her mother and everyone she loves before the Maligno destroys the world? Or will she uncover a secret history, one that involves the Tagalog gods, creatures, and herself, that will create even more chaos?
What I Liked:
Lulu Sinagtala and the City of Noble Warriors is an awesome, action-packed, and adventurous mythology story of a super strong girl, her loyal sister, and dog companion racing across realms to save their mother and the world. Tagalog mythology is so fascinating with its many unique gods, all of whom have distinct personalities in the story, and its vast catalog of folkloric and legendary creatures that range from benign, difficult, mischievous, or stuff of nightmares. Seeing with god/beast/entity popped out next and the stories behind them is a treat, and readers will learn so much of Filipino culture in general with this exciting book. The setting is varied and wondrous, taking our adventurers across different mythical landscapes that will explode your imagination. Lulu is a strong (literally) protagonist, who takes charge even in great danger and who will do anything to protect her family. Kitty is a great addition to the team - though powerless herself, she adds insight and sees a different perspective from her sister, getting them out of tough situations with Lulu’s stumped. Bart also acts as a fantastic supporting character with his more logical thinking and knowledge of the magical world. Overall, this is a fantastic addition to the mythology-adventure stories in middle-grade fiction, so I definitely recommend it for anyone who likes the genre.
What I Didn’t Like: Nothing!
Recommend to: Kids who love mythology adventures and Filipino folklore and culture. Marikit and the Ocean of Stars by Caris Avendano Cruz, The Spirit Glass by Roshani Chokshi, Shadow Prince by David Anthony Durham, and The Last Fallen Star by Graci Kim are good read-alikes.
Review Date: March 5, 2024
Genre: Fantasy
Thank you HarperCollins for providing an e-copy through NetGalley.
Summary:
Lulu has always felt like an outsider in her Filipino community. Her sister and adoptive mom are a perfect match, but she looks nothing like them. Her epileptic episodes has made her an outcast at school as well. Luckily, her sister Kitty and best friend Bart are always there, even supporting her in reenacting her favorite Tagalog legends. And Lulu can’t wait to spend Christmas break with them and the neighborhood. So when strange things start to happen around her, Lulu grows concerned. First, the food vendor and his customer get possessed, spewing around world domination. Then there is an earthquake on her street. Then she stops a truck from flattering her sister with her bare hands, which now glow blue. The final straw is when her mother gets kidnapped by a wakwak - a birdlike vampire creature straight from Tagalong mythology. When Lulu demands answers, she learns that her whole street is under a Balabal - a veil - hiding from evil eyes and concealing mythical creatures, actual gods, and, most importantly, Lulu herself. She is the Salamangkero, a protector of the Three Realms, with divine strength at her disposal. The Tagalog gods and goddesses are real, and they need her help: A powerful spirit named the Maligno is rising from the dead and desperately wants Lulu’s power for himself. To save her mother (and the world), Lulu, Kitty, and Bart must make the perilous journey across the realms, encountering dangerous fiends, tricky obstacles, and unruly gods along the way. Can Lulu save her mother and everyone she loves before the Maligno destroys the world? Or will she uncover a secret history, one that involves the Tagalog gods, creatures, and herself, that will create even more chaos?
What I Liked:
Lulu Sinagtala and the City of Noble Warriors is an awesome, action-packed, and adventurous mythology story of a super strong girl, her loyal sister, and dog companion racing across realms to save their mother and the world. Tagalog mythology is so fascinating with its many unique gods, all of whom have distinct personalities in the story, and its vast catalog of folkloric and legendary creatures that range from benign, difficult, mischievous, or stuff of nightmares. Seeing with god/beast/entity popped out next and the stories behind them is a treat, and readers will learn so much of Filipino culture in general with this exciting book. The setting is varied and wondrous, taking our adventurers across different mythical landscapes that will explode your imagination. Lulu is a strong (literally) protagonist, who takes charge even in great danger and who will do anything to protect her family. Kitty is a great addition to the team - though powerless herself, she adds insight and sees a different perspective from her sister, getting them out of tough situations with Lulu’s stumped. Bart also acts as a fantastic supporting character with his more logical thinking and knowledge of the magical world. Overall, this is a fantastic addition to the mythology-adventure stories in middle-grade fiction, so I definitely recommend it for anyone who likes the genre.
What I Didn’t Like: Nothing!
Recommend to: Kids who love mythology adventures and Filipino folklore and culture. Marikit and the Ocean of Stars by Caris Avendano Cruz, The Spirit Glass by Roshani Chokshi, Shadow Prince by David Anthony Durham, and The Last Fallen Star by Graci Kim are good read-alikes.
Review Date: March 5, 2024
July 22, 2024
Fasten your seatbelts! Inspired by the myths and legends of the Philippines, this book adapts the original myths "to play homage to the source while staying within the context of modern times." Eleven-year-old Lulu suddenly discovers she has magical powers and a bio-family history of powerful intergalactic leaders which has been kept secret from her by her adoptive earth mother. When her adoptive earth mother is kidnapped, Lulu travels to the Upper Realm where the gods live "on a quest to rescue Mom, where they outsmart cunning enemies, battle vengeful creatures, and form unlikely alliances." Fast paced! A thrill a minute! No chance for a deep breath between events going on here! Plot based continuous action!
Lulu has lived on Inarawan Street in the Philippines with her adoptive mother and her adoptive sister Kitty since she was three months old. Other characters are Lulu's best friend Bart and Tita Cecile. The truth of Lulu's ancestry had never been revealed. Lulu always knew she was different but she never understood why until now.
A vicious wakwak attacks Lulu and Kitty and later kidnaps Mom. "A wakwak swoops in, grabs Mom by the shoulders with its sneakered talons, and flies away into the night sky." Tita Cecile, goddess in disguise, steps in with the truth of their ancestry. Lulu discovers she has been chosen to "wield the power of the Anito and save the universe from falling into chaos."
Luckily for Lulu and Mom, Tita Cecile can make contact with the Upperworld where the gods live and brings Lulu there to fulfill her destiny. Lulu, Kitty and Bart embark on a rescue mission of a lifetime. As an extra added bonus, Lulu meets what's left of her biological family.
This is a fun, if not goofy book, suitable for middle grade readers. Replete with icky language (ex. duck farts), the mention of popular entertainers (BTS), and quick clever? one line quips, this book targets its audience. The reader must suspend disbelief but that's what makes it fun. The facts come so quickly that I found myself having to re-read a number of times in order to keep things straight. This is not a relaxing bedtime read.
For anyone of Filipino ancestry or those who like to learn about different cultures, this book mentions quite a few names of legendary creatures but doesn't give a comprehensive review of their attributes and powers. Many Tagalog words are sprinkled throughout the book but most are not explained, so this leaves a lot of work in the readers' hands. Also, negative comments about Spanish colonialism are scattered throughout. The book raises questions that might require research for anyone using this book as a learning tool.
Please let me know your thoughts. I'd love to hear from you. You can email me at elainewrites@earthlink.net.
I wish you all a life inspired by the wonder of the world around us. May you find and live your truth, in harmony with people, nature and the environment. May you be a force for good and a source of love and comfort. May the world be a better place for you having lived and loved here.
All rights reserved 2024
September 11, 2023
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Lulu lives with her sister Kitty and her mother, a busy medical assistant in a neighborhood clinic in Silanganan Village, not too far from Manilla, Philippines. There is a good support system, with various neighbors and "aunties", as well as best friend, Bart. Lulu was adopted, and doesn't resemble her mother or sister at all, and mentions her dark skin and flat nose as something that sets her apart. When there is a small earthquake, a truck is set in motion towards the girls, but somehow Lulu is able to stop it. When she wakes up, she questions whether the incident actually occurs. When she eavesdrops on her mother and others at the local beauty shop, she learns some things about her past, and when she accidentally throws her Tita Cecile several streets away, she learns some secrets about her past. Sadly, just as she is finding these things out, her mother is kidnapped by a wakwak, a winged creature who spirits her off. Tita Cecile tells Lulu that Lulu is the salamangkero, the one that the magical life forces have chosen to protect the realms. In order to find her mother, Lulu, along with Kitty and Bart (who is a shape shifter who also appears on occasion as a neighbor's Shi Tzu!), must travel to a variety of places, deal with difference magical creatures, and try to make a deal to get her mother back. While on this quest, she meets her biological family, finds out why she was adopted, and learns about her powers. When her mother is found, her biological father, Supremo, is sadly overcome by Maligno. He asks Lulu to kill his body, so that the spirit of Maligno also dies, but Lulu can't manage to do this. This leaves an opening for another installment of this tale.
Strengths: Lulu is an intriguing character who has some of her own struggles, including epilepsy, which is rarely portrayed in middle grade fiction. Three is a good number of characters to have on a quest, and I liked that Kitty had fewer magical powers but Bart had more. There are a LOT of characters from Filipino mythology (and the author describes these at the beginning of the book AS mythology, which helps a lot!), and there's a nice glossary/appendix at the end of the book with more explanation. This is well paced, and has some fun characters sprinkled throughout.
Weaknesses: I liked this author's Sugar and Spite because it had a fresh take magical realism and good details about everyday life in the Philippines. Lula Sinagtala is more along the lines of a Rick Riordan style fantasy quest, and these are waning in popularity in my library, since there have been so many culturally connected fantasies in this style over the last ten to fifteen years.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed Maunakea's Lei and the Fire Goddess or Thomas' Nic Blake and the Remarkables.
Lulu lives with her sister Kitty and her mother, a busy medical assistant in a neighborhood clinic in Silanganan Village, not too far from Manilla, Philippines. There is a good support system, with various neighbors and "aunties", as well as best friend, Bart. Lulu was adopted, and doesn't resemble her mother or sister at all, and mentions her dark skin and flat nose as something that sets her apart. When there is a small earthquake, a truck is set in motion towards the girls, but somehow Lulu is able to stop it. When she wakes up, she questions whether the incident actually occurs. When she eavesdrops on her mother and others at the local beauty shop, she learns some things about her past, and when she accidentally throws her Tita Cecile several streets away, she learns some secrets about her past. Sadly, just as she is finding these things out, her mother is kidnapped by a wakwak, a winged creature who spirits her off. Tita Cecile tells Lulu that Lulu is the salamangkero, the one that the magical life forces have chosen to protect the realms. In order to find her mother, Lulu, along with Kitty and Bart (who is a shape shifter who also appears on occasion as a neighbor's Shi Tzu!), must travel to a variety of places, deal with difference magical creatures, and try to make a deal to get her mother back. While on this quest, she meets her biological family, finds out why she was adopted, and learns about her powers. When her mother is found, her biological father, Supremo, is sadly overcome by Maligno. He asks Lulu to kill his body, so that the spirit of Maligno also dies, but Lulu can't manage to do this. This leaves an opening for another installment of this tale.
Strengths: Lulu is an intriguing character who has some of her own struggles, including epilepsy, which is rarely portrayed in middle grade fiction. Three is a good number of characters to have on a quest, and I liked that Kitty had fewer magical powers but Bart had more. There are a LOT of characters from Filipino mythology (and the author describes these at the beginning of the book AS mythology, which helps a lot!), and there's a nice glossary/appendix at the end of the book with more explanation. This is well paced, and has some fun characters sprinkled throughout.
Weaknesses: I liked this author's Sugar and Spite because it had a fresh take magical realism and good details about everyday life in the Philippines. Lula Sinagtala is more along the lines of a Rick Riordan style fantasy quest, and these are waning in popularity in my library, since there have been so many culturally connected fantasies in this style over the last ten to fifteen years.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed Maunakea's Lei and the Fire Goddess or Thomas' Nic Blake and the Remarkables.
June 4, 2024
I think this is the same story I wanted to write.
I'm a huge fan of mythologies and I always wanted to read stories about our own myths and legends. Lulu Sinagtala and the City of Noble Warriors truly bring out the beautiful stories of the Philippines.
Plus, chapter titles! It's always fun to read the chapter titles and figure out why the author chose that.
Lulu is a fun character and you can really see her personality; her love for her mom and sister, her love fo K-Pop groups, and her dedication to finish what she started. You can see there's a lot of room to grow for her to turn into the person she is destined to be. However, at times I feel like she's older than 11 with her dialogue and her thinking, but I guess it stems from her experiences, which only shows how great of a character she is.
Kitty is a fun addition to Lulu's character where she seems like the big sister than not. It really shows her maturity despite her young age, which would prove valuable in Lulu's Quest.
Bart is also a great surprise. He breaks the usual character or role, which makes it feel like a breath of fresh air. I do hope we get to explore his background and character more, same with Kitty.
I can see there's romance in the air between him and Lulu, very subtle, but it's there. I feel like they're too young at 11 (call me old, that's kust how I feel) but that subtlety helps until the characters grow older.
I definitely recommend this ans I can't wait to read more of Lulu's adventures.
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Read this if you like:
🐉Mythology
🧞 Fantasy
🫂 Friendship stories
🗺️ Adventure
🪄 Magic
👨👨👦 Familial love
👩 Female protagonist
😈 Benevolent beings
🇵🇭 Set in the Philippines
#lulusinagtala #lulusinagtalaandthecityofnoblewarriors #gaildvillanueva #phmythology #philippinemyth #mythology #fantasy #friemdship #adventure #magic #familiallove #femaleprotagonist #philiooinesetting #phsetting #yabooks #bookreview #readersofinstagram #bookstagramph #bookstagrammerph
I'm a huge fan of mythologies and I always wanted to read stories about our own myths and legends. Lulu Sinagtala and the City of Noble Warriors truly bring out the beautiful stories of the Philippines.
Plus, chapter titles! It's always fun to read the chapter titles and figure out why the author chose that.
Lulu is a fun character and you can really see her personality; her love for her mom and sister, her love fo K-Pop groups, and her dedication to finish what she started. You can see there's a lot of room to grow for her to turn into the person she is destined to be. However, at times I feel like she's older than 11 with her dialogue and her thinking, but I guess it stems from her experiences, which only shows how great of a character she is.
Kitty is a fun addition to Lulu's character where she seems like the big sister than not. It really shows her maturity despite her young age, which would prove valuable in Lulu's Quest.
Bart is also a great surprise. He breaks the usual character or role, which makes it feel like a breath of fresh air. I do hope we get to explore his background and character more, same with Kitty.
I can see there's romance in the air between him and Lulu, very subtle, but it's there. I feel like they're too young at 11 (call me old, that's kust how I feel) but that subtlety helps until the characters grow older.
I definitely recommend this ans I can't wait to read more of Lulu's adventures.
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Read this if you like:
🐉Mythology
🧞 Fantasy
🫂 Friendship stories
🗺️ Adventure
🪄 Magic
👨👨👦 Familial love
👩 Female protagonist
😈 Benevolent beings
🇵🇭 Set in the Philippines
#lulusinagtala #lulusinagtalaandthecityofnoblewarriors #gaildvillanueva #phmythology #philippinemyth #mythology #fantasy #friemdship #adventure #magic #familiallove #femaleprotagonist #philiooinesetting #phsetting #yabooks #bookreview #readersofinstagram #bookstagramph #bookstagrammerph
August 31, 2025
#BernardReads | BOOK REVIEW 📚
#LuluSinagtala and the City of Noble Warriors by Gail D. Villanueva 🌳
I’ve been eyeing this #middlegrade #fantasy #adventure novel based on #PhilippineMythology which is exactly what I used to read and write stories about. So for me, this is a must have.
I also love the cover art with our three young protagonists entering a world full of wonder and scare.
And this is written in first person POV with Lulu Sinagtala who has a background as interesting as her name. The experience as well is very #Pinoy in modern times.
I adore Lulu’s love to her sister but sometimes the lessons were told multiple times in a row, making it superobvious to the readers.
The first third was a gradual introduction of this incredible world but by the middle, it feels like it exploded into colorful mythical world we know about Tagalog mythology. It was like a sweet and spicy candy wrapped in modern interpretation of our myths.
The characters flaws and strengths shone through and twists here and there.
Overall, it was an entertaining read. I definitely see that it appeals to young readers with some clever gimmicks that adult readers could appreciate.
There were still some points that seemed squeezed last minute. But I enjoyed the arrays of quirky characters. Looking forward to this series. I imagined the scenes like a Saturday morning cartoon while I’m drinking hot choco.
And this is mybkaat entry for #AkdangPinoy2025 #AkdangPinoyReadathon challenge with the prompt [Y]OUR FAVORITE GENRE. See you next #AkdangPinoy challenge!
#bookrecommendations #bookreview
#LuluSinagtala and the City of Noble Warriors by Gail D. Villanueva 🌳
I’ve been eyeing this #middlegrade #fantasy #adventure novel based on #PhilippineMythology which is exactly what I used to read and write stories about. So for me, this is a must have.
I also love the cover art with our three young protagonists entering a world full of wonder and scare.
And this is written in first person POV with Lulu Sinagtala who has a background as interesting as her name. The experience as well is very #Pinoy in modern times.
I adore Lulu’s love to her sister but sometimes the lessons were told multiple times in a row, making it superobvious to the readers.
The first third was a gradual introduction of this incredible world but by the middle, it feels like it exploded into colorful mythical world we know about Tagalog mythology. It was like a sweet and spicy candy wrapped in modern interpretation of our myths.
The characters flaws and strengths shone through and twists here and there.
Overall, it was an entertaining read. I definitely see that it appeals to young readers with some clever gimmicks that adult readers could appreciate.
There were still some points that seemed squeezed last minute. But I enjoyed the arrays of quirky characters. Looking forward to this series. I imagined the scenes like a Saturday morning cartoon while I’m drinking hot choco.
And this is mybkaat entry for #AkdangPinoy2025 #AkdangPinoyReadathon challenge with the prompt [Y]OUR FAVORITE GENRE. See you next #AkdangPinoy challenge!
#bookrecommendations #bookreview
December 3, 2023
Lulu lives with her sister, Kitty, and their mother, Jenalyn - adopted, she knows, because she doesn't really look like either one, but she's been with them her whole life. Neither her father nor her sister's father are anywhere in evidence, but her mother has friends up and down their street in Manila, an extended family of aunts and uncles who have taken care of them all their lives. Then one day, everything changes, when a wakwak - a creature out of Tagalog mythology - appears, and Lulu and Kitty find out that magical beings are all around them, and searching for Lulu, and they've taken the girls' mother to get her out of the street that's been enchanted for safety.
This is a fun novel, full of Tagalog mythology, a quest, and some references to current pop culture. Lulu and Kitty, and their friend Bart, go off on a quest to save, Jenalyn, meeting a wide range of mythical beings and deities along the way. It will appeal to readers of all ages, although sometimes Lulu sounds older than her give age of 11, and the vocabulary may be a little difficult for younger readers - but it would be a great novel to use as a read-aloud or shared reading book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is a fun novel, full of Tagalog mythology, a quest, and some references to current pop culture. Lulu and Kitty, and their friend Bart, go off on a quest to save, Jenalyn, meeting a wide range of mythical beings and deities along the way. It will appeal to readers of all ages, although sometimes Lulu sounds older than her give age of 11, and the vocabulary may be a little difficult for younger readers - but it would be a great novel to use as a read-aloud or shared reading book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 11, 2024
This is the first book I read from the author.
Anyway, where do I begin? Maybe I should start with the things I did not personally like.
- The use of pop culture references. I get it, it's a middle grade book for kids. We want to relate with them as much as possible, but it simply made me cringe.
- It was sold as a fast paced book, but some parts are really fast, and some are slow. It barely made me grip the book and had me absorb the magic in it. It’s just unbalanced. It’s just too fast. Barely no screen time at all. Hence, I did not feel attached to the introduced characters. Maybe I did with Tala.
- How the first part of the book seemed like The Lightning Thief. I couldn’t shake it off my mind. It seemed more like a fanfic to me.
- I didn’t like being in Lulu’s mind sometimes. One time she’s super mature, one time she’s not.
Things I like:
- I like the use of Tagalog mythology here, very interesting.
- The latter part of the book, but I feel like it was a bit rushed.
- The storyline was great, I liked how creative it was.
Overall rating 3 stars, and I’m still going to read the next book. I just hope the pacing issues get fixed!
Anyway, where do I begin? Maybe I should start with the things I did not personally like.
- The use of pop culture references. I get it, it's a middle grade book for kids. We want to relate with them as much as possible, but it simply made me cringe.
- It was sold as a fast paced book, but some parts are really fast, and some are slow. It barely made me grip the book and had me absorb the magic in it. It’s just unbalanced. It’s just too fast. Barely no screen time at all. Hence, I did not feel attached to the introduced characters. Maybe I did with Tala.
- How the first part of the book seemed like The Lightning Thief. I couldn’t shake it off my mind. It seemed more like a fanfic to me.
- I didn’t like being in Lulu’s mind sometimes. One time she’s super mature, one time she’s not.
Things I like:
- I like the use of Tagalog mythology here, very interesting.
- The latter part of the book, but I feel like it was a bit rushed.
- The storyline was great, I liked how creative it was.
Overall rating 3 stars, and I’m still going to read the next book. I just hope the pacing issues get fixed!
March 10, 2024
Unfortunately, this did not fulfill its promise for me. I was excited to read about new-to-me gods but the execution just fell a bit flat. The main character, Lulu, was not really likeable. In one breath she's a very mature 11-year-old and in the next, she's throwing a tantrum. While I enjoyed other characters in this (the King of Birds, Haribon the duck, for example), I could not get myself to really like Lulu.
I also did not love all the pop culture references. They're recognizable now, but I wonder if that'll be true a few years down the line.
I will say the ending of the book was exciting and fun to read, though could have been a bit longer as it felt a bit rushed. I haven't decided if I'll read the sequel, but I do find myself wondering how Lulu will solve the problem left for her.
I also did not love all the pop culture references. They're recognizable now, but I wonder if that'll be true a few years down the line.
I will say the ending of the book was exciting and fun to read, though could have been a bit longer as it felt a bit rushed. I haven't decided if I'll read the sequel, but I do find myself wondering how Lulu will solve the problem left for her.
October 22, 2023
Lulu has always felt as though she doesn't fit in with her loving family. She discovers that she is adopted when things begin to change in her seemingly normal neighborhood. Things are not what they seem as those who cared for her are gods from Tagalog Mythology. Lu discovers her true family when she battles gods determined to destroy realms in their quest for domination.
The book is well written with short explanations of Tagalog Mythology throughout the story. Gail D. Villanueva provides humor to inspire laughter as Lulu encounters various characters throughout her quest.
A recommended read as readers will enjoy the zany characters and Tagalog Mythology.
The book is well written with short explanations of Tagalog Mythology throughout the story. Gail D. Villanueva provides humor to inspire laughter as Lulu encounters various characters throughout her quest.
A recommended read as readers will enjoy the zany characters and Tagalog Mythology.
February 25, 2024
4.5
There were a couple spots where pacing or transitions between scenes felt a bit rushed, but that got ironed out pretty quickly.
I disagree with people saying the beginning is exactly like Percy Jackson. It's similar, but no more similar than most books inspired by that (and certainly less similar than others).
I personally could have done with a lot fewer BTS mentions. I would've preferred a pretend band be used, if one was needed at all.
There's a glossary in the back for Tagalog deities and creatures, but it would have been nice to have places, food, and general Tagalog words too.
Overall really enjoyed this, and am excited for the second one.
There were a couple spots where pacing or transitions between scenes felt a bit rushed, but that got ironed out pretty quickly.
I disagree with people saying the beginning is exactly like Percy Jackson. It's similar, but no more similar than most books inspired by that (and certainly less similar than others).
I personally could have done with a lot fewer BTS mentions. I would've preferred a pretend band be used, if one was needed at all.
There's a glossary in the back for Tagalog deities and creatures, but it would have been nice to have places, food, and general Tagalog words too.
Overall really enjoyed this, and am excited for the second one.
September 28, 2024
i was so disappointed with this book as i had high expectations for it as a filipino myself. the characters felt so absurd and shallow that i honestly wouldn't care if they didn't succeed. lulu herself was very unlikeable. her being bisexual and epileptic did nothing for her character and the plot, so it felt like the author just made her that way as a half-assed attempt for representation. there were so many cringey pop culture references (BTS, kpop, kdrama, etc.) that gives off the vibes of an oldie trying so hard to relate to younger audiences and failing miserably.
this book just overall felt like a wannabe percy jackson franchise.
this book just overall felt like a wannabe percy jackson franchise.
August 28, 2024
Colossal waste time. The main character is a rude, obnoxious, arrogant, entitled little brat who I wanted to smack at least a half-dozen times. I HATE her. Her sister is about as one-dimensional a character as it gets. Her sole purpose is to chastise the MC when she disrespects the ancient gods. I finished the book because I thought there’d be some sort of character redemption but no- she remains arrogant and disrespectful to the very end. Such a shame because I was really looking forward to reading about the characters from Filipino folklore. I should have DNFed.
November 17, 2023
Thank you Harper Audio, HarperCollins, and NetGalley for the advanced electronic audio review copy of this great book. I really enjoyed this story based on Filipino mythology with great, diverse characters, action, and adventure. It is wonderful to see more books based on different mythologies and folklore. Can’t wait for the next volume!
September 4, 2024
Actual Rating: 2.5
Sadly, this book didn’t work for me. While the plot and world-building were great, I had several issues with the characters, particularly Lulu herself. I’ll probably discuss this in another post. However, if you think this book interests you, please do pick it up and give it a read, especially if you enjoyed Marikit and the Ocean of Stars or Lalani of the Distant Sea.
Sadly, this book didn’t work for me. While the plot and world-building were great, I had several issues with the characters, particularly Lulu herself. I’ll probably discuss this in another post. However, if you think this book interests you, please do pick it up and give it a read, especially if you enjoyed Marikit and the Ocean of Stars or Lalani of the Distant Sea.
January 22, 2024
Enjoyable. Will look forward to the sequel. My main complaint is the audio. Wish they could have had a narrator who’s fluent in Tagalog, because Ferdelle Capistrano’s American accent was jarring, especially since the story took place in the Philippines.
July 27, 2024
I loved getting to read this with one of my kids. It was very special to read something so culturally representative, as diasporic Filipinos. Growing up, I never felt represented in books or media. And the disability AND queer representation to boot!
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