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For The Win: The Not-So-Epic Quest Of A Non-Playable Character
Eighteen-year-old Nathaniel Carpio has been having chicken inasal with his best friend Elena Dizon at their favourite sidewalk grillery for four years now, and he likes that things are always the same. But then, on a particularly bad day, Lena whips out a silly "six-peso coin" to comfort him, and—with the moment holding nothing and everything at the same time—Nat realizes that he's fallen in love with her.
It only makes sense that when Tala Tales Games—local developer of their favourite real-time strategy game Mitolohiya—offers college scholarships to a select few, the two of them should go for it, right? Nat certainly thinks so—there’s nothing better than spending the rest of his life with Lena doing something they both love.
But just when Nat’s game plan is coming along nicely, in pops a new challenger—Rafael Antonio, the world-renowned Filipino voice actor for the hero Apolaki in Mitolohiya. Now, star-struck Lena spends all her time bonding with her online idol, and Nat starts to feel more and more like a boring Non-Playable Character with zero chance against the Big Final Boss.
With the scholarship program underway and his future hanging in the balance, Nat embarks on an epic quest to compete with the celebrity in a real-world PvP match he’s not ready for. But in the midst of life’s frustrating glitches, epic wipeouts, and disastrous rage-quitting, is winning over his best friend the right strategy after all before it’s Game Over?
It only makes sense that when Tala Tales Games—local developer of their favourite real-time strategy game Mitolohiya—offers college scholarships to a select few, the two of them should go for it, right? Nat certainly thinks so—there’s nothing better than spending the rest of his life with Lena doing something they both love.
But just when Nat’s game plan is coming along nicely, in pops a new challenger—Rafael Antonio, the world-renowned Filipino voice actor for the hero Apolaki in Mitolohiya. Now, star-struck Lena spends all her time bonding with her online idol, and Nat starts to feel more and more like a boring Non-Playable Character with zero chance against the Big Final Boss.
With the scholarship program underway and his future hanging in the balance, Nat embarks on an epic quest to compete with the celebrity in a real-world PvP match he’s not ready for. But in the midst of life’s frustrating glitches, epic wipeouts, and disastrous rage-quitting, is winning over his best friend the right strategy after all before it’s Game Over?
190 pages, Paperback
First published December 5, 2023
1 person is currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Dellosa
10 books36 followersCatherine Dellosa plays video games for a living, reads comics for inspiration, and writes fiction because she’s in love with words. She lives in Manila, Philippines with her husband, whose ideas fuel the fire in her writing.
Her Young Adult fantasy novel, Of Myths And Men, has been published by Penguin Random House SEA and is her love letter to gamer geeks, mythological creatures, and epic quests to save the world. The second book in the trilogy, Of Life And Lies, is out now.
When it comes to contemporary YA, For The Win: The Not-So-Epic Quest Of A Non-Playable Character is another tribute to gaming that's all about the heartbreak of unrequited love, while her light speculative YA romance The Summer Of Letting Go is a cathartic tearjerker about love and loss, also published by PRH SEA.
She has also penned The Choices We Made (And Those We Didn't) published by BRUMultiverse, as well as Raya and Grayson’s Guide to Saving the World and The Bookshop Back Home as part of #romanceclass - a community of Filipino authors who are equally in love with words too.
When she's not lost in the land of make-believe, she works as a games journalist for one of the biggest mobile gaming media outlets in the UK. She one day hopes to soar the skies as a superhero, but for now, she strongly believes in saving lives through her works in fiction. Check out her books at bit.ly/catherinedellosabooks, or follow her on FB/IG/Twitter at @thenoobwife.
Her Young Adult fantasy novel, Of Myths And Men, has been published by Penguin Random House SEA and is her love letter to gamer geeks, mythological creatures, and epic quests to save the world. The second book in the trilogy, Of Life And Lies, is out now.
When it comes to contemporary YA, For The Win: The Not-So-Epic Quest Of A Non-Playable Character is another tribute to gaming that's all about the heartbreak of unrequited love, while her light speculative YA romance The Summer Of Letting Go is a cathartic tearjerker about love and loss, also published by PRH SEA.
She has also penned The Choices We Made (And Those We Didn't) published by BRUMultiverse, as well as Raya and Grayson’s Guide to Saving the World and The Bookshop Back Home as part of #romanceclass - a community of Filipino authors who are equally in love with words too.
When she's not lost in the land of make-believe, she works as a games journalist for one of the biggest mobile gaming media outlets in the UK. She one day hopes to soar the skies as a superhero, but for now, she strongly believes in saving lives through her works in fiction. Check out her books at bit.ly/catherinedellosabooks, or follow her on FB/IG/Twitter at @thenoobwife.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 20, 2025
Loved the vibe, the settings, the characters, the writing-style. This book has really won my heart.
At first hindi ko talaga makita ang sarili ko na maging fully engage sa book na ito since it is in romance genre but surprisingly sobrang nagustuhan ko sya.
Here are the reasons why:
Una, yung writing style.
Ipinaramdam sakin ng author na hindi mo kaylangang gumawa or sumulat ng mga mabulaklak na salita para maenganyo mo yung iyong mambabasa. Sobrang simple pero may sense lahat ng mga pangungusap na binibitawan ni Ms Cath sa akdang ito. Madaling sundan at talaga namang makakarelate ka.
Pangalawa, yung mga characters at yung vibe n binibigay ng librong ito
Pinaramdam ni Ms. Cath na kasama ka sa storya or kung hindi man ay nadaanan mo itong phase na ito sa buhay mo. Madali kong minahal sila Nat, Lena at Raf. lalo na si Nat na isa sa mga karakter na nagbigay ng kulay sa akdang ito.
Pangatlo at ang Panghuli, yung lessons dito sa librong ito
Marami akong natutunan at binaon matapos kong mabasa ito. Napaalalahanan ako na okey lang matakot, na sa buhay, may times na natatalo tayo pero hindi pa yun ang huli, kasi katulad sa laro, pwede tayong mag mag reset at magsimula. Na okay lang na masaktan at matuto sa mga pagkakamali natin sa buhay.
So kung naghanap ka ng libro na perfect gift this valentine season para sa iyong kaibigan o kaibigan. or kung gusto mo lang kiligin at mag chill, I am highly recommending this one for you.
Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars
At first hindi ko talaga makita ang sarili ko na maging fully engage sa book na ito since it is in romance genre but surprisingly sobrang nagustuhan ko sya.
Here are the reasons why:
Una, yung writing style.
Ipinaramdam sakin ng author na hindi mo kaylangang gumawa or sumulat ng mga mabulaklak na salita para maenganyo mo yung iyong mambabasa. Sobrang simple pero may sense lahat ng mga pangungusap na binibitawan ni Ms Cath sa akdang ito. Madaling sundan at talaga namang makakarelate ka.
Pangalawa, yung mga characters at yung vibe n binibigay ng librong ito
Pinaramdam ni Ms. Cath na kasama ka sa storya or kung hindi man ay nadaanan mo itong phase na ito sa buhay mo. Madali kong minahal sila Nat, Lena at Raf. lalo na si Nat na isa sa mga karakter na nagbigay ng kulay sa akdang ito.
Pangatlo at ang Panghuli, yung lessons dito sa librong ito
Marami akong natutunan at binaon matapos kong mabasa ito. Napaalalahanan ako na okey lang matakot, na sa buhay, may times na natatalo tayo pero hindi pa yun ang huli, kasi katulad sa laro, pwede tayong mag mag reset at magsimula. Na okay lang na masaktan at matuto sa mga pagkakamali natin sa buhay.
So kung naghanap ka ng libro na perfect gift this valentine season para sa iyong kaibigan o kaibigan. or kung gusto mo lang kiligin at mag chill, I am highly recommending this one for you.
Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars
September 24, 2024
I've read the first fifty pages in three days (I think I was nursing a reading slump when I started this one) and finished the rest of the book in a few hours - which goes to show that you can definitely read this in one-sitting.
To simplify, this is a heartwarming, game-inspired coming-of-age story about two best friends, Nat and Lena, as they navigate complicated situations in both their friendship and personal lives.
If there's one lesson that I've learned while reading this book, it is to never assume the concept of the story by its blurb! I was hesitant to read this because I thought it was a young adult romance between gamers, and though there's nothing wrong with it, I've long accepted that it's a genre that I've already outgrown. Hence, when I reached its conclusion (and read the author's note), it warmed my heart in so many ways. True, it has romantic elements, but surprisingly, it wasn't a love story after all.
What I loved most about this book was the refreshing take on young love, specifically Nat's experiences that could resonate to many young adult readers. I also admired how the author wrote each character with thoughtfulness and complexity (i.e. how Lena can be both goal-driven and opportunistic; or how Nat might be the greenest of the flags but can be irrational and self-centered). The writing—and the plot, by extension—was simple, yet it was impactful; and it carries life lessons that can serve as reminders for us all, whether we're young or young-at-heart.
I highly recommend this for readers who like quick, light yet heart-tugging YA story! Or if you like NPC games, too. :)
To simplify, this is a heartwarming, game-inspired coming-of-age story about two best friends, Nat and Lena, as they navigate complicated situations in both their friendship and personal lives.
If there's one lesson that I've learned while reading this book, it is to never assume the concept of the story by its blurb! I was hesitant to read this because I thought it was a young adult romance between gamers, and though there's nothing wrong with it, I've long accepted that it's a genre that I've already outgrown. Hence, when I reached its conclusion (and read the author's note), it warmed my heart in so many ways. True, it has romantic elements, but surprisingly, it wasn't a love story after all.
What I loved most about this book was the refreshing take on young love, specifically Nat's experiences that could resonate to many young adult readers. I also admired how the author wrote each character with thoughtfulness and complexity (i.e. how Lena can be both goal-driven and opportunistic; or how Nat might be the greenest of the flags but can be irrational and self-centered). The writing—and the plot, by extension—was simple, yet it was impactful; and it carries life lessons that can serve as reminders for us all, whether we're young or young-at-heart.
I highly recommend this for readers who like quick, light yet heart-tugging YA story! Or if you like NPC games, too. :)
March 31, 2025
For the Win is a coming of age story written by Catherine Dellosa that’s smartly constructed and brimming with heart. I saw my younger self with the book’s core questions about growing up. Dellosa does the story-telling quite well on a technical perspective, and it was extremely enjoyable to read the book thanks to that.
For the sake of not exceeding 2000 words, I decide to center my review on the two major parts of the book:
The Romantic Aspect
The narration introduces itself as a teen romance, as the main character Nat starts the book by deciding to secure the affection of Lena, his long-time crush and his best friend. Most of the things we come to expect of the genre are here, such as the cast of characters fitting into romcom archetypes (the Romantic Rival, the Best Friend, the Supportive Relative, etc), the big romantic gesture scene at Lena’s birthday, and the six-peso coin as the Token of Love.
Dellosa’s romcom elements are solid, evidently she respects the form; while at the same time she goes a little beyond what’s expected so as to give these elements extra depth and complexity. Building them up made it so that these elements can come into full force when the shift away from romance happens 2/3rds of the way through the story, and the book has to fall back on its other components to carry itself to the end.
Using the strappings of romance as its base, Pinoy gaming culture then fills the rest of the book with stylizations and character. This combination is pretty rare, and I think Dellosa does it aptly.
For one, the moments centered on gaming are pretty accurate. Selling high-level accounts, the internet cafe, hackathons, among others, are scenes familiar to that community. If not realistic, then heightened as reasonably expected for the romcom beat it’s fulfilling—such as when the romantic rival, gaming personality Rafael Antonio, defeats Nat in a match and gives Nat a reason to substantiate his insecurity. The crowd that Raf’s celebrity profile attracts to the family internet cafe cheers for his win, basically a romcom requirement. Dellosa, who plays MMOs and video games for a living, clearly has a deep love for gaming culture. This personal connection shines through, making her work stand out.
The most romantic aspect of For the Win is Nat’s thoughts about Lena. Through Nat, Dellosa captures the pure yearning of youth. These parts of the novel are both cute and a bit cringey (I used to feel exactly like Nat, and it’s embarrassing in the best way). But this also proves the book’s ability to capture young love in its innocent, naïve form.
The Coming of Age Aspect
For the Win is foremost a coming-of-age story. So when we first meet Nat, he’s well-intentioned but shortsighted. The book is aware of what Nat is even if he isn’t. Right from the start, the book hints at Nat’s immaturity. His laser focus on winning Lena’s love isn’t just romantic—it’s a youthful disregard for his responsibilities toward school and family. His one-sided view of 24-year-old Rafael Antonio as a romantic rival shows his immaturity, not realizing the mental and emotional gap between someone in their 20s and someone barely out of their teens. His failure to notice his friend’s turmoil is another sign of how self-absorbed he is, constantly talking about his love life while ignoring his friend’s struggles.
Everything is changing around Nat, and he tries to deny that his world was changing at a fundamental level until dire situations forced his hand—his father was hospitalized and Lena and Nat had a big fight over Lena’s changing career dream.
Once the book shifts, Nat’s conversations with the other characters give him a better sense of reality. Rafael Antonio says Lena is too young for him (thank god!). His parents were not first loves. His friend is actually going through a bad break-up. Nat realizes his by himself that his own immaturity is to blame when he loses the competition for a scholarship—a consequence of his hilarious approach of neglecting the paper requirments and banking it all on winning the gaming tournament component.
Love is not the question of adulthood— Dellosa doesn’t mock or minimize the impact of young love. Rather, it’s that adulthood essentially transforms people, and changed people don’t always love the same thing, nor will love keep looking the exact same way. Crossing the threshold of adulthood isn’t going to go exactly as expected, because things we hoped we’d keep through the transition don’t all stay with us through.
Nat slowly comes to terms with this new hand he’s been dealt. We see glimpses of what he will become as a young man. One who has some traditional-seeming values, such as working partly for the family’s well-being, and some that are of this age, like his dream of working in the gaming industry. We can see his change, down to his newer, subtler, more considerate approach in caring for Lena.
The book shows us through Nat that as things disappear from the rearview, new ones will show up for us. And if we keep our door open for them, if we meet these emergent opportunities in the middle, then that new look of life can be beautiful still.
Trailers, Blurbs and Spoilers
The only problem with the book’s ending is related to the blurb on the cover. This instance made me ask about the pragmatic necessity that is book marketing, throwing a wrench into the book as an artistic experience. Trailers do this for movies as well. Marketing pieces that exist to help art, sometimes work against it.
The blurb that made me think about this is from E.L. Shen, who says about For the Win:
This quote is mostly accurate, and does its job of attracting the target demographic for the book. I don’t really blame E.L. Shen for anything I’m going to talk about. But this quote essentially gives away not just the general direction of the book, but the epilogue itself.
Patterned in the same way as 500 Days of Summer’s conclusion, Nat ends the book by meeting a new girl. To the reader, the new girl functions as a symbol of a new chapter, a reference point wherein we can compare Nat’s interactions between the old and new love interest, thereby showcasing how he has changed as a person. Before seeing us out, Dellosa again derives from the catalog of romance as a way to showcase familiarity with the genre and to use it as a vehicle for her message. It's a nice ending. I really liked how it closed Nat’s arc. And I perhaps would have enjoyed it more if the blurb didn’t essentially spoil me! It gave away the ending! If I read it wholly blind, the experience would have been a slow dawning of what the writer was referencing. The ending would have been an homage, of sorts, to earlier works that played with the same themes. Don’t get me wrong, I still liked it, but the enjoyment was considerably deflated. Ahhhh, I wish the blurb didn’t mention 500 Days of Summer outright, or at all….
Final Thoughts
Thanks to Dellosa’s deep understanding of every story component in For the Win, from its genre-shift to its distinct gamer aesthetics, the book fully harmonizes all its threads to create this unique, bittersweet, and poignant story of self-discovery. Young adults might connect themselves in Nat’s relatable emotional rollercoaster. Adult readers can appreciate the book’s multitudinous forms and reflect on our definitions of adulthood. For the Win is for anyone who’s faced—or will face—the challenges of growing up, and wants to hear that the unpredictable journey of life is to embrace discovering who you really are.
Read this for Akdang Pinoy’s Book of the Month, February 2025
For the sake of not exceeding 2000 words, I decide to center my review on the two major parts of the book:
The Romantic Aspect
The narration introduces itself as a teen romance, as the main character Nat starts the book by deciding to secure the affection of Lena, his long-time crush and his best friend. Most of the things we come to expect of the genre are here, such as the cast of characters fitting into romcom archetypes (the Romantic Rival, the Best Friend, the Supportive Relative, etc), the big romantic gesture scene at Lena’s birthday, and the six-peso coin as the Token of Love.
Dellosa’s romcom elements are solid, evidently she respects the form; while at the same time she goes a little beyond what’s expected so as to give these elements extra depth and complexity. Building them up made it so that these elements can come into full force when the shift away from romance happens 2/3rds of the way through the story, and the book has to fall back on its other components to carry itself to the end.
Using the strappings of romance as its base, Pinoy gaming culture then fills the rest of the book with stylizations and character. This combination is pretty rare, and I think Dellosa does it aptly.
For one, the moments centered on gaming are pretty accurate. Selling high-level accounts, the internet cafe, hackathons, among others, are scenes familiar to that community. If not realistic, then heightened as reasonably expected for the romcom beat it’s fulfilling—such as when the romantic rival, gaming personality Rafael Antonio, defeats Nat in a match and gives Nat a reason to substantiate his insecurity. The crowd that Raf’s celebrity profile attracts to the family internet cafe cheers for his win, basically a romcom requirement. Dellosa, who plays MMOs and video games for a living, clearly has a deep love for gaming culture. This personal connection shines through, making her work stand out.
The most romantic aspect of For the Win is Nat’s thoughts about Lena. Through Nat, Dellosa captures the pure yearning of youth. These parts of the novel are both cute and a bit cringey (I used to feel exactly like Nat, and it’s embarrassing in the best way). But this also proves the book’s ability to capture young love in its innocent, naïve form.
“Lena smiles at me with a brightness that reaches her eyes, and with the way her head is tilted to one side and her hair is falling down her shoulders, there is just no possible way for me not to catch my breath. I don't even remember a time before I was completely smitten. Was there even a time? It just seems like the farthest memory I can remember was standing at the edge of the end, at that point where everything became a before and an after.”
— Nat describing Lena during her 18th birthday dinner, Page 103
The Coming of Age Aspect
For the Win is foremost a coming-of-age story. So when we first meet Nat, he’s well-intentioned but shortsighted. The book is aware of what Nat is even if he isn’t. Right from the start, the book hints at Nat’s immaturity. His laser focus on winning Lena’s love isn’t just romantic—it’s a youthful disregard for his responsibilities toward school and family. His one-sided view of 24-year-old Rafael Antonio as a romantic rival shows his immaturity, not realizing the mental and emotional gap between someone in their 20s and someone barely out of their teens. His failure to notice his friend’s turmoil is another sign of how self-absorbed he is, constantly talking about his love life while ignoring his friend’s struggles.
Everything is changing around Nat, and he tries to deny that his world was changing at a fundamental level until dire situations forced his hand—his father was hospitalized and Lena and Nat had a big fight over Lena’s changing career dream.
Once the book shifts, Nat’s conversations with the other characters give him a better sense of reality. Rafael Antonio says Lena is too young for him (thank god!). His parents were not first loves. His friend is actually going through a bad break-up. Nat realizes his by himself that his own immaturity is to blame when he loses the competition for a scholarship—a consequence of his hilarious approach of neglecting the paper requirments and banking it all on winning the gaming tournament component.
Love is not the question of adulthood— Dellosa doesn’t mock or minimize the impact of young love. Rather, it’s that adulthood essentially transforms people, and changed people don’t always love the same thing, nor will love keep looking the exact same way. Crossing the threshold of adulthood isn’t going to go exactly as expected, because things we hoped we’d keep through the transition don’t all stay with us through.
Nat slowly comes to terms with this new hand he’s been dealt. We see glimpses of what he will become as a young man. One who has some traditional-seeming values, such as working partly for the family’s well-being, and some that are of this age, like his dream of working in the gaming industry. We can see his change, down to his newer, subtler, more considerate approach in caring for Lena.
The book shows us through Nat that as things disappear from the rearview, new ones will show up for us. And if we keep our door open for them, if we meet these emergent opportunities in the middle, then that new look of life can be beautiful still.
Trailers, Blurbs and Spoilers
The only problem with the book’s ending is related to the blurb on the cover. This instance made me ask about the pragmatic necessity that is book marketing, throwing a wrench into the book as an artistic experience. Trailers do this for movies as well. Marketing pieces that exist to help art, sometimes work against it.
The blurb that made me think about this is from E.L. Shen, who says about For the Win:
“Perfect for fans of 500 Days of Summer.
This quote is mostly accurate, and does its job of attracting the target demographic for the book. I don’t really blame E.L. Shen for anything I’m going to talk about. But this quote essentially gives away not just the general direction of the book, but the epilogue itself.
Patterned in the same way as 500 Days of Summer’s conclusion, Nat ends the book by meeting a new girl. To the reader, the new girl functions as a symbol of a new chapter, a reference point wherein we can compare Nat’s interactions between the old and new love interest, thereby showcasing how he has changed as a person. Before seeing us out, Dellosa again derives from the catalog of romance as a way to showcase familiarity with the genre and to use it as a vehicle for her message. It's a nice ending. I really liked how it closed Nat’s arc. And I perhaps would have enjoyed it more if the blurb didn’t essentially spoil me! It gave away the ending! If I read it wholly blind, the experience would have been a slow dawning of what the writer was referencing. The ending would have been an homage, of sorts, to earlier works that played with the same themes. Don’t get me wrong, I still liked it, but the enjoyment was considerably deflated. Ahhhh, I wish the blurb didn’t mention 500 Days of Summer outright, or at all….
Final Thoughts
Thanks to Dellosa’s deep understanding of every story component in For the Win, from its genre-shift to its distinct gamer aesthetics, the book fully harmonizes all its threads to create this unique, bittersweet, and poignant story of self-discovery. Young adults might connect themselves in Nat’s relatable emotional rollercoaster. Adult readers can appreciate the book’s multitudinous forms and reflect on our definitions of adulthood. For the Win is for anyone who’s faced—or will face—the challenges of growing up, and wants to hear that the unpredictable journey of life is to embrace discovering who you really are.
Read this for Akdang Pinoy’s Book of the Month, February 2025
April 27, 2025
thoroughly enjoyed the gaming element and the fact that the main characters don't get together :")
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2023
Edited Review | Actual Rating: 4.75 🌟
Catherine Dellosaʼs “For the Win” hit all the right notes for me. The story revolves around Nat and Lena, inseparable friends bonded by their love for the Filipino video game “Mitolohiya,” featuring creatures from Filipino folklore. Whatʼs impressive is that the story goes beyond the game, exploring Nat and Lenaʼs connection, dreams, journeys, and growing feelings for each other.
The narrative carries a poignant “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” vibe, especially through the boyʼs perspective as he yearns for the girl. Iʼm completely captivated by the portrayal, relishing the subtleties of the boyʼs enduring affection. The angst, stolen glances, and the twinge of jealousy seeing her with someone else resonate deeply—a story truly worth every moment.
Diving into Filipino culture, the narrative vividly captures scenes of the typical computer shop, post-class “tusok-tusok” sessions, and students chasing scholarships. As a freshman, these situations felt familiar. The addition of witty and playful chapter names brings a delightful touch, encapsulating the essence of a typical young adult story.
I canʼt find any criticism—only admiration for Nat and Lena. Their friendshipʼs evolution, understanding, and eventual development pull at the heartstrings. Itʼs a genuine, though heart-wrenching, journey—the kind of simple, friendship-focused Filipino narrative that lingers in your memory.
If you love a “love story that isnʼt about romantic love,” then this book would be perfect for you. Iʼm excited for everyone to discover this gem!
Catherine Dellosaʼs “For the Win” hit all the right notes for me. The story revolves around Nat and Lena, inseparable friends bonded by their love for the Filipino video game “Mitolohiya,” featuring creatures from Filipino folklore. Whatʼs impressive is that the story goes beyond the game, exploring Nat and Lenaʼs connection, dreams, journeys, and growing feelings for each other.
The narrative carries a poignant “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” vibe, especially through the boyʼs perspective as he yearns for the girl. Iʼm completely captivated by the portrayal, relishing the subtleties of the boyʼs enduring affection. The angst, stolen glances, and the twinge of jealousy seeing her with someone else resonate deeply—a story truly worth every moment.
Diving into Filipino culture, the narrative vividly captures scenes of the typical computer shop, post-class “tusok-tusok” sessions, and students chasing scholarships. As a freshman, these situations felt familiar. The addition of witty and playful chapter names brings a delightful touch, encapsulating the essence of a typical young adult story.
I canʼt find any criticism—only admiration for Nat and Lena. Their friendshipʼs evolution, understanding, and eventual development pull at the heartstrings. Itʼs a genuine, though heart-wrenching, journey—the kind of simple, friendship-focused Filipino narrative that lingers in your memory.
If you love a “love story that isnʼt about romantic love,” then this book would be perfect for you. Iʼm excited for everyone to discover this gem!
Read
August 23, 2025"Fort the Win: The Not-So-Epic Quest of a Non-Playable Character"
by Catherine Dellosa
Penguin Random House
2023
*****
PRH chose great taglines for this book. But I guess, the best ones are that this book is "poignant, charming, unexpected story of unrequited love."
From the get go, we get to relive young love through the eyes of a love-sick gamer eighteen year old (as in langong-lango sa pag-ibig) Nathaniel Carpio who has fallen for his best friend, Lena Dizon.
His story perfectly depicts the following:
- to confess or not to confess for fear of losing the friendship
- big changes that shakes our very core
- the initial reaction when things don't go our way
- young love is not all butterflies and roses
- it is important to have a great support system
I especially loved the flaws of the characters and how these make them more relatable (sometimes annoying) lol.
My favorite characters aside from the main characters would be:
- Josh: seriously, we need a friend like him who will knock sense into us when we need it
- Mr C and Mrs C: I love that they supported Nat with his love for gaming
- Nat's school: Who wouldn't like a school who supports gaming???
- Ate Ami: because when our parents and/or closest friends are incommunicado, we need a mature persona we can rely on
What a beautiful world it would be if people do not judge gamers and acknowledge that there is a different intelligence to be gained in playing video games/online games too. (Husband's thesis was about this)
Non-gamers aka common folk may be intimidated by this as video games and other things dubbed as "nerdy stuff" are part of the plot and narrative.
But fret not, because the jargons do not throw the reader off and will still definitely enjoy the story and how it unfolds because the writing style is fun. Although if you are a gamer and you pick this up, this will defintely be your cup of tea and will have tons of "hey-i-know-this" moments because the author is a gamer, herself.
Catherine Dellosa remains to be one of my favorite authors and go-to for YA. And because she has a knack in writing heart-wrenching stories from a teenager's point-of-view. But instead of "rage-quitting", the reader is eased into finishing the story--like how she ushers not just the main character but also the reader in realizing the faults, the redemption, and the knowledge that we all deserve better.
by Catherine Dellosa
Penguin Random House
2023
*****
PRH chose great taglines for this book. But I guess, the best ones are that this book is "poignant, charming, unexpected story of unrequited love."
From the get go, we get to relive young love through the eyes of a love-sick gamer eighteen year old (as in langong-lango sa pag-ibig) Nathaniel Carpio who has fallen for his best friend, Lena Dizon.
His story perfectly depicts the following:
- to confess or not to confess for fear of losing the friendship
- big changes that shakes our very core
- the initial reaction when things don't go our way
- young love is not all butterflies and roses
- it is important to have a great support system
I especially loved the flaws of the characters and how these make them more relatable (sometimes annoying) lol.
My favorite characters aside from the main characters would be:
- Josh: seriously, we need a friend like him who will knock sense into us when we need it
- Mr C and Mrs C: I love that they supported Nat with his love for gaming
- Nat's school: Who wouldn't like a school who supports gaming???
- Ate Ami: because when our parents and/or closest friends are incommunicado, we need a mature persona we can rely on
What a beautiful world it would be if people do not judge gamers and acknowledge that there is a different intelligence to be gained in playing video games/online games too. (Husband's thesis was about this)
Non-gamers aka common folk may be intimidated by this as video games and other things dubbed as "nerdy stuff" are part of the plot and narrative.
But fret not, because the jargons do not throw the reader off and will still definitely enjoy the story and how it unfolds because the writing style is fun. Although if you are a gamer and you pick this up, this will defintely be your cup of tea and will have tons of "hey-i-know-this" moments because the author is a gamer, herself.
Catherine Dellosa remains to be one of my favorite authors and go-to for YA. And because she has a knack in writing heart-wrenching stories from a teenager's point-of-view. But instead of "rage-quitting", the reader is eased into finishing the story--like how she ushers not just the main character but also the reader in realizing the faults, the redemption, and the knowledge that we all deserve better.
July 6, 2024
Nathaniel Castro thinks he is falling in love with his best friend, Elena Dizon. She is his constant companion and they always do things together, from eating chicken inasal to playing games together. Ans when Tala Tales Games offers scholarships, Nat thinks they should go for it. There is nothing that Nat wants to do than spend the rest of his life doing things together with Lena. Enter Rafael Antonio, the world renowned Filipino voice actor. Lena is star-struck and spends her time with Raf which makes Nat jealous and insecure. With the scholarship underway and his future in the line, Nat has to make a decision if winning his best friend is the right strategy.
Ah this one reminds you of your first loves and crushes. While reading this, you will be transported in that awkward stage of young love, the pains and aches having to talk to your crushes, which I think Dellosa is able to capture and describe here perfectly on point, making us remember this and feels nostalgia about you being young once.
I like the setting, very Filipino and something that I can very well relate. The computer shops are the in-thing back then when internet is new and you go to these shops to play or surf the internet. I distinctly reminder going to these places and I can imagine this in the story. I am not a gamer and I have no idea what the games being played is about but you don’t have to be one to understand. It is part of the story but not the story itself. This also reminds me the book Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow.
Towards the end of the books, I feel for Nat and Lena when they talk about their feelings, their wants, the need to grow and discover themselves, to face the challenges life has to offer, making you remember you were once their age, making messy and unsound decisions, scared of facing the unknown. I love that the author shows the realities of young love that not everything is perfect and we don’t always get our happy ending because life is a little complicated than that.
Love the story, love the characters, couldn’t recommend this book enough!
Ah this one reminds you of your first loves and crushes. While reading this, you will be transported in that awkward stage of young love, the pains and aches having to talk to your crushes, which I think Dellosa is able to capture and describe here perfectly on point, making us remember this and feels nostalgia about you being young once.
I like the setting, very Filipino and something that I can very well relate. The computer shops are the in-thing back then when internet is new and you go to these shops to play or surf the internet. I distinctly reminder going to these places and I can imagine this in the story. I am not a gamer and I have no idea what the games being played is about but you don’t have to be one to understand. It is part of the story but not the story itself. This also reminds me the book Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow.
Towards the end of the books, I feel for Nat and Lena when they talk about their feelings, their wants, the need to grow and discover themselves, to face the challenges life has to offer, making you remember you were once their age, making messy and unsound decisions, scared of facing the unknown. I love that the author shows the realities of young love that not everything is perfect and we don’t always get our happy ending because life is a little complicated than that.
Love the story, love the characters, couldn’t recommend this book enough!
December 2, 2023
This book centers around teenage characters and has romance in it but IT'S NOT A LOVE STORY... and I am sooo here for it!
Hindi ko alam kung anong sasabihin ko but what I know is that I closed this book na feeling ko I witnessed a phase in Nat's life wherein natuto siya ng important lesson sa buhay niya.
All the characters are very lovable. The friendship is sweet and supportive, but also honest. Yung pamilya ni Nat is sweet, fun, and sana-all worthy. Lena's family, tho imperfect, is very relatable para sa akin since I also have a very complicated relationship with my mother. The chapter names are soooo witty and fun, it's giving Rick Riordan vibes.
This is very Pinoy because of the elements of the computer shop, 7/11, at barbekyuhan sa gilid, pero hindi alienating para sa mga hindi nakatira sa Pinas.
Naaalala ko 'yung mga crush at selos moments ko nung kabataan ko, this unrequited-love thoughts are sooo close to me as a baklang teenager na nagka-crush sa mga straight na mga kaklase niya before. Kaya Nat, I feel you!
Isingit ko lang na tawang-tawa ako sa Carpio Diem na name ng computer shop! Ang witty! Feeling ko magkakasundo kami ng tatay ni Nat!
Tho aaminin ko, hindi ko alam kung paano ang mechanics ng Mitolohiya, the game na center sa libro na 'to, ina-eyeball ko na lang ang imagination ko kapag may scene na something about the game. Hehe.
The last conversation between Nat and Lena up to Nat's meeting with someone sa Dean's office is such a refreshing moment for me. Naexcite ako para sa new chapter in Nat's life. I am rooting for him and Lena sa new beginning na ito ng buhay nila.
I enjoyed the story and these characters! Actual rating is 4.5 stars. Lavet!
Ps. Thank you Ma'am Catherine Dellosa for sending this book my way together with a lot of bookish swags. Huhu, kilig ako so much!
Pps. Hindi naapektuhan ng libreng books and swags ang review na 'to, read it for yourself. Maganda siya.
Hindi ko alam kung anong sasabihin ko but what I know is that I closed this book na feeling ko I witnessed a phase in Nat's life wherein natuto siya ng important lesson sa buhay niya.
All the characters are very lovable. The friendship is sweet and supportive, but also honest. Yung pamilya ni Nat is sweet, fun, and sana-all worthy. Lena's family, tho imperfect, is very relatable para sa akin since I also have a very complicated relationship with my mother. The chapter names are soooo witty and fun, it's giving Rick Riordan vibes.
This is very Pinoy because of the elements of the computer shop, 7/11, at barbekyuhan sa gilid, pero hindi alienating para sa mga hindi nakatira sa Pinas.
Naaalala ko 'yung mga crush at selos moments ko nung kabataan ko, this unrequited-love thoughts are sooo close to me as a baklang teenager na nagka-crush sa mga straight na mga kaklase niya before. Kaya Nat, I feel you!
Isingit ko lang na tawang-tawa ako sa Carpio Diem na name ng computer shop! Ang witty! Feeling ko magkakasundo kami ng tatay ni Nat!
Tho aaminin ko, hindi ko alam kung paano ang mechanics ng Mitolohiya, the game na center sa libro na 'to, ina-eyeball ko na lang ang imagination ko kapag may scene na something about the game. Hehe.
The last conversation between Nat and Lena up to Nat's meeting with someone sa Dean's office is such a refreshing moment for me. Naexcite ako para sa new chapter in Nat's life. I am rooting for him and Lena sa new beginning na ito ng buhay nila.
I enjoyed the story and these characters! Actual rating is 4.5 stars. Lavet!
Ps. Thank you Ma'am Catherine Dellosa for sending this book my way together with a lot of bookish swags. Huhu, kilig ako so much!
Pps. Hindi naapektuhan ng libreng books and swags ang review na 'to, read it for yourself. Maganda siya.
September 29, 2023
"Catherine Dellosa's 'For the Win' is a refreshing take on young love, skillfully camouflaged within the world of video games. It's a story that doesn't conform to typical romance norms; instead, it serves up an authentic portrayal of the emotions and friendships that blossom during those tumultuous years. It evokes the timeless yearning expressed in Shakespeare's verses but presents it through the lens of a young boy's perspective, which is utterly amusing when I read it.
Dellosa beautifully infuses Filipino culture into the narrative, painting a vivid picture of everyday life in a computer shop and the post-class 'tusok-tusok' sessions, which was quite interesting and new. The witty and playful chapter names add a unique charm to the story.
What sets 'For the Win' apart is its genuine and heartwarming exploration of Nat and Lena's relationship. It's a journey of friendship, understanding, and growth, and it's depicted with remarkable authenticity. It's not just a romance; it's a story about self-discovery, change, and the different facets of love.
The fictional video game 'Mitolohiya' inspired by Filipino myths is a delightful addition, and you can't help but imagine the epic battles and adventures. While this book isn't confined to the romance genre, it still manages to rekindle the giddy, teenage feeling of being in love.
'For the Win' defies conventions and leaves you with a profound appreciation for the complexities of young love and the enduring bonds of friendship. It's a story that lingers in your heart, reminding you of the messy yet beautiful tapestry of youth. If you're seeking a tale that's more about the journey than the destination, 'For the Win' is an adventure you won't want to miss."
Dellosa beautifully infuses Filipino culture into the narrative, painting a vivid picture of everyday life in a computer shop and the post-class 'tusok-tusok' sessions, which was quite interesting and new. The witty and playful chapter names add a unique charm to the story.
What sets 'For the Win' apart is its genuine and heartwarming exploration of Nat and Lena's relationship. It's a journey of friendship, understanding, and growth, and it's depicted with remarkable authenticity. It's not just a romance; it's a story about self-discovery, change, and the different facets of love.
The fictional video game 'Mitolohiya' inspired by Filipino myths is a delightful addition, and you can't help but imagine the epic battles and adventures. While this book isn't confined to the romance genre, it still manages to rekindle the giddy, teenage feeling of being in love.
'For the Win' defies conventions and leaves you with a profound appreciation for the complexities of young love and the enduring bonds of friendship. It's a story that lingers in your heart, reminding you of the messy yet beautiful tapestry of youth. If you're seeking a tale that's more about the journey than the destination, 'For the Win' is an adventure you won't want to miss."
August 21, 2023
In the strictest sense of the word, For the Win: The Not-So-Epic Quest of a Non-Playable Character is not a romance. There is no "happily ever after", and my characters don't ride off into the sunset hand-in-hand with the promise of getting married and having kids. On the other end of the spectrum, it's not a depressing tragedy, either. For the Win is, in essence, a simple but realistic romp through the perils of young love and the misconceptions the youth often have along the way.
Despite the geeky gaming vibe that I know and love, it hasn't been the easiest story to tell, mainly because I struggled a lot with portraying the tricky waters of Nat's misguided ‘love’ here. So thank you, dearest reader, for sticking by this odd little tale. It's a simple story about a gamer's quest for love that develops into a quiet but poignant account of what it means to find yourself. It tackles issues on learning to change and let go, as well as the right and wrong kind of love. While there's a lesson to be learned in there somewhere, I also just wanted to feed my geekiness by writing about video games, as always. Mitolohiya, in particular, is very much inspired by StarCraft, and is basically my wish that someone out there would make an actual RTS game about Filipino myths.
If nothing else, I do hope that you enjoyed the quirkiness of the tale and its emotional undertones, and maybe helped you appreciate—or reminisce about—young love in all its messy glory.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. GG!
Despite the geeky gaming vibe that I know and love, it hasn't been the easiest story to tell, mainly because I struggled a lot with portraying the tricky waters of Nat's misguided ‘love’ here. So thank you, dearest reader, for sticking by this odd little tale. It's a simple story about a gamer's quest for love that develops into a quiet but poignant account of what it means to find yourself. It tackles issues on learning to change and let go, as well as the right and wrong kind of love. While there's a lesson to be learned in there somewhere, I also just wanted to feed my geekiness by writing about video games, as always. Mitolohiya, in particular, is very much inspired by StarCraft, and is basically my wish that someone out there would make an actual RTS game about Filipino myths.
If nothing else, I do hope that you enjoyed the quirkiness of the tale and its emotional undertones, and maybe helped you appreciate—or reminisce about—young love in all its messy glory.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. GG!
November 15, 2023
"But I am not an NPC. I refuse to be one."
If anyone saw me cry at 2 AM because of this book, NO YOU DID NOT. 😂
This was so, so good. It's short, it's simple, and it packs quite a punch. This book is very much a story about the good and the bad of experiencing young love, and the changes youth need to go through as we grow.
I love that this book highlighted the naivety and misguidedness of young love, the fear of things changing and things not going into plan, of how friendships and a good support system from family can be everything for someone, and how relationships are ultimately more than just love and attraction. The author got all of this on point and oh it was so good. Made my heart ache yes, but it was so, so good.
I also love how funny and light the writing style, but the storytelling still didn't shy away from these serious topics. I love the nostalgia the author created with Internet cafes 😆 And the fact that Philippine mythology was a big part of the video game in the story! (Like how cool?!)
Overall, For the Win was just entertaining and deeply moving. If you need a good cry or you just want to be reminded of young love, this might be it for you 😆
Exact rating: 4.5
Thank you Penguin SEA and author for the e-ARC! This of course does not affect my overall opinion of the book.
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
If anyone saw me cry at 2 AM because of this book, NO YOU DID NOT. 😂
This was so, so good. It's short, it's simple, and it packs quite a punch. This book is very much a story about the good and the bad of experiencing young love, and the changes youth need to go through as we grow.
I love that this book highlighted the naivety and misguidedness of young love, the fear of things changing and things not going into plan, of how friendships and a good support system from family can be everything for someone, and how relationships are ultimately more than just love and attraction. The author got all of this on point and oh it was so good. Made my heart ache yes, but it was so, so good.
I also love how funny and light the writing style, but the storytelling still didn't shy away from these serious topics. I love the nostalgia the author created with Internet cafes 😆 And the fact that Philippine mythology was a big part of the video game in the story! (Like how cool?!)
Overall, For the Win was just entertaining and deeply moving. If you need a good cry or you just want to be reminded of young love, this might be it for you 😆
Exact rating: 4.5
Thank you Penguin SEA and author for the e-ARC! This of course does not affect my overall opinion of the book.
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
February 28, 2025
This is a YA romance featuring Filipino teens Nathaniel Carpio and Elena Dizon as they obsess over a real-time strategy game called Mitolohiya and navigate their lives from high school to college.
First thing that I liked about For the Win is the author’s writing style. This is my second time reading a Catherine Dellosa YA that includes romance and I can say that I am now a fan of her style. Both For the Win and The Summer of Letting Go are written in a way that is easy to follow even if there are heavy topics discussed.
TSOLG talks mainly about grief and moving on while FTW tackles about responsibility and relationship with family. And the author balanced the discussion of heavy and light themes in a way that it feels that one does not overshadow the other - perfect balance imho.
Second, the vibe. If you grew up during the computer shop era in 2010s, you’ll definitely know what I’m talking about. The days of long hours spent sitting in front of monitor while battling with friends and strangers over DOTA, the weeks of constantly visiting kanto grilleries and spending time at 7/11, and the months of overthinking and hoping that your crush also likes you back. For the Win captured these in less than 200 pages.
Lastly, the plot is definitely iconic! Realistic and raw, the story of Nathan and Elena is a mirror of how first love works - how it makes us feel like it’s going to be the end of the world if we don’t end up with them. I love love how it ended and I highly recommend this. 4.5stars!
First thing that I liked about For the Win is the author’s writing style. This is my second time reading a Catherine Dellosa YA that includes romance and I can say that I am now a fan of her style. Both For the Win and The Summer of Letting Go are written in a way that is easy to follow even if there are heavy topics discussed.
TSOLG talks mainly about grief and moving on while FTW tackles about responsibility and relationship with family. And the author balanced the discussion of heavy and light themes in a way that it feels that one does not overshadow the other - perfect balance imho.
Second, the vibe. If you grew up during the computer shop era in 2010s, you’ll definitely know what I’m talking about. The days of long hours spent sitting in front of monitor while battling with friends and strangers over DOTA, the weeks of constantly visiting kanto grilleries and spending time at 7/11, and the months of overthinking and hoping that your crush also likes you back. For the Win captured these in less than 200 pages.
Lastly, the plot is definitely iconic! Realistic and raw, the story of Nathan and Elena is a mirror of how first love works - how it makes us feel like it’s going to be the end of the world if we don’t end up with them. I love love how it ended and I highly recommend this. 4.5stars!
October 11, 2023
Catherine Dellosa's "For The Win: The Not-So-Epic Quest Of A Non-Playable Character" is like watching a heartfelt cinematic adventure that breathes life between the pages. I've been in a reading slump for what seems like an eternity, but this fun and fast-paced novel was precisely what I needed to rekindle my love of reading.
This book isn't about picture-perfect romances. Instead, it's a lively examination of life's complications—how we stumble, pirouette, and fall before finding our stride. The true meaning lies in the attempt, in the beautiful chaos of becoming.
The main characters, Nat and Lena, are very lovable. Their authenticity, their quirks, and their relentless pursuit of their dreams make them utterly captivating.
The best part about this book is how it keeps you engaged from start to finish. It's a quick, enjoyable read filled with humor, touching moments in the form of a real-world showdown. The characters' journey is a roller-coaster that's both entertaining and enlightening.
"For The Win" is a lyrical journey that beckons readers into a world where love, friendship, and personal growth blend seamlessly. It is the perfect escape if you're looking for a charming, relatable story that celebrates life's beautiful messiness. It's a tale of love, friendship, and personal growth that's as heartwarming as it is entertaining.
This book isn't about picture-perfect romances. Instead, it's a lively examination of life's complications—how we stumble, pirouette, and fall before finding our stride. The true meaning lies in the attempt, in the beautiful chaos of becoming.
The main characters, Nat and Lena, are very lovable. Their authenticity, their quirks, and their relentless pursuit of their dreams make them utterly captivating.
The best part about this book is how it keeps you engaged from start to finish. It's a quick, enjoyable read filled with humor, touching moments in the form of a real-world showdown. The characters' journey is a roller-coaster that's both entertaining and enlightening.
"For The Win" is a lyrical journey that beckons readers into a world where love, friendship, and personal growth blend seamlessly. It is the perfect escape if you're looking for a charming, relatable story that celebrates life's beautiful messiness. It's a tale of love, friendship, and personal growth that's as heartwarming as it is entertaining.
November 23, 2023
📖 ARC REVIEW 📖
Thank you @thenoobwife for an early copy of For The Win: The Not-So-Epic Quest Of A Non-Playable Character. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 🤍
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5/5
Available to purchase from: National Bookstore, Fully Booked, Barnes & Noble Kinokuniya Singapore, Amazon
Blurb: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
🛑Read on with caution; review may contain spoilers🛑
For The Win is a fast-paced, but heartfelt, coming-of-age relatable novel. It captures the pining and yearning that comes with unrequited love, self-discovery, the ever-constant changes in life, and the fear that comes with it. I loved Nat’s character, he’s the absolute sweetest and ang cute niya mag-selos to a certain extent 😅. I enjoyed his and Lena’s friendship and how they bond through playing the game. Kudos to the author for making this novel not only an entertaining read overall but also a great learning experience with Philippine mythology surrounding the game that both Lena and Nat love playing. Dellosa’s writing style is also refreshing and straightforward but tugs my heartstrings.
Would highly recommend you pick this up on your next trip to the bookstore or include this book the next time you check out your online cart/s 😉
Thank you @thenoobwife for an early copy of For The Win: The Not-So-Epic Quest Of A Non-Playable Character. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 🤍
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5/5
Available to purchase from: National Bookstore, Fully Booked, Barnes & Noble Kinokuniya Singapore, Amazon
Blurb: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
🛑Read on with caution; review may contain spoilers🛑
For The Win is a fast-paced, but heartfelt, coming-of-age relatable novel. It captures the pining and yearning that comes with unrequited love, self-discovery, the ever-constant changes in life, and the fear that comes with it. I loved Nat’s character, he’s the absolute sweetest and ang cute niya mag-selos to a certain extent 😅. I enjoyed his and Lena’s friendship and how they bond through playing the game. Kudos to the author for making this novel not only an entertaining read overall but also a great learning experience with Philippine mythology surrounding the game that both Lena and Nat love playing. Dellosa’s writing style is also refreshing and straightforward but tugs my heartstrings.
Would highly recommend you pick this up on your next trip to the bookstore or include this book the next time you check out your online cart/s 😉
August 22, 2023
“A heart-wrenchingly honest chronicle of an introverted gamer geek who tries to win his best friend's heart, but is forced to rethink his game plan when a new challenger steps into the ring.”
This is For The Win, the phrase “heart-wrenchingly honest chronicle” attracted me to this book. It honestly was what I felt this book is.
This is set in Nat’s POV, so I have a front row seat of what he feels for Elena. Ahh, to be young and in love. I have read other books that are like this but this one made me feel giddy like a teenager. 😄The characters are essentially good people with Josh being the best one for me. He is what a good friend should be, straight to the point, even if the friend might not like what he will say.
I love the chapter names, how Rick Riordan writes his comes to mind. It is witty and funny, giving me a glimpse of what’s to come. I am not a gamer, but Mitolohiya seems to be a fun game, and the inclusion of Philippine mythology creatures made it special and unique. I can visualize how each battle is going based on how it was described. If this is real, it would be amazing!
The author said in her acknowledgment that this is not about romance. It is not, and that’s what makes this book great for me. I have been sharing prior to me reading this book that I’m on the verge of a slump, and For The Win got me out of it.
This is For The Win, the phrase “heart-wrenchingly honest chronicle” attracted me to this book. It honestly was what I felt this book is.
This is set in Nat’s POV, so I have a front row seat of what he feels for Elena. Ahh, to be young and in love. I have read other books that are like this but this one made me feel giddy like a teenager. 😄The characters are essentially good people with Josh being the best one for me. He is what a good friend should be, straight to the point, even if the friend might not like what he will say.
I love the chapter names, how Rick Riordan writes his comes to mind. It is witty and funny, giving me a glimpse of what’s to come. I am not a gamer, but Mitolohiya seems to be a fun game, and the inclusion of Philippine mythology creatures made it special and unique. I can visualize how each battle is going based on how it was described. If this is real, it would be amazing!
The author said in her acknowledgment that this is not about romance. It is not, and that’s what makes this book great for me. I have been sharing prior to me reading this book that I’m on the verge of a slump, and For The Win got me out of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2024
SPOILER REVIEW
My wife and I at the start were excited to read a filipino author’s book. In the beginning we were a bit intrigued because we assumed the premise would be like some sort of romcom book about a boy who would try to sabotage Raf and his attempts to woo Lena. That was not the case but it’s fine. More disappointed at how the main character being selfish and insecure through out the whole story. What is his redeeming quality? that he is nice and that he obsesses over her childhood friend? What did Lena see in our MC?
The characters overall are not fleshed out, I understand it’s a short book and you can fit so much in a book with less than 200 pages but it truly lacked substance for me. I wish Nat actually had some sort of plan of action to make it up to Lena in the end (the letter or essay he wrote was pathetic imo). He already got advice from his dad, mom, his best friend and ate Ami, yet… he still chickened out.
Now for some positives lol. I do like the gamer setting in this since, i can sorta relate to their hobbies, the humor was well written in the book, Joshua was my favorite character… however that is it.
I really wanted to like this book more, because I want to also support more filipino authors (yes I’m filipino). Excuse me for this long highly critical review of this book. I wish good luck to this author and I will seek to read more from her.
My wife and I at the start were excited to read a filipino author’s book. In the beginning we were a bit intrigued because we assumed the premise would be like some sort of romcom book about a boy who would try to sabotage Raf and his attempts to woo Lena. That was not the case but it’s fine. More disappointed at how the main character being selfish and insecure through out the whole story. What is his redeeming quality? that he is nice and that he obsesses over her childhood friend? What did Lena see in our MC?
The characters overall are not fleshed out, I understand it’s a short book and you can fit so much in a book with less than 200 pages but it truly lacked substance for me. I wish Nat actually had some sort of plan of action to make it up to Lena in the end (the letter or essay he wrote was pathetic imo). He already got advice from his dad, mom, his best friend and ate Ami, yet… he still chickened out.
Now for some positives lol. I do like the gamer setting in this since, i can sorta relate to their hobbies, the humor was well written in the book, Joshua was my favorite character… however that is it.
I really wanted to like this book more, because I want to also support more filipino authors (yes I’m filipino). Excuse me for this long highly critical review of this book. I wish good luck to this author and I will seek to read more from her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2025
a heartfelt, game-centric coming-of-age story following Nat & Lena as they navigate growing up and the shifting dynamics of their relationship. The novel vividly captures Filipino culture—its humor, food, and the nostalgia of internet cafés—while seamlessly weaving Philippine mythology into the gaming world (honestly, I wish Mitolohiya is real!)
At its core, Nat & Lena’s genuine friendship shines, supported by richly drawn family dynamics. Beyond gaming, the book explores friendship, purpose, and life’s unpredictability—a beautiful reminder that our paths often unfold in unexpected ways.
I was moved by how the characters—despite their youth—bravely confront emotions, desires, and self-growth. It reminded me of my own messy, uncertain choices at that age and the fear of an unknown future (my younger self definitely wasn’t as brave!). The author beautifully captures the complexities of teenage love—imperfect, bittersweet, and far from a fairy tale.
Both uplifting and deeply resonant, this is a captivating journey of love, friendship, and self-discovery. It’s a nostalgic yet exhilarating read that lingers, much like the thrill of stepping into a new game—full of possibilities, surprises, and lessons that stay with you long after the final level.
At its core, Nat & Lena’s genuine friendship shines, supported by richly drawn family dynamics. Beyond gaming, the book explores friendship, purpose, and life’s unpredictability—a beautiful reminder that our paths often unfold in unexpected ways.
I was moved by how the characters—despite their youth—bravely confront emotions, desires, and self-growth. It reminded me of my own messy, uncertain choices at that age and the fear of an unknown future (my younger self definitely wasn’t as brave!). The author beautifully captures the complexities of teenage love—imperfect, bittersweet, and far from a fairy tale.
Both uplifting and deeply resonant, this is a captivating journey of love, friendship, and self-discovery. It’s a nostalgic yet exhilarating read that lingers, much like the thrill of stepping into a new game—full of possibilities, surprises, and lessons that stay with you long after the final level.
June 10, 2024
For The Win by Catherine Dellosa — ★ ★ ★ ★
Tropes 🌷
- friendship
- RPG Mythology
“Things don’t always turn out the way we want them to. But the beauty is that sometimes, when our plans backfire, something better and more wonderful comes along that makes everything worthwhile.” — Mr. C
I enjoyed playing RPG and FPS games, and this book, set in Filipino mythology, took me by surprise with its unique concept! 👾
I love that this book is not just about a game but also about friendship, purpose, and learning to adapt. Change is constant, and sometimes situations make us realize there’s more to life than we plan for ourselves. 💗✨
It’s like what Nat learned: it’s okay to feel fear — what matters more is how we react to that fear. I love how Nat and Lena matured, and their growth throughout the story was truly admirable. 🫶🏻
If you’re looking for a friends-to-lovers story, you won’t find it here, but what you will get are valuable lessons in life, especially in love. 💗
Loving someone is setting them free, supporting them, and cheering them from the sidelines. Letting them go to achieve their dreams, even if it no longer includes you. 🥹
Tropes 🌷
- friendship
- RPG Mythology
“Things don’t always turn out the way we want them to. But the beauty is that sometimes, when our plans backfire, something better and more wonderful comes along that makes everything worthwhile.” — Mr. C
I enjoyed playing RPG and FPS games, and this book, set in Filipino mythology, took me by surprise with its unique concept! 👾
I love that this book is not just about a game but also about friendship, purpose, and learning to adapt. Change is constant, and sometimes situations make us realize there’s more to life than we plan for ourselves. 💗✨
It’s like what Nat learned: it’s okay to feel fear — what matters more is how we react to that fear. I love how Nat and Lena matured, and their growth throughout the story was truly admirable. 🫶🏻
If you’re looking for a friends-to-lovers story, you won’t find it here, but what you will get are valuable lessons in life, especially in love. 💗
Loving someone is setting them free, supporting them, and cheering them from the sidelines. Letting them go to achieve their dreams, even if it no longer includes you. 🥹
June 29, 2024
For The Win is a rare drop, a holy grail that is simply good, in every sense of the word... It’s difficult to pigeonhole this book as merely “YA” or even a “romance” because it is more than those labels imply. Let’s just say that it promises a GG upon reading it, and leave it at that.
Read the complete review at this link:
https://exlibrisphilippines.com/2024/...
Read the complete review at this link:
https://exlibrisphilippines.com/2024/...
February 6, 2024
2.5 🌟
im sorry i couldnt take it with nat's sadboi antics 😭 im glad he got his character development in the end, though. also loved the themes of chasing your dreams and the lesson that you don't have to be the npc of your own life.
im sorry i couldnt take it with nat's sadboi antics 😭 im glad he got his character development in the end, though. also loved the themes of chasing your dreams and the lesson that you don't have to be the npc of your own life.
April 8, 2024
So this is what it feels like to be inside of a mind of a 16 year old boy.
June 12, 2024
A perfect story about unrequited young love and struggles which is weirdly comforting, i am just in love with book’
October 8, 2025
had to force myself to finish this im sorry i just did NOT like the main characters at all
June 30, 2024
Actual rating: 4.5/5
I have read so many YA romance, and each time I basked in the excitement of young love. This book is not such romance. But it is about love, and as the author says in her note, it is “young love in all its messy glory.”
For the Win is that exactly, and dare I say this is a must-read for those seeking a realistic ride through certain phases of teenage life.
It delivers an action-packed story through the point of view of Nat, a passionate gamer about to graduate from high school, and who is navigating an intense but unrequited feelings for his best friend, Lena. He considers himself a non-playable character who stood little chance against new entry, but with main character vibes, Raf. Nat engages in a series of moves for the win, that is, to have Lena. As best friends, they already have shared plans for the future and he wouldn’t want jeopardize anything. The story shows whether he succeeds or not.
Whichever the outcome, Nat is definitely up for lessons about friendship, love, relationships, and ultimately, life. Feelings of fear and uncertainty are so relatable. Young adult or not, what matters is to take action, little or big steps to move forward.
I find the structure- akin to a video game, really appropriate. Nat has a plan and that is to go through certain levels to win. The chapter titles are inviting and witty! Mitolohiya, the game where both Nat and Lena excel, is a good nod to Philippine myths. I can only wish the game is real (check out the character cards in the photo- the game felt real!). The parallelisms between the game and Nat’s realities are compelling to decode.
Also, I am down with all the references to our local culture. Always a joy to feel seen. See that book cover? Reminds me of Netopia- a popular internet cafe from my youth lol
The book has a lot of funny parts but then I found myself crying non-stop on the last few chapters (beginning with Ate Ami’s talk with Nat). And, that ending was just really perfect for this story.
Beautiful beautiful beautiful writing. Plenty of lessons. For the Win is a winner in my book. Again, a must-read. ❤️
P.S.
In a writing workshop I attended, Cat and her fellow authors recommended that we write the books we want to read- books we want to see on the shelves. I so agree.
Along that line, For the Win is a splendid entry.
I have read so many YA romance, and each time I basked in the excitement of young love. This book is not such romance. But it is about love, and as the author says in her note, it is “young love in all its messy glory.”
For the Win is that exactly, and dare I say this is a must-read for those seeking a realistic ride through certain phases of teenage life.
It delivers an action-packed story through the point of view of Nat, a passionate gamer about to graduate from high school, and who is navigating an intense but unrequited feelings for his best friend, Lena. He considers himself a non-playable character who stood little chance against new entry, but with main character vibes, Raf. Nat engages in a series of moves for the win, that is, to have Lena. As best friends, they already have shared plans for the future and he wouldn’t want jeopardize anything. The story shows whether he succeeds or not.
Whichever the outcome, Nat is definitely up for lessons about friendship, love, relationships, and ultimately, life. Feelings of fear and uncertainty are so relatable. Young adult or not, what matters is to take action, little or big steps to move forward.
I find the structure- akin to a video game, really appropriate. Nat has a plan and that is to go through certain levels to win. The chapter titles are inviting and witty! Mitolohiya, the game where both Nat and Lena excel, is a good nod to Philippine myths. I can only wish the game is real (check out the character cards in the photo- the game felt real!). The parallelisms between the game and Nat’s realities are compelling to decode.
Also, I am down with all the references to our local culture. Always a joy to feel seen. See that book cover? Reminds me of Netopia- a popular internet cafe from my youth lol
The book has a lot of funny parts but then I found myself crying non-stop on the last few chapters (beginning with Ate Ami’s talk with Nat). And, that ending was just really perfect for this story.
Beautiful beautiful beautiful writing. Plenty of lessons. For the Win is a winner in my book. Again, a must-read. ❤️
P.S.
In a writing workshop I attended, Cat and her fellow authors recommended that we write the books we want to read- books we want to see on the shelves. I so agree.
Along that line, For the Win is a splendid entry.
March 8, 2025
Loved the complex characters! If you love playing games, then you will definitely appreciate the gameplay walkthroughs. I wish Mitolohiya (an RTS game inspired by StarCraft featuring FIlipino myths) exists in real life! It sounds so cool and I can definitely see myself playing it.
August 15, 2024
First read this in 2023 and reread it this year so I can write a proper review for Bookbed!
Full disclosure: I beta-read this book and enjoyed it. Congrats to the author!
Full disclosure: I beta-read this book and enjoyed it. Congrats to the author!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews