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Twice Removed
As part of an immigrant family, Jay has never felt like he belonged in his hometown of New Orleans. But in the summer before his senior year in high school, he thinks things are finally going his way when Maya, the half-Filipino girl in class he’s had a crush on, starts talking to him.
But Maya has secrets. And the more time they spend together, the further he’s pulled into a world of magic and superstition. When a generations-old family curse is revealed, Jay has to find a way to stop this winged, vampiric monster before sunset on Maya’s 18th birthday.
If he doesn’t, his new girlfriend might kill him.
Or worse, he’ll have to kill her.
But Maya has secrets. And the more time they spend together, the further he’s pulled into a world of magic and superstition. When a generations-old family curse is revealed, Jay has to find a way to stop this winged, vampiric monster before sunset on Maya’s 18th birthday.
If he doesn’t, his new girlfriend might kill him.
Or worse, he’ll have to kill her.
- GenresYoung AdultMythology
332 pages, Paperback
First published June 12, 2024
9 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Zee Lacson
5 books34 followersZee Lacson has lived half her life in one country and the other half in another. Born and raised in Manila, Philippines with her grandparents, father, and twin brothers, she now enjoys the small town life in Illinois with her husband and twin sons.
She has had practice in many professions. Engineer. Educator. Photographer. Artist. Storyteller.
The Woolgathering Trilogy is her first completed story. Reverie, a finalist for the 2021 Illinois Author Project, was published in 2020. Revenant, its sequel, was released the following year. The trilogy was completed in 2023 with the final book, Réveil.
Twice Removed, her most recent novel, was published on Philippine Independence Day in 2024 and received a BIBA® in the young adult category.
She’s never been a big believer of monsters hiding in the dark but she eats lots of garlic and will sleep with a little light on. Just in case.
ZeeLacson.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/ReverieTheBook
IG: https://www.instagram.com/zeelacson/
She has had practice in many professions. Engineer. Educator. Photographer. Artist. Storyteller.
The Woolgathering Trilogy is her first completed story. Reverie, a finalist for the 2021 Illinois Author Project, was published in 2020. Revenant, its sequel, was released the following year. The trilogy was completed in 2023 with the final book, Réveil.
Twice Removed, her most recent novel, was published on Philippine Independence Day in 2024 and received a BIBA® in the young adult category.
She’s never been a big believer of monsters hiding in the dark but she eats lots of garlic and will sleep with a little light on. Just in case.
ZeeLacson.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/ReverieTheBook
IG: https://www.instagram.com/zeelacson/
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 27, 2024
What a heartwarming book this was.
Zee Lacson gives us a wonderful, well-rounded read with Twice Removed. It is full of charm and innocent humor with just enough grit to create some fun thrills. Told from the first-person perspective of an angst-ridden teenager, Twice Removed acts as a bit of a guided tour through New Orleans, while exploring some fascinating elements of Filipino history, culture, as well as mythology and folklore with the reveal of a terrifying monster, the Manananggal. And the food! Oh my gosh. As if I didn’t already love Filipino cuisine enough. Basically, this book made me hungry. All the while, the writing is fun, engaging, and easy to digest. (Pun intended)
Zee covers even more ground by addressing some important issues ranging from prejudice and racism, social acceptance, tackling inner demons (literal and figurative), daily struggles that immigrants face, and so on. In this case, the main character is caught in between different worlds and struggles to find his own identity at the peak of his teenage years - being native born in the United States, with a family that originated in the Philippines. I feel this exploration offers an important helping of perspective that people may not have. But perhaps most-noteworthy is the underlying message Zee passes on to her readers. It is one of encouraging openness and understanding, having a willingness to listen to those who may feel they don’t have a voice, and to treat others with kindness and respect.
A job well done! I would encourage anyone and everyone to check out Twice Removed. It’s written very much from the heart.
Zee Lacson gives us a wonderful, well-rounded read with Twice Removed. It is full of charm and innocent humor with just enough grit to create some fun thrills. Told from the first-person perspective of an angst-ridden teenager, Twice Removed acts as a bit of a guided tour through New Orleans, while exploring some fascinating elements of Filipino history, culture, as well as mythology and folklore with the reveal of a terrifying monster, the Manananggal. And the food! Oh my gosh. As if I didn’t already love Filipino cuisine enough. Basically, this book made me hungry. All the while, the writing is fun, engaging, and easy to digest. (Pun intended)
Zee covers even more ground by addressing some important issues ranging from prejudice and racism, social acceptance, tackling inner demons (literal and figurative), daily struggles that immigrants face, and so on. In this case, the main character is caught in between different worlds and struggles to find his own identity at the peak of his teenage years - being native born in the United States, with a family that originated in the Philippines. I feel this exploration offers an important helping of perspective that people may not have. But perhaps most-noteworthy is the underlying message Zee passes on to her readers. It is one of encouraging openness and understanding, having a willingness to listen to those who may feel they don’t have a voice, and to treat others with kindness and respect.
A job well done! I would encourage anyone and everyone to check out Twice Removed. It’s written very much from the heart.
September 12, 2024
Food, Filipino Folklore, and Fantastic Character Development
I enjoyed the heck out of Twice Removed. You're immediately immersed in the life of Jay, a soon-to-be high school senior who comes from an immigrant Filipino family, and you learn what it's like from his perspective to sit between worlds. Maya, a half-Filipino girl in his class he'd been crushing on, suddenly becomes an integral part of his life. They bond over their shared culture—something that Maya has embraced more than Jay, stories of the Philippines, and, of course, the most important thing: Food! Maya also brings something more sinister to the table: a family's old curse. It's a burden she doesn't wish to bestow on anyone, and it's set to emerge on her 18th birthday.
Twice Remove is a multifaceted, smooth-as-butter read that leaves you turning page after page. It has elements of romance, horror, superstition, magic, coming-of-age topics, innocence, angst, and fear. But there's also love, compassion, and understanding—things that we can use more of in this world.
As someone who comes from a very mixed bloodline and has no substantial cultural background, I love experiencing others' heritage and culture. Admittedly, my favorite way is through food, which Zee made sure that Twice Removed has plenty of. Zee does an excellent job at immersing you in Filipino culture and adds some interesting twists on things connecting to the monster in the story, like with Balut, which I admire. There are also other notable elements in Filipino culture she shares through her storytelling, like the Capiz Shell, and impactful perspectives between the different generations. This is a perfect read for all audiences.
My absolute favorite part (without spoiling anything) is how the scene at the cemetery was painted with Jay, Maya, and Maya's father and all the fireworks. It felt like I was there watching the events unfold. I'm totally going to have to draw what I see in my head because it's perfection. Well done!
I enjoyed the heck out of Twice Removed. You're immediately immersed in the life of Jay, a soon-to-be high school senior who comes from an immigrant Filipino family, and you learn what it's like from his perspective to sit between worlds. Maya, a half-Filipino girl in his class he'd been crushing on, suddenly becomes an integral part of his life. They bond over their shared culture—something that Maya has embraced more than Jay, stories of the Philippines, and, of course, the most important thing: Food! Maya also brings something more sinister to the table: a family's old curse. It's a burden she doesn't wish to bestow on anyone, and it's set to emerge on her 18th birthday.
Twice Remove is a multifaceted, smooth-as-butter read that leaves you turning page after page. It has elements of romance, horror, superstition, magic, coming-of-age topics, innocence, angst, and fear. But there's also love, compassion, and understanding—things that we can use more of in this world.
As someone who comes from a very mixed bloodline and has no substantial cultural background, I love experiencing others' heritage and culture. Admittedly, my favorite way is through food, which Zee made sure that Twice Removed has plenty of. Zee does an excellent job at immersing you in Filipino culture and adds some interesting twists on things connecting to the monster in the story, like with Balut, which I admire. There are also other notable elements in Filipino culture she shares through her storytelling, like the Capiz Shell, and impactful perspectives between the different generations. This is a perfect read for all audiences.
My absolute favorite part (without spoiling anything) is how the scene at the cemetery was painted with Jay, Maya, and Maya's father and all the fireworks. It felt like I was there watching the events unfold. I'm totally going to have to draw what I see in my head because it's perfection. Well done!
February 22, 2025
this was a truly lovely read that i wish i could’ve had growing up as a second gen filipino <3 i had the pleasure of seeing zee lacson speak during a CPL FAHM event and am glad i finally was able to read her book.
October 23, 2025
Jay, a Filipino-American teen living in NOLA, must find a way to help his girlfriend, Maya, stop a generations-old family curse that transforms her into a manananggal when the sun sets on her 18th birthday.
Jay is such a complex character. There were many instances where I could relate to him, as a Fil-Am, and then many instances where I heavily disagreed with him, and his actions, despite having many similarities growing up. I’m glad that there was a lot of character growth by the end of story. It was actually refreshing to see him go through all of his joys and inner turmoils.
On the other hand, I heavily related to Maya. She has this fierce love of the Philippines and Filipino culture. She immerses herself in it, despite not being born or raised there. I have so much respect for Fil-Ams that strive to know the culture of their ancestors.
The take on the manananggal was also very interesting! It brings science into folklore which was really intriguing.
I enjoyed this book so so much, and can understand why it received the BiBA award! Whether you’re into Filipino folklore or not, this is a great read that also tackles the unique experience of being born to immigrant parents in the U.S. Highly, highly, recommend.
Jay is such a complex character. There were many instances where I could relate to him, as a Fil-Am, and then many instances where I heavily disagreed with him, and his actions, despite having many similarities growing up. I’m glad that there was a lot of character growth by the end of story. It was actually refreshing to see him go through all of his joys and inner turmoils.
On the other hand, I heavily related to Maya. She has this fierce love of the Philippines and Filipino culture. She immerses herself in it, despite not being born or raised there. I have so much respect for Fil-Ams that strive to know the culture of their ancestors.
The take on the manananggal was also very interesting! It brings science into folklore which was really intriguing.
I enjoyed this book so so much, and can understand why it received the BiBA award! Whether you’re into Filipino folklore or not, this is a great read that also tackles the unique experience of being born to immigrant parents in the U.S. Highly, highly, recommend.
August 17, 2024
This is a very cute, cheesy romance that turns paranormal part way through. It's rich with Filipino and New Orleans culture and teenage problems. I think it's perfect for middle school and early high school readers.
Currently Reading
February 21, 2026** 2024 BIBA® WINNER **
** 2025 International Impact Award Winner ***
When New Orleans meets Manila ...
3 generations
2 families
1 monster
https://ZeeLacson.com/Twice-Removed
"Can you ever be whole when you're always torn apart?"
** 2025 International Impact Award Winner ***
When New Orleans meets Manila ...
3 generations
2 families
1 monster
https://ZeeLacson.com/Twice-Removed
"Can you ever be whole when you're always torn apart?"
April 10, 2026
“My girlfriend is a monster.”
Zee Lacson’s YA magical realism adventure, Twice Removed, is a heartwarming, engaging, and occasionally spooky romp through 1990s New Orleans with a Filipino twist.
The story follows Jay, a first-generation Filipino-American, as he navigates the complicated journey through teenagerdom. Along the way, he experiences the trials and tribulations of family, friends, and first love. And that first love comes with a few extra bumps in the road, because when Jay says his girlfriend Maya is a monster, he’s not kidding.
Lacson artfully weaves evocative descriptions, relatable characters, and well-paced action into a tapestry that sucks the reader into her colorful world. For those not familiar with Filipino culture, food, and folklore, this novel offers a window into a different way of life, without making you feel like an outsider. Speaking of food, it’s a fun thread that ties the events of the story together, starting in the very first line of the first chapter. Be warned that reading this book could make you more than a little hungry!
While Twice Removed is primarily a young adult novel, it’s a fantastic read for adults too. All of us, at one time or another, have asked ourselves who we are and where we fit, which is part of what makes Jay’s story so relatable. Throw in a terrifying monster from Filipino legend, and you’ve got a killer adventure that readers of all ages can enjoy!
Zee Lacson’s YA magical realism adventure, Twice Removed, is a heartwarming, engaging, and occasionally spooky romp through 1990s New Orleans with a Filipino twist.
The story follows Jay, a first-generation Filipino-American, as he navigates the complicated journey through teenagerdom. Along the way, he experiences the trials and tribulations of family, friends, and first love. And that first love comes with a few extra bumps in the road, because when Jay says his girlfriend Maya is a monster, he’s not kidding.
Lacson artfully weaves evocative descriptions, relatable characters, and well-paced action into a tapestry that sucks the reader into her colorful world. For those not familiar with Filipino culture, food, and folklore, this novel offers a window into a different way of life, without making you feel like an outsider. Speaking of food, it’s a fun thread that ties the events of the story together, starting in the very first line of the first chapter. Be warned that reading this book could make you more than a little hungry!
While Twice Removed is primarily a young adult novel, it’s a fantastic read for adults too. All of us, at one time or another, have asked ourselves who we are and where we fit, which is part of what makes Jay’s story so relatable. Throw in a terrifying monster from Filipino legend, and you’ve got a killer adventure that readers of all ages can enjoy!
March 24, 2026
Twice Removed by Zee Lacson is a delightful and richly layered story that has a lovely balance between lighthearted charm and moments of real tension. Told through the voice of a conflicted teenager, the story feels both intimate and adventurous, guiding readers through the vibrant backdrop of New Orleans while introducing rich elements of Filipino heritage including history, traditions, mythology, and folklore, most notably with the chilling presence of the Manananggal.
The food descriptions were so vivid it made me want to go try all the dishes! The writing itself is lively, approachable, and thoroughly enjoyable.
The author also takes the story deeper by touching on meaningful and timely themes—racism, prejudice, belonging, and the quiet challenges immigrants face every day. At its center is a young character navigating the push and pull of two identities: American-born, yet deeply connected to a Filipino family background. His journey toward understanding who he is adds emotional weight and offers a perspective that feels especially valuable for readers who may not have encountered it before.
Overall, it’s a sincere and memorable novel that clearly comes from a place of passion. I’d gladly recommend Twice Removed to a wide range of readers.
The food descriptions were so vivid it made me want to go try all the dishes! The writing itself is lively, approachable, and thoroughly enjoyable.
The author also takes the story deeper by touching on meaningful and timely themes—racism, prejudice, belonging, and the quiet challenges immigrants face every day. At its center is a young character navigating the push and pull of two identities: American-born, yet deeply connected to a Filipino family background. His journey toward understanding who he is adds emotional weight and offers a perspective that feels especially valuable for readers who may not have encountered it before.
Overall, it’s a sincere and memorable novel that clearly comes from a place of passion. I’d gladly recommend Twice Removed to a wide range of readers.
January 22, 2026
Between 3.25 and 3.5. The story picked up in the second half, when Jay learns Maya is a manananggal. This is perhaps the first story I’ve read where a manananggal is a central character, and is not evil. I was fascinated with Lacson’s take on this being, how it’s not the fetus the manananggal is after so much as the amniotic fluid. Never heard of that before.
Though I did think the book was written for a non-Filipino audience, especially how the mom immediately translates her Tagalog to English, even though Jay understands her. The translation could’ve been better incorporated, since the book’s dialogue was kinda clunky for me.
Also, the word “Filipino” keeps getting repeated, as if the author had to constantly remind the audience what ethnic group the majority of the characters were. And parts explaining the food and culture, as well as identity issues and microaggressions, seemed a bit heavy-handed.
Though all in all, I enjoyed the book, and I liked the ending.
Though I did think the book was written for a non-Filipino audience, especially how the mom immediately translates her Tagalog to English, even though Jay understands her. The translation could’ve been better incorporated, since the book’s dialogue was kinda clunky for me.
Also, the word “Filipino” keeps getting repeated, as if the author had to constantly remind the audience what ethnic group the majority of the characters were. And parts explaining the food and culture, as well as identity issues and microaggressions, seemed a bit heavy-handed.
Though all in all, I enjoyed the book, and I liked the ending.
April 2, 2026
Finished reading this book a week ago, but still remember the poignant dialogue between two teenagers of Filipino descent coming of age before heading off to college perhaps? A remarkable glimpse of some serious discussions involving generational understanding, and in a world where media fast tracks character development, this story slows everything down and offers a world of realism mixed with fantasy from cultural mythology (which is important to note). Takes place in New Orleans, Louisiana as the background, vibrant with colors and home to a growing Filipino population in the midst of a variety of other ethnic groups. Highly recommend. Give it a try or have your kids read it, or do both and have a discussion together. Bonus tip, you will be hungry for Filipino food or at least be very interested in it. It’s good stuff.
March 21, 2026
I can highly highly recommend twice Removed it was a one day read for me while I was working because I was that captured by the story I laugh I cry I squealed with delight Filipino folklore coming of age first love diversity beautiful storytelling that gives you a full sensory experience ❤️
April 22, 2026
A fun YA book that brings a fascinating creature to life. It's grounded in a cute love story, and the struggles of two young people trying to find their place in the world. I'm curious to see if this will get a sequel someday.
May 12, 2025
A fun way to learn about a different culture and a spotlight on challenges faced by 1st and 2nd generation immigrants. And, monsters.
November 20, 2025
I loved this book! Full of Filipino food and culture, plus it made me cry. Very heartwarming coming of age feels
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews