The Greatest Fight of Sunny Granada and Other Stories

by Kenneth Yu

An intergalactic professional fighter, a spider hunter, sentient flora, a shrinking woman, a reimagined superhero... these are some of the characters in Kenneth Yu's new collection, each one navigating loss, in various worlds and circumstances that test their might and mettle. With indelible wit, imagination, and heart, each story is a study on survival—what it truly means to live on a broken planet.

Genres: Short Stories

145 pages, Paperback

First published March 13, 2025

Reviews

[Neil Franz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: 4.1 stars

If the stories in TGFoSG were video ads, I wouldn’t skip them—since these ads (read: stories) are genuinely good. I may have issues with a few of them—some were too short, left me confused, or I didn’t quite get them? —but I enjoyed them, nonetheless.

Yu’s writing is accessible, wonderful, and evocative. Case in point: Spider Hunt, which explores faith and forgiveness, is nerve-wracking; The Probe—though too short for my liking—evokes both hope and disappointment, and hints at a mystery that tickles the mind; and Blending In stirred anger in me.

There are also stories written in unconventional formats that really worked for me. My favorite story, For Sale: Big Ass Sword, is so meta—the writing format and the concept itself are super cool. The lore of this big ass sword is amazing!

For instance, Operation: Bleach is presented in a marketing/news/interview format, which is really effective in delivering its message i.e. the power of choice, greed, and change.

The Greatest Fight of Sunny Granada uses a nonlinear narrative. It was entrancing to see Sunny in both his past and present, with the changes in his life so clearly shown. It feels kinda sad and wistful but also empowering as he punches through his adversaries.

Another thing I love is how diverse the stories in this collection are. I was expecting an all-sci-fi adventure, but we also got horror—like in All That We May See (or is the bloody ghost child just a personification?). Beats feels like fantasy to me because of the magical dolphins and the alternate world. I was lost for words in Lost for Words—is this magical realism? And there’s also a retelling or reimagination of a famous Filipina superhero. That one is probably my second favorite, maybe because of the nostalgia.

Indeed, this book is one of my favorite short story collections now.

[chrisbear · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/5 stars

I've read two books of the author, and if you want to read speculative fiction with a heart, you can try his two short story collection.

[Pam Z (Pam's Shenanigans) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This speculative fiction short story collection really packs an emotional punch, features imaginative themes of loss and survival, with hints of social commentary.

Watch my VIDEO REVIEW for my full thoughts!

[Sai theengineerisreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

TGFOSGAOS is a collection of 10 short stories that is under the speculative fiction category. Spec-fic is a genre that blends anything from references in our reality to out-of-this-world ideas and in TGFOSGAOS, Kenneth Yu introduced new characters, concepts, world, struggles, and even way of narrating the storyline.

In ONE MORNING AT THE BANK, a renowned Filipino superhero made a surprise appearance after she encountered a bank robbery while waiting for her transaction to get done. References about celebrities who portrayed the superhero is sprinkled all over this piece and it was such an exciting add-on to spot these easter eggs.

BLENDING IN is my favorite and I wouldn’t mind if the author will write a full-length novel or other pieces that fiercely comments on what’s happening in our society. Powerful and important read!

And as a fantasy reader, i adooore SPIDER HUNT as it was not just a story of adventure and siblings love - there’s also a commentary about faith and social power. Dystopian vibe as well!

Overall, I enjoyed most of the stories in this collection and I’d love to read more of the author’s works in the future.

[Shiandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absolute banger of a book that started strong and finished strong. It got me thinking about my own decisions and everything I've ever done. The stories were well written but the stand outs definitely packed a punch.

[Samantha Modina · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a book that is a clever, funny, and touching collection of short stories, I found myself surprisingly teary eyed at a couple of them. “The Greatest Fight of Sunny Granada” evokes the spirit of a country that would elect former athletes to public office and also somehow simultaneously evoke Star Wars; it was also one of the stories in the collection that made me cry. “Spider Hunt” redefines redemption. “The Probe,” which is arguably my favorite in the collection, is subtle but tense and thrilling at the same time. “Beats” can make the reader imagine beats, personally I imagined the drum sequence from the first Jumanji movie. “Operation Bleach” is an epistolary critique of the colonial mentality-driven beauty culture of the Philippines. “Lost For Words,” for me at least, is like a grief metaphor come to life or its converse, a life becoming a grief metaphor. “One Morning at the Bank” parallels the thrill I got when I first read “A Study in Emerald.” “Blending In” is the second story from the collection that made me cry, it’s both jaded and hopeful at the same time. And finally, “For Sale: Big Ass Sword,” a funny and self-aware short story that I read as something that broke the 4th wall and had a call to action: Get moving.

[Jireh · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

top story for me was Blending In- i teared up a little bit :(

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of short stories. Bought this blindly with no expectations but it was good, I enjoyed most of the stories. My favorite was Blending In and Beats. All that we see is also something that resonated with me as an adult- I didn’t quite get it at first read but it was surprisingly deep.

[Zizi · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love this book! each story was unique but somehow something invisible and unsaid ties them all together to be rightly placed in one book, in the perfect order it should be. i liked all stories but some of my favorites would have to be: (1) The Greatest Fight of Sunny Granada (it truly makes sense why it's the first and cover story) and (2) Blending In (not one to cry but it definitely called a few tears). Also not forgetting to mention (3) Spider Hunt and (4) For Sale: Big Ass Sword among the rest of the stories. 💗

[Diane RB (booksandthensome) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so stoked to share my love for The Greatest Fight of Sunny Granada and Other Stories by Kenneth Yu! Diving into these short stories has been such a meaningful journey. It has been transportive, immersive and emotional.

Here are three reasons why I believe you need to read this book:

Exceptional Writing
First, the writing- it is exceptional. I have heard so much hype about Kenneth Yu from Tita Claire, and his work totally lives up to it ❤️ I remember being blown away at his panel talks - especially from the last book festival when I thought to myself- pwede nya ipublish yung speech. Each of the stories is fresh, engaging, super accessible, and yes, page-turner. The writing style for stories such as Operation Bleach and For Sale totally worked for me.

Distinct Filipino Voice
Second, this book hits you right in the heart as a Filipino. It is very Pinoy and it is like seeing our shared identity and experiences reflected on the page ❤️ The themes are so spot-on. They celebrate our history, icons, our pride, our identity, and our culture. From everyday moments to profound events that have shaped and shaken our country, these stories capture so many things in such a slim volume.

Powerful mix of themes
Third, the variety in these stories is such an absolute treat! Every story is a fresh, speculative take- you couldn’t know where it is going, you just go for the ride. They are tied together by themes of family, friendship, community, and the highs and lows of our society. The messages are loud and clear. It led me to contemplate about what or who really matters, the extent of effort and sacrifice we do for our dear ones, what courage means, the magic and mysteries surrounding our daily lives, the call to action to be a better citizen.

I am so looking forward to read more from Kenneth Yu ❤️

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection brought stories that unsettled, angered and given me hope.

Favorite stories (in no particular order)
- Spider Hunt: a story about religion, faith and forgiveness. I hope that someday I find the courage in me to forgive those who have wronged me greatly.
- Operation: Bleach: How far can humanity go to conform to a certain beauty standard?
- All That We May See: Still trying to figure out what the author was trying to convey here. Nevertheless, this story reminded me of the time I read The Death of Ivan Ilyich - hopelessly mortified that one day I find myself dying and realizing I have not lived my life at all.
- Blending In: kung di ka pa galit, bakit?

[Gabriela Francisco · Rating 4 out of 5]

The theme that seems to run through most of Yu’s stories is hope… in the roles that each and every Filipino play, in the promise of a future, brighter day. While the author does not shirk from telling the truth about our country and its many daily challenges (the description of the long bank queues and the tellers who won’t stop chitchatting while on duty made me smile), Yu manages to always put a ray of hope, of light in the story. Evil is done, but there is justice to be had. There’s always a sliver of a silver lining, and a good deal of humor as well. No matter how bad things get, Yu’s fiction shows a way forward: have humor, lots of grit, and the occasional, forgivable lapse in polite language. “Sandali lang, gago.” “Sinabi mo, chong.”

Read the rest of our review at https://exlibrisphilippines.com/2025/...

[Dorothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book honestly put me into a reading slump. Don't get me wrong but Kenneth Yu's writing was magical and playful, the stories would take you by the hand and lead you into a fantasy world where some would end with a lesson, some would make you laugh, and others would make you reflect on how the events mirror reality itself. However as it is a collection of short stories, some stories felt flat, starting in a random situation that would just leave you clueless even when it ends. There was an itch in my brain that just didn't get scratched no matter how original the story felt and comical it was. Don't take my word for it, give a read for yourself.

[Tess Blanch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yu’s latest book is a collection of short stories each features interesting characters, out of this world characters that you wouldn’t even think of. I like the different worlds, the varieties of each story that points to loss, courage and strength, something they undergo to survive in this broken world. I like how creative and imaginative the author gets. This speculative fiction covers different sub genres and all stories will make you think of the “what if” this exists. It will make your mind wanders of the different possibilities and impossibilities in this vast universe.


Some stories stand outs for me. The opening titular title, I very much like the idea of intergalactic professional fighting. Imagine if there is one. One Morning at the Bank, featuring a popular Filipino woman superhero, wish this one exists. My fave Blending In, touches something in Filipino readers. The story sounds familiar and rings true in every aspect of the story. I wouldn’t mind getting lost in the world of ocean in Beats. All That We May See, a scary horror story that makes you wonder what’s lurking among us.

This collection proves that there are various stories out there, that if you put your creative mind in it, we can make something as wild and captivating as this one. I’m so looking forward to Kenneth You future works. Thank you to The Filipino Shelf and Anvil for making this tour possible.

[Jona · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Minsan, ang pinakamalaking laban ay wala sa ring, kundi sa sarili."

Magaan basahin ang The Greatest Fight of Sunny Granada. Naalala ko rito ang koleksyong Malikmata: Mga Kuwentong Kababalaghan mula Czech Republic, na tapos ko nang basahin, tho dahil pasok din ito sa hanay ng ganitong uri ng akda. Inirerekomenda ko ito sa mga mahilig sa spec fic at sa mga kuwentong may halong aksyon at introspeksiyon.

[Lon Roxas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find meaning in the stories and pages of Kenneth Yu’s book. His words resonated with me and I highly recommend reading it. I’m beaming with pride knowing that a body of work like this exists. The author is so masterful in his writing that I found myself deep in thought, entertained, affected and empowered.

[Ronabear · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was expecting a lot from this. This book consists of short stories but they are not cohesive. I was expecting intergallactic stories, maybe connected to the first one. But random stories were added. Political ones, a superhero story, some historical/fantasy. I did not enjoy this as i'm unable to connect.

[Caryl Lazo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actual rating: 4.75 ⭐

[Mark Alpheus · Rating 4 out of 5]

cool