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She Who Devours
21-year old Maya Halili is determined to secure her spot as a full-time faculty member at the National University of the Seven Islands, the most prestigious academic institution in the country. She'll do absolutely anything, including run errands for her beloved adviser, Dr. Manalo, and butt heads with her long-time rival, the aggravating and handsome Aga Kaneko. But with a series of mysterious disappearances plaguing the city of Santa Teresita and the Astyrian forces tightening their grip on her people, Maya's carefully constructed world of academics and ambition crumbles when the spirits of the Seven Islands draw her into a secret society known as The Hand of Kaylahon, a group of shamans that can call down the gods and allow them to use their bodies as vessels - for better or for worse.
When an ancient evil awakens and threatens to plunge their world into eternal darkness, The Hand of Kaylahon desperately tries to convince Maya to accept the spirits' call and fight by their side. Maya must confront the deadly secrets of her past and navigate a treacherous landscape filled with shamans, monsters, and political forces that threaten to engulf the Seven Islands in a war of humans and spirits alike. She must make an impossible choose the quiet, academic life of her dreams or embrace her destiny, join the battle and save the world.
Her decision will not only determine the survival of the Seven Islands, but the future of humanity itself.
When an ancient evil awakens and threatens to plunge their world into eternal darkness, The Hand of Kaylahon desperately tries to convince Maya to accept the spirits' call and fight by their side. Maya must confront the deadly secrets of her past and navigate a treacherous landscape filled with shamans, monsters, and political forces that threaten to engulf the Seven Islands in a war of humans and spirits alike. She must make an impossible choose the quiet, academic life of her dreams or embrace her destiny, join the battle and save the world.
Her decision will not only determine the survival of the Seven Islands, but the future of humanity itself.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 27, 2026
19 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 23, 2026
devoured in 2 hrs!?!? I NEED MORE, MS. BEA!! so good!! the writing and the world building is so easy to follow and definitely a beginner friendly esp. i have no further knowledge about philippine mythology BUT I ENJOYED IT SO MUCH!! PAGE TURNER! 🤩
February 19, 2026
Random find in a Kinokuniya in Siam Paragon, Bangkok! This isn't even out in the PH yet!!!
I’m not usually a fan of local fiction, but this book completely surprised me. From the very first pages, it had me hooked. The kind of story that grips you so tightly you don’t even realize how quickly time is passing. I genuinely couldn’t put it down. I ended up reading the entire thing in one sitting during a 4-hr flight.
What stood out most to me were the powerful themes surrounding colonialism, coming from the Philiplines (enough said) not just the historical reality of it, but the complicated ways people respond to it: accepting, rejecting, resisting, and sometimes even internalizing it. The book does such an effective job of showing how colonization doesn’t only take land, but also slowly erases culture, beliefs, and identity.
One of the most striking ideas was how much we, especially those of us in the cities and mainlands, have forgotten our own roots. Meanwhile, the communities in far-flung provinces seem to hold on more closely to traditions and ways of life that connect them to our true ancestors. That contrast felt both sobering and deeply meaningful.
Looking forward to the next book!!!
I’m not usually a fan of local fiction, but this book completely surprised me. From the very first pages, it had me hooked. The kind of story that grips you so tightly you don’t even realize how quickly time is passing. I genuinely couldn’t put it down. I ended up reading the entire thing in one sitting during a 4-hr flight.
What stood out most to me were the powerful themes surrounding colonialism, coming from the Philiplines (enough said) not just the historical reality of it, but the complicated ways people respond to it: accepting, rejecting, resisting, and sometimes even internalizing it. The book does such an effective job of showing how colonization doesn’t only take land, but also slowly erases culture, beliefs, and identity.
One of the most striking ideas was how much we, especially those of us in the cities and mainlands, have forgotten our own roots. Meanwhile, the communities in far-flung provinces seem to hold on more closely to traditions and ways of life that connect them to our true ancestors. That contrast felt both sobering and deeply meaningful.
Looking forward to the next book!!!
Read
March 20, 2026Posting my review soon! Patiently waiting for the second book!!
April 22, 2026
Nice effort. I can see the potential and the vision of the author, but I can't help but notice the inconsistencies in how she used and played with the languages. The personalities of the characters also feel a bit underdeveloped, which made it hard for me to feel fully invested in them or care about what happens next.
The way Philippine folklore is incorporated also feels forced at times. Instead of blending naturally into the story, it reads more like it was inserted to check a box rather than to deepen the world or the themes. And what's the obsession with a foreigner leading man? We want a moreno boy.
P.S. I hate the word "tak." It's distracting.
The way Philippine folklore is incorporated also feels forced at times. Instead of blending naturally into the story, it reads more like it was inserted to check a box rather than to deepen the world or the themes. And what's the obsession with a foreigner leading man? We want a moreno boy.
P.S. I hate the word "tak." It's distracting.
April 9, 2026
Bea Bustamante was successful in creating a fantasy world that feels so whole, rich, and real. She Who Devours is a romance fantasy novel that’s heavily inspired by Filipino folklore and myths and, surprisingly, Filipino history. It’s a new (and good) experience to finally read a fantasy book where I don’t need to do additional research on the canon, since I’m already familiar with some of the references.
Maya might be one of the most annoying Chosen Ones I’ve ever encountered (or maybe I’m not just used to the reluctant chosen one trope) but the world and character building more than made up for it. I’m curious to read a prequel set during when Maya’s mom was Kaylahon’s ward or Maxim’s tragic romance with Ipo. I also would like to praise how well-written the horror and gore in this book! It’s really visceral and I could really imagine the slime and blood in my mind’s eye. It was one of the things I really enjoyed and I wish the book would amp up the horror even more next time!
I went in expecting this was a standalone fantasy so the ending wasn’t as satisfying as I would have liked it to be. Still, it’s a good start to a series, I have a long wishlist on what I would like to see in the next books. (A love triangle or a second lead, for one. There’s nothing more Pinoy than a love triangle!!!!)
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and it’s an easy read too—I finished it in a few days. Looking forward to how this series would progress! 3.75/5
Maya might be one of the most annoying Chosen Ones I’ve ever encountered (or maybe I’m not just used to the reluctant chosen one trope) but the world and character building more than made up for it. I’m curious to read a prequel set during when Maya’s mom was Kaylahon’s ward or Maxim’s tragic romance with Ipo. I also would like to praise how well-written the horror and gore in this book! It’s really visceral and I could really imagine the slime and blood in my mind’s eye. It was one of the things I really enjoyed and I wish the book would amp up the horror even more next time!
I went in expecting this was a standalone fantasy so the ending wasn’t as satisfying as I would have liked it to be. Still, it’s a good start to a series, I have a long wishlist on what I would like to see in the next books. (A love triangle or a second lead, for one. There’s nothing more Pinoy than a love triangle!!!!)
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and it’s an easy read too—I finished it in a few days. Looking forward to how this series would progress! 3.75/5
March 28, 2026
What the Tak talaga... How do I even start?
No right amount of words could encapsulate how I felt reading this book. I'm not really a big fan of reading fantasy fiction, but I was intrigued by the concept of Philippine mythology so much that I have decided to give it a try. And I can just say, it was all takking worth it.
She Who Devours is a book that reels you deep into the Seven Islands; if you look at my copy, I think you'll see the marks of me going back-and-forth to look at the map just so that I could understand how far each Islands are from each other. This book is my first read this year, and I would never EVER wish to have any other.
My favorite part of it all is probably the real-life parallels that I kept on seeing as I flip through each page. Despite the book being fictional, it tackled a lot of societal problems that we are still dealing with today—and I am a sucker for that. The characters were also well developed, especially Maya, although I hope to see more of Aga's development. In terms of the concept, this book got me HOOKED on Philippine mythology. I had to rant to my sister, who's a Philippine mythology enthusiast, about everything that was happening, and she just laughs every single time I was mindblown by the twists of this masterpiece.
Basta, I can't wait for the next one! My thoughts are all over the place, and I think I need to zone out and make up scenarios inside my head in order to move on from that epilogue, but one thing's for sure—this book is a MUST READ!! I am soooo so proud of you, Miss B! You never fail to amaze me < 3
No right amount of words could encapsulate how I felt reading this book. I'm not really a big fan of reading fantasy fiction, but I was intrigued by the concept of Philippine mythology so much that I have decided to give it a try. And I can just say, it was all takking worth it.
She Who Devours is a book that reels you deep into the Seven Islands; if you look at my copy, I think you'll see the marks of me going back-and-forth to look at the map just so that I could understand how far each Islands are from each other. This book is my first read this year, and I would never EVER wish to have any other.
My favorite part of it all is probably the real-life parallels that I kept on seeing as I flip through each page. Despite the book being fictional, it tackled a lot of societal problems that we are still dealing with today—and I am a sucker for that. The characters were also well developed, especially Maya, although I hope to see more of Aga's development. In terms of the concept, this book got me HOOKED on Philippine mythology. I had to rant to my sister, who's a Philippine mythology enthusiast, about everything that was happening, and she just laughs every single time I was mindblown by the twists of this masterpiece.
Basta, I can't wait for the next one! My thoughts are all over the place, and I think I need to zone out and make up scenarios inside my head in order to move on from that epilogue, but one thing's for sure—this book is a MUST READ!! I am soooo so proud of you, Miss B! You never fail to amaze me < 3
March 31, 2026
As a fantasy girly, I’ve always wanted a story that really showcases Philippine mythology and folklore. And finally, we have one.
This was such a fast-paced and entertaining read. I was instantly immersed. What made it even more special was how familiar everything felt. Even though it’s set in an imaginative version of the Philippines, called the Seven Islands, there’s this strong sense of nostalgia while reading. The way the story weaves in Philippine history, culture, and the diversity of dialects across the islands made the world feel alive and close to home.
The characters also felt real. Maya, our FMC, can be frustrating at times, but she’s young, and her decisions reflect that. It actually made her more believable and human.
I just wished the book was longer. While I enjoyed the fast pace, the shorter length made some scenes, character moments, and overall world-building feel a bit limited. There’s so much potential here, and I would’ve loved to see everything more fleshed out and given more depth.
Overall, I really enjoyed this and I’m excited for the next book. There’s a lot more to explore in this world, and I’m looking forward to seeing it expand even further.
Rating: 3.75 ⭐
This was such a fast-paced and entertaining read. I was instantly immersed. What made it even more special was how familiar everything felt. Even though it’s set in an imaginative version of the Philippines, called the Seven Islands, there’s this strong sense of nostalgia while reading. The way the story weaves in Philippine history, culture, and the diversity of dialects across the islands made the world feel alive and close to home.
The characters also felt real. Maya, our FMC, can be frustrating at times, but she’s young, and her decisions reflect that. It actually made her more believable and human.
I just wished the book was longer. While I enjoyed the fast pace, the shorter length made some scenes, character moments, and overall world-building feel a bit limited. There’s so much potential here, and I would’ve loved to see everything more fleshed out and given more depth.
Overall, I really enjoyed this and I’m excited for the next book. There’s a lot more to explore in this world, and I’m looking forward to seeing it expand even further.
Rating: 3.75 ⭐
April 8, 2026
What the tak?! I devoured this. No crumbs left. 😮🔥
She Who Devours follows Maya Halili, a driven academic aiming for a full-time post at the National University of the Seven Islands, whose life takes a dark turn when she’s pulled into a hidden world of spirits and ancient power. As mysterious disappearances rise, she becomes entangled with The Hand of Kaylahon, a secret society of shamans who channel gods at a dangerous cost—forcing her to choose between the life she’s built and a destiny that could consume her.
This is undeniably a strong debut by Bea Bustamante 🙌 It’s fast-paced, addictive, and incredibly easy to binge. I kept saying “one more chapter”… until I was suddenly at the end. What stood out most to me was how richly it weaves in Philippine folklore and cultural elements. From the babaylan to the manananggal and aswang, and many others, it feels both familiar and refreshingly reimagined. There’s something special, and honestly, pride-inducing, about seeing our own myths take center stage in such a gripping story.
If I had one small wish, it would be for more breathing room. I wanted extra time with the characters and key moments, as some scenes felt like they passed too quickly when they could have fleshed out more and hit even deeper.
But that ending?! Absolute cliffhanger. 😭 I need book 2 in my hands ASAP! I can’t stop thinking about what happens next for Maya and how everything will unfold from here.
She Who Devours follows Maya Halili, a driven academic aiming for a full-time post at the National University of the Seven Islands, whose life takes a dark turn when she’s pulled into a hidden world of spirits and ancient power. As mysterious disappearances rise, she becomes entangled with The Hand of Kaylahon, a secret society of shamans who channel gods at a dangerous cost—forcing her to choose between the life she’s built and a destiny that could consume her.
This is undeniably a strong debut by Bea Bustamante 🙌 It’s fast-paced, addictive, and incredibly easy to binge. I kept saying “one more chapter”… until I was suddenly at the end. What stood out most to me was how richly it weaves in Philippine folklore and cultural elements. From the babaylan to the manananggal and aswang, and many others, it feels both familiar and refreshingly reimagined. There’s something special, and honestly, pride-inducing, about seeing our own myths take center stage in such a gripping story.
If I had one small wish, it would be for more breathing room. I wanted extra time with the characters and key moments, as some scenes felt like they passed too quickly when they could have fleshed out more and hit even deeper.
But that ending?! Absolute cliffhanger. 😭 I need book 2 in my hands ASAP! I can’t stop thinking about what happens next for Maya and how everything will unfold from here.
March 16, 2026
I will eat anything up as long as it’s Filipino mythology, and this book did not disappoint.
She Who Devours follows Maya as she gets pulled into a world filled with gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures across the Seven Islands. What starts as a strange encounter quickly spirals into something bigger, hinting at powers, secrets, and a destiny that’s much larger than she expected.
What I really liked about this book is how simple and easy the writing is to follow. The pacing was great and I honestly couldn’t put it down. There’s also a bit of tension between Maya and Aga that had me giggling at times.
The book ends with a major cliffhanger, which left me wanting more. It really feels like this story is setting up the world of the Seven Islands—almost like an introduction to what’s coming next.
We’re introduced to a lot of gods, goddesses, and creatures, and I’m excited to see their stories explored more in the next books.
There are still so many things I want answers to, so I’m definitely looking forward to the sequel.
She Who Devours follows Maya as she gets pulled into a world filled with gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures across the Seven Islands. What starts as a strange encounter quickly spirals into something bigger, hinting at powers, secrets, and a destiny that’s much larger than she expected.
What I really liked about this book is how simple and easy the writing is to follow. The pacing was great and I honestly couldn’t put it down. There’s also a bit of tension between Maya and Aga that had me giggling at times.
The book ends with a major cliffhanger, which left me wanting more. It really feels like this story is setting up the world of the Seven Islands—almost like an introduction to what’s coming next.
We’re introduced to a lot of gods, goddesses, and creatures, and I’m excited to see their stories explored more in the next books.
There are still so many things I want answers to, so I’m definitely looking forward to the sequel.
April 9, 2026
2.5 🌟
This was a hard read for me.
For the first half of the book, the story and pacing are good. I loved the Filipino folklore and how it was incorporated into the story. Maybe I would have loved this more if it was written in Filipino.
For the latter half, the pacing is too fast for me that it affects the development of the story. I think the story tries to achieve a lot in a short amount of time.
But what really made me rate this low is the main character. I was so annoyed with her to the point that I wanted to DNF this book but I wanted to give it a chance and I don't want to waste more money buying this book. I also don't like the MMC because he reminds me of the traitors in Philippine history.
Even though I love books with Filipino folklore, this book was not for me due to its main characters.
This was a hard read for me.
For the first half of the book, the story and pacing are good. I loved the Filipino folklore and how it was incorporated into the story. Maybe I would have loved this more if it was written in Filipino.
For the latter half, the pacing is too fast for me that it affects the development of the story. I think the story tries to achieve a lot in a short amount of time.
But what really made me rate this low is the main character. I was so annoyed with her to the point that I wanted to DNF this book but I wanted to give it a chance and I don't want to waste more money buying this book. I also don't like the MMC because he reminds me of the traitors in Philippine history.
Even though I love books with Filipino folklore, this book was not for me due to its main characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2026
she indeed, devoured this book.
what the tak? this was impossible to put down ‼️
❣️highly recommend for people who live and breathe: academic rivalries, “chosen one” trope, ancient magic, philippine folklore and mythology, and political fantasy
besides the character diversity (both humans and mythical creatures), there are also strong references to colonialism, political tension, internal battles between your plans vs destiny, and the search for one’s personal identity.
filipinos may find these all too familiar, making it an even more insightful experience to read through the lens of people with different opinions at various stages of acceptance.
greek mythology has always taken center stage in my brain, but here’s another story thats helping philippine mythology take its well-deserved crown.
what the tak? this was impossible to put down ‼️
❣️highly recommend for people who live and breathe: academic rivalries, “chosen one” trope, ancient magic, philippine folklore and mythology, and political fantasy
besides the character diversity (both humans and mythical creatures), there are also strong references to colonialism, political tension, internal battles between your plans vs destiny, and the search for one’s personal identity.
filipinos may find these all too familiar, making it an even more insightful experience to read through the lens of people with different opinions at various stages of acceptance.
greek mythology has always taken center stage in my brain, but here’s another story thats helping philippine mythology take its well-deserved crown.
March 31, 2026
I couldn’t help but wonder—is this going to be a series? If it is, then I’ll gladly forgive the unanswered questions and unfinished adventures, and I might even change my rating. But since it doesn’t say so, I felt a bit let down by the loose ends.
For now, my rating reflects that many threads were left hanging and some scenes felt a little forced. I truly appreciate the inclusion of local folklore—being a fan of Filipino myths and legends, that part was a delight. I just wish the main female lead had been written with more logic and depth, because her arc felt a bit lacking compared to the richness of the folklore.
Overall, it’s a story with potential, and if a sequel is on the horizon, I’d be excited to see how the author ties everything together.
For now, my rating reflects that many threads were left hanging and some scenes felt a little forced. I truly appreciate the inclusion of local folklore—being a fan of Filipino myths and legends, that part was a delight. I just wish the main female lead had been written with more logic and depth, because her arc felt a bit lacking compared to the richness of the folklore.
Overall, it’s a story with potential, and if a sequel is on the horizon, I’d be excited to see how the author ties everything together.
May 10, 2026
Fantasy is not really my genre, but I quite enjoyed this book! Despite not being super familiar, I could tell that this was a loving, proudly felt, very Filipino tribute to the genre.
Very BEA-utifully written brook! Pacing was great, I found myself always wanting to see what happened next right away. The writing was comfortable to digest, yet very engaging and still had that literal flair. I was never confused despite how all the characters, in universe, spoke different languages and kept code switching.
Speaking of characters, they all were super interesting and fleshed out. I can't begin to fathom the process of character development, but Bea Bustamante was really able to give real life and soul to the cast & world. What the tak!
Very BEA-utifully written brook! Pacing was great, I found myself always wanting to see what happened next right away. The writing was comfortable to digest, yet very engaging and still had that literal flair. I was never confused despite how all the characters, in universe, spoke different languages and kept code switching.
Speaking of characters, they all were super interesting and fleshed out. I can't begin to fathom the process of character development, but Bea Bustamante was really able to give real life and soul to the cast & world. What the tak!
April 8, 2026
I absolutely loved this book. It is a fantasy story rooted in Philippine mythology, which made it feel fresh and exciting from the very first page. I really enjoyed the writing style. It was engaging and easy to follow, and the pacing kept me hooked the entire time.
What stood out to me the most was how well researched everything felt, especially the way Philippine myths were woven into the story. It added so much depth and authenticity. Even if you are not Filipino, I truly believe you will still enjoy and appreciate this book.
I am already looking forward to book two. I highly, highly recommend it.
What stood out to me the most was how well researched everything felt, especially the way Philippine myths were woven into the story. It added so much depth and authenticity. Even if you are not Filipino, I truly believe you will still enjoy and appreciate this book.
I am already looking forward to book two. I highly, highly recommend it.
April 30, 2026
OVERALL RATING:
⭐⭐⭐🍪
Three stars and one cookie!
Spoiler-free review: For a debut novel, this is honestly a huge first step into a world with massive potential. You can already feel the scaffolding of a much larger mythology waiting underneath the surface.
However, I also need to mention that I put this off for nearly a month because I genuinely could not tell who the intended audience was supposed to be at first glance. The premise sounded very YA fantasy, but the actual execution leans far more into that whimsical, straightforward storytelling style often found in middle-grade adventures or older children's fantasy novels. The prose is simple, the worldbuilding is introduced rather broadly, and the emotional beats arrive without too much ornamentation.
Normally, that would not entirely work for me, especially with a premise that carries so much political and mythological potential, but there is a charm to it all. That straightforwardness makes it a very breezy "palate cleanser" read.
"Spoilerful" review: If I were to recommend this book to a friend, the first thing I would say is "it actually reminded me of PJO!"
Which is a compliment I do NOT give lightly. The overall structure honestly reminded me a little of Percy Jackson & the Olympians, particularly in the sense that this feels like the beginning of a much larger "person discovers their connection to gods and ancient forces" narrative. That comparison is not necessarily about tone, because this book carries a distinctly Filipino cultural identity that separates it from Western mythological fantasy, though more about the way the first installment functions as an entry point into a larger mythos.
Bustamante is really, really good at building atmospheric tension. I especially liked the portrayal of Astyria as this vaguely hostile foreign power. The way the story frames it through rumor, fear, and political distance made the world feel larger than the immediate plot. It left me wondering whether the narrative is deliberately hiding another side to the conflict.
The pacing does drag a bit in the middle, especially after There is a stretch where the story pauses repeatedly to explain lore, lineage, and destiny, and while some of that information is necessary, the momentum noticeably slows down. That said, I started appreciating the worldbuilding far more. The world of the Seven Islands suddenly feel wider, stranger, and more textured, like the novel finally opens the gate it had been circling around for two hundred pages.
I do wish the academic portions of the story lasted longer because Aga and Maya's rivalry banter was genuinely one of the highlights of the book for me. Their dynamic has that chaotic "academic rivals-to-lovers" energy where half their conversations feel like arguments disguised as flirting. I honestly would have happily sat through several more chapters of them doing just that lol.
Now for the characters...
Maya herself is a decent protagonist. I liked the angle, and I appreciate that the novel allows her to be stubborn, ambitious, and occasionally reckless without flattening her into a generic fantasy heroine. Her determination comes through very clearly in her internal narration. At the same time, the moments where she abruptly gets distracted thinking about Aga made me CACKLE.
Aga, meanwhile, felt kinda passive for a large portion of the story, almost like a guy being unwillingly dragged through everyone else's destiny. I wasn't fully sold on him at first because he spends so much of the novel reacting rather than acting. However, I do think the later chapters improve his characterization significantly. The conversation with his tado-oya added emotional weight to him, and
I also think the book would have benefited from including an index or glossary for the terminology. There are many cultural and world-specific terms introduced rapidly, and while I appreciate that the novel does not over-explain itself, there were moments where I had to pause and mentally reconstruct what certain titles or concepts meant. The pacing can also feel uneven in places (I wouldn't call it outright messy, but the sudden flashbacks sometimes arrive so abruptly that they interrupt scenes right when tension is building?)
Nonetheless, I absolutely LOVED the integration of Filipino mythology. The bakunawa being positioned as the centerpiece of the novel was such a strong choice, and the inclusion of creatures like manananggals never felt awkward or forced into the narrative. A lot of fantasy novels that incorporate mythology can sometimes read like a checklist of references, but here the creatures feel naturally embedded into the world's logic, history, and fears.
To conclude: I'm crossing my fingers that the next installment leans harder My jaw literally DROPPED.
Bea Bustamante is a very promising author, and despite my gripes with the simplicity of the prose and some uneven pacing, I am fully seated for the sequel. 💝
Three stars and one cookie!
Spoiler-free review: For a debut novel, this is honestly a huge first step into a world with massive potential. You can already feel the scaffolding of a much larger mythology waiting underneath the surface.
However, I also need to mention that I put this off for nearly a month because I genuinely could not tell who the intended audience was supposed to be at first glance. The premise sounded very YA fantasy, but the actual execution leans far more into that whimsical, straightforward storytelling style often found in middle-grade adventures or older children's fantasy novels. The prose is simple, the worldbuilding is introduced rather broadly, and the emotional beats arrive without too much ornamentation.
Normally, that would not entirely work for me, especially with a premise that carries so much political and mythological potential, but there is a charm to it all. That straightforwardness makes it a very breezy "palate cleanser" read.
"Spoilerful" review: If I were to recommend this book to a friend, the first thing I would say is "it actually reminded me of PJO!"
Which is a compliment I do NOT give lightly. The overall structure honestly reminded me a little of Percy Jackson & the Olympians, particularly in the sense that this feels like the beginning of a much larger "person discovers their connection to gods and ancient forces" narrative. That comparison is not necessarily about tone, because this book carries a distinctly Filipino cultural identity that separates it from Western mythological fantasy, though more about the way the first installment functions as an entry point into a larger mythos.
Bustamante is really, really good at building atmospheric tension. I especially liked the portrayal of Astyria as this vaguely hostile foreign power. The way the story frames it through rumor, fear, and political distance made the world feel larger than the immediate plot. It left me wondering whether the narrative is deliberately hiding another side to the conflict.
The pacing does drag a bit in the middle, especially after There is a stretch where the story pauses repeatedly to explain lore, lineage, and destiny, and while some of that information is necessary, the momentum noticeably slows down. That said, I started appreciating the worldbuilding far more. The world of the Seven Islands suddenly feel wider, stranger, and more textured, like the novel finally opens the gate it had been circling around for two hundred pages.
I do wish the academic portions of the story lasted longer because Aga and Maya's rivalry banter was genuinely one of the highlights of the book for me. Their dynamic has that chaotic "academic rivals-to-lovers" energy where half their conversations feel like arguments disguised as flirting. I honestly would have happily sat through several more chapters of them doing just that lol.
Now for the characters...
Maya herself is a decent protagonist. I liked the angle, and I appreciate that the novel allows her to be stubborn, ambitious, and occasionally reckless without flattening her into a generic fantasy heroine. Her determination comes through very clearly in her internal narration. At the same time, the moments where she abruptly gets distracted thinking about Aga made me CACKLE.
Aga, meanwhile, felt kinda passive for a large portion of the story, almost like a guy being unwillingly dragged through everyone else's destiny. I wasn't fully sold on him at first because he spends so much of the novel reacting rather than acting. However, I do think the later chapters improve his characterization significantly. The conversation with his tado-oya added emotional weight to him, and
I also think the book would have benefited from including an index or glossary for the terminology. There are many cultural and world-specific terms introduced rapidly, and while I appreciate that the novel does not over-explain itself, there were moments where I had to pause and mentally reconstruct what certain titles or concepts meant. The pacing can also feel uneven in places (I wouldn't call it outright messy, but the sudden flashbacks sometimes arrive so abruptly that they interrupt scenes right when tension is building?)
Nonetheless, I absolutely LOVED the integration of Filipino mythology. The bakunawa being positioned as the centerpiece of the novel was such a strong choice, and the inclusion of creatures like manananggals never felt awkward or forced into the narrative. A lot of fantasy novels that incorporate mythology can sometimes read like a checklist of references, but here the creatures feel naturally embedded into the world's logic, history, and fears.
To conclude: I'm crossing my fingers that the next installment leans harder My jaw literally DROPPED.
Bea Bustamante is a very promising author, and despite my gripes with the simplicity of the prose and some uneven pacing, I am fully seated for the sequel. 💝
April 26, 2026
Cliffhanger after cliffhanger after cliffhanger. I need the next book 😭
I’ve been eyeing this book ever since I saw it bookstagram and I’m so glad I finally had the chance to read it. As a big fantasy girlie, I’ve always wanted to read a fantasy book based on the Filipino mythology and folklore and this book definitely did not disappoint! It actually kind of reminded me of Legendborn, with the vessels and all, but made more Filipino hahaha. I can’t wait to read more on where Maya’s story will take us.
I’ve been eyeing this book ever since I saw it bookstagram and I’m so glad I finally had the chance to read it. As a big fantasy girlie, I’ve always wanted to read a fantasy book based on the Filipino mythology and folklore and this book definitely did not disappoint! It actually kind of reminded me of Legendborn, with the vessels and all, but made more Filipino hahaha. I can’t wait to read more on where Maya’s story will take us.
March 27, 2026
This book is soooo good!!! The story and characters were easy to follow through. I learned so much about Philippine mythology just by reading this book! I swear I need the next book!!!
March 30, 2026
It was good for a debut novel, simple to understand, can't just really connect with it due to how rushed some of the scenes are. Love the Filipino folklore <3
April 6, 2026
bitin!!!
April 30, 2026
What the Tak? Haha
Kailan po susunod?? 😭🤣
Kailan po susunod?? 😭🤣
May 13, 2026
ive always love fantasy, esp those tied to folklore, so this book is special because it is the first ive encountered that uses filipino folklore
loved the action scenes and fantasy descriptions
loved the action scenes and fantasy descriptions
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