What do you think?
Rate this book
Dreamt for Years in the Shadow of the Sun: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 19 Jan 27392 pages, Paperback
Expected publication January 19, 2027
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Review of advance copy
"You know what, this is really a good book. The author is really good. I love how it was written." That was my immediate reaction when I told my partner about Dreamt for Years in the Shadow of the Sun.
I’ll admit I haven't read nearly enough Filipino literature, but I set a rule for myself to read strictly local authors this August—partly for Buwan ng Wika, and partly to slash my never ending Filipino TBR pile.
The story follows Lenix and Elina as they trip into a hidden world of shamans, aswangs, tikbalangs, and urban folklore. But this isn't your standard, run-of-the-mill myth retelling—the way De Mesa seamlessly weaves drug manufacturing/trafficking and politics into the supernatural plot makes it hit entirely differently.
My only actual complaint? It's bitin! I reached the final page, realized there was nothing left, and literally said out loud: "What the hell?"😂😂
Release the sequel please! 😅
I’ll admit I haven't read nearly enough Filipino literature, but I set a rule for myself to read strictly local authors this August—partly for Buwan ng Wika, and partly to slash my never ending Filipino TBR pile.
The story follows Lenix and Elina as they trip into a hidden world of shamans, aswangs, tikbalangs, and urban folklore. But this isn't your standard, run-of-the-mill myth retelling—the way De Mesa seamlessly weaves drug manufacturing/trafficking and politics into the supernatural plot makes it hit entirely differently.
My only actual complaint? It's bitin! I reached the final page, realized there was nothing left, and literally said out loud: "What the hell?"😂😂
Release the sequel please! 😅
Review of advance copy
Gritty, intriguing, folkloric world. A concoction of crimes and creatures, shamans and the streets.
Distinctly Filipino with how it blends the harsh reality of life with the mythical world beyond. Interesting first novel (although it ends suddenly. Guess I'll have to wait for that sequel).
Got this at the Manila International Book Fair 2026. Always interested to read what Penguin Southeast Asia publishes.
Distinctly Filipino with how it blends the harsh reality of life with the mythical world beyond. Interesting first novel (although it ends suddenly. Guess I'll have to wait for that sequel).
Got this at the Manila International Book Fair 2026. Always interested to read what Penguin Southeast Asia publishes.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews