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Wounded Little Gods
Regina was born and raised in the small town of Heridos, where gods and spirits walked the earth.
Until they didn't.
Ten years ago, the whole town produced a bad harvest - rice grains as black as soot - and the people of the town moved on, away from the soil and the farms, believing the gods and spirits have abandoned them.
It is ten years later, on a Friday before a long weekend, and Regina ends her shift at an office in Makati. She walks home with a new colleague named Diana. Diana, following a strange and disturbing conversation with Regina, does not appear at the office on Monday, and the day after that.
And the day after that.
On Thursday, Regina opens her bag and finds a folded piece of paper filled with Diana's handwriting.
On the page are two names and a strange map that will send Regina home.
Until they didn't.
Ten years ago, the whole town produced a bad harvest - rice grains as black as soot - and the people of the town moved on, away from the soil and the farms, believing the gods and spirits have abandoned them.
It is ten years later, on a Friday before a long weekend, and Regina ends her shift at an office in Makati. She walks home with a new colleague named Diana. Diana, following a strange and disturbing conversation with Regina, does not appear at the office on Monday, and the day after that.
And the day after that.
On Thursday, Regina opens her bag and finds a folded piece of paper filled with Diana's handwriting.
On the page are two names and a strange map that will send Regina home.
230 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2016
17 people are currently reading
950 people want to read
About the author
Eliza Victoria
40 books338 followersEliza Victoria is the author of several books including the Philippine National Book Award-winning Dwellers, the novel Wounded Little Gods, the graphic novel After Lambana (a collaboration with Mervin Malonzo), and the science fiction novel-in-stories, Nightfall. Her fiction and poetry have appeared in several publications, most recently in LONTAR: The Journal of Southeast Asian Speculative Fiction, The Best Asian Speculative Fiction, The Dark Magazine, The Apex Book of World SF Volume 5, Fireside Fiction, and Future SF. She has won prizes in the Philippines’ top literary awards, including the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature. Her one-act plays (written in Filipino) have been staged at the Virgin LabFest at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
November 2, 2016
I have been a fan of Eliza Victoria since coming across her novel Dwellers which is one of the most exciting psychological supernatural thrillers I have read, and it spanned only for less than two hundred pages! A year later I stumbled upon this, her latest book, and as fates would have it, I only carried enough money with me that also happens to be the exact amount that had enabled me to purchase this treasure. And it is one for the collection!
The reasons why I get excited about reading Eliza Victoria are (1) I don't usually connect with female fiction writers for some reason, save for Virginia Woolf and the CLAMP mangaka; (2) she is a Filipino author and a very talented one at that; and (3) the genre she writes in, which is urban fantasy, is something I believe she brings a lot of freshness of ideas into, particularly on the mythology of supernatural creatures and several folklores.
Wounded Little Gods touches upon the polytheistic religion of Filipinos from the old times. Before we became a Catholic nation for the most part, Filipino ancestors pre-colonial times used to have many deities they worship and dedicate functions concerning nature such as weather and harvest, and this novel explores the idea that these deities still do live on, particularly in a remote fictional place called Heridos. But that was until a grave incident occurred which abruptly ended the communication and patronage between the gods and the people of Heridos.
Regina, this book's protagonist of sorts, comes home to Heridos after a co-worker of hers left her a piece of paper containing an enigmatic map and a few unfamiliar names before this co-worker disappeared. Rather curious about this baffling turn of events, Regina tracks down the names on the paper as well as other several clues which more or less feel like someone is purposely dropping these bread crumbs for her to find. The way the story unfolded both on Regina's end, and ultimately on the end of the unseen characters who will be later revealed as important players, has been executed fairly well. Victoria has built up the right amount of suspense to deliver a plot whose twists are subtle yet still memorable.
I've noticed a common theme in her novels which are sibling relationships. Both in her previous works Dwellers as well as Project 17, a science fiction concerning memories and artificial intelligence, all have lead characters who are cousins or brothers. In Wounded Little Gods, the same theme occurs but this time between a brother and sister. I just think it's noteworthy to point out. I can't really say much about this book because it's rather short much like Dwellers, but the substance is worth the serving because Victoria's prose is a case of simplicity that denotes elegance. The way she weaves certain scenes and sentiments together makes her conflicts and the resolutions of them bittersweet and poignant, often relying on the impact of her characters' defeats and their small compensations at the end.
It might be easy to compare this to Neil Gaiman's American Gods because the concept of deities still living among humans while in disguise as one of them has been explored by Gaiman not just in said book but in his graphic novel series The Sandman too, but that would be a tad unfair because Victoria's own version is unique in itself. Besides, it's also thrilling to see Filipino deities portrayed in fiction in a very compelling manner. Aside from the pagan religion and mythology aspects of this book, there is also a subplot concerning scientific research with questionable ethics that has been performed in Heridos and which ties with the more paranormal elements of the plot. I think they are inseparable more or less, and Victoria balanced them skilfully enough that the pay-off is something both satisfying and not.
Wounded Little Gods is essentially a story about what need and longing do to sentient beings who will never stop searching answers to their questions and gratification for their desires. It's a story about accepting that humanity always comes with its flaws and deceptions, but even divinity itself may not be as perfect as it may seem. The book also touches upon the value of not abusing knowledge and science, and to use one's enlightenment for the the benefit of others and not for their oppression.
Written in brevity yet endurably engrossing down to the last page, Wounded Little Gods is yet another triumphant work for Eliza Victoria.
RECOMMENDED: 9/10
READ MY REVIEWS AT:
The reasons why I get excited about reading Eliza Victoria are (1) I don't usually connect with female fiction writers for some reason, save for Virginia Woolf and the CLAMP mangaka; (2) she is a Filipino author and a very talented one at that; and (3) the genre she writes in, which is urban fantasy, is something I believe she brings a lot of freshness of ideas into, particularly on the mythology of supernatural creatures and several folklores.
Wounded Little Gods touches upon the polytheistic religion of Filipinos from the old times. Before we became a Catholic nation for the most part, Filipino ancestors pre-colonial times used to have many deities they worship and dedicate functions concerning nature such as weather and harvest, and this novel explores the idea that these deities still do live on, particularly in a remote fictional place called Heridos. But that was until a grave incident occurred which abruptly ended the communication and patronage between the gods and the people of Heridos.
Regina, this book's protagonist of sorts, comes home to Heridos after a co-worker of hers left her a piece of paper containing an enigmatic map and a few unfamiliar names before this co-worker disappeared. Rather curious about this baffling turn of events, Regina tracks down the names on the paper as well as other several clues which more or less feel like someone is purposely dropping these bread crumbs for her to find. The way the story unfolded both on Regina's end, and ultimately on the end of the unseen characters who will be later revealed as important players, has been executed fairly well. Victoria has built up the right amount of suspense to deliver a plot whose twists are subtle yet still memorable.
I've noticed a common theme in her novels which are sibling relationships. Both in her previous works Dwellers as well as Project 17, a science fiction concerning memories and artificial intelligence, all have lead characters who are cousins or brothers. In Wounded Little Gods, the same theme occurs but this time between a brother and sister. I just think it's noteworthy to point out. I can't really say much about this book because it's rather short much like Dwellers, but the substance is worth the serving because Victoria's prose is a case of simplicity that denotes elegance. The way she weaves certain scenes and sentiments together makes her conflicts and the resolutions of them bittersweet and poignant, often relying on the impact of her characters' defeats and their small compensations at the end.
It might be easy to compare this to Neil Gaiman's American Gods because the concept of deities still living among humans while in disguise as one of them has been explored by Gaiman not just in said book but in his graphic novel series The Sandman too, but that would be a tad unfair because Victoria's own version is unique in itself. Besides, it's also thrilling to see Filipino deities portrayed in fiction in a very compelling manner. Aside from the pagan religion and mythology aspects of this book, there is also a subplot concerning scientific research with questionable ethics that has been performed in Heridos and which ties with the more paranormal elements of the plot. I think they are inseparable more or less, and Victoria balanced them skilfully enough that the pay-off is something both satisfying and not.
Wounded Little Gods is essentially a story about what need and longing do to sentient beings who will never stop searching answers to their questions and gratification for their desires. It's a story about accepting that humanity always comes with its flaws and deceptions, but even divinity itself may not be as perfect as it may seem. The book also touches upon the value of not abusing knowledge and science, and to use one's enlightenment for the the benefit of others and not for their oppression.
Written in brevity yet endurably engrossing down to the last page, Wounded Little Gods is yet another triumphant work for Eliza Victoria.
RECOMMENDED: 9/10
READ MY REVIEWS AT:
September 15, 2017
Wounded Little Gods grabbed me and took me by surprise to a frightening and fascinating world of medical experiments, history and Philippine mythology. I hadn't expected this. But it was a great combination, I'm in awe while devouring and getting it all in my system. And after reading this book, it's still bothering and reminding me of its horrors and all those terrifying shits it had offered.
If I'm being honest, I still can't wrap up my head with the intensity of the plot of this little book. Or should I say how intensely silent the plot was. Which is ironically deafening, like there are voices whispering god-knows-what in my ears. I'm still in the process of making conclusions of what I've just read which is actually a good thing since I can't get it out of my head. I'm thinking of rereading this book sooner to solidify my mushy thoughts about it.
WLG is scary read in a sense that the atmosphere it builds is familiar and unfamiliar at the same time. Add to that the cunning mystery enveloping this whole book that made its pages more intriguing and exciting to turn. Also add to that the right pacing and flow of the story which leads to a heart-stopping and mind-boggling revelation. I couldn't push myself to stop and ponder because it is just so addicting.
My only problem with this book is my emotional attachment with the characters, especially Regina (the main character). No, they aren't dull characters. No, they aren't one-dimensional. They just don't invoke the emotions in me. Maybe, it's the plot or maybe it was the writing. Though the writing was excellent and compelling, it wasn't emotionally wired.
Wounded Little Gods, without exaggeration, is a well-written novel that seamlessly mixes and blends reality and fantasy (mythology) like it's a natural thing and reminds us of the horrors and miracles of life.
If I'm being honest, I still can't wrap up my head with the intensity of the plot of this little book. Or should I say how intensely silent the plot was. Which is ironically deafening, like there are voices whispering god-knows-what in my ears. I'm still in the process of making conclusions of what I've just read which is actually a good thing since I can't get it out of my head. I'm thinking of rereading this book sooner to solidify my mushy thoughts about it.
WLG is scary read in a sense that the atmosphere it builds is familiar and unfamiliar at the same time. Add to that the cunning mystery enveloping this whole book that made its pages more intriguing and exciting to turn. Also add to that the right pacing and flow of the story which leads to a heart-stopping and mind-boggling revelation. I couldn't push myself to stop and ponder because it is just so addicting.
My only problem with this book is my emotional attachment with the characters, especially Regina (the main character). No, they aren't dull characters. No, they aren't one-dimensional. They just don't invoke the emotions in me. Maybe, it's the plot or maybe it was the writing. Though the writing was excellent and compelling, it wasn't emotionally wired.
Wounded Little Gods, without exaggeration, is a well-written novel that seamlessly mixes and blends reality and fantasy (mythology) like it's a natural thing and reminds us of the horrors and miracles of life.
August 10, 2020
Eliza Victoria does it again!!! I was truly caught off guard with the last chapter and I utterly loved it. Wounded Little Gods is such a fitting title and for now, all I can say is that this once again a well written piece from Eliza Victoria. I'll definitely be reading some of her books sooner! FULL RTC.
May 29, 2016
Para sa akin, ang Wounded Little Gods ay isang love story.
Pero walang leading man at leading lady na aantayin mong magkatuluyan. Walang nakakakilig na mga eksena. Love story ito sa sense na pagmamahal ang naging motivation ng lahat ng karakter.
Pagmamahal ng isang diyos sa mga mortal.
Pagmamahal ng ilang panatiko sa kanilang paniniwala.
Pagmamahal sa isang sikreto.
Pagmamahal sa kapatid.
Marami akong puwedeng sabihin tungkol sa Wounded Little Gods. Ang galing at engaging pa rin talaga sumulat ni Eliza Victoria. Gustong gusto ko pa rin ang pag-infuse niya ng philosophy, ethics, at science sa mga kuwento niya. Gusto ko pa ring purihin na kahit may hindi pagkanatural ang ilang dialogue (dahil minsan ay medyo infodump ang dating) ay may sense naman ito sa konteksto ng istorya.
Pero ang pinakagusto kong aspeto ng Wounded Little Gods ay ang pagbali nito sa nakasanayan nang pagtingin sa konsepto ng pag-ibig.
Laging sinasabi: Love is unconditional. Love does not ask for anything in return. Love is selfless. Pinapakita ng Wounded Little Gods na hindi sa lahat ng pagkakataon ay totoo iyon.
Minsan, sobrang pagmamahal ang magiging dahilan para traydorin ka ng iba. Pagmamahal ang tutulak sa iyong gumawa ng masama. Minsan, hindi puwedeng wala kang natatanggap na kapalit kapag nagmahal ka. Na minsan, gusto mo lang din ng sukli para rito.
Pero hindi negatibong pagtingin sa pagmamahal ang nais iwan ng libro, sa tingin ko. Ibang persperktibo lang. Isang uri ng pagmamahal na nagbigay ka, at may natanggap ka. At hindi ka sakim, ganid, o masamang tao para naisin iyon.
Ang ibig sabihin lang noon, tao ka.
Pero walang leading man at leading lady na aantayin mong magkatuluyan. Walang nakakakilig na mga eksena. Love story ito sa sense na pagmamahal ang naging motivation ng lahat ng karakter.
Pagmamahal ng isang diyos sa mga mortal.
Pagmamahal ng ilang panatiko sa kanilang paniniwala.
Pagmamahal sa isang sikreto.
Pagmamahal sa kapatid.
Marami akong puwedeng sabihin tungkol sa Wounded Little Gods. Ang galing at engaging pa rin talaga sumulat ni Eliza Victoria. Gustong gusto ko pa rin ang pag-infuse niya ng philosophy, ethics, at science sa mga kuwento niya. Gusto ko pa ring purihin na kahit may hindi pagkanatural ang ilang dialogue (dahil minsan ay medyo infodump ang dating) ay may sense naman ito sa konteksto ng istorya.
Pero ang pinakagusto kong aspeto ng Wounded Little Gods ay ang pagbali nito sa nakasanayan nang pagtingin sa konsepto ng pag-ibig.
Laging sinasabi: Love is unconditional. Love does not ask for anything in return. Love is selfless. Pinapakita ng Wounded Little Gods na hindi sa lahat ng pagkakataon ay totoo iyon.
Minsan, sobrang pagmamahal ang magiging dahilan para traydorin ka ng iba. Pagmamahal ang tutulak sa iyong gumawa ng masama. Minsan, hindi puwedeng wala kang natatanggap na kapalit kapag nagmahal ka. Na minsan, gusto mo lang din ng sukli para rito.
Pero hindi negatibong pagtingin sa pagmamahal ang nais iwan ng libro, sa tingin ko. Ibang persperktibo lang. Isang uri ng pagmamahal na nagbigay ka, at may natanggap ka. At hindi ka sakim, ganid, o masamang tao para naisin iyon.
Ang ibig sabihin lang noon, tao ka.
February 13, 2020
I don't think this quite weaved to the story that was intended. The premise was interesting and it kept me reading, however, it fell a little flat and confusing in the end.
August 12, 2016
3.5 stars.
Wounded Little Gods is one of those books you can easily read in one sitting. Not simply because it's short, but because it draws you in and invites you on quite an interesting ride.
The story revolves around Regina, a young woman who has a strange conversation with her new colleague, Diana. Shortly after their odd encounter, Diana disappears but leaves a strange map that takes Regina back to her hometown of Heridos, where she unearths a mystery filled with strange rumors and whispers about human experiments held in a medical facility no one seems to know about.
There isn't much I can say about this book without giving the plot away, but I have to say I really, really liked the strange combination of medical experiments and spirits/gods that are both parts of the plot. How interesting to see how human experiments--often a product of people who act like gods--somehow intertwine with the very same spirits/gods that people believe in and like to imagine themselves to be.
This is a delightful book that gives us appearances of the old Filipino gods, throws in a little bit of horrifying Philippine history, and combines both elements to create a delicious story that mixes both fantasy and history together quite well.
I'd have given this a higher rating but I was confused for quite a while because I had initially though the book was about a curse on Heridos, based on the book's summary. Instead, I found myself on a wild goose chase involving experiments and spirits, and it took me a while to adjust and realize that the book wasn't really about the town at all, but more about gods and humans and how we all make mistakes--and how sometimes, those mistakes take away the most precious things from us. (Which was quite delightful really, but I was confused for most of the book before it dawned on me--I'm slow lol)
This review can also be found on my blog, Lambent Lights.
Wounded Little Gods is one of those books you can easily read in one sitting. Not simply because it's short, but because it draws you in and invites you on quite an interesting ride.
The story revolves around Regina, a young woman who has a strange conversation with her new colleague, Diana. Shortly after their odd encounter, Diana disappears but leaves a strange map that takes Regina back to her hometown of Heridos, where she unearths a mystery filled with strange rumors and whispers about human experiments held in a medical facility no one seems to know about.
There isn't much I can say about this book without giving the plot away, but I have to say I really, really liked the strange combination of medical experiments and spirits/gods that are both parts of the plot. How interesting to see how human experiments--often a product of people who act like gods--somehow intertwine with the very same spirits/gods that people believe in and like to imagine themselves to be.
This is a delightful book that gives us appearances of the old Filipino gods, throws in a little bit of horrifying Philippine history, and combines both elements to create a delicious story that mixes both fantasy and history together quite well.
I'd have given this a higher rating but I was confused for quite a while because I had initially though the book was about a curse on Heridos, based on the book's summary. Instead, I found myself on a wild goose chase involving experiments and spirits, and it took me a while to adjust and realize that the book wasn't really about the town at all, but more about gods and humans and how we all make mistakes--and how sometimes, those mistakes take away the most precious things from us. (Which was quite delightful really, but I was confused for most of the book before it dawned on me--I'm slow lol)
This review can also be found on my blog, Lambent Lights.
August 21, 2016
I didn't know how to feel about this book when I started reading. I guess I can say I didn't have much feelings about how it started. It wasn't at all amazing and I wasn't engrossed but it was an easy read so I thought, what the heck ... Filipino pride, eh?
When I got to the good bits this book actually spooked me that I wanted to put it down but I (still) couldn't put it down because I just had to know the juicy story behind all the mysterious circumstances surrounding Regina. It did not disappoint (me).
I was sad when it ended but I'm excited to read her other stories. Now I must return this book to the owner and get myself a copy (of this and her other books) for my collection.
Four stars.
When I got to the good bits this book actually spooked me that I wanted to put it down but I (still) couldn't put it down because I just had to know the juicy story behind all the mysterious circumstances surrounding Regina. It did not disappoint (me).
I was sad when it ended but I'm excited to read her other stories. Now I must return this book to the owner and get myself a copy (of this and her other books) for my collection.
Four stars.
January 25, 2023
head full of thoughts........ this book will haunt me for the rest of my life i fear
July 3, 2024
4-5 stars. Beautiful. many thoughts to unpack and articulate later on.
but for now—
- penance as a burden. but is it for forgiveness, is it for mercy, is it simply for the sake of carrying on worthy lives?
- beautiful placemaking! land as a place of power and subjugation, as an avenue of being named (and with it, being claimed and reclaimed).... but also, land and Bodies
- Beautiful Prose
- chapter 16 WOOH
- tensions on what it means to be good. on what it is to be kind
- HUNGER . to want. to long for. to strive for. to grieve for what was.
- what is immortality if you are not alive?
but for now—
- penance as a burden. but is it for forgiveness, is it for mercy, is it simply for the sake of carrying on worthy lives?
- beautiful placemaking! land as a place of power and subjugation, as an avenue of being named (and with it, being claimed and reclaimed).... but also, land and Bodies
- Beautiful Prose
- chapter 16 WOOH
- tensions on what it means to be good. on what it is to be kind
- HUNGER . to want. to long for. to strive for. to grieve for what was.
- what is immortality if you are not alive?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2025
Instagram | Blog
“Wounded Little Gods” follows the story of Regina and her hometown. It all kicks off with the mysterious disappearance of Regina’s workmate, and from there, secrets and lies start to unravel in the most captivating way.
The build-up to the big reveal was just fantastic! It kept me guessing and totally immersed in the characters all night long. The backstories of each character were so well thought out and cleverly woven into the plot. On top of all that, the book delves into Filipino mythology, and Eliza Victoria’s writing style is just so addictive. Combined with the amazing plot, it made it impossible for me to put the book down.
You’ve got to read this book. With its fantastic build-up, strong characters, and well-written backdrop, “Wounded Little Gods” is an absolute must-read!
“Wounded Little Gods” follows the story of Regina and her hometown. It all kicks off with the mysterious disappearance of Regina’s workmate, and from there, secrets and lies start to unravel in the most captivating way.
The build-up to the big reveal was just fantastic! It kept me guessing and totally immersed in the characters all night long. The backstories of each character were so well thought out and cleverly woven into the plot. On top of all that, the book delves into Filipino mythology, and Eliza Victoria’s writing style is just so addictive. Combined with the amazing plot, it made it impossible for me to put the book down.
You’ve got to read this book. With its fantastic build-up, strong characters, and well-written backdrop, “Wounded Little Gods” is an absolute must-read!
May 22, 2017
"A solid, fascinating read on the supernatural and the natural, Wounded Little Gods is not one to miss." Continue reading our review here.
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Please note: We don't use ratings but for this purpose, we tag books with three stars by default.
Would like to be a reviewer/contributor to Bookbed? Sign up here!
We also accept review requests. More info here.
May 22, 2016
Kudos to Eliza Victoria once again for this very gripping book. This is the 4th book of hers that I read and really, each one is a winner. If anything my gripe with her stories is that I didn't want them to end. This latest one, I was not even halfway and I already thought this may work as a TV fantasy serial! The setting and the characters are very rich and interesting. Looking forward to her next books (no pressure, haha!).
January 19, 2017
Eliza Victoria never cease to amaze me. Her writing skills are great and I can't seem to get bored by it. She capture her reader's interest and holds on to it until the end. This book made me think and wonder what the hell is happening and when it was time to unfold the mysteries, I was amazed. Kudos to Eliza!
June 9, 2016
Spooky yet engrossing. Couldn't put it down.
November 18, 2019
This is by far one of the BEST books I have ever read in my entire life (definitely the best book I have read in 2019).
I'll admit, when I picked up this book from Arkipelago Books in San Francisco, I mostly selected it for the extremely aesthetically pleasing cover. And even reading over the brief summary on the back of the book, I thought I'd be signing up for a casual "folklore" story about some Philippine myths (and being Filipino American myself, I wanted to understand more about my culture). However, within the first couple pages, I was thrown into a story that read closer to a (possible murder) mystery and thriller.
I did not notice the usage of third person writing until halfway through the novel -- I think this was to make the reader really focused on Regina's character (both her early beginnings/upbringing as well as her development throughout the story) to make it so we are learning information as she is. I feel like if I even remotely share any aspect about the story, it would give away vital plot information; and that in it of itself, the fact that every word/sentence/page was used so meaningfully, is one of the biggest reasons I love this book.
Ironically enough, I have two Bachelors degrees in Psychology and Asian American Studies. So although I was familiar with the concepts of eugenics and "civilized v uncivilized discourses, western cultures colonizing the east, etc.", it was mind-boggling to have both handed to me presented as a page-turning "fictional" story. I suppose one could read this story as a large metaphor for the thousands of years of colonization that took place in the Philippines, or in general a critique of how the PI has become industrialized/modern and forgets its indigenous traditions and beliefs...
YET one could also interpret it as a story that tests the limits of how far people would go to protect the ones they love.
I suppose for me personally as someone living in the diaspora and not directly in the Philippines, this story was a breath of fresh air -- I think I've grown tired of reading about "ah I'm Asian/Filipino in America and this is my experience of being caught between two cultures" because if I am LIVING the experience every day, I want my reading to serve as a distraction away from my reality. Therefore, reading this book makes me wonder how I would have interpreted the story (as well as myths, racism, eugenics, traditions, etc) if I were actually born and raised in the Philippines? Would I love it just as much, or more, or less?
Some questions (potential themes?) that arose for me were:
If humans created the concept of gods/spirits, can they also destroy them OR do gods/spirits truly control everything, regardless of how they were created?
Is something a lie even after you've convinced yourself and others it is the truth?
Are all lies bad?
What does forgiveness look like?
What does seeking forgiveness/feeling true remorse look like?
I'll admit, when I picked up this book from Arkipelago Books in San Francisco, I mostly selected it for the extremely aesthetically pleasing cover. And even reading over the brief summary on the back of the book, I thought I'd be signing up for a casual "folklore" story about some Philippine myths (and being Filipino American myself, I wanted to understand more about my culture). However, within the first couple pages, I was thrown into a story that read closer to a (possible murder) mystery and thriller.
I did not notice the usage of third person writing until halfway through the novel -- I think this was to make the reader really focused on Regina's character (both her early beginnings/upbringing as well as her development throughout the story) to make it so we are learning information as she is. I feel like if I even remotely share any aspect about the story, it would give away vital plot information; and that in it of itself, the fact that every word/sentence/page was used so meaningfully, is one of the biggest reasons I love this book.
Ironically enough, I have two Bachelors degrees in Psychology and Asian American Studies. So although I was familiar with the concepts of eugenics and "civilized v uncivilized discourses, western cultures colonizing the east, etc.", it was mind-boggling to have both handed to me presented as a page-turning "fictional" story. I suppose one could read this story as a large metaphor for the thousands of years of colonization that took place in the Philippines, or in general a critique of how the PI has become industrialized/modern and forgets its indigenous traditions and beliefs...
YET one could also interpret it as a story that tests the limits of how far people would go to protect the ones they love.
I suppose for me personally as someone living in the diaspora and not directly in the Philippines, this story was a breath of fresh air -- I think I've grown tired of reading about "ah I'm Asian/Filipino in America and this is my experience of being caught between two cultures" because if I am LIVING the experience every day, I want my reading to serve as a distraction away from my reality. Therefore, reading this book makes me wonder how I would have interpreted the story (as well as myths, racism, eugenics, traditions, etc) if I were actually born and raised in the Philippines? Would I love it just as much, or more, or less?
Some questions (potential themes?) that arose for me were:
If humans created the concept of gods/spirits, can they also destroy them OR do gods/spirits truly control everything, regardless of how they were created?
Is something a lie even after you've convinced yourself and others it is the truth?
Are all lies bad?
What does forgiveness look like?
What does seeking forgiveness/feeling true remorse look like?
August 26, 2018
I LOVE THIS! I didn’t really expect the plot to go that way but WOW.
This is my first time reading an English novel written by a Filipino author. Ever since I learned that this book exists I immediately went to different bookstores. It was a bit hard to find but I eventually found one (thank God).
The thing about Philippine mythology is that even us, Filipinos, know so little about it. Yeah, we know Bathala, Amihan, anito, siyokoy and what-not through oral storytelling but we don’t really know them and their story. So I really want to know more about it and I was so excited to read this when I learned that it’s about Philippine mythology. And let me tell you this, I AM NOT DISAPPOINTED.
This book is kind of spooky but it’s so interesting. I really couldn’t stop and I finished this in like 2 or 3 hours(?) Anyway, the writing is unusual and it confused me at first but it really matched the vibe of the story and I grew to like it.
Regina, the main character, is also very relatable. I like her right away. I’m glad the POV didn’t just focus on Regina because Wounded Little Gods is not really about her. She’s just there to be a witness and maybe tell the story. I love how Eliza Victoria included Filipino things as much as she could like farming, hot weather, tricycle, jeep, even mentioning the traffic (LMAO), also the caldereta and Pancit Malabon. And even though the story is in English, I still feel that it’s the Philippines and these characters are Filipino. I also learned a lot with this story. Before, I didn’t even know who the goddess of death, god of good harvest, and god of seasons were.
Overall, I really love this book. I wish it was longer though.
I’m hoping to read more of Eliza Victoria’s books!
This is my first time reading an English novel written by a Filipino author. Ever since I learned that this book exists I immediately went to different bookstores. It was a bit hard to find but I eventually found one (thank God).
The thing about Philippine mythology is that even us, Filipinos, know so little about it. Yeah, we know Bathala, Amihan, anito, siyokoy and what-not through oral storytelling but we don’t really know them and their story. So I really want to know more about it and I was so excited to read this when I learned that it’s about Philippine mythology. And let me tell you this, I AM NOT DISAPPOINTED.
This book is kind of spooky but it’s so interesting. I really couldn’t stop and I finished this in like 2 or 3 hours(?) Anyway, the writing is unusual and it confused me at first but it really matched the vibe of the story and I grew to like it.
Regina, the main character, is also very relatable. I like her right away. I’m glad the POV didn’t just focus on Regina because Wounded Little Gods is not really about her. She’s just there to be a witness and maybe tell the story. I love how Eliza Victoria included Filipino things as much as she could like farming, hot weather, tricycle, jeep, even mentioning the traffic (LMAO), also the caldereta and Pancit Malabon. And even though the story is in English, I still feel that it’s the Philippines and these characters are Filipino. I also learned a lot with this story. Before, I didn’t even know who the goddess of death, god of good harvest, and god of seasons were.
Overall, I really love this book. I wish it was longer though.
I’m hoping to read more of Eliza Victoria’s books!
August 4, 2022
Read this for Wikathon and absolutely loved it!. I’ve been of Eliza since the early 2010s, but unfortunately those copies are lost to the sands of time 😅 So when I saw Tuttle Publishing was rereleasing this book with a new cover, I had to grab a copy. I read this one for the “Enteng Kabisote” prompt which calls for a fantasy or sci-fi book.
Eliza Victoria has a way with words. The way she weaves her settings and her characters makes them all so real - not only could I see protagonist Regina in my mind’s eye, I almost was her. I could feel what she wanted, the strength of her emotions, her desires, her confusion, her fear.
Eliza Victoria is also a master at crafting suspense. This book was literally less than 200 pages and yet I spent most of it on tenterhooks, wondering what the heck was going on and what twist or surprise was waiting for me just around the corner. Just like the best of mysteries, hints and clues are sprinkled throughout, tantalizing the reader and leading you on to the conclusion. And when the reveal finally comes, it was SO satisfying.
(I know how that sounds. Lmao.)
I’ve always known that Eliza Victoria is a masterful writer but rereading Wounded Little Gods in its brand spanking new refreshed form was a wonderful reminder!
Check out more on my bookstagram or my blog!
Eliza Victoria has a way with words. The way she weaves her settings and her characters makes them all so real - not only could I see protagonist Regina in my mind’s eye, I almost was her. I could feel what she wanted, the strength of her emotions, her desires, her confusion, her fear.
Eliza Victoria is also a master at crafting suspense. This book was literally less than 200 pages and yet I spent most of it on tenterhooks, wondering what the heck was going on and what twist or surprise was waiting for me just around the corner. Just like the best of mysteries, hints and clues are sprinkled throughout, tantalizing the reader and leading you on to the conclusion. And when the reveal finally comes, it was SO satisfying.
(I know how that sounds. Lmao.)
I’ve always known that Eliza Victoria is a masterful writer but rereading Wounded Little Gods in its brand spanking new refreshed form was a wonderful reminder!
Check out more on my bookstagram or my blog!
January 19, 2025
*3.5*
“go back far enough and you’ll realize that every piece of land you’ll find yourself standing on has been claimed and lost and re-claimed thousands of times. all land has witnessed its share of sadness and tragedy.”
one thing abt eliza victoria is that she always knows how to get her readers hooked from the start with her interesting premise and intriguing opening chapters.
and while i do love the scientific and mythological aspects of this book separately, the fusion of these two elements was just not as smooth and coherent as i had hoped it would be. i also felt a bit lost and dissatisfied by the end since i didn’t really form an emotional attachment to the succeeding chain of events.
maybe if it had been just a tad bit longer, i would have appreciated some of the characters more :))
“go back far enough and you’ll realize that every piece of land you’ll find yourself standing on has been claimed and lost and re-claimed thousands of times. all land has witnessed its share of sadness and tragedy.”
one thing abt eliza victoria is that she always knows how to get her readers hooked from the start with her interesting premise and intriguing opening chapters.
and while i do love the scientific and mythological aspects of this book separately, the fusion of these two elements was just not as smooth and coherent as i had hoped it would be. i also felt a bit lost and dissatisfied by the end since i didn’t really form an emotional attachment to the succeeding chain of events.
maybe if it had been just a tad bit longer, i would have appreciated some of the characters more :))
August 10, 2025
this is the second book that i’ve read where eugenics is mentioned/a theme. it’s good, but some parts are confusing and i feel like i’m reading while high lol. it’s a confusing in a good kind of way if that makes sense?
i think the plot itself and how it centrals on gods, spirits and victims of experiments is great. the plot itself is unique, how it managed to mix science fiction with fantasy/folklore/mythology/history
but the narrative parts around part 3 and 4 really confused the heck out of me i dont even know what am i reading hahahahha so 4 stars
nevertheless i enjoyed it
i think the plot itself and how it centrals on gods, spirits and victims of experiments is great. the plot itself is unique, how it managed to mix science fiction with fantasy/folklore/mythology/history
but the narrative parts around part 3 and 4 really confused the heck out of me i dont even know what am i reading hahahahha so 4 stars
nevertheless i enjoyed it
January 8, 2023
"Some are more important than others. Some can die without the world grieving them."
Maybe it's just me but I had a hard time getting into the narration. It's slow paced and the bulk of the book was spent mostly on descriptions. The last part of the book felt like a dump for the revelations that should've been unraveled earlier in the story. Overall, it's an ok read but it's not something I'll read again.
Rating: 2.75 🌟
Maybe it's just me but I had a hard time getting into the narration. It's slow paced and the bulk of the book was spent mostly on descriptions. The last part of the book felt like a dump for the revelations that should've been unraveled earlier in the story. Overall, it's an ok read but it's not something I'll read again.
Rating: 2.75 🌟
October 28, 2016
Originally posted on my blog: https://bongbongbooks.wordpress.com
Eliza Victoria is really taking the theme of Philippine folklore and Philippine urban fantasy to a whole new level! I really did not imagine that there will come a time that I will fully believe that local gods and deities worshiped by our ancestors do really exist and they live and walk with us without us noticing. This book really made me believe that.
Eliza Victoria is the author of Dwellers which won the 2015 Philippine National Book Development Board National Book Award for Fiction Novel in English which I also enjoyed reading. Check out review here. Wounded Little Gods is one of the books that I bought on this year’s Manila International Book Fair.
The book follows the story of Regina, a young lady who moved from his rural home to the city to work. She became friends with one of her workmates, Diana. Regina was able to know more about Diana when she got the chance to visit where Diana stays. She was able to see Diana’s collection of books about eugenics which totally intrigued her. I made a simple research about it and Merriam-Webster defines eugenics as a science that tries to improve the human race by controlling which people become parents. Now that’s the light definition. Hitler somewhat used that belief in exterminating the Jews when he was in power. As the History News Network puts it, “eugenics was the racist pseudoscience determined to wipe away all human beings deemed “unfit,” preserving only those who conformed to a Nordic stereotype.” Now that’s creepy. Well, I myself would also be weirded out and intrigued if those are the majority of the books that I see if I visit a friend’s house. That discovery by Regina will somehow make sense as the story progressed. The book’s tension immediately picks up it’s momentum with Diana missing and Regina trying to unravel the mystery behind her disappearance. Before Diana has gone missing, Regina was left with a map that lead her back to her hometown, Heridos. A town that has a rich history. History that will take readers back to the ages where people still worship gods to the time that science took over.
Using her uncanny ability, she tried to piece every clue that she got. With no one else from whom she can ask help, she decided to work alone with her curiosity driving her to go on. She found herself in places that do not exist. Why is she the only one who can see and visit this creepy building in the middle of a prohibited lot? Met people who really are not who they appear to be. who are these people getting in the way of her search in knowing the truth? Who really is Diana? Discover her town’s secret that everyone wants to forget. what is this secret medical facility built in their town way back that offered “rehabilitation of kids” with attitudes considered by their families as unfit to the society which included “medical experiments” far advance at that time? And learned family revelations that made her almost question her own sanity. Is her family the perfect family like what she think it is?
This is only the third book that I read from her and I really have to commend how vividly she writes and how solid she builds the world that she creates. How she weaves her story is so intricate and she really know how to build up the momentum. The way she presents her world and the way she describes it is so good that it will totally immersed you. And guess what, she does it by using simple words and the simplest of ways which is a plus for me because I am not really a fan of authors who likes to use “flowery” words in describing just a simple act or a simple scene. Her writing is on point and direct but not in a way that will you make you feel that it was rushed. The book has this right balance between it’s pacing and storytelling that works perfectly with how the tension in the book escalates. She know how to trick and play with the emotions and imagination of her readers. She’ll glue you to every page until you reach the end. In just only a couple of pages, Victoria was able to write a very satisfying book that really made me think about some ethical questions that I won’t discuss here as it would be a spoiler but for sure if you’ll read the book you’ll get me.
She present characters that have relatable flaws who you can easily recognize, normal characters who can be anyone that you meet in the street experiencing the same traffic like you do and facing the same stress at work. However one thing that I have to point out is I just wished that the characters are even more fleshed out. They are relatable but there’s that feeling that you want to know them more. I wouldn't mind knowing more bout their background especially the “gods” as that would be fascinating. That would also in way make the readers even more connect to their past and their story and their reactions to certain situations. The could’ve made the book even more engaging.
But overall, I did enjoy this book. This is a good read. If you’re looking for a book that has touches of philosophy, ethics, science and history thrown into it then definitely this is a book for you. It’s short but it has depths to it. It has good family dynamics. It talks about love in a lot of forms and its complexities.
4 stars out of 5.
Eliza Victoria is really taking the theme of Philippine folklore and Philippine urban fantasy to a whole new level! I really did not imagine that there will come a time that I will fully believe that local gods and deities worshiped by our ancestors do really exist and they live and walk with us without us noticing. This book really made me believe that.
Eliza Victoria is the author of Dwellers which won the 2015 Philippine National Book Development Board National Book Award for Fiction Novel in English which I also enjoyed reading. Check out review here. Wounded Little Gods is one of the books that I bought on this year’s Manila International Book Fair.
The book follows the story of Regina, a young lady who moved from his rural home to the city to work. She became friends with one of her workmates, Diana. Regina was able to know more about Diana when she got the chance to visit where Diana stays. She was able to see Diana’s collection of books about eugenics which totally intrigued her. I made a simple research about it and Merriam-Webster defines eugenics as a science that tries to improve the human race by controlling which people become parents. Now that’s the light definition. Hitler somewhat used that belief in exterminating the Jews when he was in power. As the History News Network puts it, “eugenics was the racist pseudoscience determined to wipe away all human beings deemed “unfit,” preserving only those who conformed to a Nordic stereotype.” Now that’s creepy. Well, I myself would also be weirded out and intrigued if those are the majority of the books that I see if I visit a friend’s house. That discovery by Regina will somehow make sense as the story progressed. The book’s tension immediately picks up it’s momentum with Diana missing and Regina trying to unravel the mystery behind her disappearance. Before Diana has gone missing, Regina was left with a map that lead her back to her hometown, Heridos. A town that has a rich history. History that will take readers back to the ages where people still worship gods to the time that science took over.
Using her uncanny ability, she tried to piece every clue that she got. With no one else from whom she can ask help, she decided to work alone with her curiosity driving her to go on. She found herself in places that do not exist. Why is she the only one who can see and visit this creepy building in the middle of a prohibited lot? Met people who really are not who they appear to be. who are these people getting in the way of her search in knowing the truth? Who really is Diana? Discover her town’s secret that everyone wants to forget. what is this secret medical facility built in their town way back that offered “rehabilitation of kids” with attitudes considered by their families as unfit to the society which included “medical experiments” far advance at that time? And learned family revelations that made her almost question her own sanity. Is her family the perfect family like what she think it is?
This is only the third book that I read from her and I really have to commend how vividly she writes and how solid she builds the world that she creates. How she weaves her story is so intricate and she really know how to build up the momentum. The way she presents her world and the way she describes it is so good that it will totally immersed you. And guess what, she does it by using simple words and the simplest of ways which is a plus for me because I am not really a fan of authors who likes to use “flowery” words in describing just a simple act or a simple scene. Her writing is on point and direct but not in a way that will you make you feel that it was rushed. The book has this right balance between it’s pacing and storytelling that works perfectly with how the tension in the book escalates. She know how to trick and play with the emotions and imagination of her readers. She’ll glue you to every page until you reach the end. In just only a couple of pages, Victoria was able to write a very satisfying book that really made me think about some ethical questions that I won’t discuss here as it would be a spoiler but for sure if you’ll read the book you’ll get me.
She present characters that have relatable flaws who you can easily recognize, normal characters who can be anyone that you meet in the street experiencing the same traffic like you do and facing the same stress at work. However one thing that I have to point out is I just wished that the characters are even more fleshed out. They are relatable but there’s that feeling that you want to know them more. I wouldn't mind knowing more bout their background especially the “gods” as that would be fascinating. That would also in way make the readers even more connect to their past and their story and their reactions to certain situations. The could’ve made the book even more engaging.
But overall, I did enjoy this book. This is a good read. If you’re looking for a book that has touches of philosophy, ethics, science and history thrown into it then definitely this is a book for you. It’s short but it has depths to it. It has good family dynamics. It talks about love in a lot of forms and its complexities.
4 stars out of 5.
December 14, 2021
initially, I thought this was a fun spooky ghost story (even though the title literally says GODS) I lost interest halfway through idk the exposition was a bit confusing for someone with virtually no knowledge of filipino mythology. I'd like to revisit this in the future and see if I like it more.
November 21, 2016
This was so good!
I recently read Dwellers by Eliza Victoria, and there were some similarities:
1. They both don't stick to the confines of a single genre, and I feel could be classified under multiple genres (though Wounded Little Gods, while it felt like a mystery too, was obviously primarily fantasy book from the very beginning; Dwellers seemed less clear cut).
2. They both progress in such a way that I found myself getting more and more curious, and asking more and more questions, as the story went on.
However, while I REALLY enjoyed Dwellers, I loved Wounded Little Gods even more, because of the following reasons:
1. While both books made me think, this book made me think a lot more. It explored some important ethical issues (which I won't mention because of spoilers), which kind of brought me back to my philosophy class and, again, really made me think.
2. I preferred the characterization here. My one main issue with Dwellers is that I found some of the characters a bit exaggerated and not very believable at times. Here, however, the characters actions seemed more realistic. For example, in general, I hate when characters in creepy or suspicious situations don't act cautious or paranoid enough; the main character here, however, remembered to check things like if the path behind her was still there and if her phone still had signal before she progressed. Oh, and she also remembered she had a phone camera and actually thought to take pictures for proof! I hate when authors sometimes "forget" these things in order to cause more problems in the story.
3. I love how everything unfolded. Something similar was done in Dwellers, wherein later on we kind of backtracked to better understand previous events and why they occurred, but I think it was done so much better here. There was even some overlap here, wherein events from previous chapters were told from another perspective, and I love how this clarified things and added more layers to the story; I found myself going back to read previous pages over again after I had learned more about what was actually happening then. I even read the first chapter again after I finished the whole book! The conclusion actually left me pretty satisfied too, which isn't something I could say about very many books (Dwellers included).
4. As an added bonus, I also like that it made use of Philippine mythology, and included a little bit of Philippine history as well!
My only complaint is that I feel that there's some inconsistency with the years.
Overall though...wow. I expected this book to be good, but I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did. It goes without saying that I highly recommend this.
I recently read Dwellers by Eliza Victoria, and there were some similarities:
1. They both don't stick to the confines of a single genre, and I feel could be classified under multiple genres (though Wounded Little Gods, while it felt like a mystery too, was obviously primarily fantasy book from the very beginning; Dwellers seemed less clear cut).
2. They both progress in such a way that I found myself getting more and more curious, and asking more and more questions, as the story went on.
However, while I REALLY enjoyed Dwellers, I loved Wounded Little Gods even more, because of the following reasons:
1. While both books made me think, this book made me think a lot more. It explored some important ethical issues (which I won't mention because of spoilers), which kind of brought me back to my philosophy class and, again, really made me think.
2. I preferred the characterization here. My one main issue with Dwellers is that I found some of the characters a bit exaggerated and not very believable at times. Here, however, the characters actions seemed more realistic. For example, in general, I hate when characters in creepy or suspicious situations don't act cautious or paranoid enough; the main character here, however, remembered to check things like if the path behind her was still there and if her phone still had signal before she progressed. Oh, and she also remembered she had a phone camera and actually thought to take pictures for proof! I hate when authors sometimes "forget" these things in order to cause more problems in the story.
3. I love how everything unfolded. Something similar was done in Dwellers, wherein later on we kind of backtracked to better understand previous events and why they occurred, but I think it was done so much better here. There was even some overlap here, wherein events from previous chapters were told from another perspective, and I love how this clarified things and added more layers to the story; I found myself going back to read previous pages over again after I had learned more about what was actually happening then. I even read the first chapter again after I finished the whole book! The conclusion actually left me pretty satisfied too, which isn't something I could say about very many books (Dwellers included).
4. As an added bonus, I also like that it made use of Philippine mythology, and included a little bit of Philippine history as well!
My only complaint is that I feel that there's some inconsistency with the years.
Overall though...wow. I expected this book to be good, but I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did. It goes without saying that I highly recommend this.
June 17, 2016
I have six million other books to read (not really, ten is probably a better count) and I haven't really made time for any of them, but for an Eliza Victoria novel? You bet your sweet ass I have time.
What I really love about Eliza Victoria's stories is how relate-able they are. The characters who work for BPOs, who worry about the traffic in EDSA, and who makes jokes about hipsters. There's a lot of tongue-in-cheek humour in how Regina tries to keep track of the barrage of countryside news her parents meet her with when she goes back home. But also a lot of heart .
And I know what many other Filipino writers have done the same, that we have a lot of Philippine spec lit in the market that ventures into the realm of urban fantasy and (more or less) relate-able characters, but this feels different. Personally, I'm inclined to think it has to do with age and class. Regina (and a lot of characters from the author's other work) is a millennial in her 20s, still living in that brink between after-uni and the 'real world'. She still lives in a dorm shared with university students. She's earning enough that she doesn't have to worry over-much about money, but she doesn't own a condo with amazing furniture either. The in-betweens, the middle to lower middle class. This is a life I'm very very familiar with and it comforts me to see those familiar trappings in a written world. A written world with fantastic and mythic themes.
So I haven't really written anything about the plot or the storyline and I'm not gonna go into it at length (there's historical facts, eugenics, and the complexity of love and human interactions), but I just want to say that I'd love to read more novels like this.
What I really love about Eliza Victoria's stories is how relate-able they are. The characters who work for BPOs, who worry about the traffic in EDSA, and who makes jokes about hipsters. There's a lot of tongue-in-cheek humour in how Regina tries to keep track of the barrage of countryside news her parents meet her with when she goes back home. But also a lot of heart .
And I know what many other Filipino writers have done the same, that we have a lot of Philippine spec lit in the market that ventures into the realm of urban fantasy and (more or less) relate-able characters, but this feels different. Personally, I'm inclined to think it has to do with age and class. Regina (and a lot of characters from the author's other work) is a millennial in her 20s, still living in that brink between after-uni and the 'real world'. She still lives in a dorm shared with university students. She's earning enough that she doesn't have to worry over-much about money, but she doesn't own a condo with amazing furniture either. The in-betweens, the middle to lower middle class. This is a life I'm very very familiar with and it comforts me to see those familiar trappings in a written world. A written world with fantastic and mythic themes.
So I haven't really written anything about the plot or the storyline and I'm not gonna go into it at length (there's historical facts, eugenics, and the complexity of love and human interactions), but I just want to say that I'd love to read more novels like this.
August 26, 2016
The first time I fell on my hands and knees and scrape my skin, I was astonished by how easily I focused on this injury, how quickly the rest of the world fell away, and how effortlessly I forgot life’s kindness just to focus on this single, tiny misfortune and pain. Sam way I focused on a person’s loud voice or slowness and hating him for it, instead of appreciating- loving the totality of his being.
These sub-par children… that you mention before have you ever considered that maybe all they need is compassion and guidance? Maybe, with some help, they will grow up to become, I don’t know- artists? Doctors?
Wow! What an experience, one-of-a-kind book. It brought me to another world! I didn’t mind getting dizzy in commuting just to know and uncover the mysteries each character and the whole story holds. The last time I was so absorbed in a book, it was last year, when I was reading Abraham Lincoln. This kind of book is as rare as the blue moon.
I have this thirst for PH mythology. I feel there is a literature drought in our local mythology. There is always the foreign gods meddling on our literature. Whenever there is a good material about it I want to devour and hope it quench my PH mythology parched readings. This book is a relief!
The story’s plot tells about Regina’s home town, Heridos’ history and mysteries surrounding it. It revolves around some gods and minor elements with mortals. It is an enthralling story. Each character’s emotion is effectively delivered, especially Luciano/ Luke. A very Fascinating read.
PS: I think I have met my favorite local author! <3
These sub-par children… that you mention before have you ever considered that maybe all they need is compassion and guidance? Maybe, with some help, they will grow up to become, I don’t know- artists? Doctors?
Wow! What an experience, one-of-a-kind book. It brought me to another world! I didn’t mind getting dizzy in commuting just to know and uncover the mysteries each character and the whole story holds. The last time I was so absorbed in a book, it was last year, when I was reading Abraham Lincoln. This kind of book is as rare as the blue moon.
I have this thirst for PH mythology. I feel there is a literature drought in our local mythology. There is always the foreign gods meddling on our literature. Whenever there is a good material about it I want to devour and hope it quench my PH mythology parched readings. This book is a relief!
The story’s plot tells about Regina’s home town, Heridos’ history and mysteries surrounding it. It revolves around some gods and minor elements with mortals. It is an enthralling story. Each character’s emotion is effectively delivered, especially Luciano/ Luke. A very Fascinating read.
PS: I think I have met my favorite local author! <3
March 11, 2017
If you're asked to identify a person na Mataba ang Utak, Eliza Victoria's probably it. I mean, I had my reservations about it since I'm thinking it'll be too similar to Neil Gaiman's American Gods but I was dead wrong. Who else could tie up Philippine Mythology, the dark side of Eugenics, and an uncondescending portrayal of Mental Illness into a cohesive and engaging narrative setup in Contemporary Manila and told in a relatable, contemporary tone. Genius as usual.
What strikes me the most in this book is Dra. Fortes' conversation with Regina, because of how timely it was with today's "War on Drugs"
"Are you seriously concerned with the welfare of these degenerates? Seriously? In your heart of hearts. If gieven the choice between a criminal and your mother, to whose arm should we inject the syringe filled with cholera?"
"When you listen to the evening news and hear the anchor say a college graduate died, you think, Oh that poor girl. She had her life ahead of her. The things she could have done....When a homeless person dies, what do you feel? Nothing. I doubt his death would even get reported. And I'm sure a lot of people will say, Good riddance."
Just change Homeless with "Suspected Drug Pusher" and you have today's current events. I currently share Regina's sentiments here: "Who are you to prescribe what is good and what is bad for the world? If you write the criteria, where do you start and where do you stop?
Anyway, it was such a good read. I finished it in one sitting while having my hair permed and without difficulty.
What strikes me the most in this book is Dra. Fortes' conversation with Regina, because of how timely it was with today's "War on Drugs"
"Are you seriously concerned with the welfare of these degenerates? Seriously? In your heart of hearts. If gieven the choice between a criminal and your mother, to whose arm should we inject the syringe filled with cholera?"
"When you listen to the evening news and hear the anchor say a college graduate died, you think, Oh that poor girl. She had her life ahead of her. The things she could have done....When a homeless person dies, what do you feel? Nothing. I doubt his death would even get reported. And I'm sure a lot of people will say, Good riddance."
Just change Homeless with "Suspected Drug Pusher" and you have today's current events. I currently share Regina's sentiments here: "Who are you to prescribe what is good and what is bad for the world? If you write the criteria, where do you start and where do you stop?
Anyway, it was such a good read. I finished it in one sitting while having my hair permed and without difficulty.
July 12, 2016
Perhaps it was not a deliberate attempt, perhaps it was a cultural revival subtly dispersed throughout the text, but either way, I find in this book a certain resistance to Westernized religious thinking. Before we have been introduced (or...shoved) to Christianity, we were polytheistic; we ascribed a hidden supernatural force to every inexplicable phenomenon and punched a name on it, venerating each as a god and practicing our own peculiar yet equally valid rituals. But Christianity flicked away our religious origins, a significant framework of our cultural identity, and imposed upon us a new religion in which all of the traits we presumably deem ideal and perfect are embodied into a heavenly yet paradoxically human being.
The book, however, revisited the ruins of our lost belief and rebuilt the walls that would later become the shelter of a remembered culture. I thank Eliza Victora for instilling once again this sense of resistance within me, may it be a deliberate or unconscious effort, for draining my clogged mind, little by little, of the Western influence that has been so deeply rooted into my Filipino bones, and most importantly, for reminding me that before I was a Christian, I was a Filipino first; before I was a Filipino, I was human first.
The book, however, revisited the ruins of our lost belief and rebuilt the walls that would later become the shelter of a remembered culture. I thank Eliza Victora for instilling once again this sense of resistance within me, may it be a deliberate or unconscious effort, for draining my clogged mind, little by little, of the Western influence that has been so deeply rooted into my Filipino bones, and most importantly, for reminding me that before I was a Christian, I was a Filipino first; before I was a Filipino, I was human first.
June 14, 2016
Don't get me wrong. I really like the story. Its whole concept of gods and spirits. I mean, it's about time I get to read a speculative fiction from a Filipino author.
I like its mysterious setting and unusually creepy plot and that's what got me hooked. And oooh. Bulacan was the setting of the story! Niiiice.
It has a cool concept and was very different from the previous books I read.
But somehow I believe it lacks the establishment of the characters. Especially with the gods. I really don't know any of them except one.(Sorry if I don't know some of them. I don't know much about Filipino mythology)And in some areas of the book, I have to read them twice or thrice just to really know who's talking and what's going on about.
Just like I said, this should've been a little longer. Somehow, it lacks the right amount of emotion and letting the reader feel that emotions too.
I am not a critic. This is just an honest review.
But I am really glad I found this book on NBS! Still, no regrets, I like this one!
I like its mysterious setting and unusually creepy plot and that's what got me hooked. And oooh. Bulacan was the setting of the story! Niiiice.
It has a cool concept and was very different from the previous books I read.
But somehow I believe it lacks the establishment of the characters. Especially with the gods. I really don't know any of them except one.(Sorry if I don't know some of them. I don't know much about Filipino mythology)And in some areas of the book, I have to read them twice or thrice just to really know who's talking and what's going on about.
Just like I said, this should've been a little longer. Somehow, it lacks the right amount of emotion and letting the reader feel that emotions too.
I am not a critic. This is just an honest review.
But I am really glad I found this book on NBS! Still, no regrets, I like this one!
October 5, 2020
I really wanted to enjoy this book, I really do. I picked this book up when it was first released, read it, and then forgot about it. I decided to re-read it again and now I understood why a younger me had a hard time following the plot.
The narrator is a bit tricky to follow at certain points. While yes, the point-of-view stays in third person, it is not written in the traditional, reliable sense. The story frequently has flashbacks and one flashforward (which was in the beginning.) Somewhere near the end was the confusing part as the point-of-view kept changing.
I could argue that this is a fantasy mystery because of just how left in the dark readers are. If you enjoy puzzling reads that forces you to re-read and retrace your steps, then maybe this book is for you. It's not for me personally, but I still get the merit of this book. It has an interesting premise but just suffered from confusing narration that is fit more for the adult readers.
The narrator is a bit tricky to follow at certain points. While yes, the point-of-view stays in third person, it is not written in the traditional, reliable sense. The story frequently has flashbacks and one flashforward (which was in the beginning.) Somewhere near the end was the confusing part as the point-of-view kept changing.
I could argue that this is a fantasy mystery because of just how left in the dark readers are. If you enjoy puzzling reads that forces you to re-read and retrace your steps, then maybe this book is for you. It's not for me personally, but I still get the merit of this book. It has an interesting premise but just suffered from confusing narration that is fit more for the adult readers.
April 20, 2016
This was a gripping read and another winning Eliza Victoria book. I love stories that bring myths back to life, and Eliza has done this wonderfully in Wounded Little Gods. Beyond the set-up of the mystery and the myths walking around, I was fascinated by the thread of children doing damage and having damage done to them. And I appreciated Eliza's mention of Far From the Tree in the acknowledgements. (I hope this isn't a spoiler. Is it?)
Congratulations again, Eliza! By the way, I can totally see this as a much longer novel. You know, getting the Smaller and Smaller Circles treatment.:)
Congratulations again, Eliza! By the way, I can totally see this as a much longer novel. You know, getting the Smaller and Smaller Circles treatment.:)
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