What do you think?
Rate this book
Sagala
Sagala, The Complete Volume
Riel is a feisty gunsmith’s apprentice with dreams of becoming a Courtesan at the Royal Palacio. Coming from a humble military background with her doting older brother Constantino, this seems like a far-off dream—until a chance encounter with the Continental Ambassador Corrido and his renowned escort Awit at the annual Sagala. This meeting sets off a string of events leading Riel to discover that her past is more entwined in courtly affairs than she could have ever imagined.
SAGALA is a Filipiniana fantasy story about gunslinging girls, overprotective older brothers, mythical ambassadors, and conniving courtesans against a backdrop of deceit and guns hidden under petticoats.
SAGALA is a Filipiniana fantasy story about gunslinging girls, overprotective older brothers, mythical ambassadors, and conniving courtesans against a backdrop of deceit and guns hidden under petticoats.
176 pages, Paperback
Published October 12, 2019
4 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 14, 2021
A masterpiece that had me sobbing at night — all because of the brother-sister softness and unapologetic Filipino influences. This graphic novella owns my whole heart. Full review to follow.
May 11, 2021
Amazing storytelling and artwork. Definitely a favorite and I am looking forward for more Tori Tadiar's works.
I am still speechless. Ang ganda talaga.
I am still speechless. Ang ganda talaga.
January 25, 2022
3.5
It just lacks more essential information/ background on some major plot points of the story. Still great!
It just lacks more essential information/ background on some major plot points of the story. Still great!
September 11, 2020
We follow the story of Riel, a talented gunsmith that has dreams of becoming a courtesan at the Royal Palacio. And her brother Constantino, who raised her when they lost their parents at a young age. After the siblings save the new Continental Ambassador Corrido and his famous escort Awit, the two find themselves immersed in court and unraveling their past that is deeply intertwined with the past and future of Hiraya.
Sagala is a Filipino graphic novel set in a Fantasy setting! With everyone in Baro't Saya and Barong Tagalog, it was such a delight to read. I think the graphic novel was highly inspired by the colonial times of the Philippines, with the portrayal of clothes, language, and events. This book is a collection of the first 4 volumes written by the author over the years. You can see their art style evolving and its is actually wonderful to see how they have progressed. Although, I would have appreciated if the printed work was colored for maximum effect.
The story was fun for the most part, but definitely needed more development. There are many moments that I had to pause and rewind to recap things. I guess since the graphic novel was written for several years, some of the plot got lost along the way but what I enjoyed the most about this was the relationship between Riel and Tino. The way the siblings love and protected each other was wonderful to see. Riel was also a pleasant character and I love how she grew in the novel.
Sagala is the kind of graphic novel girls who aren't afraid to be themselves. For those girls who are told that they are "not very girly or feminine". That you can be a lady, but also a badass!
Sagala is a Filipino graphic novel set in a Fantasy setting! With everyone in Baro't Saya and Barong Tagalog, it was such a delight to read. I think the graphic novel was highly inspired by the colonial times of the Philippines, with the portrayal of clothes, language, and events. This book is a collection of the first 4 volumes written by the author over the years. You can see their art style evolving and its is actually wonderful to see how they have progressed. Although, I would have appreciated if the printed work was colored for maximum effect.
The story was fun for the most part, but definitely needed more development. There are many moments that I had to pause and rewind to recap things. I guess since the graphic novel was written for several years, some of the plot got lost along the way but what I enjoyed the most about this was the relationship between Riel and Tino. The way the siblings love and protected each other was wonderful to see. Riel was also a pleasant character and I love how she grew in the novel.
Sagala is the kind of graphic novel girls who aren't afraid to be themselves. For those girls who are told that they are "not very girly or feminine". That you can be a lady, but also a badass!
March 2, 2021
More thoughts will be shared on my Youtube channel! Subscribe to my channel!
"The very best courtesans, they're not just pretty faces and pretty dresses. They make themselves known. They change the course of an entire nation."
Literally the perfect book to start my chaotic March with!! Sagala is such an amazing graphic novel that has a gunslinging courtesan with a super protective and loving kuya (older brother)!!! Above it all, it's their relationship that had me in awe of the whole story. They have such a quirky and purely loving relationship that just tugs on my heartstrings.
Sagala has such lush worldbuilding and engrossing myths to weave this Filipiniana fantasy story of politics, social class, and SO MUCH BETRAYALS.
The only thing that I didn't like Sagala is that I NEED MORE. I believe that it has so much potential to be a full-on series, but I respect the author's decision to maybe focus on a spin-off within the same universe instead. It's also very fascinating to know that the full volume, which started as part of a brainstorming session, took 3 years to make!! At the turn of every page, it was amazing to see the characters and the story developed along with the art style and general tweaks made by the author/artist!
Trigger Warnings: gun violence, family death, discrimination
"The very best courtesans, they're not just pretty faces and pretty dresses. They make themselves known. They change the course of an entire nation."
Literally the perfect book to start my chaotic March with!! Sagala is such an amazing graphic novel that has a gunslinging courtesan with a super protective and loving kuya (older brother)!!! Above it all, it's their relationship that had me in awe of the whole story. They have such a quirky and purely loving relationship that just tugs on my heartstrings.
Sagala has such lush worldbuilding and engrossing myths to weave this Filipiniana fantasy story of politics, social class, and SO MUCH BETRAYALS.
The only thing that I didn't like Sagala is that I NEED MORE. I believe that it has so much potential to be a full-on series, but I respect the author's decision to maybe focus on a spin-off within the same universe instead. It's also very fascinating to know that the full volume, which started as part of a brainstorming session, took 3 years to make!! At the turn of every page, it was amazing to see the characters and the story developed along with the art style and general tweaks made by the author/artist!
Trigger Warnings: gun violence, family death, discrimination
August 8, 2025
did i bought this because of the book cover? yes. but 50/50. it was the gunslinging girls got me :DD I WANT MORE AAAAAAAAAAAAAA THIS IS SO GOOD-it's so frustrating bc it's KULANG!!!!!
September 1, 2023
3 stars
Sagala is a Filipiniana fantasy story sprinkled with Spanish influence that follows Riel, a feisty gunsmith, and her doting Sargento brother, Constantino. Riel only dreamt of being a Courtesan in the Palacio until an encounter with the Continental Ambassador named Corrido made her dream come true. With guns and steel, Riel tries to prove herself that despite being feisty and rough on the edges, she is worthy of being a Courtesan as much as the elegant high society women of the Court.
This graphic novel has a a jumpy fast pacing. It only has four chapters hence, the plot was raveled in a rather hasty manner which to me, had compromised both the world building, character development and the romance. The concept is truly interesting since it's a mash up of magic, guns, and Spanish influence on the world building but the execution fell so short. I believe this would have been more interesting if the plot was properly laid out, showed more rather than relying that the readers can piece together the jumpiness from one chapter to another. I did, however, liked the art style even though at times it can be somewhat messy due to its sketch-like presentation. I also liked that Riel and Constantino's background and sibling relationship were at least presented well.
Despite the shortcomings, Sagala was an okay read to me. I will still look forward to the upcoming sequel, Sinta, hoping that maybe the questions left unanswered in Sagala will be answered in the next book.
Sagala is a Filipiniana fantasy story sprinkled with Spanish influence that follows Riel, a feisty gunsmith, and her doting Sargento brother, Constantino. Riel only dreamt of being a Courtesan in the Palacio until an encounter with the Continental Ambassador named Corrido made her dream come true. With guns and steel, Riel tries to prove herself that despite being feisty and rough on the edges, she is worthy of being a Courtesan as much as the elegant high society women of the Court.
This graphic novel has a a jumpy fast pacing. It only has four chapters hence, the plot was raveled in a rather hasty manner which to me, had compromised both the world building, character development and the romance. The concept is truly interesting since it's a mash up of magic, guns, and Spanish influence on the world building but the execution fell so short. I believe this would have been more interesting if the plot was properly laid out, showed more rather than relying that the readers can piece together the jumpiness from one chapter to another. I did, however, liked the art style even though at times it can be somewhat messy due to its sketch-like presentation. I also liked that Riel and Constantino's background and sibling relationship were at least presented well.
Despite the shortcomings, Sagala was an okay read to me. I will still look forward to the upcoming sequel, Sinta, hoping that maybe the questions left unanswered in Sagala will be answered in the next book.
November 11, 2019
"I hear everything they say behind my back. How I'm not sophisticated enough to be a courtesan. And it's true. I'm not lace and pearls. I'm gunpowder and steel. And bejng a courtesan is like having a revolver, you forge it, you fail and retry. You keep using it until you get used ti the recoil. And when showtime comes, you hope you don't mess up."
I. WAS. NOT. EXPECTING. ANY. OF. THOSE. TWISTS. AND TURNS. I love the graphics. It's very visual. I live the details. Though I have a little probelm on the printing as there were 2 comic balloons that I cannot read. But the rest was great.
I. WAS. NOT. EXPECTING. ANY. OF. THOSE. TWISTS. AND TURNS. I love the graphics. It's very visual. I live the details. Though I have a little probelm on the printing as there were 2 comic balloons that I cannot read. But the rest was great.
February 16, 2021
tino and carmen i love you both so much
October 27, 2022
I liked it, but there are some parts that angered me (Mostly regarding the characters).
The art is amazing, the story is decent (except for the ending), and the characters feel flat.
(Slight and Major Spoilers Ahead, TLDR at the end.; p.s. I don’t hate this book; this is mostly just me ranting about what I didn’t like about it, I still really liked most of it)
.
.
.
.
.
Let’s talk about our MC: Riel; She’s my second favorite character, right after Carmen. I liked that she knows how to fight and is not afraid to get dirty (something that people say are typically “boyish”), yet also likes dresses and being feminine. I find it inspiring that she can dream big; Thought the book she shows that she doesn’t need to be protected and that she could handle herself just fine. I like that she’s not a perfect character, that she often acts on impulse without thinking things through (I feel that it adds more depth into her character); What I don’t like is how her trauma is handled.
The art is amazing, the story is decent (except for the ending), and the characters feel flat.
(Slight and Major Spoilers Ahead, TLDR at the end.; p.s. I don’t hate this book; this is mostly just me ranting about what I didn’t like about it, I still really liked most of it)
.
.
.
.
.
Let’s talk about our MC: Riel; She’s my second favorite character, right after Carmen. I liked that she knows how to fight and is not afraid to get dirty (something that people say are typically “boyish”), yet also likes dresses and being feminine. I find it inspiring that she can dream big; Thought the book she shows that she doesn’t need to be protected and that she could handle herself just fine. I like that she’s not a perfect character, that she often acts on impulse without thinking things through (I feel that it adds more depth into her character); What I don’t like is how her trauma is handled.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2019
Not the biggest fan of historical novels but a graphic novel set in the Philippines’ Spanish Era? FEATURING A SHARPSHOOTING LITTLE LADY AND HIS REALLY CUTE KUYA?
(that rhymed!!!!)
GIMME!!!!!
Sagala was such a fun read and Volume 4 was really worth the wait!
(that rhymed!!!!)
GIMME!!!!!
Sagala was such a fun read and Volume 4 was really worth the wait!
February 27, 2020
Cute and super fun to read. I love how creative the lore is and I hope it gets explored more.
August 31, 2020
Story = 4🌟
Art = 5🌟
Sagala is a tag-lish (tagalog-english) fantasy fiction graphic novel by Tori Tadiar. I must admit that I was really drawn to the art almost instantly and that the story piqued the right kind of interest with me. The concept is really cool and something I never thought could be a story!
This edition is the complete story of Sagala, which was released as a four-part graphic novel over the years. Thankfully they came out with a complete edition like this because the stories were “bitin” on every series if bought individually. The agony of waiting in between would’ve been painful. 😅
Reil is a very quirky heroine. Always causing trouble and getting his kuya Constantino all riled up with her antics. I found the use of our native terms like kuya, ate, and some tagalog words here and there very funny and fitting for the kind of narrative Tori was doing.
Tori have drawn Constantino and Corrido so handsomely!! I really love them and their features fits what and who they are in the story. I think Tori have also picked awesome names like Awit and Sinta and the use of the sagala names as characters perfectly!
I really wished Tori didn’t rush the story though. There was a lot more to develop with the plot, and the character’s story and backgrounds so I was quite sad that some of them were left as is or open ended. I know this is Riel’s story mainly, but Tori really wove some interesting storylines and it would’ve been perfect if she allowed herself to explore it more and give us the full circle.
By the end there’s a sneak peek for Sinta’s upcoming story. I hope she tackles on there some of the loopholes she left behind in Sagala too. 🥰 I read this for #wikathon 2020.
Art = 5🌟
Sagala is a tag-lish (tagalog-english) fantasy fiction graphic novel by Tori Tadiar. I must admit that I was really drawn to the art almost instantly and that the story piqued the right kind of interest with me. The concept is really cool and something I never thought could be a story!
This edition is the complete story of Sagala, which was released as a four-part graphic novel over the years. Thankfully they came out with a complete edition like this because the stories were “bitin” on every series if bought individually. The agony of waiting in between would’ve been painful. 😅
Reil is a very quirky heroine. Always causing trouble and getting his kuya Constantino all riled up with her antics. I found the use of our native terms like kuya, ate, and some tagalog words here and there very funny and fitting for the kind of narrative Tori was doing.
Tori have drawn Constantino and Corrido so handsomely!! I really love them and their features fits what and who they are in the story. I think Tori have also picked awesome names like Awit and Sinta and the use of the sagala names as characters perfectly!
I really wished Tori didn’t rush the story though. There was a lot more to develop with the plot, and the character’s story and backgrounds so I was quite sad that some of them were left as is or open ended. I know this is Riel’s story mainly, but Tori really wove some interesting storylines and it would’ve been perfect if she allowed herself to explore it more and give us the full circle.
By the end there’s a sneak peek for Sinta’s upcoming story. I hope she tackles on there some of the loopholes she left behind in Sagala too. 🥰 I read this for #wikathon 2020.
September 25, 2021
I quite enjoyed this. It was a fun, semi-light read, and the art was engaging.
Admittedly, the plot is perhaps not the most unique—it had a sort of Cinderella feel to it: the girl with a particular, if not very 'classy' skill entering into high-class society. I did like the Philippine elements liberally interspersed into the story, including the siblings' relationship, the classes and the costumes of society, and the hints of mythology.
Besides the rather sudden ending, I felt that there was room to really delve into the reasons behind the 'invasion' and all the political subterfuge that accompanies that. From a romance perspective, I also would have liked to have read more on how Constantino and Carmen go from point A to point B to point C in their relationship. (Side note, there was one panel where the speech balloons and the text were both dark, making the latter unreadable. See the eighth page from the end of volume 3.)
Overall though, it was a quick and fun read. And I'm definitely interested in getting my hands on and reading the (supposed?) continuation of the story in Tori Tadiar's 'Sinta'.
Admittedly, the plot is perhaps not the most unique—it had a sort of Cinderella feel to it: the girl with a particular, if not very 'classy' skill entering into high-class society. I did like the Philippine elements liberally interspersed into the story, including the siblings' relationship, the classes and the costumes of society, and the hints of mythology.
Besides the rather sudden ending, I felt that there was room to really delve into the reasons behind the 'invasion' and all the political subterfuge that accompanies that. From a romance perspective, I also would have liked to have read more on how Constantino and Carmen go from point A to point B to point C in their relationship. (Side note, there was one panel where the speech balloons and the text were both dark, making the latter unreadable. See the eighth page from the end of volume 3.)
Overall though, it was a quick and fun read. And I'm definitely interested in getting my hands on and reading the (supposed?) continuation of the story in Tori Tadiar's 'Sinta'.
September 30, 2020
This is my first time reading a book that is authored by a Filipino. Although I am a Filipino I admit that I usually read book by American authors so this read is a first for me.
The book is anazing, I loved the characters, setting, and most especially the dialogue. Being able to incorporate Tagalog words into the dialogue was really fascinating, it made me feel that the Philippines is a magical country.
The magical aspect of the story also amazed me because typically Filipinos aren’t the best when it comes to these kind of stories and such. But I felt the book come alive and to be honest I felt that it was short and I wanted to read more after reading it.
The drawing aspect of it is really lovely, I love how the characters had their own characteristics and that they weren’t white washed with western features. They resembled how Filipinos are with the drawing aspect.
I gave these book 5 stars because it felt good and refreshing to be reading a book that is written by a Filipino, and that it made it amazing by bringing the book alive with magic. I’m looking forward for more books from Tori Tadiar.
The book is anazing, I loved the characters, setting, and most especially the dialogue. Being able to incorporate Tagalog words into the dialogue was really fascinating, it made me feel that the Philippines is a magical country.
The magical aspect of the story also amazed me because typically Filipinos aren’t the best when it comes to these kind of stories and such. But I felt the book come alive and to be honest I felt that it was short and I wanted to read more after reading it.
The drawing aspect of it is really lovely, I love how the characters had their own characteristics and that they weren’t white washed with western features. They resembled how Filipinos are with the drawing aspect.
I gave these book 5 stars because it felt good and refreshing to be reading a book that is written by a Filipino, and that it made it amazing by bringing the book alive with magic. I’m looking forward for more books from Tori Tadiar.
August 22, 2025
Tori Tadiar painted us a really imaginative world, characters that are lovable in their own right, and a plot that could go in so many different ways. The art has this soft and abstract feel to it and definitely showcases Tadiar's personal style well.
I really enjoyed reading it but the entire time, I felt that it was rushed. The story was jumping panel to panel and it felt like we were running away from something or chasing the ending of the book (not in a good way).
I wish more time was taken to polish the pacing of the story and maybe trim off certain plot threads given the limited page count of a graphic novel. I'm not sure if at some point there was an intention to continue but was eventually rescinded, which lead to a bigger story trying to fit itself into a smaller space.
If I could specify... 5⭐️ for Constanino and 3⭐️ for the graphic novel as a whole lol
⋆𐙚₊˚⊹♡
booktube / bookstagram / storygraph
I really enjoyed reading it but the entire time, I felt that it was rushed. The story was jumping panel to panel and it felt like we were running away from something or chasing the ending of the book (not in a good way).
I wish more time was taken to polish the pacing of the story and maybe trim off certain plot threads given the limited page count of a graphic novel. I'm not sure if at some point there was an intention to continue but was eventually rescinded, which lead to a bigger story trying to fit itself into a smaller space.
If I could specify... 5⭐️ for Constanino and 3⭐️ for the graphic novel as a whole lol
⋆𐙚₊˚⊹♡
booktube / bookstagram / storygraph
October 24, 2020
2 STARS for the last volume
like how the author explained in the author's note, the ending was rushed. and it shows. it left me somewhat unsatisifed where the story went. it's not technically a bad ending, but i expected something more, especially with the two previous action-packed volumes.
2.5 STARS for the complete Sagala volumes
overall i did appreciate and enjoy these graphic novels and find it refreshing to read something that's based off of my country's culture. as a Filipino, i'm always craving for some representation since most of literature nowadays are dominated by foreign influences. i do hope to read more from this author if they ever decided to continue this story or release a different one. if you're looking for a simple fantasy story with good sibling relationships, this is a good pick for you.
like how the author explained in the author's note, the ending was rushed. and it shows. it left me somewhat unsatisifed where the story went. it's not technically a bad ending, but i expected something more, especially with the two previous action-packed volumes.
2.5 STARS for the complete Sagala volumes
overall i did appreciate and enjoy these graphic novels and find it refreshing to read something that's based off of my country's culture. as a Filipino, i'm always craving for some representation since most of literature nowadays are dominated by foreign influences. i do hope to read more from this author if they ever decided to continue this story or release a different one. if you're looking for a simple fantasy story with good sibling relationships, this is a good pick for you.
July 30, 2020
Despite a few plot holes and questions that I have about the series, this is the first graphic novel where I actually found myself at the edge of my seat and loving all the characters. I've always been finding that comics and graphic novels I've been reading have been lacking in developing in being conflict driven or having any kind of high stakes. Sagala gives you that rush, that excitement.
I still have some problems with the plot, I think 4 issues was too short for what seems to be a dense fantasy. Though I still have high hopes, a companion series about Sinta is on the horizon!
I still have some problems with the plot, I think 4 issues was too short for what seems to be a dense fantasy. Though I still have high hopes, a companion series about Sinta is on the horizon!
October 3, 2020
Sagala was super engrossing. I've read it in one sitting! I loved Lady Awit and her Delilah like character. Very enchanting indeed. Riel The Gunpowder and Steel girl was very badass and loveable at the same time. She's there breaking boundaries and I loved it. :)
Sagala is my first ever graphic novel. Looking forward to read more especially a sequel for this book. I'm hoping for more back stories and origin of everything on the book because I kinda think that it lacks character development too. But a good read naman. :)
Sagala is my first ever graphic novel. Looking forward to read more especially a sequel for this book. I'm hoping for more back stories and origin of everything on the book because I kinda think that it lacks character development too. But a good read naman. :)
October 9, 2020
the art is gorgeous but the story was really confusing. there was also huge potential for great world-building — especially since there are unique details and side stories that i found really interesting — but unfortunately, i felt that the execution fell short.
it was nice reading a fantasy graphic novel set in the philippines, though! twas a whole experience :3 i just can’t help but be disappointed because i really did expect sagala to be a lot better story-wise :( transitions from scene to scene were also abrupt and hard to understand. 2.5!
it was nice reading a fantasy graphic novel set in the philippines, though! twas a whole experience :3 i just can’t help but be disappointed because i really did expect sagala to be a lot better story-wise :( transitions from scene to scene were also abrupt and hard to understand. 2.5!
February 8, 2025
I think there’s soooo much potential!! But the plot was a bit rushed and it felt like chunks of the story were missing. It would be fun to get more world building so the audience get’s a better understanding of how the society works.
I’d love to see the story expanded upon and a full color version!!
I’d love to see the story expanded upon and a full color version!!
August 4, 2021
I really love the brother-and-sister bond of Constantino and Riel. Amazing artwork, albeit I find the execution of the story slightly lacking. Still, it's a fun and fast read. Will definitely look forward to other stories from the same universe as Sagala is in.
October 5, 2021
This was a fun read. I love the art as well. I like the intent to add Philippine history and culture to the story. Although, the story could have been longer or the arc of each character could have been explored further.
June 21, 2020
Writing needs improvement but oh my goood the art and worldbuilding are perfect!
August 6, 2020
There were some plot holes but nevertheless, I enjoyed reading this. The cover is just so frickinnnn beautiful and throughout the 4 comics, I did notice the change in style haha. Good job Tori!! 🧡🤗
November 5, 2020
v cute quick read!! 5 stars if i were basing it on art alone
May 11, 2021
Love the art and the brother-sister relationship that our main characters show, hope to see more of all of them in Sinta!
July 4, 2021
Actual Rating: 3.5 stars
I liked the art style as well as familial relationship in this. Gorgeous book cover too.
I liked the art style as well as familial relationship in this. Gorgeous book cover too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews