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4.26 AVERAGE
4.26 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
More soon but for now here’s my quick thoughts.
I have long wanted to read Janus Silang and the graphic version just called to me. I do realize though that graphic novels as first reads is not for me, I feel like I missed a lot of transition in the plot, which is not the fault of the graphic novel at all. We all know that not everything can fit into panels.
The stark difference in the change of illustrations also threw me off a bit but I will say both styles are amazing!
Overall definitely a series I will continue but probably will pick up the novel next.
I have long wanted to read Janus Silang and the graphic version just called to me. I do realize though that graphic novels as first reads is not for me, I feel like I missed a lot of transition in the plot, which is not the fault of the graphic novel at all. We all know that not everything can fit into panels.
The stark difference in the change of illustrations also threw me off a bit but I will say both styles are amazing!
Overall definitely a series I will continue but probably will pick up the novel next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Animal death
Crossposted @ The Library Mistress
I've been a gamer myself. I used to go to computer shops to play Counter Strike in elementary, but what really hooked me was Gunbound, I don't know if any of you still remember that game but it has really been popular back in 2006. Don't let its cute GUI fool you because I've met serious gamers around the world in the Gunbound arena. It's not just two players firing at each other, this artillery game is all about strategic calculation. However, as the fuss died down and DOTA captured the hearts of every gamer I know at that, I let the girl in me bloomed into a lady and shied away from RPG and online games. Okay, let's just be truthful here, DOTA is beyond me. My then 5 year old brother (who will turn 11 in June) understands it better than I do! I've tried so hard, but believe me, this brain I have just won't accept it.
In this book, Janus and his friends chose another online battle arena over DOTA, Terra Anima Legion of Anitos (TALA), a game developed by three Filipinos only known to many as ECS, LOG and JAP. TALA plays a huge part in the narrative of this book. Online games lure kids and every kid at heart, its magnet is something no one can turn away from and that is why Janus and his friends can't stop playing TALA, be it just for bragging rights or self fulfillment, they know they need to find Tala and finish the game.
Like every other game, TALA has different levels and a player must compete and win against Philippine mythical creatures like the Tiyanak on Level 1.
Every player needs a BAT or the Bayani-Anito-Tandem to combat the monsters on every level and because of TALA's intricate game design, every player is assured that no BAT is alike.
A player can choose between a Bagani or a Pusong for their Bayani and their Anito can either be a Diwata or a Nuno.
But the mystery will begin to unfold as Janus and his friend Harold alongside with four other gamers vie for a place in the nationwide TALA tournament and everyone died as they reach a certain level, save for Janus. The question is: Is the role-playing game really instrumental in the death of Harold and the others? Another gamer Joey, who contacted Janus affirms the theory, but should we really believe him?
I had my 10 year old brother read this before I did. I felt he'll appreciate this because he is an RPG addict like the protagonist of the story. He kept talking about the game and how to play it while reading and that to me is a testament that the author did an awesome job on world building. Well, it is safe to say that he created Janus's universe in a way even young readers can grasp and imagine it. I can say that at a time it is almost believable that I myself had to think about its implication to the real world I'm in. What if, what if the legend of the Tiyanak from Tábon were true?
I don't know if you've already read the first chapter but if ever you haven't I suggest you do. It just doesn't open Janus's story but it's a sneak peek into the life he leads -- a look into his family, friends, environment and who Janus really is.
The book is written in third person narrative as opposed to other Young Adult novels that are in first person but this only allowed the author the freedom to explore not only the thoughts of the protagonist but other events as well.
My instincts tell me that I must stop here and just invite you to the book discussion I will lead next week (I shall announce the venue very soon) or else I won't be able to stop myself from blurting out spoilers. Too. Much. Feels. I can't even....
Let me just leave you with this...
I've long concluded that the books written by The Edgar Calabia Samar are not just manuscripts but a mixture of love, passion and hardwork. Reading his work has always been an experience and Si Janus Silang at Ang Tiyanak ng Tábon didn't stray away from that streak. It is exciting, thought-provoking and action-packed I just hate I need to wait until November for the second book.
I've been a gamer myself. I used to go to computer shops to play Counter Strike in elementary, but what really hooked me was Gunbound, I don't know if any of you still remember that game but it has really been popular back in 2006. Don't let its cute GUI fool you because I've met serious gamers around the world in the Gunbound arena. It's not just two players firing at each other, this artillery game is all about strategic calculation. However, as the fuss died down and DOTA captured the hearts of every gamer I know at that, I let the girl in me bloomed into a lady and shied away from RPG and online games. Okay, let's just be truthful here, DOTA is beyond me. My then 5 year old brother (who will turn 11 in June) understands it better than I do! I've tried so hard, but believe me, this brain I have just won't accept it.
In this book, Janus and his friends chose another online battle arena over DOTA, Terra Anima Legion of Anitos (TALA), a game developed by three Filipinos only known to many as ECS, LOG and JAP. TALA plays a huge part in the narrative of this book. Online games lure kids and every kid at heart, its magnet is something no one can turn away from and that is why Janus and his friends can't stop playing TALA, be it just for bragging rights or self fulfillment, they know they need to find Tala and finish the game.
Like every other game, TALA has different levels and a player must compete and win against Philippine mythical creatures like the Tiyanak on Level 1.
Every player needs a BAT or the Bayani-Anito-Tandem to combat the monsters on every level and because of TALA's intricate game design, every player is assured that no BAT is alike.
A player can choose between a Bagani or a Pusong for their Bayani and their Anito can either be a Diwata or a Nuno.
But the mystery will begin to unfold as Janus and his friend Harold alongside with four other gamers vie for a place in the nationwide TALA tournament and everyone died as they reach a certain level, save for Janus. The question is: Is the role-playing game really instrumental in the death of Harold and the others? Another gamer Joey, who contacted Janus affirms the theory, but should we really believe him?
I had my 10 year old brother read this before I did. I felt he'll appreciate this because he is an RPG addict like the protagonist of the story. He kept talking about the game and how to play it while reading and that to me is a testament that the author did an awesome job on world building. Well, it is safe to say that he created Janus's universe in a way even young readers can grasp and imagine it. I can say that at a time it is almost believable that I myself had to think about its implication to the real world I'm in. What if, what if the legend of the Tiyanak from Tábon were true?
I don't know if you've already read the first chapter but if ever you haven't I suggest you do. It just doesn't open Janus's story but it's a sneak peek into the life he leads -- a look into his family, friends, environment and who Janus really is.
The book is written in third person narrative as opposed to other Young Adult novels that are in first person but this only allowed the author the freedom to explore not only the thoughts of the protagonist but other events as well.
My instincts tell me that I must stop here and just invite you to the book discussion I will lead next week (I shall announce the venue very soon) or else I won't be able to stop myself from blurting out spoilers. Too. Much. Feels. I can't even....
Let me just leave you with this...
I've long concluded that the books written by The Edgar Calabia Samar are not just manuscripts but a mixture of love, passion and hardwork. Reading his work has always been an experience and Si Janus Silang at Ang Tiyanak ng Tábon didn't stray away from that streak. It is exciting, thought-provoking and action-packed I just hate I need to wait until November for the second book.
This sure lived up to the hype. It's a YA adventure series, something akin to Harry Potter and Percy Jackson (peep the title format), but is still uniquely Filipino. I enjoy how Pinoy mythology and creatures had co-existed in the more modern times of internet shops and computer games.
Told in engaging prose, Edgar Calabia Samar told the story of Janus Silang, our adolescent protagonist, and the mystery and danger he found himself in. At first, it was hard to immerse myself in the story. Calabia Samar literally started the book right after the catalystic event that should've set the whole book in fast-paced motion. But instead, he took a breather and focused on the setting and the lingering dark mystery first. As is always the case, Calabia Samar's prose is atmospheric. I'm already familiar with this as I've read his novel Walong Diwata ng Pagkahulog. And Tiyanak ng Tábon began as that. So it was quite slow, but it was essential to paint the setting and the characters. So when the answers began pouring and the story began moving faster, it transformed into this proper adventure novel filled with deceiving Tiyanak, shape-shifting Do-ol, and technopathic and telepathic hero-guards.
However, the pathos of the novel isn't lost and remains the heart of the story. (How many times have we read about the dilang-karayom ng manananggal in Janus' heart?) And that final chapter hit me like a sucker-punch. I love and grieve the fact that sometimes we really are put in situations where we need to grow up fast. The story began with bumbling adolescent Janus who simply wanted a real kiss from his M.U., but in less than 200 pages, he grew up right from our very eyes and it's both exciting and heartbreaking.
This first installment of the five-book series is a great start and springboard for the events to come. The motivations were laid out, the face-off and chase has began, and the training will commence. I'm excited to meet more characters and creatures and to be more in touch with the Filipino mythology.
Told in engaging prose, Edgar Calabia Samar told the story of Janus Silang, our adolescent protagonist, and the mystery and danger he found himself in. At first, it was hard to immerse myself in the story. Calabia Samar literally started the book right after the catalystic event that should've set the whole book in fast-paced motion. But instead, he took a breather and focused on the setting and the lingering dark mystery first. As is always the case, Calabia Samar's prose is atmospheric. I'm already familiar with this as I've read his novel Walong Diwata ng Pagkahulog. And Tiyanak ng Tábon began as that. So it was quite slow, but it was essential to paint the setting and the characters. So when the answers began pouring and the story began moving faster, it transformed into this proper adventure novel filled with deceiving Tiyanak, shape-shifting Do-ol, and technopathic and telepathic hero-guards.
However, the pathos of the novel isn't lost and remains the heart of the story. (How many times have we read about the dilang-karayom ng manananggal in Janus' heart?) And that final chapter hit me like a sucker-punch. I love and grieve the fact that sometimes we really are put in situations where we need to grow up fast. The story began with bumbling adolescent Janus who simply wanted a real kiss from his M.U., but in less than 200 pages, he grew up right from our very eyes and it's both exciting and heartbreaking.
This first installment of the five-book series is a great start and springboard for the events to come. The motivations were laid out, the face-off and chase has began, and the training will commence. I'm excited to meet more characters and creatures and to be more in touch with the Filipino mythology.
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Nalaman ko lang itong series na ito from a YouTuber. And good thing, too, na pinanood ko siya kasi binanggit nga nya itong series na ito at maganda daw. Fortunately, while browsing the bookshelves of Fully Booked, nakita ko ang books 1 to 4 so binili ko silang lahat since mura lang. And good thing that I did kasi nagandahan ako sa 1st book!
Mostly, english fiction, sci-fi, and YA ang binabasa ko. Hindi ako palabasa ng pinoy books kasi karamihan sa kanila hindi maganda ang pagkaka edit, like madaming maling spelling, kulang-kulang yung words, minsan naman paulit-ulit yung text, trying hard sa pagsasalita ng ingles, o kaya naman e wrong grammar. But not this one! Maganda ang pagkaka edit at wala akong nakita maling spelling. Meron din itong ginagamit na malalim na filipino words na ngayon ko lang nabasa so hinahanap ko sa Google kung anong ibig sabihin.
Ang istoryang ito ay magandang simula para sa magiging adventures ni Janus Silang. Napakagandang basahin lalo na ng mga readers na merong active na imahinasyong tulad ko....bata man o matanda. Sana gawing movie, pero dapat maganda special effects! 5 stars!!!
Mostly, english fiction, sci-fi, and YA ang binabasa ko. Hindi ako palabasa ng pinoy books kasi karamihan sa kanila hindi maganda ang pagkaka edit, like madaming maling spelling, kulang-kulang yung words, minsan naman paulit-ulit yung text, trying hard sa pagsasalita ng ingles, o kaya naman e wrong grammar. But not this one! Maganda ang pagkaka edit at wala akong nakita maling spelling. Meron din itong ginagamit na malalim na filipino words na ngayon ko lang nabasa so hinahanap ko sa Google kung anong ibig sabihin.
Ang istoryang ito ay magandang simula para sa magiging adventures ni Janus Silang. Napakagandang basahin lalo na ng mga readers na merong active na imahinasyong tulad ko....bata man o matanda. Sana gawing movie, pero dapat maganda special effects! 5 stars!!!