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4.26 AVERAGE
4.26 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
THAT PLOT TWIST?! TT.TT
adventurous
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
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
the plot twists at the end...
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I started reading this book thinking it was your typical young adult novel with bits of Filipino folklore thrown in. I couldn’t be more wrong.
Janus Silang at ang Tiyanak ng Tabon is a story of a teenage boy hooked on an online game called TALA. During an online tournament, he finds himself the sole survivor- in real life. All his friends and teammates suddenly disintegrate into ash. Since then, everything in his ordinary life turns upside down.
Samar masterfully manages to create this alternate reality of baganis, tiyanaks, and pusongs. Don’t take my word for it, but I actually think this is the Filipino version of Harry Potter. It’s so ingenuous. The last few chapters gave me goosebumps. My only regret is only buying this first book (and there are 5 in the series) when i came home to the Philippines. Now I have to struggle to find the rest of the series here in the UK. 😓
Magandang araw, mga kabayan! Here is my review of "Si Janus Sílang at ang Tiyanak ng Tábon!"
We had to read this book since it is part of our school's Filipino curriculum (I was the kid who even gave lectures to my friends about the plot since I studied it so much for the class that I eventually fell in love with the characters, especially Mang Joey!). At first, I was skeptical if this was another ridiculous book from Philippine Literature (I genuinely disliked Ibong Adarna). Yet, I was wrong!
Well, I won't spoil it too much, but I would like to emphasize the elements this novel has to offer:
1.) Philippine Mythology. The book details the poignant myths surrounding the Philippines while incorporating a sci-fi element—a magic system involving a video game, TALA.
2.) TALA! The magic system in this novel mesmerized me. The game incorporated the former point I mentioned as enemies. Plus, it felt authentic. As I continued reading, I wanted to find out what caused the chaos and bizarre events in the book with the Filipino myths, and it never disappointed me, especially when it involved the game.
3.) Game-changing plot twists. I never expected this book to be unpredictable, but it surprised me so much. What makes it better is that there are clues for you to analyze and point out what/who/when are interconnected to form a hypothesis on what comes next.
4.) A great message through great characters. This novel teaches us that we shouldn't form our assumptions solely on emotion, and I felt Janus' pain. It also teaches us to be discernable and cautious of the things we see and do because they make an impact on our lives and we cannot reverse them, like Janus. I found him annoying at first, but I slowly understood his actions because he loved his family.
I highly recommend this to Filipinos! I also want to read the next books in the series but they're so rare to find in my area!
We had to read this book since it is part of our school's Filipino curriculum (I was the kid who even gave lectures to my friends about the plot since I studied it so much for the class that I eventually fell in love with the characters, especially Mang Joey!). At first, I was skeptical if this was another ridiculous book from Philippine Literature (I genuinely disliked Ibong Adarna). Yet, I was wrong!
Well, I won't spoil it too much, but I would like to emphasize the elements this novel has to offer:
1.) Philippine Mythology. The book details the poignant myths surrounding the Philippines while incorporating a sci-fi element—a magic system involving a video game, TALA.
2.) TALA! The magic system in this novel mesmerized me. The game incorporated the former point I mentioned as enemies. Plus, it felt authentic. As I continued reading, I wanted to find out what caused the chaos and bizarre events in the book with the Filipino myths, and it never disappointed me, especially when it involved the game.
3.) Game-changing plot twists. I never expected this book to be unpredictable, but it surprised me so much. What makes it better is that there are clues for you to analyze and point out what/who/when are interconnected to form a hypothesis on what comes next.
4.) A great message through great characters. This novel teaches us that we shouldn't form our assumptions solely on emotion, and I felt Janus' pain
I highly recommend this to Filipinos! I also want to read the next books in the series but they're so rare to find in my area!
'Di ko akalaing ganito pala ka-intense ang librong 'to.
Nakakatuwang makabasa ng ganitong uri istorya sa wikang Tagalog. Marami akong natututunan tungkol sa ating kultura, sa mga nagpasalin-saling kwento noong pagkabata, pati na rin mga salita sa sariling wika.
Nakakatuwang makabasa ng ganitong uri istorya sa wikang Tagalog. Marami akong natututunan tungkol sa ating kultura, sa mga nagpasalin-saling kwento noong pagkabata, pati na rin mga salita sa sariling wika.
I wish it wasn't as condensed. I don't mind buying more volumes if it meant that the storytelling would be more concise. It's meh for me hence the rating. I simply prefer the novel version.
challenging
mysterious
tense
fast-paced