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gem_517's review
4.0
This is the first work of Marvin Malonzo and Eliza Victoria that I've read. I love the story and the artwork! I can see myself re-reading this again.
scythefranz's review
3.0
The pages of my copy is falling apart so 3 stars. Just kidding.
Aesthetically pleasing and somehow, immersive, After Lambana gives us an almost quiet story yet screaming with intensity and dread. It is a modern tale between the diwatas, sirenas, and humans that gives a familiar and surreal vibe while reading the book.
I don't have any idea where the story is going at first but it is fine, really, since I like being surprised. But I'm mildy disappointed when I've connected the dots and learned what this book is all about. It lacks of narrative, in my opinion, and the substantial background story of what really happens between the humans and the diwatas, between the sirenas and the diwatas.
Overall, the story is exquisite in form and in show and tell. It has a magic on its own that engage the reader in the realm of Philippine myth and the mundane and confusing city of the modern world.
Aesthetically pleasing and somehow, immersive, After Lambana gives us an almost quiet story yet screaming with intensity and dread. It is a modern tale between the diwatas, sirenas, and humans that gives a familiar and surreal vibe while reading the book.
I don't have any idea where the story is going at first but it is fine, really, since I like being surprised. But I'm mildy disappointed when I've connected the dots and learned what this book is all about. It lacks of narrative, in my opinion, and the substantial background story of what really happens between the humans and the diwatas, between the sirenas and the diwatas.
Overall, the story is exquisite in form and in show and tell. It has a magic on its own that engage the reader in the realm of Philippine myth and the mundane and confusing city of the modern world.
arisia's review
2.0
After Lambana feels rather like "After Dark" meets "Neverwhere." Two almost-strangers meet and spend a night pursuing an elusive cure, the search for which leads both to discover certain truths about their pasts.
Overall, the book's project--a surreal, one-night fantasy mystery--is a solid one, that dares something different in both its story and its art. The experiment finds limited success. Narrative focus is weak, but while the conclusion is less than satisfying, the story is well-paced and interesting enough while it lasts. Grammatical lapses, however, prove a recurring distraction. The hazy narrative finds its visual counterpart in slipshod art, whose supposedly definitive colors fail to elevate its infirm line art.
Overall, the book's project--a surreal, one-night fantasy mystery--is a solid one, that dares something different in both its story and its art. The experiment finds limited success. Narrative focus is weak, but while the conclusion is less than satisfying, the story is well-paced and interesting enough while it lasts. Grammatical lapses, however, prove a recurring distraction. The hazy narrative finds its visual counterpart in slipshod art, whose supposedly definitive colors fail to elevate its infirm line art.
dexterous_totalus's review
4.0
Following the events that brought about the realm of Lambana sealing shut and the Magic Prohibition Law enacted, a strange phenomenon surfaces. Humans became bearers of a life and its eventual blooming brings death in its wake. Conrad finds his heart in trouble and the only way to be saved is to put his life in the hands of his friend, Ignacio, and search for a cure in magic despite it being outlawed. We follow the two navigate places familiar and unknown and in their quest, Lambana’s secrets unfold.
A sucker for mythology, I appreciated that Eliza Victoria drew inspiration from Philippine lore brimming with fantastical legends and distinct whimsy which could be plucked, woven, and transmuted into fresh and exciting tales.
After Lambana’s brawn is no doubt Mervin Malonzo’s grungy, wabi-sabi, and luminous art style. It is buff and proud. His enthralling interpretation of this narrative has a very soothing effect especially in the clever use of color contrast to set mood and distinguish timeliness.
Full review at:
https://dexteroustotalus.wordpress.com/2019/09/16/after-lambana-by-eliza-victoria-illustr-mervin-malonzo/
A sucker for mythology, I appreciated that Eliza Victoria drew inspiration from Philippine lore brimming with fantastical legends and distinct whimsy which could be plucked, woven, and transmuted into fresh and exciting tales.
After Lambana’s brawn is no doubt Mervin Malonzo’s grungy, wabi-sabi, and luminous art style. It is buff and proud. His enthralling interpretation of this narrative has a very soothing effect especially in the clever use of color contrast to set mood and distinguish timeliness.
Full review at:
https://dexteroustotalus.wordpress.com/2019/09/16/after-lambana-by-eliza-victoria-illustr-mervin-malonzo/
colcolter's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
earlapvaldez's review
5.0
Would be nice if this is continued as a long epic, exploring all the backstories that exist.
itouchmaeshelf's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
heybookjunkiee's review
3.0
I want more of the plot. It's definitely lacking. It's like "Ay, yun na yun?" I wish we get to have more. Nevertheless, I love the visuals. I don't know much about graphics but I love it especially when Mr. Malonzo explained the color design ❤️.