random_spider's review
2.5
Tsk, Tsk, Tsk…how do I start with this one? 'Cause it's problematic.
I think this is my first Novella, since it's a little too short to be considered a novel. It has Filipino elements, but if you're looking into a Filipino inspired plot, this ain't it. I like its eerie, slumped, cyberpunk aesthetic, and the occasional unrestricted writing full of vulgarity earned some chuckles. The characters, though never deep, were at least emotive.
The story follows Lillian, a girl applying for a caretaker job to the Dolores brothers. It may sound tiny in scale, which it is at first, but it's not. I think is a shame since it could have done better if it stayed that way. At the third act, there was so much going on yet the stakes wasn't personally connected to the main character. Also, this is a fast paced book, yet I think it was too fast.
I believe Project 17 is a Sci-Fi and Crime? Maybe a Psychological Thriller plus Slasher? Or perhaps a Mystery or Dystopia? IDK how to definitively label a genre cause its all of them. "Wow! That sound amazing as it encompasses various readers' tastes." Um...NO, IT'S NOT! In my observation, what I've got here is a book with an Identity Crisis. It's better to focus on a few things and be excellent on them.
In the end of the day, it's some pulpy, info-dumping mediocre book that does not stand out from its genre peers. After months of break from Filipino literature, I am kindly disappointed. I think the narrative would work better in a different medium (like a short movie or an episodic show.) I'll rate this 5/10.
I think this is my first Novella, since it's a little too short to be considered a novel. It has Filipino elements, but if you're looking into a Filipino inspired plot, this ain't it. I like its eerie, slumped, cyberpunk aesthetic, and the occasional unrestricted writing full of vulgarity earned some chuckles. The characters, though never deep, were at least emotive.
The story follows Lillian, a girl applying for a caretaker job to the Dolores brothers. It may sound tiny in scale, which it is at first, but it's not. I think is a shame since it could have done better if it stayed that way. At the third act, there was so much going on yet the stakes wasn't personally connected to the main character. Also, this is a fast paced book, yet I think it was too fast.
I believe Project 17 is a Sci-Fi and Crime? Maybe a Psychological Thriller plus Slasher? Or perhaps a Mystery or Dystopia? IDK how to definitively label a genre cause its all of them. "Wow! That sound amazing as it encompasses various readers' tastes." Um...NO, IT'S NOT! In my observation, what I've got here is a book with an Identity Crisis. It's better to focus on a few things and be excellent on them.
In the end of the day, it's some pulpy, info-dumping mediocre book that does not stand out from its genre peers. After months of break from Filipino literature, I am kindly disappointed. I think the narrative would work better in a different medium (like a short movie or an episodic show.) I'll rate this 5/10.
soupdumpling's review
4.0
I first read Eliza Victoria's other novel "Wounded Little Gods" and fell in love with her writing style and characters. This book definitely did not have the same depth of plot or character development but this quick 160-page read was definitely thrilling! So many of the scenes read as movies in my mind and it'd be so cool if one day this could somehow become a blockbuster hit.
Loved the relevance to history (past and contemporary) happening in the Philippines (especially given the current political climate). I wish the ending was a bit longer but also I understand the urgency and secrecy, as demonstrated throughout the whole book.
Loved the relevance to history (past and contemporary) happening in the Philippines (especially given the current political climate). I wish the ending was a bit longer but also I understand the urgency and secrecy, as demonstrated throughout the whole book.
fantaghiro23's review
3.0
Dear Eliza,
I liked the book. Didn't love it, but I love what you set out to do here. And I think it only bodes well for your work and for Filipino literature in general.
Things I liked about Project 17:
- The short chapters. Gives the whole story a really fast pace.
- The snarky dialogue. I love a set of characters who sound smart and witty.
- The obvious love for science. It wasn't some just haphazard, tacked-on thing. It felt like you did your research or already had a good working knowledge of pharma and robotics. And I say this because you also didn't try to drown the story (i.e., impress the readers) with too much detail.
- The story set not just in Metro Manila, but also parts of Bulacan. Because I'm tired of everything happening in Manila.
Things I think could be improved, should there be another edition, (like maybe an international one?):
- More world-building. Pace is fast, but I was hoping to feel a more leisurely exposition in order to really get me into the world and lives of Lillian, Paul, and Caleb.
- More characterization. I actually wanted to understand them more, beyond knowing what it was they actually did in the story.
- A more drawn out resolution. Because it was exciting, but it felt rushed.
- A little more copyediting. Because I think there were a few confused pronouns in the text ("his" which should be "her," etc.) and pronouns which didn't have a clear antecedent.
Nevertheless, it is a novel and a smart and interesting one at that, and being a big supporter of Filipino authors writing more novels accessible to as many audiences as possible, I am only excited about Project 17 and what it bodes for the future. Congratulations to you and to your publishing team. I hope to read more of your novels in the years to come!
Honey
I liked the book. Didn't love it, but I love what you set out to do here. And I think it only bodes well for your work and for Filipino literature in general.
Things I liked about Project 17:
- The short chapters. Gives the whole story a really fast pace.
- The snarky dialogue. I love a set of characters who sound smart and witty.
- The obvious love for science. It wasn't some just haphazard, tacked-on thing. It felt like you did your research or already had a good working knowledge of pharma and robotics. And I say this because you also didn't try to drown the story (i.e., impress the readers) with too much detail.
- The story set not just in Metro Manila, but also parts of Bulacan. Because I'm tired of everything happening in Manila.
Things I think could be improved, should there be another edition, (like maybe an international one?):
- More world-building. Pace is fast, but I was hoping to feel a more leisurely exposition in order to really get me into the world and lives of Lillian, Paul, and Caleb.
- More characterization. I actually wanted to understand them more, beyond knowing what it was they actually did in the story.
- A more drawn out resolution. Because it was exciting, but it felt rushed.
- A little more copyediting. Because I think there were a few confused pronouns in the text ("his" which should be "her," etc.) and pronouns which didn't have a clear antecedent.
Nevertheless, it is a novel and a smart and interesting one at that, and being a big supporter of Filipino authors writing more novels accessible to as many audiences as possible, I am only excited about Project 17 and what it bodes for the future. Congratulations to you and to your publishing team. I hope to read more of your novels in the years to come!
Honey
earlapvaldez's review
5.0
Masterfully made sci-fi / action novel! I like how quick the pace of this novel is, and I hope to read more.
inilalahad's review
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
notyourleo's review
5.0
This book has averted my usual expectations of tropes and cliches when it comes to this kind of fiction, especially this kind of plot. Honestly a great read, a nice find in the midst of the pop fiction trend going in the country, just a tad bit sad it ended quickly.
pioalvez's review
4.0
It surprised me that I finished this book in one sitting since I'm not the biggest fan of scifi. And that twist at the end? So good.
Fuck robots, man.
Fuck robots, man.
thequeenreads's review
4.0
From mystery to suspense to sci fi. I loved it! I want some closure tho huhuhu
awesomereadsfordrei's review
4.0
Ang ganda mare ilang oras lang mula noong binuklat ko 'yung libro e natapos ko kaagad. Literal na may woAh moments ako habang nagbabasa haha. Maiksi pero ang ganda. Hanga na talaga ako sa'yo, Madam Eliza Victoria. Haha ayun nga lang medyo parang minadali 'yung dulo pero kebs naman haha at bitin!!! Haha cute rin ng tandem nila, ang solid!