khyue's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
dee2799d's review
5.0
This has been in my to-read shelves for a while and after I finally downloaded the Kobo reading app (because a friend was talking about it and I was intrigued) I decided this, along with a couple other novellas by the same author, would be my first purchase.
Very much worth it. Lower Myths comprises two novellas; 'Trust Fund Babies' which is (as every other reviewer has mentioned, a mafia-like story of hella rich families trying to off each other. The twist is that these people are actually not human at all and can put glamour upon themselves and speak diwata. In retrospect the fact that these two families are connected to the Philippine lower mythology creatures is the most obvious detail that grounds it as Filipino, but also there is that 'mata sa mata' attitude combined with the 'ubusan ng lahi' idea that while not particular to the Philippines is also very much a part of our culture. (I also wondered if the brothers are related to the ones from Dwellers but I guess not?
'The Very Last Case' is longer and is more layered than the first story. I like this one best because on one hand you see 'Oh hm, fantastic story with elements of Filipino and Western ideas in it? This one character is wearing a corset.' which is all very well and good, but the layers slowly get peeled back and you realise what the novella really wants to say.
Defo both good reads and I can't wait to read my other purchases!
Very much worth it. Lower Myths comprises two novellas; 'Trust Fund Babies' which is (as every other reviewer has mentioned, a mafia-like story of hella rich families trying to off each other. The twist is that these people are actually not human at all and can put glamour upon themselves and speak diwata. In retrospect the fact that these two families are connected to the Philippine lower mythology creatures is the most obvious detail that grounds it as Filipino, but also there is that 'mata sa mata' attitude combined with the 'ubusan ng lahi' idea that while not particular to the Philippines is also very much a part of our culture. (I also wondered if the brothers are related to the ones from Dwellers but I guess not?
'The Very Last Case' is longer and is more layered than the first story. I like this one best because on one hand you see 'Oh hm, fantastic story with elements of Filipino and Western ideas in it? This one character is wearing a corset.' which is all very well and good, but the layers slowly get peeled back and you realise what the novella really wants to say.
Defo both good reads and I can't wait to read my other purchases!
jengnarag's review
4.0
Trust Fund Babies is a short but fascinating story about two (supernatural) families and their war for power. Also the "ubusan ng lahi" (an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth) is really what distinguishes it as filipino-made.
The Last Case of Messrs. Aristotel and Arkimedes Magtanggol is a bit confusing due to the alternate realities. However, this is the case where your confusion propels you towards the end to know which reality was which. I like this better than the first.
The Last Case of Messrs. Aristotel and Arkimedes Magtanggol is a bit confusing due to the alternate realities. However, this is the case where your confusion propels you towards the end to know which reality was which. I like this better than the first.
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