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earldizon's review against another edition
3.0
Fans of Grace Lin's Where the Mountain Meets the Moon and Erin Entrada Kelly's Land of Forgotten Girls will love this middle grade debut seeped in Filipino folklore. A young girl finds herself suddenly on a magical adventure where she must fight vengeful gods, hungry monsters, and other creatures who'll do anything to stop her from fulfilling her destiny. I'm glad that readers will get a glimpse of Filipino mythology in Marikit's story.
a7xrica's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
ariannevlsqz's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
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
4.0
coffinwithramen's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
4.5
katonthejellicoe's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
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
joyful_patatas's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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? Yes
4.5
emylittaa's review against another edition
5.0
"You cannot force a secret to open, just like you cannot force a flower to bloom."
Marikit and the Ocean of Stars is a magical, warm, and tender Filipino middle-grade fantasy. This was my first Filipino-authored book that I read, and I am truly proud of Ms. Caris's work.
I loved and admired this story as it is full of Filipinos endearing quirks, folklore, mythology, our very own dark creatures, and our culture. It also showcases the use of po and opo, which is a sign of respect. The whole story actually reminds me of Da Adventures of Pedro Penduko (a famous TV show in the Philippines that has all the mythological and dark creatures). While reading this, I also felt like reminiscing about the versions of superstition and belief that I knew and heard. If you were a '90s baby, I'm sure you knew all of these stories very well, especially if you grew up outside the reach of technology.
All in all, it may not be perfect, but I loved it. The setting and world-building are great. Each character has its own spotlight and development. I also liked how Marikit is portrayed as a true child; she is not perfect; she has tantrums; she has short patience; but at the end, she is a child, and she knows her mistakes, owns them, and corrects them. Marikit learns what truly should be treasured—not material things but love and family.
"You'll learn things along the way."
This should be read by all young people out there, and I think it should be included by Filipino teachers in their reading material as well. This was a good book that can preserve our folklore, mythology, and Filipino fantasy.
It was truly entertaining and heartwarming.
Marikit and the Ocean of Stars is a magical, warm, and tender Filipino middle-grade fantasy. This was my first Filipino-authored book that I read, and I am truly proud of Ms. Caris's work.
I loved and admired this story as it is full of Filipinos endearing quirks, folklore, mythology, our very own dark creatures, and our culture. It also showcases the use of po and opo, which is a sign of respect. The whole story actually reminds me of Da Adventures of Pedro Penduko (a famous TV show in the Philippines that has all the mythological and dark creatures). While reading this, I also felt like reminiscing about the versions of superstition and belief that I knew and heard. If you were a '90s baby, I'm sure you knew all of these stories very well, especially if you grew up outside the reach of technology.
All in all, it may not be perfect, but I loved it. The setting and world-building are great. Each character has its own spotlight and development. I also liked how Marikit is portrayed as a true child; she is not perfect; she has tantrums; she has short patience; but at the end, she is a child, and she knows her mistakes, owns them, and corrects them. Marikit learns what truly should be treasured—not material things but love and family.
"You'll learn things along the way."
This should be read by all young people out there, and I think it should be included by Filipino teachers in their reading material as well. This was a good book that can preserve our folklore, mythology, and Filipino fantasy.
It was truly entertaining and heartwarming.
keithy23's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
wandersbetweenpages's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
4.25