A review by jayal
Tablay by Katrina F. Olan

adventurous tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

"The Philippines will be saved not by the Bakunawa, nor by the Philippine Mech Force. The Philippines will be saved by the fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, by the person in the next room, by the street sweepers and vendors, by the doctors and nurses, lawyers, teachers, scientists, and the schoolchildren. The Philippines will be saved by ordinary people and their extraordinary work."

A post-apocalyptic dystopian Philippines wherein the concept of mythical creatures and social commentary are incorporated in mecha. 

I haven't been into science fiction lately, so this novel brought me back and made me want to read more. 

Every action-packed scene, especially in Phase 1, left me breathless and with goosebumps that I couldn't stop reading. However, by Phase 2 onwards, I couldn't help but notice how the story suddenly picked up an unnatural pace. The development of the plot felt a little rushed. It didn't have the 'nakaw-hininga' magic that the ending of Phase 1 had. Some scenes utilized cliche tropes that felt a little forced and awkward. The redemption of the villain, in my opinion, wasn't fair and enough. For a middle-aged man with a conservative stance, I think he changed his mind a little too fast and unrealistically easy. The main character is also idealized, has too strong of a plot armor, lacks realistic flaws, with little to zero significant consequence caused by poor decisions. 

I heard a graphic novel version of this novel is coming out soon, I hope this addresses the shortcomings of the novel, as it is an opportunity to improve plot holes and its overall plot execution. 

Overall, I find this novel one of its kind with its exceptional world-building proving that the author had an outstanding imagination and really did an intensive research. The concept of piloting mechs felt realistic as if it truly exists in the real world, that this word is somewhere out there. I personally liked the lack of patriarchy and misogyny in this book, despite having a dystopian setting. I also applaud the incorporation of Philippine folklore, tradition, culture, and humor into the story, making it truly Filipino.

I am looking forward to reading more of Katrina Olan's work in the future. Thank you for your contribution in enriching our Philippine literature! <3