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A review by alingtori
Si Janus Sílang at ang Tiyanak ng Tábon by Edgar Calabia Samar
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-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
I can't believe it took me this long to finally read this book. But I was in the mood for an urban horror/mythology related books (mainly because of the upcoming release of Trese on Netflix) so I decided to pick this up.
Now don't get fooled by the cover--this first book of the Janus Silang series is pretty dark and creepy. We start in medias res, so very early on, the readers are already invested in the story. I really like how the story unfolded as we, together with Janus, slowly try to figure out what happened. There were so many twists and turns, but also I appreciated the tender and sorrowful moments (please don't get me started at that ending!) The story was written so vividly to me that it felt like I was in the story itself--but maybe that's because it's set in the Philippines so I visually connected with it more that if it was from another country/culture.
Admittedly, the writing could need further editing. There were parts that I felt can be cut altogether and didn't really serve the plot. I also wanted to take a shot whenever I see the words umano and dilang-karayom ng mananaggal.
But aside from that, Janus Silang at ang Tiyanak ng Tabon really kept me on my toes. The premise is very interesting and as a fan of Filipino myth and legends, it was a delight seeing them incorporated into the story. Moreso when done in a modern setting.
Now don't get fooled by the cover--this first book of the Janus Silang series is pretty dark and creepy. We start in medias res, so very early on, the readers are already invested in the story. I really like how the story unfolded as we, together with Janus, slowly try to figure out what happened. There were so many twists and turns, but also I appreciated the tender and sorrowful moments (please don't get me started at that ending!) The story was written so vividly to me that it felt like I was in the story itself--but maybe that's because it's set in the Philippines so I visually connected with it more that if it was from another country/culture.
Admittedly, the writing could need further editing. There were parts that I felt can be cut altogether and didn't really serve the plot. I also wanted to take a shot whenever I see the words umano and dilang-karayom ng mananaggal.
But aside from that, Janus Silang at ang Tiyanak ng Tabon really kept me on my toes. The premise is very interesting and as a fan of Filipino myth and legends, it was a delight seeing them incorporated into the story. Moreso when done in a modern setting.