The exciting start to a new fantasy series, with a bisexual protagonist and a story influenced by Tagalog mythology.
Eleven-year-old Lulu Sinagtala lives with her sister Kitty and their mom in Manila. Kitty is only three months older, since their mom adopted Lulu when she was pregnant with Kitty. Although Kitty and their mom, both Chinese Filipino, share a light complexion, straight hair, and high-bridged nose, Lulu has darker skin, curly, darker hair and a flat nose. She knows people don’t see her as “pretty,” like they do her mom and sister, but she and Kitty are nevertheless close, often playing out scenes of Filipino heroes like Bernardo Carpio. Kitty, although easily scared, also cares for Lulu and reminds her to take her epilepsy medicine.
Life in their community, with their mom, several chosen family members, and Lulu’s best friend Bart, is good, even though Lulu sometimes wishes she could blend in. Their life is thrown into upheaval, however, when an earthquake reveals that the figures of Tagalog myth are real (with many hiding in plain sight). Not only that, but there’s a evil spirit determined to take over our world and two realms beyond—and Lulu is a salamangkero, a hero with special powers to keep the universe from chaos. She’s going to need these powers to stop the evil spirit and rescue her mother, who’s been kidnapped by a wakwak, a vicious flying creature.
Some of the story plays out along tried-and-true hero’s arc lines, but some twists should keep readers guessing. The tale shines, too, with Lulu’s energetic personality and author Gail D. Villanueva’s rich incorporation of Filipino culture and Tagalog myth. Fans of Rick Riordan’s several series (and other mythology-inspired, queer-led series like those of Cameron Battle, the Thousand Worlds, and Ring of Solomon) should find much to like here—and those of Filipino heritage may particularly appreciate it.
Themes of family (adoptive, biological, and chosen), community, belonging, and the impact of colonialism are woven organically into the tale, giving it heart without preachiness. Lulu’s bisexuality is noted, and manifests itself in some vague thoughts about others she might be interested in, but crushes of any sort are not a major part of the plot. One other character is noted in passing as a trans woman, but is not a significant part of the story, either (but this is the first volume of a series, so let’s hope we see her character again).
An exciting read with the promise of more to come.
