The island of Kisapmata is home to an ancient power lying dormant, biding its time. But when a film crew arrives to produce a documentary, revealing the truth behind the murders and disappearances on the island, they irrevocably draw its wrath upon themselves.
Read if you like: YA fantasy novels, books set on an island, Asian novels, stories about local legends, themes of horror, film production & man vs. nature, linear storytelling
Narrated from the perspective of Alon, a Filipino local who gets roped into being a tour guide for the film crew, The Sacrifice explores the consequences of greed and blatant disrespect towards other cultures.
Alon's character voice hooked me from the start. They are observant, contemplative, and have a quiet but firm presence throughout the novel.
You get the feeling that there's more to their story than meets the eye, especially with Alon living a life isolated from others (how that influences their perspective) and caring for their ill father.
Copyright © 2023 Meera Nair
Rin Chupeco's writing is hands down one of the best! It is vivid and atmospheric. I had chills down my spine while reading certain scenes.
They have left no stone unturned in making the story captivating, while also weaving elements of history and folklore into the narrative. Glimpses of Kisapmata still unfurl before my eyes at the mere thought of this book. That's how memorable their writing is!
Nowadays, I feel like almost every book I read (be it historical fiction, mystery or fantasy) has chapters alternating between two timelines or two POVs.
It is so refreshing to read a book with chronological narration, especially when it's executed this well.
"Panera Lady isn't the first to assume that Filipinos don't understand English, and she's unlikely to be the last."
I also love how the author has approached the dichotomy of "them vs. us". From the beginning, you see a clear divide between Alon and most of the crew, with the latter exhibiting a callousness towards people of colour.
The treatment of this theme is well thought out. There's no struggle on Alon's part to dismantle the crew's prejudice or establish themselves as "an equal". Instead, the way the story pans out and the words the author uses naturally highlight the outsiders' stupidity.
Something I kept mulling over is why Alon uses nicknames when referring to a certain character (even when they know others' names). Was that done to show how Alon is detached from them or how, in the larger scheme of things, they are insubstantial?
There's a twist at the end that I did not see coming. After the build-up and that slow-burning dread the story elicits, I don't think I would have guessed anything.
"But I know others will come... Humans are foolish. Their goals will be no different the next time. Hunger and greed. Occasionally compassion. Kindness. But I know that is not always enough."
This being my introduction to Filipino books, I am eager to discover more such reads that are culturally significant.
All in all, a fantastic read! If you are looking for Asian fantasy novels that touch upon local folklore with hints of horror, pick up The Sacrifice next.
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