MANILA, PHILIPPINES – For bibliophiles, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of discovering a new book. And when the author is Filipino? That joy is amplified by a sense of pride, a triumphant feeling that yet another Filipino voice is making waves in the literary scene.
This list is a celebration of Filipino talent. From heartwarming tales and daring adventures to genre-bending works and poetic masterpieces, these books cater to every reader’s taste. Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy fantasy, a hard-hitting historical drama, or a gripping mystery, you’ll find something to love.
Hue City by Claire Betita De Guzman
Claire Betita De Guzman shifts gears from her romantic comedy Sudden Superstar to a darker, grittier narrative in Hue City. This novel brings together three flawed yet compelling characters—a scammer, a part-time pimp, and a wealthy Singaporean writer—whose lives intertwine in a complex story of reinvention. Released in July 2024, Hue City invites readers to reflect on choices, identity, and the cities that shape us.
Daybreaker (Ilustra Book 1) by Tori Tadiar
Dive into Filipino mythology with Tori Tadiar’s Daybreaker. This middle-grade graphic novel follows Mika Mirasol, a student whose life changes when a moth bearing her deceased grandmother’s voice reveals a hidden world of gods and goddesses. Releasing in June 2025, this magical tale promises an adventure steeped in Filipino lore.
The Power Above Us All by Ronaldo Vivo Jr.
Award-winning author Ronaldo Vivo Jr. delivers a gripping start to his Dreamland series with The Power Above Us All. Set in the sprawling slum of Dreamland, the story follows Dodong, a petty criminal framed for his girlfriend’s murder. As he races to clear his name, secrets unravel, revealing truths that could change everything. Translated by Karl De Mesa, this novel is a must-read for crime fiction fans.
My Lola’s Love Letters by Ines Bautista-Yao
Ines Bautista-Yao’s My Lola’s Love Letters is a warm and hopeful story perfect for YA readers. College junior Nat Torres feels stuck until she discovers a treasure trove of letters from her Lola’s youth. As Nat delves into her grandmother’s love story, she begins to rediscover her own strength and resilience. Published in March 2024, this gem is not to be missed.
Cat’s People by Tanya Guerrero
For those in need of a feel-good read, Tanya Guerrero’s Cat’s People is a charming tale about a street cat named Cat who brings together a cast of lonely human New Yorkers. Heartwarming and uplifting, this novel will have you reaching for tissues and hugging your pets a little tighter. Catch this sweet story when it releases in April 2025.
Accidents Happen by FH Batacan
Crime fiction fans, rejoice! FH Batacan returns with Accidents Happen, a highly anticipated collection of short stories. Known for her masterful storytelling in Smaller and Smaller Circles, Batacan’s new work promises gripping narratives that delve into the mysteries of human nature. Mark your calendars for March 2025.
Steady Sarah by Justine Camacho-Tajonera
Justine Camacho-Tajonera’s Steady Sarah is an ode to self-discovery. After losing both her job and her boyfriend, Sarah embarks on a journey across the Philippines to visit seven waterfalls, rediscovering herself along the way. If you’ve ever dreamed of hitting reset on life, this inspiring travelogue is for you.
A Monsoon Rising (Hurricane Wars Book 2) by Thea Guanzon
Thea Guanzon continues her Hurricane Wars series with A Monsoon Rising, released in December 2024. In this romantasy sequel, Alaric and Talasyn must navigate political conspiracies and an impending magical disaster that threatens their world. Fans of epic love stories and fantasy worlds will devour this one.
Kalahating Bahaghari by Ricky Lee
National Artist Ricky Lee’s Kalahating Bahaghari is a poignant multi-generational tale intertwining the dark history of Martial Law and the struggles of LGBTQ+ Filipinos. Heartbreaking yet filled with humor and love, this novel is a testament to Lee’s storytelling brilliance.
1762: A Novel by Vin Dela Serna Lopez
Vin Dela Serna Lopez’s 1762 transports readers to a reimagining of the British occupation of Manila, told through the eyes of dockyard workers planning a rebellion. Winner of the 2024 National Book Award for Best Novel in English, this historical fiction masterpiece is a must-read for history buffs and literary enthusiasts alike. Susan Lara, 2022 Palanca Awards Chair, author, and critic, praised 1762, “The narrative voice is supremely credible, the storytelling, solidly grounded in geography and even in the minutiae of the galleon trade. All told, 1762 is a seamless fictional creation of a historical event.”
It is Time to Come Home: Poems by Marjorie Evasco
Marjorie Evasco’s It is Time to Come Home is a poetic journey that spans decades. This collection of new and selected poems invites readers to explore themes of identity, belonging, and the ever-evolving nature of home. Winner of the 2024 Philippine Literary Arts Council Prize, this book is a treasure for poetry lovers.
Evasco writes in her preface, “I hope this volume of new and selected poems will invite the attentive reader to follow the layered paths of my writing life from the time I crossed my home’s threshold in 1973 to go elsewhere, only to return again and again, in various magical and meandering ways, to the kiss of poetry in my forehead.” It is time to come home.
Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao
Samantha Sotto Yambao’s Water Moon is a dazzling tale of mystery and magic. Set in a pawnshop that trades in life choices, the story follows Hana Ishikawa as she embarks on a spellbinding journey to uncover her family’s secrets. Releasing in January 2025, this enchanting novel is a perfect escape.
Death in the Cards by Mia P. Manansala
Mia P. Manansala steps into young adult fiction with Death in the Cards. High school tarot reader Danika Dizon finds herself entangled in a mystery when one of her clients disappears. With danger closing in, Danika must prove her detective skills before it’s too late. Catch this thrilling read in May 2025.
All titles are available from Fully Booked.
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