Enlightenment (Bathala Series, Book #1)
↳ I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date forEnlightenment: Book One of the Bathala SeriesisMarch 14, 2019by Pacific Boulevard.
This book was an easy read, nonetheless. The alternating perspectives are extremely easy to follow and the use of first person was the best call on which way to tell this story from. The writing wasn’t bland or simple, but it was comprehensible and straightforward in a way that helped to give the story some ↳ I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date for Enlightenment: Book One of the Bathala Series is March 14, 2019 by Pacific Boulevard.
This book was an easy read, nonetheless. The alternating perspectives are extremely easy to follow and the use of first person was the best call on which way to tell this story from. The writing wasn’t bland or simple, but it was comprehensible and straightforward in a way that helped to give the story some depth. Considering the author originally had a 600-page plus manuscript, according to Pacific Boulevard Media, I believe they did a nice job condensing the information, although, I am not aware what information was taken out/altered in the final print vs the manuscript. Also, this book is apart of a series so that leaves a lot of room for the important information that was left out or glossed over to have a spot to shine as it deserves.
The main thing I appreciated was the diversity that is expressed in this novel. The use of Filipino history to set the scene for a love story didn’t seem redundant or forced, which I appreciated as it sucks to see authors who use diversity as a way to gain their books extra hype. Ursal is Filipino himself, which definitely shined through his knowledge on Filipinos as well as the Philippines itself.
I was able to feel the connection between Dorothy and Adrian in a way I hadn’t been able to feel from a YA novel in a very, very long time. They felt real in a way I hadn’t experienced prior, or at least not to this extent.
I will without a doubt be rereading this one once it is published, but for now, I would highly recommend this story as it is one that will help you feel and connect with your deep emotions, and those of the characters, but will also give a source of relief and joy, but also pain and struggle. A little contradicting, I know, but trust me, you will NOT want to miss the release of this one, that I can guarantee! …more