The Serpent Rider by Yxavel Magno Dino

What worked:

A prophecy saying Tani will be her village’s savior becomes a major issue. She’s training along with other warriors but she’s the only one who doesn’t have a serpent companion called a bakunawa to help her fight. She’s the best when it comes to fighting with swords but a rival named Bato can now beat her with the help of his fire bakunawa. Tani is frustrated that her bakunawa egg still hasn’t hatched which leads to her making bad choices. She’s embarrassed and angry since the villagers expect her to save them when the Great Bakunawa rises from the depths of the sea but she’s not even the top warrior from the recruits. The final straw occurs when her timid best friend Kiri hatches his water bakunawa and she can’t help defend the village from a monster.

Action lovers will enjoy this adventure as Tani faces non-stop, man-eating creatures and other dangers. She travels to unknown parts of the jungle where she’s forced to enter a dark, dangerous cave and scale a formidable mountain. She encounters a witch-like old woman with a bakunawa that’s able to control shadows. A formidable manananggal separates into two parts as its torso flies with bat-like wings and its jaws wield razor-sharp fangs. Tani and her friends fear for their lives when a giant clenches them in its massive fists. They’re overwhelmed by a relentless swarm of aswang before facing the Great Bakunawa in the story’s climax. Readers will barely have time to relax before the characters face another deadly challenge all throughout the plot.

Readers will connect with Tani’s determination to rescue her younger sister Ligaya, the village’s storykeeper. Tani’s desperation for her own bakunawa created the problem and the love she has for Ligaya keeps her going. Tani has a kind heart that proves to be a valuable asset during her quest. Her acts of compassion toward foes result in unexpected outcomes. Ligaya also exhibits caring and forgiveness toward a malevolent character which projects a positive message to readers. A surprise ending awaits when the story reaches its climax.

What didn’t work as well:

The story includes many Filipino terms and names that are probably unfamiliar to young readers. It’s not a big issue but it may cause readers to pause and think at times.

The final verdict:

Young readers won’t want to put the book down as Tani faces one challenge after another. Tani and the characters learn it’s important to understand the thoughts and feelings of others, their motivations, to dispel unfounded assumptions. This book is very entertaining and engaging and I highly recommend you give it a shot.