Entertaining YA Filipino mythology-inspired fantasy
The Encanto’s Daughter is a Filipino mythology-inspired fantasy following the protagonist MJ who is thrust into Biringan when her father, the king, dies. MJ has always known she is half-Encanto but has lived her life as a human in the human world with her mother, who is also human. However, their lives have been lived on the run from the dangers that come with being an Encanto princess. The majority of the story takes place in Biringan, where MJ struggles to find her footing and place as she’s forced to rise to the challenge of taking the throne. This young adult fantasy has everything you’d look for in this genre: a romance, enemies and allies, court politics, a magical world that is both beautiful and terrifying at times, and shocking twists. The Encanto’s Daughter is a fast-paced, entertaining read that is trope-y enough to satisfy the typical YA fantasy reader.