Book review: Charlie Sparks, 2015

My review of Cy Tan ’s Charlie Sparks: A Sorcerer’s Tale

Finished reading this book around first week of June 2015. I ordered it right from the author, sent via LBC and paid via PNB. So much of the info, let's get into what this book has to brag! Foremost, it’s well written by a Filipino author, @cyrilltan when he was 11, he is even younger than me to date, a Linguistics Major from UP and a daydreamer too. This book will leave you on hook with its plot, a combination of love, friendship and betrayal. I could have finished reading this entire novel on one weekend or overnight but it took me 3-4 days because I was prolonging the excitement, thus giving myself enough time to guess what will happen the next chapter. The different emotions stirred within each character makes it more appealing and sometimes, frustrating. Each character was given an equal opportunity to become stars of their own. The names of the characters were surely been well researched, but what I like is that it includes some Filipino names as well.

As I advance chapter by chapter, probable ideas on what will happen next are forming. However, it is still so clever for the author to go beyond what I have imagined. I know for some the adventures about mythological characters, fallen angels, vampires and magic are common, but in this book, it becomes no less than being unique. After all, it’s 100% Filipino-made, it made me proud that books of such caliber are written and illustrated by a ‘kababayan’.

The illustration inserted in every vital parts of the story were put into life by the hands of amazing Oliver Barcelon. It pictured the essential parts of the story and had given the readers more thrill. I was once questioned about the originality of this book. I answered, both Yes and No. In my opinion, it is not original in the sense that (of course) the characters and events of this story are about angels, dragons, magicians, and all other folklore similar to filipino literature. A wide reader might give an instant version of his ending, or somehow predict the end of the story. But I assure you guys, it won’t disappoint you. Yes, it is original because of the twist and turns embedded in each chapter, added by exact amount of humor, disgust, romance and dedication. You’ll end up both petrified and amused.

I am definitely recommending this book to everyone, especially to the filipino youth and children, or even adults with hearts and imagination that of a child. Lastly, the ending was quite expected as a hint was given during the middle chapters, but the events that preceded the ending will make you want to read more, and more. I wish a Book 2 will be written by Cyrill. A movie will even be more rewarding. I say, this good read is 9/10 simply because 10/10 is just so mainstream. Kudos and congratulations Cy. I am proud to be a friend and a fan of yours.