13 upcoming, newly released books by Filipino authors to add to your TBR list

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MANILA, Philippines – The Filipino literary scene continues to thrive with a diverse range of compelling new releases, and the best part is that there’s a book out there for every kind of reader.

Whether you’re a fan of cozy fantasies, historic novels, or a generational queer saga, among others, these newly released and upcoming books showcase the richness of Filipino storytelling. If you’re looking for new books to add to your to-be-read (TBR) list this year, why not showcase your Pinoy pride in the process?

From short story collections, graphic novels, to simple immersive novels, this list of books by Filipino authors might just have your next favorite read. 

Hue City by Claire Betita De Guzman

Release date: July 2024

Claire Betita De Guzman shifts from contemporary romance to a dark, gritty adventure in Hue City. This novel follows three flawed yet ambitious individuals, a scammer, a part-time pimp, and a wealthy Singaporean writer, whose lives become entangled in a web of deception and reinvention. As their paths cross in the bustling city, each character is forced to confront the choices that define them.

Daybreaker (Ilustra Book 1) by Tori Tadiar

Graphic novelist Tori Tadiar introduces Daybreaker, the first installment of the Ilustra series. The story follows Mika Mirasol, a boarding school student who had always believed that Filipino gods and goddesses were real. When a moth speaks in her deceased grandmother’s voice, Mika unlocks a hidden power that sets her on a journey across the Philippine islands to uncover lost myths. Notably, Tadiar has inked a historic publishing deal with Disney Hyperion Books for Highsummer.

The Power Above Us All by Ronaldo Vivo Jr.

Release date: 2024

‘The Power Above Us All.’ Photo courtesy of Penguin Random House SEA

Set in the vast, lawless slum known as Dreamland, The Power Above Us All by Ronaldo Vivo Jr. follows Dodong, a small-time criminal whose life unravels when he is framed for the murder of his girlfriend. As he races against time to prove his innocence, he uncovers disturbing truths that could reshape the fate of Dreamland itself. This gripping thriller marks the beginning of the Dreamland series.

My Lola’s Love Letters by Ines Bautista-Yao

Ines Bautista-Yao’s heartwarming novel follows Nat Torres, a college junior whose life feels stagnant until she discovers a collection of love letters from her grandmother’s youth. As Nat delves into the past, she begins to reassess her own journey, finding inspiration in the resilience and romance of her grandmother’s time. Perfect for young adult readers, this novel captures the power of love and self-discovery.

Cat’s People by Tanya Guerrero

Release date: April 2025

In Cat’s People, Tanya Guerrero crafts an endearing tale of a black street cat named Cat who cautiously observes five lonely humans in a Brooklyn neighborhood. When illness strikes Cat, these individuals, each grappling with their own struggles, come together in unexpected ways. A tender story about companionship and second chances, this novel is set to charm animal lovers and human hearts alike.

Accidents Happen by FH Batacan

Steady Sarah by Justine Camacho-Tajonera

Release date: September 2024

In Steady Sarah, main character Sarah embarks on an impulsive journey to visit seven waterfalls across the Philippines after experiencing heartbreak and job loss in quick succession. Along the way, she rediscovers her strength and purpose. A tale of self-discovery and healing, Steady Sarah is a must-read for those longing for adventure and renewal or self-discovery. 

A Monsoon Rising (Hurricane Wars Book 2) by Thea Guanzon

Release date: December 2024

The second book of The Hurricane Wars series, A Monsoon Rising plunges readers deeper into the tumultuous alliance between Alaric and Talasyn. With political tensions escalating and a catastrophic magical event on the horizon, their marriage is tested as they fight to save their world from destruction in a magical event called Moonless Dark looming over the horizon.

Kalahating Bahaghari by Ricky Lee

Release date: August 2024 

Kalahating Bahaghari by national artist Ricky Lee is a multi-generational saga that intertwines the struggles of LGBTQ+ Filipinos with the oppressive history of Martial Law. By blending personal narratives with historical events, Lee crafts a powerful novel that is both heartbreaking and inspiring.

1762: A Novel by Vin Dela Serna Lopez

Release date: 2024

Winner of the Best Novel in English at the 2024 National Book Awards, 1762: A Novel by Vin Dela Serna Lopez reimagines the British occupation of Manila and Cavite through the eyes of dockyard workers planning to overthrow Spanish rule. Richly detailed and meticulously researched, this novel brings a pivotal period in Philippine history to life.

It is Time to Come Home: Poems by Marjorie Evasco

Release date: 2023

Esteemed poet Marjorie Evasco presents a collection that reflects on the journey of a writer, blending past and present through evocative verse. Evasco won several awards for this book: the Gintong Aklat Award 2024 winner for Poetry in English and the Best Book of Poetry in English at the 42nd National Book Awards.

Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao

In Water Moon, Samantha Sotto Yambao introduces readers to a pawnshop that trades not just in valuables, but in life choices and regrets. When Hana Ishikawa’s father disappears, she embarks on a fantastical journey through surreal landscapes, from bridges that span midnight to bustling night markets in the clouds. Water Moon promises an enchanting, whimsical adventure.

Death in the Cards by Mia P. Manansala

Release date: May 2025

Bestselling author Mia P. Manansala ventures into YA fiction with Death in the Cards, where teenage tarot reader Danika Dizon’s world is upended when a client vanishes after receiving a death card. Determined to prove herself to her private investigator mom and mystery waiter dad, Danika dives into the mystery, only to find that the truth may be far more sinister than she anticipated.

Which book are you looking to read? – with reports from Rowz Fajardo/Rappler.com

Rowz Fajardo is a Rappler intern studying Doctor of Dental Medicine at the University of the Philippines Manila.