She Who Devours

‘Laden with hair-raising twists, fun characters, and gorgeously eerie imagery, She Who Devours is an incredible romp through a rich world proudly steeped in Filipino folklore. Bea Bustamante’s prose is electric, her imagination limitless, her talent for creating sparkling chemistry unmatched. This is one of the most delightful and intriguing fantasies I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading!’

‘She Who Devours is filled with action, heartache, family history, fantasy, and my favourite: Filipino folklore. Though set in an imaginary world, this page-turning story clearly draws from Filipino mythology, making my Pinay heart sing. The adventure of reluctant heroine Maya is made all the more impactful by the culture it is rooted in. A big plus for me was the will-they-won’t-they tension between Maya and the very intriguing, very cute Aga. I can’t wait to read more about these two—and the colourful cast of characters—in the second instalment of She Who Devours.’

‘She Who Devours casts a spell. Bea Bustamante has a rare gift for layering folkloric resonance with contemporary relevance. Mythical Filipino creatures are brought to life not as relics from quaint tales but as living, breathing reflections of both personal and societal conflicts. The book’s power lies in its balance of intimacy and scope. Its battles are as gripping as the quiet moments of care and connection. Beneath the folkloric fantasy lies a profound meditation on legacy, identity and the weight of history. A masterwork on myth and memory.’

‘Packed with action, romance, and so much heart, She Who Devours is everything I’ve always wanted to read in a fantasy book inspired by my country’s mythology. Bea masterfully weaves modern storytelling techniques and tropes, all the while staying true to and respectful of her roots. Like the Bakunawa, this book is a force to be reckoned with—definitely essential reading for Philippine modern fantasy!’

‘She Who Devours is a fantasy novel that draws heavily from Filipino history. Maya Halili is ripped from what she hopes will be the beginning of her academic career and thrust into a hidden world of monsters, mysterious healers, a family secret, and the possibility of love amid a brewing movement to take down not just the evil spirit that has made its way back into the world, but also the oppressive colonial government that has Maya and her people under its thumb. It’s a fascinating look at the life of an unwilling hero and what keeps her moving forward despite the ever-mounting costs. The last chapter, in particular, gave me chills!’

‘For her debut novel, She Who Devours, Bea Bustamante reimagines the Philippines during colonial times—except this time, babaylan and mythological creatures exist. While the book fits neatly into the well-loved romantasy genre (and what an impressive debut it is!), what sets it apart is its horror elements. Bustamante knows how to create tension and write unsettling scenes that genuinely creeped me out. She Who Devours is a welcome addition to the growing collection of Filipino fantasy novels. The book left me ready to devour more of Bustamante’s works.’

Bea Bustamante is a schoolteacher by day and a fantasy author by night. After graduating with a degree in Communication from Ateneo de Manila University in 2019, she briefly dipped her toes into the advertising world as an account manager, before realizing her true calling as an educator. Currently, she is finishing her professional teaching certification program at the University of the Philippines. She is also a songwriter and musician, occasionally releasing music under the stage name “Beabu”. She lives in Laguna, Philippines, with her husband. She Who Devours is her first novel.

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