The Wolf of Oren-Yaro

I had a certain curiosity about this one - a lot of people have been talking it up online. I was also intrigued regarding the author being Filipino - my significant other is half Filipino but I have not read much (if any) literature. There is definitely an Asian flavour to the writing, which creates a nice fresh feel to the fantasy world that is being built here.

The series title ‘Chronicle of the Bitch Queen' is both very clever and slightly misleading. The story here is very much about a female leader trying to live in a mans world. How often do we here women in positions of power get referred to as ‘bitch'? It is way to often. This series title definitely takes that and uses it. Honestly, there is nothing especially bitchy about the main character. She is a woman trying to get heard and do what is best for her country and her son. As is so often sadly true in real life she ends up being labelled by men that she is a bitch. This title lets her own it though. It almost becomes something of an empowerment.

Ultimately I was very impressed by this debut. It was well written, original and clever. I can see why it got the hype. I need to try more Filipino fantasy!