The Encanto's Daughter by Melissa de la Cruz is a masterpiece. 5 stars read from me. Lovely story. Lovely plot. I loved everything about this book.

I wasn’t a fan of fantasy books until last year, but everything changed after I started exploring the genre. One thing I particularly love about fantasy books is their incredible covers, which is exactly what first drew me to 'The Encanto’s Daughter' by Melissa de la Cruz.

Set in the enchanting fairy realm of Biringan, this book beautifully portrays Filipino mythology, culture, and food. It was my first fantasy novel featuring Asian culture combined with a murder mystery—another favorite genre of mine. Written in lovely language, with a fast-paced plot and well-developed characters, the story had me hooked halfway through. The magical realm of Biringan was vividly crafted - another thing I loved about this book.

Although I found the murder mystery intriguing, it didn’t feel particularly suspenseful. The cliffhanger ending was also a bit disappointing and predictable, and I felt that the book leaned a little young for me; I’d say it’s perfect for a teenage audience.

Overall, The Encanto’s Daughter was an enjoyable read, filled with magic, witches, court intrigue, and a touch of mystery..

The Encanto's Daughter uses Filipino Mythology in a unique and interesting way. I appreciated being introduced to this aspect of the culture that I didn't know existed. Unfortunately, I found the writing very choppy. There were many chapters that ended at the height of tension only to pick up at the start of the next chapter the next day instead of adequately resolving the situation. It made for abrupt transitions. The story overall was fun, and I can see the beginnings of world-building and character development, but it never quite gets there. There is tons of teen angst, magic, a murder mystery, and the start of an enemies-to-lovers romance. I would love to read the next to see where this series is headed in the future. Solid 3 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers - G.P. Puntam's Sons for this ARC!

Cute book based on the Filipino mythology and culture. It was like taking a short vacation to a far away place and learning about some of their fairy tales, food , clothing styles all the while enjoying a mystery. Would be a great beginning to a series

Well constructed kingdom adjacent to ours with magical creatures and a delicately balanced hierarchy. I appreciated that this was not the typical trope of suddenly finding you are heir to the throne of a kingdom you didn't know anything about upon the death of the ruler. MJ was raised knowing who and what her parents were, and knowing the future expectations for her. I did not like her as a person at first. She was about to have so much responsibility, yet she blew off learning of the land, the history and culture, yet had confidence that the role was hers without question. But she faced adversity in her studies, her relationships, and her ascension to the throne, and this just hardened the steel that makes her a great leader. The treachery is sad, but the time from MJ's notification of her Father's death to her accepting the crown was emotional as she becomes the Princess denoted by her title. This story drew me in and I finished it in one sitting. Although the cliffhanger at the end was not a surprise to me, I do look forward to seeing how this twist resolves.

This book was a really fun read, especially since I’m half Filipina! The attention given to all of the folklore and phrases in the language was amazing. It might’ve felt a bit like she was younger than the age she was meant to be at times, but she also spent a lot of her life on the run, unable to become accustomed to a usual childhood. I can’t wait to read further into this series!! (Though I will say this grossed me out at points with all the beetles haha clearly not an outdoorsy gal)