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My Lady Hiraya
Five years ago, when Elise’s beloved wife perished in a mysterious fire, she vowed that she would stop at nothing to bring her back.
Her quest for resurrection leads her to Hiraya, a reclusive immortal monster hunter with secrets deeper than the shadows of her home, Silakbo Manor. Hiraya, though hesitant at first, agrees to train Elise in the secrets of Chaos, magic that could alter the strands of time themselves. And with this promise of wielding time-altering magic, Elise dives headfirst into the world of ancient gods and monsters older than time.
But as their bond deepens, Elise and Hiraya find themselves embroiled in an eons-old conflict among the gods of love, destiny, and the future. Together, they'll unravel mysteries that span eons, shaping not only their own fates but the very fabric of existence.
An enchanting tale of loss, redemption, and the enduring power of love, My Lady Hiraya is a romance fantasy novel that follows Elise’s dogged pursuit of her lost love, and the love she finds along the way.
Her quest for resurrection leads her to Hiraya, a reclusive immortal monster hunter with secrets deeper than the shadows of her home, Silakbo Manor. Hiraya, though hesitant at first, agrees to train Elise in the secrets of Chaos, magic that could alter the strands of time themselves. And with this promise of wielding time-altering magic, Elise dives headfirst into the world of ancient gods and monsters older than time.
But as their bond deepens, Elise and Hiraya find themselves embroiled in an eons-old conflict among the gods of love, destiny, and the future. Together, they'll unravel mysteries that span eons, shaping not only their own fates but the very fabric of existence.
An enchanting tale of loss, redemption, and the enduring power of love, My Lady Hiraya is a romance fantasy novel that follows Elise’s dogged pursuit of her lost love, and the love she finds along the way.
308 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2025
3 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
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December 19, 2024Hi everyone! This is my second novel, My Lady Hiraya, and I am so so excited for you all to check it out! Writing this book's first draft was a crazed frenzy that took me about three months after a year or more of not being able to write anything. Its themes and characters are so close to my heart, and I hope that you'll enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
June 11, 2025
POV: your name is Elise and you just fumbled two baddies
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Look at what my bestie wrote!!! Super proud of Steven and his writing journey and big imagination!!
This book is undeniably written by a weeb. The fight scenes feel very anime-inspired lol
I really liked the magic system of Chaos, which I understood as the use of one's potential future/time as a source of energy for any kind of power. I usually prefer magic systems with a clear cost, the classic example (to me) being Fullmetal Alchemist, which I love with my whole heart.
I also enjoyed Hiraya and Elise's love story (happy pride month) and reflections on handling a new love while grieving an old one. I would have loved to see a longer training montage sequence for Elise and Hiraya and more time spent together. I would also like to further understand the logic/limits of the world as at times things felt like they were happening without my really getting why/how they happened.
Really looking forward to what Steven will write in the future!
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Look at what my bestie wrote!!! Super proud of Steven and his writing journey and big imagination!!
This book is undeniably written by a weeb. The fight scenes feel very anime-inspired lol
I really liked the magic system of Chaos, which I understood as the use of one's potential future/time as a source of energy for any kind of power. I usually prefer magic systems with a clear cost, the classic example (to me) being Fullmetal Alchemist, which I love with my whole heart.
I also enjoyed Hiraya and Elise's love story (happy pride month) and reflections on handling a new love while grieving an old one. I would have loved to see a longer training montage sequence for Elise and Hiraya and more time spent together. I would also like to further understand the logic/limits of the world as at times things felt like they were happening without my really getting why/how they happened.
Really looking forward to what Steven will write in the future!
July 23, 2025
Fucking hell. That's one hell of a read.
First off, I wasn't kidding when I said this was one hell of a roller-coaster ride. I don't even know where to actually start because I got this book as a freebie from Penguin Books SEA because of work. (I illustrated the characters of this book without yet having read the story.) I only relied on the author's guidance and did the work.
Then I got the book (which was hilariously delivered to my doorstep earlier than the author's copy, LOL). And after months of reading slump, I finally picked up this book. I only read a few chapters in before I ended up in a reading slump, but then I knew this was gonna be something else.
anyways~ here we are. After days of reading this and reacting per chapters... I am satisfied with the ending. I feel like this story tackled a great heap of themes, but several that stick out the most were the themes of death, grief, isolation, and acceptance. Acceptance of so many things. It had layers of it, and I believe Steven Sy naturally wrote it beautifully and depicted love and life.
This is my first introduction to Steven's writing and my God, he captured the concept of grieving and how people would be disillusioned to trying to keep things under control in order to avoid feeling it. That idea of if you accepted that they're gone, it meant you never lived them at all. No. No, Steven rewrote that and made sure that the message is clear: The point of loving and living meant that we accept our time is short and that the people we love will always live in our hearts and memories and that love does find a way.
We may not make sense of it now, but time is a gift we receive, and our experience lets us understand that our lives are meaningful because our time is limited. It is beautiful because we are doomed. It matters because this is real.
What is a tragedy to some people is exactly what makes this, our lives, a miracle... And that we should learn to accept that in life and love, we can not control everything, but we can make the most of it with the people we have right now.
Wow. Just...Wow... Wow.
First off, I wasn't kidding when I said this was one hell of a roller-coaster ride. I don't even know where to actually start because I got this book as a freebie from Penguin Books SEA because of work. (I illustrated the characters of this book without yet having read the story.) I only relied on the author's guidance and did the work.
Then I got the book (which was hilariously delivered to my doorstep earlier than the author's copy, LOL). And after months of reading slump, I finally picked up this book. I only read a few chapters in before I ended up in a reading slump, but then I knew this was gonna be something else.
anyways~ here we are. After days of reading this and reacting per chapters... I am satisfied with the ending. I feel like this story tackled a great heap of themes, but several that stick out the most were the themes of death, grief, isolation, and acceptance. Acceptance of so many things. It had layers of it, and I believe Steven Sy naturally wrote it beautifully and depicted love and life.
This is my first introduction to Steven's writing and my God, he captured the concept of grieving and how people would be disillusioned to trying to keep things under control in order to avoid feeling it. That idea of if you accepted that they're gone, it meant you never lived them at all. No. No, Steven rewrote that and made sure that the message is clear: The point of loving and living meant that we accept our time is short and that the people we love will always live in our hearts and memories and that love does find a way.
We may not make sense of it now, but time is a gift we receive, and our experience lets us understand that our lives are meaningful because our time is limited. It is beautiful because we are doomed. It matters because this is real.
What is a tragedy to some people is exactly what makes this, our lives, a miracle... And that we should learn to accept that in life and love, we can not control everything, but we can make the most of it with the people we have right now.
Wow. Just...Wow... Wow.
June 30, 2025
My Lady Hiraya"is a story about love, loss, and magic. It follows Elise, who wants to bring her wife back, but ends up meeting an immortal named Hiraya. As they go on a magical journey, they start to understand each other and face big challenges together. The book has a fantasy touch with deep emotions. Some parts were a bit confusing for me, but the idea and feelings behind the story are really touching. Overall it's a good read , something I bring myself a change in my reading spree.
May 27, 2025
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of this book as an extra token of thanks for my sensitivity reader services that were given even before this manuscript was even sent out to publishers! What a journey it has been :)
Anyway, off to my review:
I am usually not a reader of fantasy, but I really enjoyed reading this one! The worldbuilding was simple yet effective, and I really appreciated the underlying messages of fighting against absolutist control and (to a certain extent) instutionalized religion that wasn't super in-your-face.
I also have to say that I am usually very hesitant to read sapphic romances written by men, but in the vein of "you can tell when designers love women by their designs," I could tell that the author wrote Hiraya and Elise both as individuals and their romance in a very loving and respectful way.
Highly recommend reading if you're in the mood for high fantasy that doesn't span 800+ pages (as they usually do).
Anyway, off to my review:
I am usually not a reader of fantasy, but I really enjoyed reading this one! The worldbuilding was simple yet effective, and I really appreciated the underlying messages of fighting against absolutist control and (to a certain extent) instutionalized religion that wasn't super in-your-face.
I also have to say that I am usually very hesitant to read sapphic romances written by men, but in the vein of "you can tell when designers love women by their designs," I could tell that the author wrote Hiraya and Elise both as individuals and their romance in a very loving and respectful way.
Highly recommend reading if you're in the mood for high fantasy that doesn't span 800+ pages (as they usually do).
June 20, 2025
A gorgeously written tale steeped in Filipino-inspired mythology, with a rich, queer cast of characters. Steven Sy’s prose is lyrical and immersive, with a world that feels both familiar and fantastical. The LGBTQ+ representation is handled with care and joy, adding dimension to the political and magical tension of the story. However, some of the characters’ emotional impulsiveness at key points disrupted the flow of logic and raised stakes unnecessarily. A standout debut with so much heart and heritage.
Thank you to PRH Sea for giving me a review copy.
Thank you to PRH Sea for giving me a review copy.
July 22, 2025
“Better I live an eternity suffering rather than lose someone I can't bear losing.”
The book in a nutshell: At its heart, this is about an immortal, cursed heroine and a mortal blacksmith determined to reunite with her deceased wife. As their paths intertwine, the narrative explores themes of love, loss, and healing. Will the blacksmith succeed in bringing her wife back, or will she find peace in letting go? That question drives the emotional core of the story.
This is a straightforward and accessible romantasy. The writing is clear and easy to follow, making it especially suitable for readers new to the genre. The world-building, while serviceable, lacked some of the depth and richness that could have elevated the setting.
What really stood out were the strong women-led characters. They were compelling, emotionally grounded, and a joy to follow. The action sequences, especially the fight scenes, were thrilling and well-executed. Admittedly, the pacing slowed a bit toward the end and felt slightly drawn out, but it didn’t overshadow the narrative.
Overall, this is a solid introduction to fantasy with themes of sapphic romance, grief, and redemption. It’s a heartfelt story with emotional resonance and strong character dynamics—a great starting point for anyone curious about the genre.
Review copy courtesy of Penguin Books.
The book in a nutshell: At its heart, this is about an immortal, cursed heroine and a mortal blacksmith determined to reunite with her deceased wife. As their paths intertwine, the narrative explores themes of love, loss, and healing. Will the blacksmith succeed in bringing her wife back, or will she find peace in letting go? That question drives the emotional core of the story.
This is a straightforward and accessible romantasy. The writing is clear and easy to follow, making it especially suitable for readers new to the genre. The world-building, while serviceable, lacked some of the depth and richness that could have elevated the setting.
What really stood out were the strong women-led characters. They were compelling, emotionally grounded, and a joy to follow. The action sequences, especially the fight scenes, were thrilling and well-executed. Admittedly, the pacing slowed a bit toward the end and felt slightly drawn out, but it didn’t overshadow the narrative.
Overall, this is a solid introduction to fantasy with themes of sapphic romance, grief, and redemption. It’s a heartfelt story with emotional resonance and strong character dynamics—a great starting point for anyone curious about the genre.
Review copy courtesy of Penguin Books.
May 22, 2025
i support women’s rights and i especially support women’s wrongs.
and that’s exactly why i would 10/10 let lady hiraya keep me hostage in silkabo manor for as long as she wanted.
now that that’s out of the way, let me tell you what the story is about and how giddy it made me feel.
this is about a blacksmith named elise who wants to bring her wife back from the dead – a death she blames herself for. to do that, she seeks out hiraya, a cursed immortal monster hunter with her own baggage. they team up, get tangled in fights between gods, monsters, and time, and end up facing more than either of them signed up for. it’s about grief, love, and the mess that comes with trying to turn back time and refusing to grieve and let go.
i gave you just the bare bones of this story because i don’t want to spoil even a bit. i want you to have the same undiluted joy i felt while experiencing it. because reading this felt like being eight years old again, lying under a mosquito net, listening to a bedtime tale that started with “a long time ago” and ended with “and she changed the world.” except this time, the woman didn’t wait for a man to come save her. she joined hands with another woman, and they saved each other.
this book is a love letter to philippine mythology – complete with gods, spirits, and a world where the divine is as ordinary as rice and as necessary as rain. but what blew me away was how queer this world is, and not in a tokenized, rainbow-afterthought kind of way. in hiraya’s world, queerness is ancient. it’s sacred. it’s powerful. queer people are gods, warriors, lovers, kin. no one flinches. no one asks for an explanation. it’s like coming home to a version of your culture that never had to unlearn itself.
and let’s talk about the women. not the “strong female character” type with a tragic backstory and zero personality. i mean real strength—the kind that holds grief and love in the same hand. the kind that isn’t afraid to cry, or be furious, or forgive. hiraya and elise and the women around them reminded me that softness isn’t weakness, that tenderness can be fierce, and that sometimes, saving the world looks like choosing to heal.
it’s also laugh-out-loud funny in places, which i didn’t expect. like yes, give me powerful magic and heart-wrenching backstories, but also give me dry humor, mischievous friends, and trickster pets. hiraya made so many dirty jokes and i love her so much.
this book made me cry. it made me laugh. it made me remember things i didn’t know i’d forgotten – like how much power there is in being seen, in being truly recognized and loved.
in a world that so often buries queer people in tragedy, my lady hiraya gives way to something quieter, braver, and far more radical: queer joy so full, so ancient, and so unapologetic. it shouldn’t feel rare - but it does. and that’s exactly why i’ll be carrying this story with me for a long, long time.
and that’s exactly why i would 10/10 let lady hiraya keep me hostage in silkabo manor for as long as she wanted.
now that that’s out of the way, let me tell you what the story is about and how giddy it made me feel.
this is about a blacksmith named elise who wants to bring her wife back from the dead – a death she blames herself for. to do that, she seeks out hiraya, a cursed immortal monster hunter with her own baggage. they team up, get tangled in fights between gods, monsters, and time, and end up facing more than either of them signed up for. it’s about grief, love, and the mess that comes with trying to turn back time and refusing to grieve and let go.
i gave you just the bare bones of this story because i don’t want to spoil even a bit. i want you to have the same undiluted joy i felt while experiencing it. because reading this felt like being eight years old again, lying under a mosquito net, listening to a bedtime tale that started with “a long time ago” and ended with “and she changed the world.” except this time, the woman didn’t wait for a man to come save her. she joined hands with another woman, and they saved each other.
this book is a love letter to philippine mythology – complete with gods, spirits, and a world where the divine is as ordinary as rice and as necessary as rain. but what blew me away was how queer this world is, and not in a tokenized, rainbow-afterthought kind of way. in hiraya’s world, queerness is ancient. it’s sacred. it’s powerful. queer people are gods, warriors, lovers, kin. no one flinches. no one asks for an explanation. it’s like coming home to a version of your culture that never had to unlearn itself.
and let’s talk about the women. not the “strong female character” type with a tragic backstory and zero personality. i mean real strength—the kind that holds grief and love in the same hand. the kind that isn’t afraid to cry, or be furious, or forgive. hiraya and elise and the women around them reminded me that softness isn’t weakness, that tenderness can be fierce, and that sometimes, saving the world looks like choosing to heal.
it’s also laugh-out-loud funny in places, which i didn’t expect. like yes, give me powerful magic and heart-wrenching backstories, but also give me dry humor, mischievous friends, and trickster pets. hiraya made so many dirty jokes and i love her so much.
this book made me cry. it made me laugh. it made me remember things i didn’t know i’d forgotten – like how much power there is in being seen, in being truly recognized and loved.
in a world that so often buries queer people in tragedy, my lady hiraya gives way to something quieter, braver, and far more radical: queer joy so full, so ancient, and so unapologetic. it shouldn’t feel rare - but it does. and that’s exactly why i’ll be carrying this story with me for a long, long time.
June 7, 2025
my lady hiraya by steven sy
genre : lgbtq romance fantasy
My 💭:
[5/6/25 3.21 PM]
Started my Pride month reading with this book! 🌈
This is the first time I read a romance fantasy with lesbian relationship exposure. As a proud ally reader, it was an interesting experience for me indeed! And the taste of ancient folklore fantasy magic stuff ✨! Thank you @pen for bringing this book to me!
'My Lady Hiraya' was everything its beautiful glossy cover promised 🔥! Fierce leads with battle scars and dark cursed love and second chance at happiness and life. You guys know just how much I love reading about independent women who can hold their own ground without expecting help from anyone else. And in this story, both Hiraya and Elise were so inspiring! To the point of being scary, especially in Hiraya's case 😁. But then it's the scary cold people who have the softest hearts, isn't it?
The story kinda revolves around fated encounters and lost love. In fact, both Elise and the villain do all that they do only in the name of 'love' and getting it back to themselves. Their actions raised a vital question in my mind - how much length will I go to get my loved ones back? But then, it's interesting how we think we have even an iota of control over our own lives, let alone others'. So I guess it all comes down to circumstances. Was it voluntary or involuntary? Sadly, people still hold onto those who voluntarily left, but isn't that possession? Kind of what happened to Sana here. Our present generation is full of 'Sana's unfortunately, all crippled by the fear of losing their possessions, their 'dolls', all in the name of something totally opposite and liberating - love.
The fight sequences were really really good! The ending twist was a bit too beige for my taste tbh, as if from a children's fairytale. But the whole drama of this book, starting from a rocky partnership to soul deep love with lots of humorous scenes, especially the ones with Isagani, seemed right out from a kdrama. And Isagani! Omg lovedddd him! His sass was superb as was his character arc. Did i mention that I am die hard BL fan 🙈?
.
Now, coming to the most important business, how do I find Shoyu the tanuki and adopt her? 😁
Q - have i tempted you enough to read this book?
genre : lgbtq romance fantasy
My 💭:
[5/6/25 3.21 PM]
Started my Pride month reading with this book! 🌈
This is the first time I read a romance fantasy with lesbian relationship exposure. As a proud ally reader, it was an interesting experience for me indeed! And the taste of ancient folklore fantasy magic stuff ✨! Thank you @pen for bringing this book to me!
'My Lady Hiraya' was everything its beautiful glossy cover promised 🔥! Fierce leads with battle scars and dark cursed love and second chance at happiness and life. You guys know just how much I love reading about independent women who can hold their own ground without expecting help from anyone else. And in this story, both Hiraya and Elise were so inspiring! To the point of being scary, especially in Hiraya's case 😁. But then it's the scary cold people who have the softest hearts, isn't it?
The story kinda revolves around fated encounters and lost love. In fact, both Elise and the villain do all that they do only in the name of 'love' and getting it back to themselves. Their actions raised a vital question in my mind - how much length will I go to get my loved ones back? But then, it's interesting how we think we have even an iota of control over our own lives, let alone others'. So I guess it all comes down to circumstances. Was it voluntary or involuntary? Sadly, people still hold onto those who voluntarily left, but isn't that possession? Kind of what happened to Sana here. Our present generation is full of 'Sana's unfortunately, all crippled by the fear of losing their possessions, their 'dolls', all in the name of something totally opposite and liberating - love.
The fight sequences were really really good! The ending twist was a bit too beige for my taste tbh, as if from a children's fairytale. But the whole drama of this book, starting from a rocky partnership to soul deep love with lots of humorous scenes, especially the ones with Isagani, seemed right out from a kdrama. And Isagani! Omg lovedddd him! His sass was superb as was his character arc. Did i mention that I am die hard BL fan 🙈?
.
Now, coming to the most important business, how do I find Shoyu the tanuki and adopt her? 😁
Q - have i tempted you enough to read this book?
June 19, 2025
I first saw the promo for this book over a year ago, “if you like these books, you will love My Lady Hiraya”, and I remember immediately adding the release date to my calendar because I was deep in my Janus Silang phase that time.
This book is so Filipino in the best ways — celebrations that light up the pages, food that feels like home, and mythological creatures that are part of our childhood stories. It has one of the most original magic systems I’ve read, and what I loved even more was how CHAOS wasn’t just a magic system — it shaped the entire narrative. The non-linear storytelling echoed the disorientation of memories, of dreams. The story weaves through timelines, memories, visions, and somehow, it never feels disjointed. The way it plays with possibilities and still leaves you surprised at every turn? I WAS GAGGED!!!
It’s unapologetically queer 🏳️🌈, and I loved how the mythology reinforced that queerness — ancient, powerful, divine. The shade to “the beginning, the middle, and the end” GIRL!!! Hahaha that was too funny not to notice.
**Spoilers ahead – read on at your own risk**
There were moments I couldn’t tell what was real and what was illusion. It felt like I was slipping into the Null and I’d known these characters forever, all the different versions of them. They were so well-written with very clear desires and flaws.
Elise and Hiraya’s banter brought lightness and kilig in all the right places. I had so much fun reading all their pinings and hesitations. Their battle scenes were also one of the best parts of this book.
I also honestly rooted for Isagani and Caius. (Oh yes!! I’m so so so sorry. I’m just a gay man longing for a gay happy ending). But that ONE LAST DANCE!!! before the end of the world?!?!? POETIC. HEARTBREAKING. GAY. I couldn’t think of a better ending.
And we have Asterio which made me so weirdly happy especially when it was revealed that he’s getting married to a chaotic man? This family loves CHAOS (pun intended! haha). But can we please get a spinoff?? There’s a whole 15-year story for that ship!
I will definitely be watching out for more of Steven Sy’s works.
This book is so Filipino in the best ways — celebrations that light up the pages, food that feels like home, and mythological creatures that are part of our childhood stories. It has one of the most original magic systems I’ve read, and what I loved even more was how CHAOS wasn’t just a magic system — it shaped the entire narrative. The non-linear storytelling echoed the disorientation of memories, of dreams. The story weaves through timelines, memories, visions, and somehow, it never feels disjointed. The way it plays with possibilities and still leaves you surprised at every turn? I WAS GAGGED!!!
It’s unapologetically queer 🏳️🌈, and I loved how the mythology reinforced that queerness — ancient, powerful, divine. The shade to “the beginning, the middle, and the end” GIRL!!! Hahaha that was too funny not to notice.
**Spoilers ahead – read on at your own risk**
There were moments I couldn’t tell what was real and what was illusion. It felt like I was slipping into the Null and I’d known these characters forever, all the different versions of them. They were so well-written with very clear desires and flaws.
Elise and Hiraya’s banter brought lightness and kilig in all the right places. I had so much fun reading all their pinings and hesitations. Their battle scenes were also one of the best parts of this book.
I also honestly rooted for Isagani and Caius. (Oh yes!! I’m so so so sorry. I’m just a gay man longing for a gay happy ending). But that ONE LAST DANCE!!! before the end of the world?!?!? POETIC. HEARTBREAKING. GAY. I couldn’t think of a better ending.
And we have Asterio which made me so weirdly happy especially when it was revealed that he’s getting married to a chaotic man? This family loves CHAOS (pun intended! haha). But can we please get a spinoff?? There’s a whole 15-year story for that ship!
I will definitely be watching out for more of Steven Sy’s works.
June 2, 2025
“We have the same curse, dear friend… We love those who aren’t good for us.”
“Or perhaps we are cursed to miss the love that is good for us.”
Synopsis:
Hiraya has been cursed with immortality, and one day, her path crosses with Elise, a blacksmith whose ultimate goal is to find a way to get her dead wife Cassandra back. Elise is willing to do anything, and others, other beings, are willing to take advantage of that.
Thoughts:
I had a lot of fun reading this. I love how there was humor in the character interactions. The writing brought the book’s setting and atmosphere to life. The plot was complex and gripping, especially when the gods got involved. I liked following Elise come to her realizations, and learning about Hiraya’s backstory, and also learning about the gods and their shenanigans.
I really enjoyed this, but I wish it was longer so that I could get to know each of the characters more. There were a lot of side characters and subplots that I kind of wanted to learn even more of.
All in all, this was a pleasant read. I learned more about Philippine mythology and would be interested to read more of the author’s writing.
How I found out about this: I saw it around on bookstagram so I requested an ARC from Penguin SEA.
Who should read this: Anyone who wants a quick fantasy read with LGBTQ+ representation. It reminded me a lot of The Priory of the Orange Tree actually, but on a smaller scale.
Other quotes I like:
“No matter how long Hiraya watched them, she never could figure out how mortals found it in them to be happy.”
“Her voice was every ocean breeze, every beam of sunlight, every drop of dew.”
“It was the worst thing she’d ever done, to live the life she’d always wanted.”
June 8, 2025
Steven Sy’s #MyLadyHiraya is a striking debut that blends romantic fantasy with the rich textures of Filipino mythology. After the tragic loss of her partner Elise is living life with her son Asterio. She wants to bring Cassandra back to life, and she needs the help of the goddesses. She crosses her path with Hiraya, an immortal monster hunter haunted by her own past. What begins as a reluctant partnership slowly blooms into something far more powerful.
The 3️⃣ Things:
💕𝓛𝓸𝓿𝓮, 𝓛𝓸𝓼𝓼, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓜𝓪𝓰𝓲𝓬 𝓸𝓯 𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓸𝓼
The storytelling shines in this exploration of Chaos; a compelling magical force capable of altering time and the intimate emotional journey of his characters. Elise and Hiraya’s relationship is tenderly built, layered with mutual pain, healing, and a love that dares to challenge the gods themselves.
🔮 𝓜𝔂𝓽𝓱, 𝓜𝓪𝓰𝓲𝓬, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓜𝓪𝓽𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓼 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓗𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓽
What elevates My Lady Hiraya beyond the expected fantasy fare is its seamless integration of Philippine folklore and its bold narrative on love, grief, and destiny. As Elise and Hiraya become entangled in a divine conflict among the gods of love, future, and fate, the writer delivers a story that feels both epic in scope and deeply personal.
✨ 𝓐 𝓟𝓸𝔀𝓮𝓻𝓯𝓾𝓵 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓔𝓶𝓸𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷𝓪𝓵 𝓕𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓪𝓼𝔂 𝓓𝓮𝓫𝓾𝓽
This novel is an evocative blend of magical realism and emotional depth. I love the battle between Lady Hiraya with The Bakunawa 🐉 and how both Elise and Hiraya were tricked by Sana and having their own imagination in the Null. I also love Isagani’s loyal character, the cute Shoyu and the sacrifice Isagani made towards Caius.
This book sure to resonate with fans of character-driven fantasy and myth inspired storytelling. A heartfelt, powerful debut. If I ever went lesbian, maybe Lady Hiraya would be the first les I would bian. Haha kidding! 4/5 ⭐️
Thank you @penguinbookssea , Chai @chai_n_books and Mishty @bookstore.baby for the gifted copy. 🫰🏻✨
Content note 🔖LGBTQ
#parareads #penguinbookssea #penguinbooks #parabaca #bookstagram #myladyhiraya #stevensy
The 3️⃣ Things:
💕𝓛𝓸𝓿𝓮, 𝓛𝓸𝓼𝓼, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓜𝓪𝓰𝓲𝓬 𝓸𝓯 𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓸𝓼
The storytelling shines in this exploration of Chaos; a compelling magical force capable of altering time and the intimate emotional journey of his characters. Elise and Hiraya’s relationship is tenderly built, layered with mutual pain, healing, and a love that dares to challenge the gods themselves.
🔮 𝓜𝔂𝓽𝓱, 𝓜𝓪𝓰𝓲𝓬, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓜𝓪𝓽𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓼 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓗𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓽
What elevates My Lady Hiraya beyond the expected fantasy fare is its seamless integration of Philippine folklore and its bold narrative on love, grief, and destiny. As Elise and Hiraya become entangled in a divine conflict among the gods of love, future, and fate, the writer delivers a story that feels both epic in scope and deeply personal.
✨ 𝓐 𝓟𝓸𝔀𝓮𝓻𝓯𝓾𝓵 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓔𝓶𝓸𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷𝓪𝓵 𝓕𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓪𝓼𝔂 𝓓𝓮𝓫𝓾𝓽
This novel is an evocative blend of magical realism and emotional depth. I love the battle between Lady Hiraya with The Bakunawa 🐉 and how both Elise and Hiraya were tricked by Sana and having their own imagination in the Null. I also love Isagani’s loyal character, the cute Shoyu and the sacrifice Isagani made towards Caius.
This book sure to resonate with fans of character-driven fantasy and myth inspired storytelling. A heartfelt, powerful debut. If I ever went lesbian, maybe Lady Hiraya would be the first les I would bian. Haha kidding! 4/5 ⭐️
Thank you @penguinbookssea , Chai @chai_n_books and Mishty @bookstore.baby for the gifted copy. 🫰🏻✨
Content note 🔖LGBTQ
#parareads #penguinbookssea #penguinbooks #parabaca #bookstagram #myladyhiraya #stevensy
July 4, 2025
There's a peculiar kind of magic that comes with grief. It unravels and distorts and remakes us—and in My Lady Hiraya, Steven Sy shrouds that pain in myth, time, and still, crushing beauty.
.
Elise, cracked and smoldering from the loss of her wife five years prior, doesn't wish to move on. She wishes to undo. Her desperation takes her to Hiraya—immortal, ancient, unreadable—who promises more than a route through time; she promises a trial by it.
.
This isn't your run-of-the-mill fantasy-romance. Elise and Hiraya's relationship develops like a slow tide—steeped in restraint, memory, and scars. Their love isn't built on big moments, but on mutual silence, the gravity of survival, of witnessing what continues to hurt. Sy doesn't make queerness the spectacle—it's just present, as lived-in and ordinary as breathing. A woman loving another woman isn't made into a scene; it's made room for to exist, to hurt, and to dream without apology.
.
What's so impressive is how fluidly Sy integrates intimate queerness with grand mythology. The gods they battle, the magic Elise discovers—none of this overwhelms the tender fraying between them. Hiraya, centuries old and hard, discovers in Elise not only a pupil but a reflection. And Elise, torn between fury and desire, gradually allows herself to want again.
.
What lingered with me the most was how the book approaches longing—not necessarily for individuals, but for meaning, mercy, moments we wish we'd clung to longer. The sapphic romance isn't ever a plot turner—it's a heartbeat, one that remains constant and sure even when battered.
.
This novel doesn't have easy redemption. It has the option, expense, and the quiet strength of starting anew—with someone who understands you completely. The cover is a splash of colors as is the blending of mythology and fantasy in the novel.
.
Elise, cracked and smoldering from the loss of her wife five years prior, doesn't wish to move on. She wishes to undo. Her desperation takes her to Hiraya—immortal, ancient, unreadable—who promises more than a route through time; she promises a trial by it.
.
This isn't your run-of-the-mill fantasy-romance. Elise and Hiraya's relationship develops like a slow tide—steeped in restraint, memory, and scars. Their love isn't built on big moments, but on mutual silence, the gravity of survival, of witnessing what continues to hurt. Sy doesn't make queerness the spectacle—it's just present, as lived-in and ordinary as breathing. A woman loving another woman isn't made into a scene; it's made room for to exist, to hurt, and to dream without apology.
.
What's so impressive is how fluidly Sy integrates intimate queerness with grand mythology. The gods they battle, the magic Elise discovers—none of this overwhelms the tender fraying between them. Hiraya, centuries old and hard, discovers in Elise not only a pupil but a reflection. And Elise, torn between fury and desire, gradually allows herself to want again.
.
What lingered with me the most was how the book approaches longing—not necessarily for individuals, but for meaning, mercy, moments we wish we'd clung to longer. The sapphic romance isn't ever a plot turner—it's a heartbeat, one that remains constant and sure even when battered.
.
This novel doesn't have easy redemption. It has the option, expense, and the quiet strength of starting anew—with someone who understands you completely. The cover is a splash of colors as is the blending of mythology and fantasy in the novel.
June 3, 2025
𝕄𝕪 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤 :-
My Lady Hiraya is a breathtaking whirlwind of gods, fierce women, aching love, and devastating betrayals! I was hooked from page one.
Lady Hiraya stole my heart. An immortal warrior who’s tired of bloodshed and now spends her days painting (poorly), she is the perfect embodiment of strength laced with sorrow. Her past weighs heavy, and her quiet resilience made me fall for her instantly. And then there's Isagani Hiraya’s steadfast companion, sidekick, and fiercest ally. His loyalty moved me deeply, and I won't lie, his arc absolutely shattered me.
Elsie, the blacksmith on a mission to resurrect her lost wife, is a character full of contradictions. Her desperation made her vulnerable to manipulation, and while her journey is understandable, I found myself impatient with her choices maybe because I was so firmly Team Hiraya. That said, her grief is palpable, and her love raw and unwavering. Asterio and Shoyu also deserve a shoutout for adding warmth and humor to the darker themes.
The worldbuilding is rich and textured, steeped in Filipino mythology and gothic fantasy. The pacing never lets up, and the writing pulls you into every battle, every emotional blow, every twist. I loved how inclusive the cast was diverse, deeply layered, and unapologetically human (or godlike).
This is a story about selfless love, personal loss, and the long road to redemption. The final chapters, especially the epilogue, left me gutted yet whole. I couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful ending.
An emotionally charged, action-packed sapphic fantasy that kicked off Pride Month with a bang and my first dive into Filipino mythology.
Huge thanks to @penguinbookssea @systevenjustin by for sending this beautiful copy!! 💖
My Lady Hiraya is a breathtaking whirlwind of gods, fierce women, aching love, and devastating betrayals! I was hooked from page one.
Lady Hiraya stole my heart. An immortal warrior who’s tired of bloodshed and now spends her days painting (poorly), she is the perfect embodiment of strength laced with sorrow. Her past weighs heavy, and her quiet resilience made me fall for her instantly. And then there's Isagani Hiraya’s steadfast companion, sidekick, and fiercest ally. His loyalty moved me deeply, and I won't lie, his arc absolutely shattered me.
Elsie, the blacksmith on a mission to resurrect her lost wife, is a character full of contradictions. Her desperation made her vulnerable to manipulation, and while her journey is understandable, I found myself impatient with her choices maybe because I was so firmly Team Hiraya. That said, her grief is palpable, and her love raw and unwavering. Asterio and Shoyu also deserve a shoutout for adding warmth and humor to the darker themes.
The worldbuilding is rich and textured, steeped in Filipino mythology and gothic fantasy. The pacing never lets up, and the writing pulls you into every battle, every emotional blow, every twist. I loved how inclusive the cast was diverse, deeply layered, and unapologetically human (or godlike).
This is a story about selfless love, personal loss, and the long road to redemption. The final chapters, especially the epilogue, left me gutted yet whole. I couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful ending.
An emotionally charged, action-packed sapphic fantasy that kicked off Pride Month with a bang and my first dive into Filipino mythology.
Huge thanks to @penguinbookssea @systevenjustin by for sending this beautiful copy!! 💖
June 11, 2025
This book screams women.
My Lady Hiraya is the story of Elsie, a blacksmith. Elsie lost her beloved wife Cassandra five years ago in a mysterious fire and now she will stop at nothing to bring her back.
On her quest, Elsie meets Hiraya, a cursed immortal monster hunter. Hiraya has her own secrets and a haunting past. As the two team up to train and find a way to bring Cassandra back, they come face to face with gods, monsters, and long buried mysteries.
This book is a masterful blend of sapphic romance and Filipino mythology with characters that are incredibly well fleshed out. The queer element is added at just the right pitch. It is done so beautifully and organically that it feels exactly as natural as it should be. The stories woven around the gods, legends, and monsters are equally engaging and complement the main plot perfectly.
Every page of the book carries a tribute to loss, hope, and the weight of the past. The balance between worldbuilding and character focus is so well done. Never too much, never too little.
The characters are raw and real, with tragic pasts and visible flaws. I really appreciated the portrayal of women in this book. Their strength, their resilience, and their full, complex personalities. Especially Hiraya and her humor. I love how sarcastic and witty she can be. The side characters were just as compelling, and my favorite was Isagani.
I am someone who does not read much fantasy because the worldbuilding and plot sometimes overwhelm me, but this one was very easy to glide through. The worldbuilding here is beautifully done and completely enchanting.
This is the perfect book for Pride Month or for anyone looking to ease into fantasy.
My Lady Hiraya is the story of Elsie, a blacksmith. Elsie lost her beloved wife Cassandra five years ago in a mysterious fire and now she will stop at nothing to bring her back.
On her quest, Elsie meets Hiraya, a cursed immortal monster hunter. Hiraya has her own secrets and a haunting past. As the two team up to train and find a way to bring Cassandra back, they come face to face with gods, monsters, and long buried mysteries.
This book is a masterful blend of sapphic romance and Filipino mythology with characters that are incredibly well fleshed out. The queer element is added at just the right pitch. It is done so beautifully and organically that it feels exactly as natural as it should be. The stories woven around the gods, legends, and monsters are equally engaging and complement the main plot perfectly.
Every page of the book carries a tribute to loss, hope, and the weight of the past. The balance between worldbuilding and character focus is so well done. Never too much, never too little.
The characters are raw and real, with tragic pasts and visible flaws. I really appreciated the portrayal of women in this book. Their strength, their resilience, and their full, complex personalities. Especially Hiraya and her humor. I love how sarcastic and witty she can be. The side characters were just as compelling, and my favorite was Isagani.
I am someone who does not read much fantasy because the worldbuilding and plot sometimes overwhelm me, but this one was very easy to glide through. The worldbuilding here is beautifully done and completely enchanting.
This is the perfect book for Pride Month or for anyone looking to ease into fantasy.
August 2, 2025
This is the first time I’ve read a fantasy romance like My Lady Hiraya, and it left a strong impression. The story blends heartfelt emotion with Filipino mythology, creating a world that feels both rich and intimate. At its center is Elise, a blacksmith grieving the loss of her wife. Her journey leads her to Hiraya, a mysterious and immortal monster hunter, and together they navigate a path shaped by magic, memory, and healing.
What makes the book stand out is how naturally it weaves queerness into the story. The sapphic romance between Elise and Hiraya is tender and steady, developing with care and quiet strength. There’s no need for dramatic declarations or forced chemistry—their connection grows through shared pain, trust, and the kind of unspoken understanding that feels earned. It’s a love story that’s soft but powerful, resting at the heart of the novel without ever overshadowing the world around it.
The use of Filipino mythology adds a layer of depth that feels refreshing and rooted. Gods, spirits, and mythical creatures aren’t just background—they feel like part of the characters’ lives, full of personality and history. The magic system, centered around Chaos and time, adds intrigue and wonder while staying tied to the emotional stakes. There’s a balance between action, emotion, and myth that gives the story a unique rhythm.
Overall, My Lady Hiraya is a beautifully written and emotionally honest fantasy novel. It offers a thoughtful look at grief, love, and second chances, all within a setting that feels original and full of heart. It’s a story about healing and holding on, about strength in softness, and about finding connection even in the most unexpected places.
What makes the book stand out is how naturally it weaves queerness into the story. The sapphic romance between Elise and Hiraya is tender and steady, developing with care and quiet strength. There’s no need for dramatic declarations or forced chemistry—their connection grows through shared pain, trust, and the kind of unspoken understanding that feels earned. It’s a love story that’s soft but powerful, resting at the heart of the novel without ever overshadowing the world around it.
The use of Filipino mythology adds a layer of depth that feels refreshing and rooted. Gods, spirits, and mythical creatures aren’t just background—they feel like part of the characters’ lives, full of personality and history. The magic system, centered around Chaos and time, adds intrigue and wonder while staying tied to the emotional stakes. There’s a balance between action, emotion, and myth that gives the story a unique rhythm.
Overall, My Lady Hiraya is a beautifully written and emotionally honest fantasy novel. It offers a thoughtful look at grief, love, and second chances, all within a setting that feels original and full of heart. It’s a story about healing and holding on, about strength in softness, and about finding connection even in the most unexpected places.
May 23, 2025
This is a book that puts women on a godly pedestal and I’m here for it. A perfect read for the coming Pride month and I recommend it to all.
The story follows two women, Hiraya, who has been cursed with immortality and lives in a secluded magical mansion, and Elise, a blacksmith who wishes to bring back her wife to life as she blames herself for her death. The loneliness of the former and the guilt of the latter bring them together to face their destinies, mixing it all up with monsters, men and gods. This is about loss, grief, guilt, love and so much more.
It felt like such a fairy tale to read it and I really wish this gets turned into an anime cause I swear to god it would be amazing. Further, the way the story flows through within the realms of Philippine mythology felt such a great way to depict queerness in the tale. It is considered sacred and divine, common and normal, it is neither exaggerated nor berated, it is ancient and that makes it all much more beautiful.
All the characters are strong in their own special way and not just physical strength, a strength that comes with living life and experiencing loss and love, the kind of strength that helps you grow into a better person. I really liked the dynamic between Hiraya and Isagani, the way they love each other as friends, respect each other as warriors and understand each other’s loss of love, while joking and teasing one another constantly.
However, just felt a tad long around the end of the story and a bit repetitive as well. But a solid 3.5 stars for me.
The story follows two women, Hiraya, who has been cursed with immortality and lives in a secluded magical mansion, and Elise, a blacksmith who wishes to bring back her wife to life as she blames herself for her death. The loneliness of the former and the guilt of the latter bring them together to face their destinies, mixing it all up with monsters, men and gods. This is about loss, grief, guilt, love and so much more.
It felt like such a fairy tale to read it and I really wish this gets turned into an anime cause I swear to god it would be amazing. Further, the way the story flows through within the realms of Philippine mythology felt such a great way to depict queerness in the tale. It is considered sacred and divine, common and normal, it is neither exaggerated nor berated, it is ancient and that makes it all much more beautiful.
All the characters are strong in their own special way and not just physical strength, a strength that comes with living life and experiencing loss and love, the kind of strength that helps you grow into a better person. I really liked the dynamic between Hiraya and Isagani, the way they love each other as friends, respect each other as warriors and understand each other’s loss of love, while joking and teasing one another constantly.
However, just felt a tad long around the end of the story and a bit repetitive as well. But a solid 3.5 stars for me.
May 29, 2025
"𝕷𝖔𝖛𝖊 𝖎𝖘 𝖆 𝖘𝖙𝖗𝖆𝖓𝖌𝖊 𝖙𝖍𝖎𝖓𝖌. 𝕾𝖔𝖒𝖊𝖙𝖎𝖒𝖊𝖘 𝖜𝖊 𝖇𝖊𝖑𝖎𝖊𝖛𝖊 𝖎𝖙'𝖘 𝖆 𝖕𝖆𝖙𝖍 𝖑𝖆𝖎𝖉 𝖔𝖚𝖙 𝖋𝖔𝖗 𝖚𝖘. 𝕺𝖙𝖍𝖊𝖗 𝖙𝖎𝖒𝖊𝖘 𝖜𝖊 𝖇𝖊𝖑𝖎𝖊𝖛𝖊 𝖎𝖙'𝖘 𝖆 𝖕𝖆𝖙𝖍 𝖜𝖊 𝖈𝖍𝖔𝖔𝖘𝖊 𝖔𝖚𝖗𝖘𝖊𝖑𝖛𝖊𝖘."
This book is a magnificent blend of gothic filipino mythology and sapphic romance. It opens the channel for characters to engulf the readers into the anomaly beyond the boundaries set by mortal world.
It's an allegory of love, loss and redemption showcasing such a glimpse where gods with omnipotent power commingle with mortal beings.Elise, a Blacksmith who's set to bring her wife back to life meets Hiraya, a fierce and compassionate leader in a pre-colonial world to vest the journey of chaos and null.
The writing is fast-paced and piquant compelling readers to delve into beautifully crafted Filipino heritage with complex female leads , unveiling the power of choice.
The characters are simulacrums of stoicism with incorrigible personalities cohabitating &entrenching the journey with their opulence. Their chemistry together is beyond stolen glances and emotional turmoil.......selfless love.
The world building is flamboyant and portrays the theme of female empowerment, moral complexities and found family. It navigates through political intrigue, betrayal and burden of legacies.
As they say, the heart can stray but never defy their loved ones and forgotten ones always deter back to their coccon.There's always a variation, a version, portraying your existence is beyond the dimension you believe you belong.
An absolute riveting read with a culturally rich narrative and a powerful woman in action. A saga of love, commiserating, grief and healing with found family as a beseeching touch.
This book is a magnificent blend of gothic filipino mythology and sapphic romance. It opens the channel for characters to engulf the readers into the anomaly beyond the boundaries set by mortal world.
It's an allegory of love, loss and redemption showcasing such a glimpse where gods with omnipotent power commingle with mortal beings.Elise, a Blacksmith who's set to bring her wife back to life meets Hiraya, a fierce and compassionate leader in a pre-colonial world to vest the journey of chaos and null.
The writing is fast-paced and piquant compelling readers to delve into beautifully crafted Filipino heritage with complex female leads , unveiling the power of choice.
The characters are simulacrums of stoicism with incorrigible personalities cohabitating &entrenching the journey with their opulence. Their chemistry together is beyond stolen glances and emotional turmoil.......selfless love.
The world building is flamboyant and portrays the theme of female empowerment, moral complexities and found family. It navigates through political intrigue, betrayal and burden of legacies.
As they say, the heart can stray but never defy their loved ones and forgotten ones always deter back to their coccon.There's always a variation, a version, portraying your existence is beyond the dimension you believe you belong.
An absolute riveting read with a culturally rich narrative and a powerful woman in action. A saga of love, commiserating, grief and healing with found family as a beseeching touch.
June 8, 2025
who needs a shadow daddy when you’ve got an immortal scarlet demon babe
4.5
4.5
November 4, 2025
What an experience! Im so excited to share my full review of this book soon!
July 8, 2025
Not every book is meant to thrill you. Some are meant to sit with you, slowly.
My Lady Hiraya follows Elise, who loses her wife in a fire and turns to Chaos magic hoping to bring her back. Instead, she meets Hiraya, an immortal monster hunter with a quiet strength of her own.
The writing is emotional and lyrical, but I won’t lie — it felt repetitive and a bit slow at times. Still, it’s a soft story about grief, healing, and queer love that stays with you after the final page.
My Lady Hiraya follows Elise, who loses her wife in a fire and turns to Chaos magic hoping to bring her back. Instead, she meets Hiraya, an immortal monster hunter with a quiet strength of her own.
The writing is emotional and lyrical, but I won’t lie — it felt repetitive and a bit slow at times. Still, it’s a soft story about grief, healing, and queer love that stays with you after the final page.
July 19, 2025
Sweet, gay and sad. My Lady Hiraya explores what it means to experience deep loss, what it means to grieve in a world of uncertainty, and how we can emerge from it— not as people anew, but people beautifully coloured by the weight of our full existences. It elucidates how love can blossom after love, and how these loves needn't lay in conflict with each other, but co-exist in unison. Oh, and all this, set in a brilliant fantasy landscape based off of Filipino mythology! A lovely read! :)
September 8, 2025
There’s something refreshing about a fantasy novel that doesn’t try to convince you of its world’s importance. It just opens the door and expects you to walk in. Ready or not. My Lady Hiraya does exactly that. No long-winded prologue, no glossary of invented kingdoms. You get dropped straight into grief, time magic, a cursed manor, and two women trying—awkwardly, stubbornly, tenderly to make sense of the chaos they’ve inherited.
Elise is a blacksmith. Her wife is dead. She wants her back. That’s the plot engine. But what unfolds is more interesting than a resurrection story. The book sidesteps neat genre tropes in favor of something slower, messier: the cost of love, the absurdity of time, the very human impulse to fix the unfixable.
Then there’s Hiraya. Immortal, cynical, and fully prepared to let Elise crash and burn. But she doesn’t. What starts as training in chaos magic turns into an intimacy neither of them quite expects.
The prose is sharp in places, softer in others. The humor lands when it needs to (there’s a talking tanuki named Shoyu, which helps), but it’s never there to distract from the darker questions the book is asking. What does it mean to mourn without closure? Who gets to rewrite the past? And how much of love is wanting versus knowing?
There’s a clear reverence for Philippine mythology woven through the story, but not in a way that’s ornamental. It’s lived-in. The gods feel less like metaphors and more like emotionally complicated relatives you’d rather not invite to dinner.
Best of all, queerness isn’t a subplot. It isn’t explained or justified. It simply exists, as it should—in the texture of daily life, in jokes, in longing, in quiet moments by the fire. That alone makes this worth reading.
If you’re into fantasy that leans literary, skips the monologues, and gives its women full emotional and narrative range—My Lady Hiraya is worth your time.
Elise is a blacksmith. Her wife is dead. She wants her back. That’s the plot engine. But what unfolds is more interesting than a resurrection story. The book sidesteps neat genre tropes in favor of something slower, messier: the cost of love, the absurdity of time, the very human impulse to fix the unfixable.
Then there’s Hiraya. Immortal, cynical, and fully prepared to let Elise crash and burn. But she doesn’t. What starts as training in chaos magic turns into an intimacy neither of them quite expects.
The prose is sharp in places, softer in others. The humor lands when it needs to (there’s a talking tanuki named Shoyu, which helps), but it’s never there to distract from the darker questions the book is asking. What does it mean to mourn without closure? Who gets to rewrite the past? And how much of love is wanting versus knowing?
There’s a clear reverence for Philippine mythology woven through the story, but not in a way that’s ornamental. It’s lived-in. The gods feel less like metaphors and more like emotionally complicated relatives you’d rather not invite to dinner.
Best of all, queerness isn’t a subplot. It isn’t explained or justified. It simply exists, as it should—in the texture of daily life, in jokes, in longing, in quiet moments by the fire. That alone makes this worth reading.
If you’re into fantasy that leans literary, skips the monologues, and gives its women full emotional and narrative range—My Lady Hiraya is worth your time.
August 22, 2025
3.25★
Overall, I liked it but I really wanted to love it. Good bones for sure but I have this feeling that it needed a little bit more time to brew.
Lots of intriguing aspects here—the Filipino-inspired worldbuilding, the concept of Chaos as a magic system and Hiraya’s mysterious past. However, a LOT is happening and the storytelling feels a bit rushed. It feels like the author is trying to cram as much lore and worldbuilding in every small scene because the book itself is so short.
I think the storytelling lacked a bit of conviction in the sense that every chapter/line felt like it wanted to be a "omniscient narrator" voice but also "third person, character-focused" voice. Sometimes, we are told about what is happening to everyone in the scene and sometimes, we are focused on one character and I would get surprised that another character was actually in the room with us.
The concept of the villain in this story was strong and I was really excited to see where it was headed. The idea of As with other things in this book, it wasn't fleshed out enough for me to buy into why this villain was a villain.
AACCCCKKK it's frustrating how much I wanted to love this book but didn't. I will definitely be on the lookout for this author because I do see the potential!!
⋆𐙚₊˚⊹♡
booktube / bookstagram / storygraph
Overall, I liked it but I really wanted to love it. Good bones for sure but I have this feeling that it needed a little bit more time to brew.
Lots of intriguing aspects here—the Filipino-inspired worldbuilding, the concept of Chaos as a magic system and Hiraya’s mysterious past. However, a LOT is happening and the storytelling feels a bit rushed. It feels like the author is trying to cram as much lore and worldbuilding in every small scene because the book itself is so short.
I think the storytelling lacked a bit of conviction in the sense that every chapter/line felt like it wanted to be a "omniscient narrator" voice but also "third person, character-focused" voice. Sometimes, we are told about what is happening to everyone in the scene and sometimes, we are focused on one character and I would get surprised that another character was actually in the room with us.
The concept of the villain in this story was strong and I was really excited to see where it was headed. The idea of As with other things in this book, it wasn't fleshed out enough for me to buy into why this villain was a villain.
AACCCCKKK it's frustrating how much I wanted to love this book but didn't. I will definitely be on the lookout for this author because I do see the potential!!
⋆𐙚₊˚⊹♡
booktube / bookstagram / storygraph
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews