Mika has just begun to understand her ability to wake ancient gods when a sudden attack forces her to travel to the underworld, where she's powerless, to save all she loves.
Book two in this middle-grade graphic novel duology, created by an award-winning Filipina artist and inspired by the folklore of the Philippines, is perfect for readers of Amulet and Percy Jackson.
“Amulet meets a Filipino Percy Jackson.” —Melissa de la Cruz, #1 New York Times best-selling author
It's been three months since Mika Mirasol discovered her incredible ability to wake gods and spirits and harness the power of Hanan, goddess of the dawn. When she returns to Ilustra after a summer spent with her guardian, Raha, she reunites with her best friends and clashes with her new roommate, who turns out to be a deity trapped in human form.
But tragedy strikes immediately: Magwayen, goddess of the sea and underworld, sends a giant crocodile to kidnap Raha. Only Mika can stop the goddess from releasing the corrupted spirit bound within Raha and unleashing world-ending storms—but she'll have to travel to the watery depths of the underworld, where Hanan’s light can't reach. Powerless without the dawn's magic, Mika must cling to hope and rely on her friends . . . or lose everything she loves.
The mythology of the Philippine Islands comes to life in this funny, warm, and enchanting graphic novel about friendship, perseverance, and finding hope even in the darkest of places.
Praise for the Ilustra Series
“Funny, warm, and enchanting.” —Nerd Daily
“A fun fantasy romp full of expressive and beautiful art, for all the girls who get told they are a little too weird.” —Wendy Xu, best-selling author of Tidesong and co-creator of Mooncakes
“Amulet meets a Filipino Percy Jackson in this epic, beautifully illustrated graphic novel filled with heartwarming friendships, humor, and thrilling quests. I loved it!” —Melissa de la Cruz, #1 New York Times best-selling author of the Descendants novels
“A captivating journey full of heart and wonder.” —Joanna Cacao, author of The Secret of the Ravens and co-creator of The Tryout
“A lustrous and vibrant debut, Daybreaker is a blend of ethereal adventure and tender slice-of-life storytelling that combine in a radiant exhibition of Filipino folklore. Each page builds a beautiful world that readers will be thrilled to explore.” —Zachary Sterling, Eisner-nominated and New York Times best-selling author of Mabuhay!
“Steeped in Filipino folklore and mythology, Daybreaker offers a fun adventure that celebrates the importance of friendship.” —Jes and Cin Wibowo, authors of Lunar Boy
“Tadiar’s expressive illustrations, enhanced by Sousa’s rich, luminous colors, beautifully showcase the Philippines’ diverse landscapes as well as various cultural elements . . . A bright beginning to a new graphic fantasy series.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Simultaneously filled with action and emotion . . . for fans of Percy Jackson, folklore, magic, secrets, and strong, underestimated heroines.” —School Library Journal
Tori Tadiar is a Filipino comic artist based in rainy Metro Manila. She is an IT professional by day and works on comics and stories every chance she can get. Her goal is to tell stories that introduce and immerse readers in alternate worlds based on the culture of the land she calls home. When she’s not busy creating comics, Tori can be found relaxing at home with her husband Miko, figuring out how to be a mom to baby Leon, or occasionally exploring unfamiliar new places. Connect with her online @HaiToriArt on Instagram and @HaiTori on Facebook and X.
Mika has just begun to understand her ability to wake ancient gods when a sudden attack forces her to travel to the underworld, where she's powerless, to save all she loves.
Book two in this middle-grade graphic novel duology, created by an award-winning Filipina artist and inspired by the folklore of the Philippines, is perfect for readers of Amulet and Percy Jackson.
“Amulet meets a Filipino Percy Jackson.” —Melissa de la Cruz, #1 New York Times best-selling author
It's been three months since Mika Mirasol discovered her incredible ability to wake gods and spirits and harness the power of Hanan, goddess of the dawn. When she returns to Ilustra after a summer spent with her guardian, Raha, she reunites with her best friends and clashes with her new roommate, who turns out to be a deity trapped in human form.
But tragedy strikes immediately: Magwayen, goddess of the sea and underworld, sends a giant crocodile to kidnap Raha. Only Mika can stop the goddess from releasing the corrupted spirit bound within Raha and unleashing world-ending storms—but she'll have to travel to the watery depths of the underworld, where Hanan’s light can't reach. Powerless without the dawn's magic, Mika must cling to hope and rely on her friends . . . or lose everything she loves.
The mythology of the Philippine Islands comes to life in this funny, warm, and enchanting graphic novel about friendship, perseverance, and finding hope even in the darkest of places.
Praise
Praise for the Ilustra Series
“Funny, warm, and enchanting.” —Nerd Daily
“A fun fantasy romp full of expressive and beautiful art, for all the girls who get told they are a little too weird.” —Wendy Xu, best-selling author of Tidesong and co-creator of Mooncakes
“Amulet meets a Filipino Percy Jackson in this epic, beautifully illustrated graphic novel filled with heartwarming friendships, humor, and thrilling quests. I loved it!” —Melissa de la Cruz, #1 New York Times best-selling author of the Descendants novels
“A captivating journey full of heart and wonder.” —Joanna Cacao, author of The Secret of the Ravens and co-creator of The Tryout
“A lustrous and vibrant debut, Daybreaker is a blend of ethereal adventure and tender slice-of-life storytelling that combine in a radiant exhibition of Filipino folklore. Each page builds a beautiful world that readers will be thrilled to explore.” —Zachary Sterling, Eisner-nominated and New York Times best-selling author of Mabuhay!
“Steeped in Filipino folklore and mythology, Daybreaker offers a fun adventure that celebrates the importance of friendship.” —Jes and Cin Wibowo, authors of Lunar Boy
“Tadiar’s expressive illustrations, enhanced by Sousa’s rich, luminous colors, beautifully showcase the Philippines’ diverse landscapes as well as various cultural elements . . . A bright beginning to a new graphic fantasy series.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Simultaneously filled with action and emotion . . . for fans of Percy Jackson, folklore, magic, secrets, and strong, underestimated heroines.” —School Library Journal
Author
Tori Tadiar is a Filipino comic artist based in rainy Metro Manila. She is an IT professional by day and works on comics and stories every chance she can get. Her goal is to tell stories that introduce and immerse readers in alternate worlds based on the culture of the land she calls home. When she’s not busy creating comics, Tori can be found relaxing at home with her husband Miko, figuring out how to be a mom to baby Leon, or occasionally exploring unfamiliar new places. Connect with her online @HaiToriArt on Instagram and @HaiTori on Facebook and X.
