THE ENCANTO'S CURSE

Time is running out for the cursed ruler of Biringan in this follow-up to The Encanto’s Daughter (2024).

In the months following her coronation as queen, MJ Robertson-Rodriguez still struggles to control her magical powers as an encanto and to fully adapt to her royal role. She’s heartbroken over ex-boyfriend Lucas Invierno, her protector and the boy she still loves, who’s officially engaged to the unpleasant Amador Oscura, his childhood friend and MJ’s nemesis. Thankfully, MJ has her closest friend, Nix, by her side, but she finds herself trying to prevent a war when Crown Prince Qian of Jade Mountain, Nix’s monster-hunting brother, unexpectedly arrives at Biringan and demands that his sister return home immediately. However unfortunate all these circumstances are for MJ, the most troubling issue at hand is the news that a manananggal, a terrifying vampirelike monster, is terrorizing the kingdom at night. Meanwhile, MJ is haunted by nightmares in which she hungers for flesh. Her discovery of an ancestor who was similarly afflicted requires MJ to choose between her heart’s deepest desires and breaking a terrifying curse. The lush backdrop, infused with Philippine folklore, sets this fantasy series with a racially diverse cast apart. The horror elements are also well executed, but MJ’s passionate romance with Lucas and a potential love triangle fall flat due to weak characterization.

A rousing sequel that’s stronger in its fantasy than its romance aspects.