Review of The Baby-Eater

[PeterRabitt20]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Baby-Eater" by Chad Robert Morgan.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Diwata never expected to carry Malaya to full-term. The black thing inside her fought fiercely to devour her precious baby. Nonetheless, a mother’s love is a powerful thing—even if she is a monster. But will it suffice to keep Malaya safe from the villagers’ disdain? When Diwata ingested the black stone, she traded her humanity and her daughter’s affection for ever-lasting life. Cursed to become a manananggal, Diwata prowls for the blood of the purest soul—unborn babies.

Alexander doesn’t share his mother’s enthusiasm for the family reunion. On his last visit to the Philipines, he was wearing diapers. Half Filipino and half Caucasian, Alexander feels estranged from his Pinoy roots. He doesn’t speak Tagalog nor understand the customs. But when the Mercados’ baby is lost, the rumors of a winged creature with half a torso terrify the villagers. Now, Alexander realizes that he is no longer in America. He must choose between saving himself or a family he barely knows.

Chad Robert Morgan’s paranormal thriller, The Baby-Eater, is based on the Filipino myth of the manananggal. It is the second book in a series, but I had no problem reading it as a standalone.

I disliked nothing about this rousing folklore and found numerous positive aspects. To begin with, I applaud the plot’s originality; at times, vampire stories can feel repetitive with a common Transylvanian storyline (not that there is anything wrong with it). However, this not-so-new tale is captivating and fascinating. The plot contains the appropriate gore and horror expected of this genre, as well as sorcery and witchhunt. The author also touches on topics, such as the impact of Spanish colonialism on the region.

The manananggal myth is my favorite part. It is an interesting and unique protagonist. Despite being the evil-doer, I pitied Diwata. She struggles to gain her daughter’s approval while fighting her abasing nature. This parental-love theme is another positive aspect and occurs throughout the story. I like that it was explored in various ways. For instance, between Tita Dalisay and Malaya or the Mercados’ baby.

Another positive aspect is the representation of bicultural or mixed ethnicities. The author describes Filipino traditions in a heart-warming manner. These parts were learning opportunities since I may not experience them personally. However, the humor of an American in a foreign land was not lost on me—I related to Alexander’s embarrassing pitfalls and mishaps with unfamiliar food. He also explains Tagalog terms and concepts without sounding like a dictionary.

I happily rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. The book is professionally edited with easily remedied errors. The Baby-Eater was thrilling and refreshing; as such, a lower rating would be unfair.

I recommend it to anyone interested in legends and lore from around the world. Also, paranormal fans tired of the same old plots should give it a try. The sexual content is low, but there is profanity and bloody violence. If the idea of infants being eaten repulses you, I don’t recommend this book.

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The Baby-Eater
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[Amenrodion]

Sounds interesting

[T T 2]

The plot of the book sounds intriguing. I am curious to know how the characters will develop along with the story. Thank you for a well written review.

[Vikichi]

Sends chills through my body can't wait to be engulfed by this book

[Asiaa Szn]

This seems like a creepy but intriguing book. Your review is very vivid and insightful. Great work

[Ghuddie]

This sounds like an interesting book. Fans of legends and lore will enjoy it. Great review.

[Nwadinso Okoro]

I like the book cover design, it's dope. The plot of the book is paranormal and it involves Diwata who is a baby eater. Being a baby eater is quite weird. I would love to read this book so as to know how the story ended. Thanks for your review.

[Aisha Yakub]

Creepy. Sounds great for thriller lovers. Thank you for the review.

[PeterRabitt20]

Sounds interesting

This was a very different story. I liked it. Thanks for the comment.

[PeterRabitt20]

The plot of the book sounds intriguing. I am curious to know how the characters will develop along with the story. Thank you for a well written review.

I hope you get a chance to find out. Thanks for stopping by!

[Raymonda onwuka]

This story sounds engaging. The particular thought of a baby-eater brings chills down my spine. Thanks for the wonderful review.

[Wesusa]

Four out of four is excellent praise, and certainly does bolster my interest in the story. Great review!