“Why would ambition be a vice? Only the indolent would think it so.” – Yanok 

Bells and Incense, the second part of Robin Sebolino’s trilogy of historical fiction focuses on the story of a Samareño named Yanok who lives in the small and sleepy town of Jibatan. Fed up with the constant slave raiding and routinary life, Yanok attempts to quench his thirst for adventure and find his place in the sun. This leads Yanok to a series of escapades that would test his character and resolve; ultimately giving our hero a better understanding of himself. 

As a work of historical literature, Sebolino manages to bring the Philippines of the 17th century to life. The quant life of a small seaside town, the hustle and bustle of a colonial port city, the chaos and tension of a slave raid or a naval battle; Sebolino manages to bring them all to life through a masterful mix of descriptive words and visual imagery. One cannot help but feel transported to a bygone era. 

To complement Yanok, the world of Bells and Incense is filled with a menagerie of characters with different perspectives and dispositions. One of my personal favorites was the Jesuit curate of Jibatan, Padre Nicholás who serves as father-figure, confidant, and voice of reason for Yanok. Another favorite of mine is Jimena, Yanok’s fiancé who despite what I would describe as a rocky relationship, never failed to be a pillar of support for Yanok. It is unfortunate that Padre Nicolás and Jimena’s appearances where rather short (I’m not spoiling their fates, you just have to read the novel for yourself!) as I believed their characters could have played larger roles in the story. Perhaps this is just me being heavily invested in these characters because of the potential they have narrative wise. 

Another set of characters that caught my attention was Pancho and Mang Ramon. Pancho was Yanok’s childhood friend from Jibatan who left Samar and became a wealthy merchant in the port city of Cavite. His character served as an interesting “what if” for Yanok should he allow himself to limit his ambitions. Mang Ramon is Pancho’s loyal mayordomo who served as a mentor to Yanok in the courtly and structured life of Luzon’s economic elites. With his stern and no-nonsense attitude, Mang Ramon reminds me so much of Tommy Lascelles from Netflix’s The Crown. I view him as one of the novel’s ultimate teases and I believe this was intentional on Sebolino’s part. Just when we are beginning to see a glimpse of his tender side, the story immediately shuts the doors closed, leaving us with his usual aloof demeanor. I hope we can get a backstory on what led his character to become the way he is. Perhaps a short story in the future? 

In terms of pacing, there are instances in which the story moves very slowly particularly in the chapters set in Samar and the galleons. But it is that slowness that would rouse your anticipation for what’s to come, and as you mow down chapter by chapter in your desire to see where Yanok’s adventures would take him, you are ultimately rewarded with a fitting ending. The payoff was truly worth it. For me the strongest chapters are those that centered on Yanok’s time in Luzon. This is where Sebolino’s strength in pacing, setting, and characterization truly shines. 

I invite you to take some time and appreciate Robin Sebolino’s Bells and Incense. It is a treat for anyone looking for a good read. For history buffs out there, this historian is highly recommending this novel if you wish to have a glimpse of life in an often-overlooked period in Philippine History. For those thirsting for stories of adventure and perhaps even a little introspection on our life purpose, this novel is also for you. Bells and Incense is a worthy sequel to Vassals of the Valley. Little spoiler for readers out there, if you are coming from Robin’s first novel, you will be gladly treated to references and a cameo from a beloved character (MCU style!) 

I extend my congratulations to Robin Sebolino for a job well done! We, your readers are looking forward to your next novel. What surprises will you have in store for us and where will your historical imagination take us next? Time will tell but we will definitely be there for the ride.