"Rajah Versus Conquistador by Kahlil Corazo is that rare thing: a literary fiction novel that not only retells a historical truth, but reframes it entirely, while being thoroughly entertaining." - Gabi Francisco, Ex Libris Philippines

A King's Gambit. A Conqueror's Ambition. A Battle That Will Shape a Nation.

Cebu, 1521. At the center of the Visayan seas, Rajah Humabon rules through ritual, trade, and blood. When foreign ships arrive bearing steel, gunpowder, and the cross of an unfamiliar God, he sees not just a threat—but a once-in-a-generation opportunity.

Led by the relentless Ferdinand Magellan, the Castilian fleet promises power and divine favor. But in Sugbo, every alliance is a wager, every ritual a weapon, and every oath a potential betrayal.

As Humabon gambles for survival and dominion, the feared warrior Lapulapu emerges to challenge both king and invader. What begins as diplomacy becomes sacred deception. What ends in massacre is remembered as myth.

Rajah Versus Conquistador is a speculative epic of religion, sacrifice, and statecraft—told in two voices: the psychospiritual transformation of a Southeast Asian strongman, and the theological unraveling of a crusading knight. Blending indigenous memory with historical record, the novel reimagines the fateful clash that birthed Philippine Christianity and reshaped a nation's soul.

For readers of Shogun, Dune, and Wolf Hall, this is not just the story of a battle—but of the spiritual technologies behind empire, the hidden women who shaped it, and the battle of memories that still rages beneath our festivals and flags.

About the author

Kahlil Corazo is a writer based in the southern Philippines. He grew up in Pari-an, Cebu, the heart of what was once Rajah Humabon's domain and where this novel takes place. His scholarly work lies in the intersection of the figure of the Southeast Asian Orang Besar (Big Man) and René Girard's scapegoat mechanism. Rajah Versus Conquistador is Kahlil's debut novel.

What Readers Are Saying

As someone who enjoys historical fiction and fantasy, I was hooked from the start. I loved how the story reimagined pre-colonial Cebu, bringing its culture, politics, and everyday life to the forefront... The mythology and belief systems woven into the story added so much depth, influencing decisions and conflicts in ways that felt authentic and meaningful.

—@mikbookreads

I just want to say, WHAT A DELIGHT THIS BOOK IS! My history geek heart flutters, reading this wonderfully crafted piece that tells the story of Rajah Humabon on the days when the Magellan first set foot on Mactan. It's so interesting how @kahlilcorazo writes it in a narrative that literally IMMERSES you AS Rajah Humabon. You ARE Rajah Humabon as you read it!

—@jef.reads

I was absorbed by this book, like literally. I didn't expect to feel like I was part of the story, but the way it was narrated made me feel like I was right there among the characters… Personally, I love the 23rd chapter. It felt like I was present during the Battle of Mactan. It created an entirely new scenario with a deeper understanding and a broader perspective of what happened, far beyond what was taught in books or in history class.

—@franzfriesreads

In Rajah Versus Conquistador, Corazo delivered a nuanced interpretation of history: heady, inspired, and feasible. It was a compelling version and vision of 1521, a provocative addendum to the national imaginary… The novel was a refreshing counterpoint to the hagiographic and colonialist biographies and films of Magellan or the nationalist myth-rendering of Lapulapu.

— Rise Fuentes, in lieu of a field guide

Sign up now to get the most out of Books2Read

Discover something great at Books2Read.

Thanks for signing up for Books2Read notifications!