Exploring Filipino Heritage Through Fantasy: R.B. Riley’s Midnight Solstice
With the release of Midnight Solstice, R.B. Riley brings a fresh voice to the fantasy genre by weaving Filipino culture and traditions into an immersive and thought-provoking narrative. More than just an adventure, the novel is a reflection of heritage and identity, shaped by a lifelong love for storytelling and a deep appreciation for the resilience of the Filipino people.
The idea for the book first took root during Riley’s college years, fueled by a curiosity about whether writing a full-length novel was even possible. After years of crafting short stories, a pivotal moment came while reading The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan. One particular scene—a depiction of humble farmers tackling life’s challenges—felt strikingly familiar, reminiscent of the hardworking Filipino spirit. That moment of recognition sparked the creation of Midnight Solstice, a novel that blends medieval fantasy with Filipino cultural elements, resulting in a world that feels both fresh and deeply rooted in reality.
Traditional fantasy often revolves around chosen heroes, knights in shining armor, and grand prophecies, but Midnight Solstice takes a different path. Riley wanted to break away from these familiar tropes, choosing instead to highlight Filipino sword-fighting traditions shaped by the Moros and Tagalogs. Gone are the typical full-body armor and mounted warriors, replaced by the agility and skill of fighters trained in indigenous combat styles. The novel also draws attention to the Negritos, skilled hunter-gatherers known for their expertise with bows, arrows, and spears, further enriching the depth of its world.
Beyond battle techniques, Riley carefully incorporates small yet meaningful details of Filipino customs. One such tradition—placing an elder’s backhand on a younger person’s forehead as a sign of respect—may appear only once or twice in the novel, but it serves as a powerful reminder of Filipino identity and values. These cultural nuances aren’t just decorative elements; they are integral to the story, bringing authenticity and heart to the narrative.
At its core, Midnight Solstice is about resilience. Riley hopes to challenge the way the Philippines is often portrayed, moving beyond narratives of struggle and hardship to emphasize the nation’s strength and determination. By bringing Filipino customs and traditions into the story, the novel invites readers—especially younger generations—to rediscover and take pride in their heritage.
Writing the book, however, was not without its challenges. Growing up, Riley had limited access to fantasy literature and only discovered the genre after borrowing a friend’s copy of A Game of Thrones. Balancing work responsibilities while finding time to write was another struggle, but through late-night writing sessions in a quiet apartment and a pair of noise-blocking headphones, Riley pushed through. The journey of bringing Midnight Solstice to life was a testament to passion and perseverance.
For aspiring writers, Riley offers simple but valuable advice: just start writing. The hardest part of any creative endeavor is taking the first step. Ideas don’t have to be perfect right away—what matters is getting them down and refining them over time. A simple thought could grow into something far greater than imagined.
For readers, Midnight Solstice serves as a reminder that while life can be difficult, it is never impossible. “Difficult is spelled differently than impossible,” Riley says, encouraging everyone to keep pushing forward no matter the challenges. The novel is now available for purchase, inviting readers to step into a world that reimagines Filipino culture through the lens of fantasy and discover a story that is both thrilling and deeply meaningful.
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