D.I.E. (Department of Irregular Elimination by Just Villanueva seems like your typical science fiction novel in the beginning: dystopian plot, technological elements, and anger. Lots and lots of anger. But what sets this novel apart is the journey through the values held by its protagonist.
Mavelin Diaz is twenty-one. At such an impressionable age, she joins DIE, the Department of Irregular Elimination. She is tasked to kill unwanted forces such as terrorists in order to bring some semblance of order to a dystopian Philippines. She channels her energy into completing her expected tasks, but unforeseen events force her to make difficult choices. These choices bring her to an introspective journey, which happens in parallel to her exploits. And while the setting is a dystopian Philippines, there are still familiar places in the book. Benguet, for example, was the setting of one of their flights. I would like to commend the author for including one of my favorite provinces in the novel, and for describing it as full of trees. In an unforgiving future, it is comforting that trees still exist in fiction.
Loyalty is given to a country that provides its citizens enough reasons to defend it. DIE has reminded me of how love of country is still supposed to be upheld even during challenging times, and under questionable leadership. We need to be like Mav- brave, flawed, and loyal to a fault.
It is noteworthy that despite the cussing and the challenges that Mav faces, the novel highlights the importance of values such as forgiveness and patriotism. It is inspiring to serve one’s country even when the lines are blurred between right and wrong. I am eager to see how today’s readers will react to a Filipino science fiction novel such as this one. We definitely need more sci-fi in this country.
D.I.E. (Department of Irregular Elimination by Just Villanueva is now available!