‘Vampires Of Portlandia’: Jason Tanamor Reimagines Filipino Folklore In A Supernatural Pacific Northwest Tale

Acclaimed Filipino-American author Jason Tanamor brings a thrilling fusion of folklore and urban fantasy to life in “Vampires of Portlandia,” a genre-bending tale that transports readers from the Philippines to the eccentric streets of Portland, Oregon. With a cast of supernatural beings, a deep cultural heartbeat, and a narrative that questions what it means to belong, Tanamor’s novel has been hailed as both a gripping fantasy and a poignant exploration of identity.

When matriarch Marcella Leones relocates her family of aswang—shape-shifting vampires from Filipino mythology—to Portland, she hopes to shield them from persecution. Her dying wish is simple: for her descendants to live peacefully among humans. But after she passes, her grandson Percival inherits her powers and her promise. When a mysterious rise in murders threatens to expose their existence, Percival and his love interest Penelope Jane must uncover who broke the aswang covenant—and why.

As the investigation unfolds, they discover that Portland’s supernatural underworld runs far deeper than imagined, teeming with were beasts, witches, ghouls, and viscera who have long called the city home. What follows is an atmospheric, fast-paced tale that blends Filipino legend with modern sensibilities, creating a world where myth and reality coexist—often uneasily.

“’Vampires of Portlandia’ is about more than monsters,” says Tanamor. “It’s about immigration, family, and the struggle to find community when you feel like an outsider. The aswang are metaphors for cultural identity—they’re trying to survive in a world that doesn’t understand them.”

Known for his distinctive voice and fearless storytelling, Tanamor has crafted a fantasy that’s as socially conscious as it is supernatural. Readers who enjoyed “The Witcher” or “American Gods” will find similar layers of myth and meaning—woven here through a distinctly Filipino lens. The book also celebrates the growing diversity of speculative fiction, offering representation and cultural nuance rarely seen in vampire lore.

With rich world-building, complex characters, and a narrative pulsing with heart and heritage, “Vampires of Portlandia” cements Jason Tanamor as a unique voice in modern fantasy. It’s a story that dares to ask: what if the monsters we fear are just trying to live like us?

“Vampires of Portlandia” is now available everywhere books are sold — secure your copy here: https://www.tanamor.com/books/vampires-of-portlandia.html

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