As we cap off National Book Week, we’ve seen young talents emerging to show off their skills in both the local and international literary scene. Such is the story of thirteen-year-old fantasy author Yanna Alcazaren, known by her pen name Y Alcazaren.
Alcazaren is redefining what it’s like to be a young writer in the contemporary scene. At the young age of 9, she began her writing journey, and by 11 years old, she published her first book, The Five Dragons: Darkness Rising. She is also a proud member of Mensa Philippines, an organization for high IQ individuals who scored in the top two percent of standardized tests, as verified and supervised by the organization.
Now, Alcazaren is delving into the world of magic, mythology and politics with Thornsong: The Lantern Bearer, the first installment of her newest book trilogy. The novel follows Tagdyn Leslix, an aristocrat’s son who’s determined to fight and reclaim his people’s legacy as the wild kingdom of Niadon and the iron-willed Talan Empire collide.
Alcazaren draws passion from biology, animals, mythology, and chess, raising the bar for a tactical fantasy world with her new series. She is also active as a writer for the Here Be Writers podcast, guiding peers who are looking to pursue the path she’s taking.
Recently, Alcazaren won the Top Talent Award in the Asian Gifted Youth Literary Competition 2025, placing her in the top 2% participants across Asia and continuing to put her at the forefront of literary development among Filipino youth.Visit Y Alcazaren’s website to learn more about her works.