The Reign of Greed (originally titled El Filibusterismo) by José Rizal

The Reign of Greed (originally titled El Filibusterismo) by José Rizal is the sequel to Noli Me Tangere and continues the story of Crisostomo Ibarra, now returning under the alias Simoun, a wealthy jeweler. Disillusioned by the corruption and oppression in the Philippines under Spanish colonial rule, Simoun seeks revenge and plans to spark a revolution by manipulating the elite and using his wealth to incite rebellion. The novel exposes the greed, hypocrisy, and abuse of power among the clergy and government officials, while portraying the suffering of the Filipino people. Through its dark, intense tone and tragic ending, Rizal delivers a powerful call for social justice and change, highlighting the consequences of moral decay and unrestrained ambition.