A riveting coming-of-age tale that’s as thought-provoking as it is emotionally gripping…
Blossom crafts a taut, atmospheric narrative set in Hawaii, where a young girl’s dangerous quest and hidden family powers shape her path to self-discovery. Thirteen-year-old Mahina Moemoea longs for more than the tranquil ranch life she shares with her grandmother, Tutu. Tutu, bound to her garden and cautious of their family’s mystical powers, urges Mahina to bury her abilities—a burden that grows heavier when she learns these powers might have led to her parents’ deaths. But Mahina’s dreams pull her in another direction: toward freedom, risk, and a mother’s spirit that beckons her into dangerous territory.
Blossom’s lyrical yet precise prose masterfully blends reality with fantastical elements, heightening the novel’s emotional intensity. The story thrives on conflict, not just between characters but within Mahina herself. Mahina’s internal struggle to reconcile her burgeoning powers with her grandmother’s warnings—and the family’s tragic past—is skillfully portrayed. Blossom expertly paces the teen’s journey, interspersing moments of introspection with sharp, tense confrontations with both her grandmother and the dangerous allure of her mother’s spirit. Hawaii serves as more than just a backdrop; it is a vibrant force that mirrors Mahina’s emotional journey. The integration of Hawaiian mythology enriches the narrative, while Mahina’s profound relationship with the natural world underscores the urgency of environmental preservation in today’s context. The novel beautifully explores themes of identity, cultural legacy, and the tension between independence and duty, offering a powerful reflection on the legacies we inherit and the courage required to confront what we are taught to suppress.
A moving and profound exploration of what it means to rise above fear and claim your own destiny, this is a stunner.
Pub date August 22, 2024
ISBN 978-0999615638
Price $19.99 (USD) Hardcover, $12.99 Paperback, $4.99 Kindle edition
