Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.
When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review:
Ancient Guardians: The Hawaiian Legend of Sharktooth and Hawkeye
by Kanani Hurley
Publisher: Outskirts Press
ISBN: 9781478759240
Synopsis*:
The Secrets of an Ancient Legend Come Alive! Adventurous, imaginative, and brave, Kawehi has enjoyed her life on the island of Kaua‘i, and she especially loves the time she spends with Kahoku, her older brother. But when a shocking event unexpectedly turns her world upside down, Kawehi will find herself facing unimaginable truths about her Family and the people around her, as she is catapulted headlong into a world of mystery and myth. Although Kawehi’s gentleness and innocence are powerful talismans against the evil she will confront, the strength of her character, and the amazing gifts she never knew she had will allow her to rise to heights of achievement that her family could never have dreamed of. Beautifully written, rich with the culture, surroundings, and native legends of Hawai‘i, Ancient Guardians: The Hawaiian Legend of Sharktooth and Hawkeye introduces a unique heroine and her family, whose adventures you will be excited to follow in this inventive and compelling new series.
Featured Review: “Ancient Guardians” By Kanani Hurley
In “Ancient Guardians” by Kanani Hurley, we meet Kawehi, a young girl growing up on the idyllic island of Kaua’i. Kawehi’s life is suddenly thrown off kilter when a serious tragedy occurs that affects her whole family. As the family struggles to process what happened, they discover there is more to the situation than meets the eye. The entire family draws closer together to try to stop potential future events. As the family gathers, Kawehi learns much about the history of her people, and realizes that she will have to fight evil to save the future of her family.
As the adventure progresses, Kawehi discovers that she and her family members all have very special gifts. They must use these talents to defeat the people who are trying to destroy them. The author takes us back in time so that we can see how the drama began. Going forward in time, there are still people from the past that must be dealt with. For Kawehi, this experience helps her grow up very quickly and she soon finds herself becoming the heroine of the story.
I really enjoyed reading “Ancient Guardians.” Even though the heroine is young, the Book is written at a level that both teens and adults will be able to enjoy. The subject matter is age appropriate for preteens and teens. This would be the perfect story to have on a summer reading list. The unique setting of being on a Hawaiian Island while trying to solve the mystery of an ancient legend makes the book magical. It quickly captivated me. I loved that the family members had such a tight connection with each other. This helped strengthen their gifts. It is also refreshing to find family members that like each other in a novel for youth.
“Ancient Guardians” by Kanani Hurley is highly recommended reading. This would make a great gift for a young avid reader.
– reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views
Other Reviews
A great read that takes you on a journey between modern Hawaii today and the folklore of ancient Hawaii. A tale about a typical modern Hawaiian family except that they have a special spiritual connection to the past. I enjoyed traveling seamlessly between both worlds. With inspiration coming from a real life tragedy, I couldn’t help but become emotionally involved in the life and death and rebirth of Kahoku. It was moving, it was interesting and it was fun. Also, I’ve noticed that there are many Hawaiian fiction books for younger kids but not so many for intermediate school or above. I will be sharing my book with my teenagers next. Thank you.
– reviewed on Amazon by Charles T. Holt
This tale draws you in as soon as you begin reading. The storyline is captivating and I felt as though I was in a movie theater watching all of it unfold. I felt a connection with the characters and became “emotionally invested” throughout the story. As an avid reader, I gauge the quality of a story on its ability to evoke an emotional response. Ancient Guardians: The Hawaiian Legend of Sharktooth and Hawkeye did just that!
– reviewed on Amazon by Todd S Wataoka
A vivid and poignant story that sends you on a thrilling adventure as you navigate the world of the mano and pueo; you feel as if you are there with Kawehi – watching through her eyes as this mystical world unfolds before her, feeling her love, fear, pain, and strength. This is an amusing, mesmerizing, and sweet story that you will not regret reading.
– reviewed on Amazon by A. Kanakaole
Book Trailer
Thanks for reading! Keep up with the latest in the world of indie and self-published books by watching this space!
