Sharks in the Time of Saviors by

Sharks in the Time of Saviors is a groundbreaking debut novel that weaves the legends of Hawaiian gods into a captivating family saga. Set in 1995 Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i, the story begins with seven-year-old Nainoa Flores falling overboard a cruise ship and being miraculously delivered to his mother by a shark, marking him as a legend. The Flores family, struggling amidst the collapse of the sugarcane industry, sees this as a sign of divine favor, especially when Nainoa begins to exhibit puzzling new abilities. However, this supposed favor soon drives the family apart as each member grapples with their own paths and the weight of their heritage. As the family members navigate their individual journeys—Nainoa as a paramedic in Portland, Dean in the world of elite college athletics, and Kaui in the rigorous academic environment of California—they are forced to confront the bonds of family, the meaning of heritage, and the cost of survival. When supernatural events revisit the family in Hawai'i with tragic consequences, they must reckon with their past and the true nature of their divine favor.

Reviews

What is Quinn Reading · Quinn · 2025-07-17

captivating 4.50

The book is unique and immersive, offering a deep dive into Hawaiian culture and the lives of its people. It's a story that defies easy categorization, blending the mystical with the real in a way that is both captivating and thought-provoking.

Quinn found this book to be a rare and captivating read, praising its unique blend of the mystical and the real. They appreciated the deep dive into Hawaiian culture and the way the story weaves together elements of tradition and modernity. The narrative is immersive, pulling the reader into a world that is both familiar and utterly distinct. Quinn highlights the book's ability to explore complex themes and emotions, making it a deeply affecting read. They also note that the book's structure and pacing contribute to its overall impact, creating a story that lingers long after the last page is turned.

Quick quotes

It's hard to describe a book like this, one that's so odd and unique and immersive.

I learned a lot about Hawaii and also the people who live there.

The story blends the mystical with the real in a way that is both captivating and thought-provoking.

Seattle Book Mama Blog · Seattle Book Mama · 2024-02-16

luminous 4.75

The book is a luminous and intimate story that is deeply affecting. It's a rare and special read that stays with the reader long after finishing.

Seattle Book Mama describes this book as a luminous and intimate story that is deeply affecting. They highlight the book's ability to create a deeply personal connection with the reader, making it a rare and special read. The reviewer appreciates the rich and evocative writing style, which brings the characters and their journeys to life in a way that is both emotionally resonant and thought-provoking. They also note the book's exploration of complex themes and emotions, making it a deeply moving and memorable experience. Seattle Book Mama expresses their gratitude for having the opportunity to read this book, praising it as a truly exceptional and unforgettable read.

Quick quotes

A story like this one only comes along once in a rare while, luminous, intimate, and deeply affecting.

It's a rare and special read that stays with the reader long after finishing.

The rich and evocative writing style brings the characters and their journeys to life in a way that is both emotionally resonant and thought-provoking.

The New Dork Review of Books · 2020-06-19

fantastic 4.00

The book is a fantastic family saga that explores the tension between tradition and modernity in Hawaiian culture. It's a story that resonates with the eternal struggle between the old ways and the new.

The reviewer from The New Dork Review of Books praises the book as a fantastic family saga that delves into the complexities of Hawaiian culture. They highlight the story's exploration of the tension between tradition and modernity, noting how this struggle is universal and timeless. The reviewer appreciates the rich portrayal of characters and their journeys, making the book a deeply engaging and thought-provoking read. They also note the vivid and evocative writing style, which brings the setting and characters to life in a way that is both immersive and emotionally resonant.

Quick quotes

It's a fantastic family saga about Hawaiians caught between the old ways and the new, the eternal tension between tradition and modernity.

It's a story that resonates with the eternal struggle between the old ways and the new.

The rich portrayal of characters and their journeys makes the book a deeply engaging and thought-provoking read.

Appears in Lists

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