Dragonfruit
Ratings5
Average rating3.8
15
Ratings5
Average rating3.8
From acclaimed author Makiia Lucier, a dazzling, romantic fantasy inspired by Pacific Island mythology. In the old tales, it is written that the egg of a seadragon, dragonfruit, holds within it the power to undo a person’s greatest sorrow. But as with all things that offer hope when hope had gone, the tale came with a warning. Every wish demands a price. Hanalei of Tamarind is the cherished daughter of an old island family. But when her father steals a seadragon egg meant for an ailing princess, she is forced into a life of exile. In the years that follow, Hanalei finds solace in studying the majestic seadragons that roam the Nominomi Sea. Until, one day, an encounter with a female dragon offers her what she desires most. A chance to return home, and to right a terrible wrong. Samahtitamahenele, Sam, is the last remaining prince of Tamarind. But he can never inherit the throne, for Tamarind is a matriarchal society. With his mother ill and his grandmother nearing the end of her reign. Sam is left with two choices: to marry, or to find a cure for the sickness that has plagued his mother for ten long years. When a childhood companion returns from exile, she brings with her something he has not felt in a very long time-hope. But Hanalei and Sam are not the only ones searching for the dragonfruit. And as they battle enemies both near and far, there is another danger they cannot escape…that of the dragonfruit itself.
Reviews with the most likes.
I read this book in 1 day I loved it so much! The characters, the setting, the plot were just all incredible. I immediately told my cousin (who Native Hawaiian and Polynesian mix) that she needed to go read it because it will remind her of home.
Let's first talk about the main character Hanalei. If you adored Lilo growing up then Hanalei is the girlie for you! She is strong, resilient, smart, and remains kind even through all of her hardships. She's just an amazing heroine.
And the plot. This is not just an adventure to find magical dragons eggs, but seriously do you need anything besides that? This book is about coming home, finding your place in society, and protecting those who can't protect themselves. We can all also appreciate a main male character that doesn't always coddle the main female protagonist. Sam understands that Hanalei has been through a lot during her exile from the island and he doesn't press her for details immediately. He gives her the time she needs to be comfortable sharing what happened to her the past 10 years she's been gone.
Just go read this book please. Especially if you're an island girl. You need this book in your life.
