Heirs of Mana Omnibus

Thematically, the Heirs of Mana series is probably as far from my Germanic Black-Forest-Dweller roots as you can get. And, having read the Norse-centric series Gods of the Ragnarok Era and Runeblade Saga before, it was quite a culture shock - but not necessarily in a bad way.

Although it took me a bit to get the unfamiliar-to-me (and sometimes quite similar sounding) names straight, I enjoyed getting a first glimpse into the myths and legends of Hawai'i and Polynesia.
But despite all the differences to the Norse stories, there were many common concepts and elements between the two series, to make me feel quite at home in this different world.

As for the characters:
Namaka may not be the most likeable protagonist, but I found her journey, especially her developing relationship with Nyi Rara, intriguing.
I've had my problems with Pele (aka “the spoiled brat”), but after reading her story, Flames of Mana, I have come to (grudgingly) respect her a lot more.
To be honest, I still felt more sympathetic towards Poli‘ahu, whose story, Queens of Mana, is my favorite in the trilogy.
On a side note: My absolute favorite character is Kamapua‘a (or Kama), whose Boar-God possessed “Royal Egregiously Incorrigibleness” is apparently a far cry from his usual, quite dark, depiction in the legends, but provides a welcome comic relief.

4.5/5 stars