In the lush, fragile landscapes of Hawaii, the boundary between the mortal and the supernatural thins until it disappears entirely. This collection of ten interconnected stories captures the heart of an archipelago caught in the throes of change, where ancient spirits walk alongside those navigating the complexities of modern love. At the center of these narratives are women finding profound, unexpected connections amidst the encroaching shadows of extinction and loss.
These stories pulse with a rare intensity, blending the grounded reality of island life with the seductive, dangerous allure of demon romance. You will encounter lovers who must negotiate their futures against the backdrop of a vanishing world, offering a poignant look at how we hold onto one another when everything else feels temporary. The prose is vivid and deeply moving, grounding its fantastical elements in a raw, human ache that feels both intimate and expansive. Each piece serves as a love letter to the people of Hawaii and an exploration of the ways we sacrifice for the ones we cherish. It is a stunning debut that is as hopeful as it is heartbreaking, inviting you to witness the extraordinary courage it takes to love in the face of the unknown.
I thoroughly enjoyed this vivid, moving and thoughtful story collection about Hawaii and its people. Stories were sad, hopeful and a joy to read.
K
KDub
April 2, 2026
Incredible stories
4.5 🌟 rounded up
I've said this so many times this year, but I can't believe that this is a debut novel. It was incredible! These ten short stories paint a beautiful, moving portrait of Hawai'i, its people, and their struggles. It's rare for me to read an anthology where I like every single story. Mariah Rigg's ability to capture the beauty of the islands makes you feel like you're there with the characters, feeling their loss, their love, their pain, and their hope.
I got a bit lost in the overarching genealogy of the various characters, but it didn't take away from the book overall.
I do wish I had sat with each story individually to absorb it before moving on to the next one. That would be my recommendation to readers. Anyone who enjoys contemporary fiction anthologies with LGBT+ rep will love this one.
Jennifer Robideau did the narration for the audiobook. She has a lovely, easy-to-listen-to voice. I would gladly listen to her narration again.