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Mahina Rises 

Pre-publication Review by Frank Mutuma

Reviewed by:

Frank Mutuma

Review Rating:

5 Stars 

Reviewed by Frank Mutuma for Readers’ Favorite

Koa's energy hadn't diminished like Mahina's, and he was looking forward to the climate change presentations, but his optimism didn't last after hearing how people were destroying Mother Earth. But who was responsible? Was it individuals or large corporations? Could individuals make a difference, and was healing the planet profitable? Mahina had brilliant ideas and dreams. With the help of Koa and his father, her input helped rebuild her school after the devastating hurricane that had caused so much damage. She was hard-working and lived on the ranch with Tutu, who was becoming increasingly paranoid about Mahina's dreams. She told Mahina to ignore the dreams because they could be dangerous. Can dreams and reality merge, and why was Tutu so worried? To find out, get a copy of Mahina Rises by John Blossom.

I could not have read Mahina Rises by John Blossom at a better time. The cleverly woven story captures the prevailing dialogue on the thorny issue of climate change and our responsibility to care for the environment. I loved other themes encapsulated in the book, primarily through the character of Tutu, such as morals and values. The vivid description of places and characters kept me intrigued and entertained. I also loved the plot twists concerning Mahina's flying ability and dreams. They created suspense and held my attention throughout the book. The characters were also well-developed and easy to relate to. The author used them effectively to pass on the intended message. The reader will also appreciate the easy-to-understand language used, which makes the book accessible to all. I cannot wait to read more from this talented author.

2021: TO BE OR NOT TO BE

A coming-of-age novel about a young man who makes a fateful decision about his acting career. This work is due for publication in the fall of 2023. 

2022: THE LAST FOOTBALL PLAYER

A middle grade/YA science fiction novel about the future of football in relation to artificial intelligence and robots.  This work is currently slated for publication July 14, 2023.

Despite the long and passionate popularity of football, very few thoughtful novels have been written about it. We are all too familiar with the violence, the injuries, the prejudices, the out-of-control fans, and the corruption that plagues the sport—but what about the sportsmanship, teamwork, athleticism, and, dare I say it, creativity of those who truly love the game? This novel is an attempt to use football as a canvas upon which to help the next generation explore the deeper qualities that make us human.

2023: Mahina Rises  

Thirteen-year-old Mahina Moemoea lives on a ranch in up-country Hawaii and wants more out of her life than feeling the energy in the ranch’s garden soil. For her tutu (grandmother), garden soil is enough, but that’s because she doesn’t have the same flying dream every night that Mahina has. When Mahina finds out family may have been what killed her mom and dad, she tries to obey Tutu’s command to ignore them until her mom’s spirit shows her a way to make her dreams come true.

This novel is currently under exclusive consideration for publication by Bess Press. 

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