Review by K.C. Finn 5-Stars
Mahina Rises by John Blossom is a young adult novel that blends a thrilling magical realism adventure with a powerful message of hope. The story follows thirteen-year-old Mahina Moemoea, who lives on a Hawaiian ranch and has extraordinary flying dreams. Her grandmother, Tutu, warns her against exploring the family's special powers, believing they caused Mahina's parents' deaths. However, when her mother's spirit leads her on a dangerous journey, Mahina must embrace her abilities to fulfill her family's destiny of spreading aloha and combating climate change.
Author John Blossom has created a beautifully family-centric story that combines effortless magical realism with environmental themes in a story that's both enchanting and deeply meaningful for its YA audience. The vivid descriptions bring the Hawaiian setting and its mystical elements to life, immersing readers in Mahina's world with multi-sensory details from the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures of the lush surroundings. This same treatment and level of atmospheric detail also extends into the character development, bringing each figure that Mahina meets into being as they leap off the page to greet you. Tutu was such a strong figure with a lot of different layers of protectiveness and tradition at play, and the dialogue around family superstitions and the environment was such a natural way of unveiling the upcoming plot. Blossom's exploration of generational conflict adds further emotional depth to a relatable and poignant struggle, but this is never too heavy or harmful, making the message of hope timely and inspiring. Overall, I would certainly recommend Mahina Rises to fans of immersive and heartfelt YA fiction that is perfectly pitched between fantasy and reality for its audience.
(Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite)
Review by Kimberlee J Benart
5 Stars
Reviewed by Kimberlee J Benart for Readers’ Favorite
Mahina Rises is a young adult novel by John Blossom filled with magic and adventure. Set in Hawaii and framed by the effects of climate change, it features a courageous thirteen-year-old girl named Mahina who lives on a ranch with her tutu (grandmother). Mahina lost her parents as a baby, and the tragedy of that event colored her tutu’s outlook on life, filling her with the fear that she may lose Mahina to the same powers that their family has held for generations. Torn between her tutu’s warnings and the dreams in which her mother urges her forward, Mahina confides in Koa, her best friend and classmate. With the help of a dedicated teacher, they chart a path forward. Will it lead to danger and death or to love, understanding, and healing?
If you enjoy magical realism, Mahina Rises is for you. The well-paced narrative skillfully conveys Mahina’s emotional struggle with understanding her place in the world. The relationship between Mahina and Koa is utterly sweet and tinged with the beginnings of a teen romance. I vote for a sequel! The support of their teacher and other adults as Mahina and Koa face one challenge after another is a positive aspect. John Blossom has woven a wonderful tale that blends indigenous Hawaiian lore and respect for the environment with the harsh reality of climate change and the greed that fuels it. This is a story of adventure, family love, friendship, and a greater love for our earth and each other. Highly recommended.
(Reviewed by Kimberlee J Benart for Readers’ Favorite)
Review by Shrabastee Chakraborty 5-Stars
The family name Moemoea entailed a barrage of responsibilities, at least that was Mahina's impression. The ranch in Hawaii where the family lived was special, with underground lava tubes and caverns crisscrossing the property. The ground itself was magical, providing strength to Moemoea women of each generation. Mahina’s frequent dreams and messages from her deceased mother conveyed an urgent need for her to realize her unique powers. Yet, Tutu was adamant that the powers had led to her parents’ deaths and she would do well to ignore her dreams. Should Mahina heed her Tutu’s advice or give way to the strangely realistic dreams? Find out in Mahina Rises, a YA magical realism novel by John Blossom.
I love how John Blossom portrays the indestructible connection between humankind and nature in this book. The Moemoea way of living reflects this age-old tie, where each cherishes their bonds with nature and learns to grow by giving more than taking for themselves. Blossom highlights the commendable lifestyle of Hawaiian families, where everyone tries their utmost to help their neighbors in times of need. Mahina, showing incredible strength of character, did not shirk her responsibilities to the earth, even when it threatened her life. She recognized climate change as a devastating calamity fueled by human greed and corruption and did her best to counteract it. I loved the selfless way Koa, her friend, and Ms. Reynolds, her teacher, joined forces to help Mahina with her quest. Her Tutu’s redemptive character arc made the story even more impactful. I strongly recommend Mahina Rises as a powerful novel that can make YA readers more aware of their duties to this world.
(Reviewed by Shrabastee Chakraborty for Readers’ Favorite)
Review by Frank Mutuma 5-Stars
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.
(Reviewed by Frank Mutuma for Readers’ Favorite)
Review by Asher Syed 5-Stars
Mahina Rises by John Blossom revolves around Mahina Moemoea, a girl orphaned and raised by her grandmother Tutu. Mahina has intense dreams, which she believes connect her to her deceased mother and a family legacy. As Hurricane Byron approaches Hawaii, Mahina’s dreams grow more vivid. However, her relationship with Tutu becomes strained due to Tutu's concerns about the influence of Mahina’s dreams and external distractions, including a campaign to fundraise. Mahina explores a lava tube linked to her family’s past, but as her health deteriorates due to an acceleration of Mahina's power, media attention, and stress, Tutu must come to terms with what has to be done in the time she has left so Mahina can continue her environmental efforts and preserve her family's legacy.
I love a book with an empowered female protagonist, and John Blossom delivers with Mahina in Mahina Rises. First of all, the landscape of Hawaii not just being a backdrop, but almost serving as another character, is spectacular. It's difficult to imagine any other place with the potency of the islands to serve as ground zero in Mahina's coming of age. The characters are all well-developed, especially Koa, and it's very easy to understand where Tutu is coming from with her fears. The crux of the story is the combination of Mahina's power, which is multifaceted but the 'rising' in the title does lean into its physical manifestation and the environmental assault on Earth. The writing is clean and accessible, the pacing is pitch-perfect, and the message couldn't be more timely or important. Very highly recommended.
(Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers’ Favorite)
Review By Joanne Lee 5-Stars
This was a captivating, hopeful, mystical adventure story! I love young adult fiction, and this story was actually really full of interesting thought explorations about the power of our intuitions, dreams, and about the possible realities we can step into when we connect with the power of nature and support one another. It deals with a really important and present topic of how kids are grappling with the changes in climate and is hopeful in offering a vision of how we can all work together to connect to the field of love and care for the earth to open up new realities for this precious planet. I was given an ARC in exchange for a review and I flew through it! :) So much resonance and synchronicity in reading this book! Great thoughtful and uplifting read for adults and youth nourishing our imaginations with hope!
Mahina Moemoea often dreams of flying towards her mother's voice—a mysterious force calling her to the lava tubes where her parents met their end during a hurricane 13 years ago. Tutu, her grandmother, remains tight-lipped about the tragedy, and when Mahina shares the thrill of her flying visions, Tutu's response is sharp: "The Moemoea dreams … are a curse," she warns, convinced that these dreams led to her daughter’s death. For Tutu, working in their ranch's rich and revitalizing soil is enough. She makes Mahina promise to ignore her dreams, fearing she might lose her granddaughter to the same fate.
Mahina, ever the dreamer, refuses to be tethered by fear and, though plagued with guilt, defies her Tutu. When a hurricane destroys Po'okela Academy, Mahina dares an idea inspired by her dreams—a fundraising concert to rebuild her school—and enlists the help of her best friend, Koa, and her supportive teacher, Ms. Reynolds. What unfolds is a dangerous yet soaring journey where Mahina discovers that the Moemoeas’s irresistible powers are far more than a curse, through secret trips to the lava tubes, bouts of sleepwalking and nightmares, and the growing realization that her visions might even hold the key to combating climate change.
Blending magical realism and Hawaiian lore, Blossom (author of Horse Boys) offers a timeless story, rich with Hawaiian culture, and implores readers to contemplate the power of dreams and the fears that often stifle them, with lovable characters who embody the courage of the next generation. Tutu's words, "the power is not in the dreams. It is in you," resonate throughout, a reminder that dreams mean nothing without action. Mahina Rises is a powerful call for guardians to nurture their children's dreams and for the young to believe they can make a difference in a world ravaged by greed. This is an urgent read on caring for our planet.
Takeaway: Soaring adventure of two kids who combat climate change.
Comparable Titles: Axie Oh's The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, Peter Brown's The Wild Robot.
Review by Pikasho Deka 5-Stars
John Blossom's Mahina Rises follows the coming-of-age story of a young girl and her journey of self-discovery. Mahina Moemoea is a thirteen-year-old teenager who lives with her grandmother Tutu on their sprawling ranch in Hawaii. After her parents' untimely deaths, Tutu raised Mahina and taught her to feel the healing energy of her garden. The women from the Moemoea family have powers passed down to their daughters, and Mahina is no exception. She has vivid dreams of flying through lava tubes and hears the voice of her mother's spirit, who tells her to visit a sacred cavern. But Tutu forbids Mahina from going to the cave. After helping raise funds for a new school building, Mahina and her friend Koa work together to offer people a transformative experience and help make the world a better place to live.
A coming-of-age tale with a lot of heart and a healthy dose of fantastical elements, Mahina Rises touches upon the issue of environmental conservation in a way young adult readers can engage with. John Blossom weaves a captivating character-driven drama about a young teenage protagonist who learns to embrace her heritage and family legacy while bringing closure to her grandmother's fears and doubts. The relationship between Mahina and Tutu is at the center of the narrative, and it is complex, layered, and relatable. I also enjoyed Mahina's friendship and romance with Koa -- my favorite secondary character alongside Ms. Reynolds. Blossom's descriptions of the surrounding scenery are very evocative and certainly do justice to the picturesque locales of Hawaii. For fans of coming-of-age tales, this will be right up your alley!
(Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers’ Favorite)
“Mahina Rises” by John Blossom Five-Stars
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09/19/2024
Independently Published (2024)
ISBN: 978-0999615621
Reviewed by Shawna Thompson for Reader Views (09/2024)
Mahina Moemoea has a unique gift—she can communicate with her mother in her dreams. Mahina’s parents were lost in a hurricane shortly after her birth. Her mother was found in one of the many lava tubes, but her father was never found. She now lives with her grandmother, Tutu. Mahina’s grandmother disapproves of her talking about her dreams, believing they are evil and would lure Mahina in. Her grandmother fears the caves in her dreams would trap her inside, leaving her vulnerable and helpless. Despite her grandmother’s concerns, Mahina cherishes her dreams because they allow her to communicate with her mother and experience the sensation of flying.
“Oh, Daughter, you are the next leader in a long line of powerful leaders. The time is now; you are needed. Don’t delay. Learn to fly, my daughter.”
During her most recent dream, Mahina could fly through the lava tubes, soar outside, and observe the Earth from above. Then, she realized the Earth was being taken for granted and required urgent preservation. The burning of petroleum by oil companies caused harm, as did the influence of cigarette companies, resulting in the loss of lives. She felt a strong urge to take action, knowing that the Earth’s preservation was a responsibility we all share. She knew she couldn’t do it alone. Would Kao, her best friend and the best wave thrasher in school, be willing to join her on a risky journey into the caves and tubes, or would he dismiss her as crazy? Their friendship was about to be tested in ways they never imagined in “Mahina Rises” by John Blossom.
Embark on an extraordinary adventure with Mahina and Kao, two adventure explorers with a deep passion for uncovering the enchanting wonders of the world. They encounter thrilling challenges that put their courage and determination to the test. Join them in their quest as they learn about the true essence of bravery and form unbreakable bonds of friendship. Along the way, they develop an understanding of the importance of preserving Earth’s precious natural treasures for future generations to cherish and enjoy.
Their journey is not just about adventure, but also about their personal growth and their role in environmental preservation. They learn that it’s not just about enjoying the beauty of nature, but also about protecting it for the future.
“Mahina Rises” is a visually stunning exploration of Hawaii’s diverse cultures and awe-inspiring landscapes. It provides a unique and in-depth perspective on the inhabitants and their profound connection to the land and islands. This captivating portrait of Hawaiian culture and the exquisite natural wonders found within its borders will undoubtedly resonate with teens and young adults as well as adults, particularly those interested in the rich tapestry of Hawaiian heritage.
Posted on October 18, 2024 by theprairiesbookreview
A riveting coming-of-age tale that’s as thought-provoking as it is emotionally gripping…
Blossom crafts a taut, atmospheric narrative set in Hawaii, where a young girl’s dangerous quest and hidden family powers shape her path to self-discovery. Thirteen-year-old Mahina Moemoea longs for more than the tranquil ranch life she shares with her grandmother, Tutu. Tutu, bound to her garden and cautious of their family’s mystical powers, urges Mahina to bury her abilities—a burden that grows heavier when she learns these powers might have led to her parents’ deaths. But Mahina’s dreams pull her in another direction: toward freedom, risk, and a mother’s spirit that beckons her into dangerous territory.
Blossom’s lyrical yet precise prose masterfully blends reality with fantastical elements, heightening the novel’s emotional intensity. The story thrives on conflict, not just between characters but within Mahina herself. Mahina’s internal struggle to reconcile her burgeoning powers with her grandmother’s warnings—and the family’s tragic past—is skillfully portrayed. Blossom expertly paces the teen’s journey, interspersing moments of introspection with sharp, tense confrontations with both her grandmother and the dangerous allure of her mother’s spirit. Hawaii serves as more than just a backdrop; it is a vibrant force that mirrors Mahina’s emotional journey. The integration of Hawaiian mythology enriches the narrative, while Mahina’s profound relationship with the natural world underscores the urgency of environmental preservation in today’s context. The novel beautifully explores themes of identity, cultural legacy, and the tension between independence and duty, offering a powerful reflection on the legacies we inherit and the courage required to confront what we are taught to suppress.
A moving and profound exploration of what it means to rise above fear and claim your own destiny, this is a stunner.
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