Life is a constant struggle for Augie and Malia. But they have each other, and Dean, Kaui and Nainoa, and the beautiful Big Island. They are surrounded by spirits of gods and men and the living heart of nature. The children grow up in a tangle of limbs, fighting and competing for their place in the world. Each of them has a gift, and they will have to work and then suffer and then die to understand.

This is a book of of intense physicality. The feel, smell, taste and visions of this Hawaiian family will stay with me for a long time.

Kawai Strong Washburn is a gifted writer and I hope he has many more stories to tell.

A wonderful debut! Narrated by five members of the Flores family, this novel is filled with rich imagery, tales of the Hawaiian Islands, and family challenges. While Noa's miraculous escape from the jaws of a shark made him the stuff of legends, that didn't solve the economic problems his family faced. Split up and moving between the Islands and the mainland, they have to cope with issues beyond the norm. Noa is in Portland, Dean is in Spokane, and Kaui is in California; they are all pursing separate paths, not necessarily happily. Their mother Malia's voice resonated strongly with me. It's a good unusual read that will challenge you. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. Fans of magical realism will love this, as will those looking for a novel of Hawaii, a family saga, or a just plain good read.

Ultimately a family novel, filled with all the love and tragedy therein, Sharks in the Time of Saviors follows the Flores family as the materialistic and spiritual worlds collide in the beautiful backdrop of Hawaii. A stunning debut, with sympathetic characters and an extraordinary story, Washburn is definitely an author to watch!

Thank you to Netgalley for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest opinion.

Sharks in the Time of Saviors is a glorious debut novel. With elements of magical realism, doses of real-life in the fabled state of Hawaii, and beautifully portrayed family relationships, this is one not to be missed. The storyline unfolds beautifully, taking unexpected twists and turns for the various family members at the heart of this story. A book to be read slowly and savored.

In this story, the spiritual and material worlds are one, and Hawaiian people are indivisable from the land they live in. Mum and Dad have three children, and place all their hopes and expectations on their son, Nainoa. Nainoa has healing powers, sufficient perhaps to heal the nation. Dean and Kaui are overlooked, and screw up in all sorts of ways because of it. The book is full of pain, humour, tragedy, magic and resilience.
When you think of life in this book, it is all connected to the green land of Hawaii. Hawaii is nothing like you've imagined from films: it is poor and hard and mysterious and far away from a resort. Things are resolved in a rewarding and sad way that does not restore the promise that was lost but creates something new in its' place.