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.