3.5 ☆

After all life has disappeared, it is up to Moana to fix a devastating mistake - with the help of a mysterious wayfinder, Noelani. The new character stood out with her rich backstory and complex motivations, making her more compelling and engaging, compared to Moana, whose character shift from brave and adventurous to insecure and indecisive felt frustrating. The story’s cultural authenticity added depth, and the cryptic elements kept the narrative interesting. While the plot was well-paced and full of action, the writing style lacked vivid description, which made it harder to visualize the story. The setting maintained a tense, magical atmosphere, leading to a satisfying read.

RELATIONSHIPS & CHARACTERS -
Moana - While it is certainly understandable to have self doubt after the potentially world-ending event that she had just caused, it seemed like Moana’s entire character transformed into one of insecurity and indecision. Compared to the previously established character who was brave, adventurous, and willing to go farther than anyone has ever dreamed, this characterization quickly became irritating. She did maintain her care for others, but it would have been nice to see some of that self-confidence again.

Noelani - The main contrary character, and new to the story, was actually my favorite. She had a completely elaborate backstory, history, and motivations that added so much to the story. The clues about her throughout were easily picked up on in regards to her big reveal, but I enjoyed her character no less. Her complications and selfish determination impressed me far beyond Moana, even though this is the wrong character to root for.

ENGAGEMENT & ENJOYMENT -
It is wonderful again that these stories are written by someone who is from the culture, and it is clear that Kaela Kendall shared many insights needed to maintain an authentic feel for the lifestyle and folklore. As for most of these Disney retellings, they are simply a unique twist on a well-known story. It is a quick read that relies on a travelling quest to gather items, and it was interesting for what it is. The inclusion of Noelani certainly increased the engagement due to her mysterious nature and all of the questions surrounding her, as well as the stories she was able to tell. The spirits and the ancestral stories were a fascinating idea, and I would have liked to see them explained more because of how great they were! Toward the end, there were a lot of initially small, glossed over details that were given new meanings (the boat’s name, the friend) that were genius and added a spark of interest. I personally prefer a more descriptive writing style, and had difficulty picturing the majority of this book, and I think that would have added to my enjoyment. There were moments of this eloquence, but I wish it was consistent throughout the book.

ATMOSPHERE & SETTING -
The book had an underlying sense of danger and mystery at all times, which added an edge to this adventurous tale. The magicality of the folklore, spirits, and monsters was gripping to read about. The added hurriedness due to the blight and curse kept everything in suspense. I wish the curse played a bigger role for Moana, because while it was mentioned and it did progress, there was little effect on her.

DEVELOPMENT & PLOT -
The progression of the plot was steady and there were no times where it felt like the story had come to a standstill or lingered unnecessarily. An action-packed quest, gathering items required to save the world, and travelling between realms and other parts of the island created a solid pace.

Thank you Kaela Kendall, Random House Children's Books, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for my thoughts and review!

If you are a fan of What Ifs or Twisted Tales, you need to get this book immediately! Keala Kendall takes on the story of Moana if she had been the one to break the heart of Te Fiti. She struggles to right the wrongs that are destroying her island. After meeting up with Noe, she starts on the path to find the tears that could restore the heart. But things are never as they seem and Moana faces a journey she didn’t expect. I cannot wait to add this beautiful story to my classroom collection. My students are going to love it!

The author Kendall has a true feel for the character of Moana. It feels just like the world the movie built and could easily have been its sequel or alternative. Lot of time in the Realm of Monsters (yay!) and we meet new characters/spend time with others we didn't get to before. A real emotional journey and if you are even tempted, go for it! Hei Hei is missed a bit but his humor would be harder to translate in a book.

✨ As a big fan of Moana and the Disney universe, I couldn’t resist diving into How Far I’ll Go by Keala Kendall (Twisted Tale). 🌊 And let me tell you—I absolutely loved revisiting this familiar world with such a completely fresh twist.

Right from the first pages, I was struck by the darker tone: Moana fails to save Te Fiti, Maui is frozen, and the island is left in danger. This narrative choice instantly sets a more dramatic mood and kept me hooked. The introduction of Noe, a mysterious survivor, was one of my favorite parts: their unlikely duo works perfectly, mixing strong bonds with little clashes that make the reading experience even more engaging.

The Monster Realm is described so vividly that I felt like I was right there. It carries Disney’s rich visual essence, but magnified through the novel’s imagination. The trials they face are not only mythological and physical but also deeply personal. I loved seeing Moana doubt herself, stumble, then rise again with even greater strength.

In the end, this book made me travel, dream, and reflect on what it truly means to “restore balance.” A wonderful success that will captivate younger readers (ages 9–15) as well as adults who, like me, enjoy rediscovering Disney heroes through a new lens. 💙🌺

—Sandrine 🌻

💞 Tropes & Tensions
🎭 What if / Twisted Reality
👑 Mythological Quest
🐚 Unlikely Allies
🌊 Save the World Arc
👹 Monster Realm Adventure
🌺 Identity & Heritage

I love all things Moana, and I have been ridiculously excited about this book since the moment I knew it was coming out. Overall, I enjoyed this retelling. You could tell that this author was passionate about tying culture into the novel, and I really liked that you got more on that side of things than you get in the movies. I am SO glad that this book didn't write in a romance for Moana. I was so afraid that they would take it that route, and that's one of my favorite things about Moana-she has passions and goals that have nothing to do with a partner.

Another fun twisted tale. The character of Moana is very well fleshed out in this enjoyable adventure. When Moana can’t get past Te Ka, she accidentally ends up unleashing the deadly ashen blight on the world. She herself is cursed with a mark that grows rapidly as the full moon draws close,a Don since Maui put himself in harms way and got turned into volcanic rock, there’s no cheerful wise cracking Demi god to teach her or help her along the way. Her gramma thankfully guides her to an island where she finds a much more dour and pessimistic companion to accompany her as the search for the tears of Te Fiti to restore the damaged heart, but the book deals much more in guilt, feelings of failure and self doubt. Now has already lost her family and her island and has become determined to redeem herself no matter who she has to sacrifice, whereas Moana doubts the Ocean chose her properly and if she is capable of saving her family before the blight spreads. There are lots of intimidating demons and monsters along the way and death defying challenges but over all it’s a good story. It is a little bleak without Maui or even the chicken to lighten the moment here or there but Moana is good at bringing people, and monsters, together for the greater good and she shines as a legend in her own right here without Devine intervention. Where IS her hei though? Wondered that through the whole book. I greatly enjoyed it though.

How Far I’ll Go delivers an epic continuation of Moana’s story that feels both bold and heartfelt, seamlessly blending Disney magic with fresh, original mythmaking.

The book picks up after Moana’s fierce battle with Te Kā, when the heart of Te Fiti is left shattered and Maui is trapped in volcanic stone. Darkness looms, and Moana sets out once again to save her people. Her journey takes her to a desolate island where she meets Noe, a lone survivor with a mysterious edge and a daring plan to restore the heart—using the fabled tears of Te Fiti, gems infused with the goddess’s own power.

Moana and Noe’s reluctant partnership is the highlight of the story. Their banter, bravery, and contrasting worldviews create a dynamic that’s as compelling as it is heartfelt. Noe adds grit and sharpness to the tale, while Moana remains the compassionate yet unshakably determined wayfinder we know and love. Their quest through the realm of monsters bursts with imaginative creatures, dazzling settings, and high-stakes adventure that keeps the tension sharp and the pages flying.

Kendall’s writing is lush and cinematic, capturing the ocean’s beauty while weaving in themes of resilience, leadership, and hope. The emotional beats hit just as hard as the action, especially as Moana faces her own doubts and the creeping threat of failure.

If there’s any drawback, it’s that a few sections move a little quickly, leaving certain mythological elements begging for just a touch more detail. But overall, this story feels like a worthy, adventurous extension of Moana’s legacy—one that honors her spirit while exploring new depths of courage and connection.

Verdict: A gorgeous, action-packed tale brimming with heart, monsters, and the courage to keep going when the ocean feels too wide. Fans of Moana will find themselves swept away all over again. 🌊

How Far I’ll Go was an interesting read with some heartfelt moments, but it didn’t fully grab me. I appreciated the personal reflections and glimpses into the author’s experiences, and some parts felt genuinely inspiring. At the same time, the pacing and structure made it a bit uneven for me, and I found myself wishing for a bit more depth or cohesion. It’s a solid read if you enjoy personal stories, though it didn’t completely resonate with me.

Moana finally makes a friend, Noe,and goes on an epic adventure with her , but, ultimately, can she trust her?

It's nice to meet some new characters and the adventure is an entertaining one with several heart-warming encounters along the way.

This was an interesting twist to Moana. I did not expect the plot to go the direction it did. I’m gonna be honest and say that this was probably 100 pages too long. It felt like a lot of it was filler information that was not needed. I think it’s misleading to say “ What if Moana Broke the Heart of TeFiti”. There was a wholesome scene with Moana teaching how to wayfind to someone, I really wish a scene like that was included in the movie. This will definitely suit early teens especially because it was pretty easy to guess the twist from very early on.

I was interested enough to finish this story but I think most teens and Moana fans will enjoy this the most.

Thank you to the author, Random House Children’s, and NetGalley for this e-ARC.

This book explores what would have happened if Moana and Maui failed to return the heart of Te Fiti and it was destroyed instead. Maui is turned to stone, and Moana is cursed by Te Ka. Her grandmother guides her to another lost girl who failed to save her island from the spreading blight. Together, Moana and Noe traverse the realm of monsters to find Te Fiti's tears to restore the heart.

I enjoyed How Far I’ll Go; the depth given in a novel was such a lovely visit back into Moana’s world. Keala Kendall did so with such care and detail into Moana’s mind while expanding upon a world I’ve come to know.

I had so much fun reading this one! The pacing was good, with a nice blend of character development, action, and world-building. I loved the nods to the movie and the further exploration of mythologies, stories, and oral traditions of the Islands. Essentially, there was even more of what made the movie so great (in my opinion). I think readers that enjoyed the movie, or fairy tale retellings or mythology stories in general would love this one. This is one of the best entries that I've read in this series.

I loved this book! I am a huge Disney fan and these books are some of my favorites as an adult. I did think some of the first chapters were a bit boring. It did have too many background context. However, it did speed up around pages 60-75. I can’t wait to buy this for my classroom! My students will love this book.

As someone unfamiliar with the Twisted Tales series, I wasn’t sure what to expect—but How Far I’ll Go turned out to be a delightful surprise. Aimed at young readers (ideally ages 9-15) who already know and love Moana, this book keeps the heart of the original story while offering just enough of a twist to feel fresh. At times, I felt like I had made a clearly WRONG choice in a Moana-themed Choose Your Own Adventure book!

While it may not dive too deep or break new ground, it’s an enjoyable read that feels familiar in the best way. Great for fans ready to set sail on their own reading adventures. Thank you, NetGalley!

This is a fun read about Moana and part of the Twisted Tale series. I love this series and always look forward to reading the next book in the series. This one didn't disappoint. Highly recommend!

The first couple of chapters were somewhat boring and repetitive. Being a twisted tale, the amount of backstory reflected on in the beginning was unnecessary. However, once things picked up, the book became more interesting and the twists in the storyline were fun to follow. As an adult, it was easy to figure out things that the main characters couldn’t see, but the clues are perfect for younger readers to piece together more slowly. The setting descriptions were well done and each main character was well developed.

Thank you to #NetGalley for an eARC of #HowFarI’llGo in exchange for honest feedback. 3.5 stars rounded up