Wai-nani High Chiefess of Hawai`i, Her Epic Journey Historical Fiction by Linda Ballou

Wai-nani: High Chiefess of Hawai'i -

Her Epic Journey

Through the eyes of high chiefess, Wai-nani, experience the Hawaiian society as it existed when Captain Cook arrived at Kealakekua Bay in 1779; ride the billowing seas with Eku, the wild dolphin she befriends; learn why she loved the savage, conflicted ruler, Makaha; walk with her as she defies ancient laws and harsh taboos of the Island people; share the love she received from all who knew her and learn how she rose to become the most powerful woman in old Hawai’i.

"From the very first chapter, Ballou’s artful storytelling pulled me into Wai-nani’s dramatic struggle – the universal journey to discover how and why one fits into the beautiful, yet flawed world one lives in. The duality of Wai-nani’s relationship with the ocean and a family of dolphins that offers her uncomplicated freedom and expression, and her relationships within a culture where she must struggle physically, emotionally and spiritually against her traditional “place of standing,” is a magical, inspiring and thought provoking read. I admire Wai-nani’s strength and determination."

~Scott Hillenbrand – Feature Film Director/Producer

"Ballou might have been Wai-nani in another life, so richly imbued with lush description and native language and lore is her historical novel that follows the life of the strong and beautiful chiefess whose gentle power influenced the people and path of Hawai'ian history." ~ Denise Cassino - Senior Editor, Long Story Short

"Travel writer and photographer Linda Ballou delivers a generous slice of Hawaiian history with details of land and sea so vivid, it is almost better than being there."

~ Barbara Milbourn - Author and Editor

Reviews

The New Book Review: Linda Ballou Researches Hawai'i and Pens Book

Linda Ballou has done extensive research on the history of the characters and Hawaii, and gives the reader blow by blow details in a flowery, poetic and interesting language. She manages to intertwine a love story with historical fact...

The New Book Review - http://thenewbookreview.blogspot.com/

~Carolyn Howard-Johnson

Wan-nani: High Chiefess of Hawaii: Her Epic Journey is a novel of awesome beauty and power. It is a moving saga about people, relationships, and the boundaries of love. Linda Ballou’s powerful storytelling talents, her understanding of human nature, and her knowledge of Hawaii folklore, take us on an amazing journey into Hawaii’s ancient past as she re-creates island life as it truly might have been. Wan-nani is a great summer read. Kudos to Ballou on her first novel.

~Nancy Leigh Harless

"Wai-Nani is like no other book I have ever read. Linda Ballou is a master of language, pulling the reader in and evoking emotions hidden deep within. Her imagery will tickle your senses, allowing you to feel the story more than merely reading.

Passionate and primal, Wai-Nani transports you to the early days of Hawaii, where warriors ruled and women were expected to know their place.

Wai-Nani refuses to be bound by the shackles of society and follows her heart--finding a destiny beyond her wildest dreams. Follow her--no, join her--on this incredible journey."

~Joyce Anthony Visit her webiste.

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"Travel writer and photographer Linda Ballou delivers a generous slice of Hawaiian history with details of land and sea so vivid, it is almost better than being there".

"Wai-nani: High Chiefess of Hawai'i - Her Epic Journey is a meticulously researched account of the Hawaiian Islands around the time of Captain James Cook. The major theme of the novel is the dismantling of the social hierarchal system based on kapu (taboo) that had been brought to the Islands by the Tahitians years before. But what a story!

Meet Wai-nani whose character is based on Ka'ahumanu, favorite wife of Kamehameha the Great, unifier of the Hawaiian Islands around 1810. She is a young woman of royal descent so at home in the sea that she thinks of herself as half sea creature. Her comfort in the water is juxtaposed to her conflict on land, particularly her resistance to the kapu system. We accompany her as she leaves home and meets Makaha (Kamehameha) two hundred years ago when chiefs in feathered capes and tattooed warriors battled for island dominion, priests read the future in pig entrails, men and women ate in separate houses, and human sacrifices were commonplace. We know her and her people, and we connect to place through stunning details of mamo birds, koa trees, 'ie'ie flowers, and taro fields. We drink the bitter 'awa, trek up steep palis, peer into smoking volcanoes, and wave slide bearded monsters.

Much changed with the arrival of Captain Cook, the death of Kamehameha, and the pressure brought to bear on the system. But some things are eternal—love, the circle of life, and the grand and vibrant sea.

The author’s reverence for the land and its people inhabits her words. Linda Ballou is a new voice from ancient Hawaii. "

Barbara Sharp Milbourn is a writer and editor living in Nashville.

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Wai-Nani, High Chiefess of Hawai'i: Her Epic Journey

This, the author's first book, is a masterpiece and a fascinating read. The historic novel tells the dramatic and heart warming love story of Wai-Nani. By weaving the ancient legends of Old Hawaii into this compelling story, Ballou captivates the reader with her beautiful descriptions and very real characters, who come alive in your imagination. The first few pages were a bit hard to read because the author has interjected real Hawaiian words into sentences in which the meaning is evident, but once I got the rhythm I could hardly put the book down. It is an excellent read, especially if you have been or plan to go to Hawaii.

Bonnie Neely, Editor of Real Travel Adventures International Magazine www.realtraveladventures.com