May Releases Include the First Adult Fantasy by a Native Hawaiian Author and a YA Novel-in-Verse
ARCs provided by publishers via Netgalley.I also bought my own copies. This post includes affiliate links that kick us a small percentage — at no cost to you — if you use them shop. It helps support my work and is so appreciated!
For the first time, we’ve got 3 new releases by Native Hawaiian authors hitting shelves during AANHPI Heritage Month. I was able to get my hands on advance copies of two of them: The Killing Spell by Shay Kauwe, the first adult urban fantasy by a Native Hawaiian author; and An Expanse of Blue by Kauakanilehua Māhoe Adams, a YA novel-in-verse featuring a Kanaka main character living in Washington State. The third, which I haven’t had a chance to read yet, is That Which Feeds Us, a new YA horror from Keala Kendall.
THE KILLING SPELL by Shay Kauwe
It would be easy to review The Killing Spell and just laud it for an intriguing magic system based on languages / linguistics in an alternate Los Angeles. But in her debut, Shay Kauwe has brought ‘Ōlelo Hawai’i to a mainstream audience in a way that it hasn’t been represented before (that I can think of). Shay Kauwe’s debut totally entertains, marrying urban fantasy with murder mystery and light romance. But also reclaims ‘Ōlelo for Native Hawaiian speakers and learners alike. It’s a book that feels important beyond it’s mission to deliver a good story.
I had to keep reminding myself that Kea is just 25, but I think our hotheaded MC will be super relatable for a lot of young women as she comes to grips with refining and focusing her linguistic magic. And I won’t be surprised if The Killing Spell finds its way into the hands of upper-end YA readers, too. Word nerds will enjoy some of the commentary and choices about which languages are deemed important and worthy of regulation.
Shay is coming to the West Coast in June with three tour stops in Pasadena , Seattle (Issaquah), and Portland. Vroman’s, Barnes & Noble – Issaquah, and Annie Bloom’s Books are hosting. Details below.
Get The Killing Spell on Bookshop.org | Kobo | The Ripped Bodice | Apple Books | Amazon
An Expanse of Blue by Kauakanilehua Mahoe Adams
An Expanse of Blue is an absolutely gorgeous contemporary YA novel in verse. Aouli’s poetry creates intimacy and conveys emotion that almost feels like you’re reading her diary. YA readers will love the accessibility of the form, the first love, and the familiarity of the love/hate of sisterhood. As an adult reader, I was kicking my feet over the flirting (so cute!) and I rooted for Aouli as she navigated a strict father, complicated family dynamics, and teen friendships.
But it’s really the specificity of the cultural lens in conjunction with the form that sets this one apart and makes it such a joy to read. Seeing Native Hawaiian culture and community in diaspora represented like this is more than overdue and this is a worthy add to any shelf — library or personal.
Kaua will be signing copies of An Expanse of Blue on May 23 in San Diego at Barnes & Noble – Mira Mesa and May 29 in Seattle at Elliott Bay Books.
Get An Expanse of Blue on Bookshop.org | Kobo | The Ripped Bodice | Apple Books | Amazon
For more 2026 releases by Pacific Islander and Asian authors check out:
26 New Releases by Asian and Pacific Islander Authors