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The Kingdom of Oceana
The Kingdom of Oceana is the first book in a new Young Adult fantasy adventure series by Mitchell Charles.
Five centuries ago, on the island now called Hawaii, there was a kingdom filled with adventure, beauty, and magic. When 16-year-old Prince Ailani and his brother Nahoa trespass on a forbidden burial ground and uncover an ancient tiki mask, they unleash a thousand-year-old curse that threatens to destroy their tropical paradise.
As warring factions collide for control of Oceana, it sparks an age-old conflict between rival sorcerers that threatens to erupt--just like Mauna Kea, the towering volcano. With the help of his ancestral spirit animals, his shape shifting sidekick, and a beautiful princess, Prince Ailani must overcome his own insecurities, a lifetime of sibling rivalry, and a plague of cursed sea creatures brought forth by the tiki's spell. Can peace be restored to the kingdom? Can Prince Ailani claim his rightful place as the future king of Oceana? Two brothers, but only one can rule.
“While the book is fiction, it is heavily influenced by the rich and beautiful Hawaiian myths, legends, locales, and culture. Many locations in the story are inspired by real places in Hawaii,” says Mitchell.
The Kingdom of Oceana takes readers on a fun and exciting adventure, with big wave surfing, fire walking, and shark taming, while also being educational and bringing to light many environmental and social issues, like ocean conservation.
Five centuries ago, on the island now called Hawaii, there was a kingdom filled with adventure, beauty, and magic. When 16-year-old Prince Ailani and his brother Nahoa trespass on a forbidden burial ground and uncover an ancient tiki mask, they unleash a thousand-year-old curse that threatens to destroy their tropical paradise.
As warring factions collide for control of Oceana, it sparks an age-old conflict between rival sorcerers that threatens to erupt--just like Mauna Kea, the towering volcano. With the help of his ancestral spirit animals, his shape shifting sidekick, and a beautiful princess, Prince Ailani must overcome his own insecurities, a lifetime of sibling rivalry, and a plague of cursed sea creatures brought forth by the tiki's spell. Can peace be restored to the kingdom? Can Prince Ailani claim his rightful place as the future king of Oceana? Two brothers, but only one can rule.
“While the book is fiction, it is heavily influenced by the rich and beautiful Hawaiian myths, legends, locales, and culture. Many locations in the story are inspired by real places in Hawaii,” says Mitchell.
The Kingdom of Oceana takes readers on a fun and exciting adventure, with big wave surfing, fire walking, and shark taming, while also being educational and bringing to light many environmental and social issues, like ocean conservation.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 8, 2015
854 people want to read
About the author
Mitchell Charles
1 book26 followersMitchell Charles’ love of the ocean and its miraculous creatures began at the age of 12 when his father taught him to SCUBA dive. From his first adventure 50 feet (15 meters) beneath the Caribbean Sea he was hooked. He has been involved in the Oceanic Society, America’s first non-profit organization dedicated to ocean conservation, established in 1969.
Mitchell’s inspiration for The Kingdom of Oceana was born of exploring the spectacular coastline, lush valleys, and vibrant coral reefs of the Hawaiian Islands. On these excursions, he imagined what Hawaii was like hundreds of years ago. Before Captain Cook arrived from England. Before the golf courses and hotels. Before the ukulele and the Mai Tai became icons of Hawaiian culture. He dreamed of a time when the islands were an undiscovered magical paradise.
These days, Mitchell divides his time between Southern California and Hawaii. He has two teenage children and a dog named Magic.
Mitchell is currently working on the second book in the Kingdom of Oceana series, The Legend of the Nine Sacred Pearls. For more information, visit http://kingdomofoceana.com/
Mitchell’s inspiration for The Kingdom of Oceana was born of exploring the spectacular coastline, lush valleys, and vibrant coral reefs of the Hawaiian Islands. On these excursions, he imagined what Hawaii was like hundreds of years ago. Before Captain Cook arrived from England. Before the golf courses and hotels. Before the ukulele and the Mai Tai became icons of Hawaiian culture. He dreamed of a time when the islands were an undiscovered magical paradise.
These days, Mitchell divides his time between Southern California and Hawaii. He has two teenage children and a dog named Magic.
Mitchell is currently working on the second book in the Kingdom of Oceana series, The Legend of the Nine Sacred Pearls. For more information, visit http://kingdomofoceana.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 25, 2017
A Quick, Colorful Read
The Kingdom of Oceana is a classic story of sibling rivalry—a novel based on action and adventure that we’d recommend for readers twelve and up. Set in a fantasy version of a timeless Hawaii, it has fire walking and surfing and sharks and zombie fish… plenty of thrills to capture the imagination.
It also has magic, mystery, and a message of environmentalism weaving a natural thread throughout the story. Many books for younger readers attempt to merge entertainment with education, but few do it well. This one does.
It’s a short, quick read—appropriate for the age group. The only catch for some will be the Hawaiian words peppered throughout the novel. The words are explained, so there’s no confusion, but pronunciation will be tricky for those not familiar with the language.
The story takes some predictable turns, and there are a few plot elements that are either unexplained or left hanging. Not so much in a cliff-hanger way as in a never-got-back-around-to-it kind of way.
Still, the plot moves along well, and the interactions between the brothers—not to mention their intertwined relationships with a strong supporting cast—are both realistic and entertaining. Add to all that a gorgeous, mystical setting, and Mitchell Charles has created a pearl of a book: colorful and quick, the perfect white magic to heal any reading slump.
--For all our MG/YA/NA reviews, some written together and some individually, visit our Dragon Authors blog: Book Wyrms!
The Kingdom of Oceana is a classic story of sibling rivalry—a novel based on action and adventure that we’d recommend for readers twelve and up. Set in a fantasy version of a timeless Hawaii, it has fire walking and surfing and sharks and zombie fish… plenty of thrills to capture the imagination.
It also has magic, mystery, and a message of environmentalism weaving a natural thread throughout the story. Many books for younger readers attempt to merge entertainment with education, but few do it well. This one does.
It’s a short, quick read—appropriate for the age group. The only catch for some will be the Hawaiian words peppered throughout the novel. The words are explained, so there’s no confusion, but pronunciation will be tricky for those not familiar with the language.
The story takes some predictable turns, and there are a few plot elements that are either unexplained or left hanging. Not so much in a cliff-hanger way as in a never-got-back-around-to-it kind of way.
Still, the plot moves along well, and the interactions between the brothers—not to mention their intertwined relationships with a strong supporting cast—are both realistic and entertaining. Add to all that a gorgeous, mystical setting, and Mitchell Charles has created a pearl of a book: colorful and quick, the perfect white magic to heal any reading slump.
--For all our MG/YA/NA reviews, some written together and some individually, visit our Dragon Authors blog: Book Wyrms!
February 17, 2017
The Kingdom of Oceana is a Young Adult Fantasy set in Hawaii 500 years in the past when the people and the sea-life lived in harmony. Each respecting and protecting the other. A time when myths rule and magic abounds!
When greed and sibling rivalry divide the islands and a dark magic infects the sea they must unite to fight a common enemy. But will it be in detriment of the whole island or will the rulers see the way before it’s too late.
This is an action packed story full of legend, history, myth, magic, danger, jealousy and a touch of romance.
I’ve rated at 11+ as there is a bit of violence involved although it is not too graphic and good does triumph over evil eventually.
Well plotted and beautifully described the scenes come alive as if watching them on the big screen. An immersive story of destiny that will hold the attention of both adult and child alike.
Suitable for 11 years plus.
When greed and sibling rivalry divide the islands and a dark magic infects the sea they must unite to fight a common enemy. But will it be in detriment of the whole island or will the rulers see the way before it’s too late.
This is an action packed story full of legend, history, myth, magic, danger, jealousy and a touch of romance.
I’ve rated at 11+ as there is a bit of violence involved although it is not too graphic and good does triumph over evil eventually.
Well plotted and beautifully described the scenes come alive as if watching them on the big screen. An immersive story of destiny that will hold the attention of both adult and child alike.
Suitable for 11 years plus.
March 25, 2017
A Quick, Colorful Read
The Kingdom of Oceana is a classic story of sibling rivalry—a novel based on action and adventure that we’d recommend for readers twelve and up. Set in a fantasy version of a timeless Hawaii, it has fire walking and surfing and sharks and zombie fish… plenty of thrills to capture the imagination.
It also has magic, mystery, and a message of environmentalism weaving a natural thread throughout the story. Many books for younger readers attempt to merge entertainment with education, but few do it well. This one does.
It’s a short, quick read—appropriate for the age group. The only catch for some will be the Hawaiian words peppered throughout the novel. The words are explained, so there’s no confusion, but pronunciation will be tricky for those not familiar with the language.
The story takes some predictable turns, and there are a few plot elements that are either unexplained or left hanging. Not so much in a cliff-hanger way as in a never-got-back-around-to-it kind of way.
Still, the plot moves along well, and the interactions between the brothers—not to mention their intertwined relationships with a strong supporting cast—are both realistic and entertaining. Add to all that a gorgeous, mystical setting, and Mitchell Charles has created a pearl of a book: colorful and quick, the perfect white magic to heal any reading slump.
--For all our MG/YA/NA reviews, some written together and some individually, visit our Dragon Authors blog: Book Wyrms!
The Kingdom of Oceana is a classic story of sibling rivalry—a novel based on action and adventure that we’d recommend for readers twelve and up. Set in a fantasy version of a timeless Hawaii, it has fire walking and surfing and sharks and zombie fish… plenty of thrills to capture the imagination.
It also has magic, mystery, and a message of environmentalism weaving a natural thread throughout the story. Many books for younger readers attempt to merge entertainment with education, but few do it well. This one does.
It’s a short, quick read—appropriate for the age group. The only catch for some will be the Hawaiian words peppered throughout the novel. The words are explained, so there’s no confusion, but pronunciation will be tricky for those not familiar with the language.
The story takes some predictable turns, and there are a few plot elements that are either unexplained or left hanging. Not so much in a cliff-hanger way as in a never-got-back-around-to-it kind of way.
Still, the plot moves along well, and the interactions between the brothers—not to mention their intertwined relationships with a strong supporting cast—are both realistic and entertaining. Add to all that a gorgeous, mystical setting, and Mitchell Charles has created a pearl of a book: colorful and quick, the perfect white magic to heal any reading slump.
--For all our MG/YA/NA reviews, some written together and some individually, visit our Dragon Authors blog: Book Wyrms!
May 26, 2017
I was absolutely fascinated with this story!!! While the brother Nahoa did come off as flat in some points of the story Ailani our main character was interesting to read about. In the beginning he was stubborn and thick headed (typical teenage boy) but over the course of the book he really develops into the type of man his family and his kingdom needs!
The world building was done extremely well, I felt like I stepped right in to Ailani's world without skipping a beat! The magic in this story enhances the beauty of the world and makes for an exciting story! I read through the entire book in one day. I just could not put it down!!
As much as I enjoyed this book, no novel is without flaws. Like I said previously Nahoa was pretty one dimensional and I found it really hard to connect to the feeling and the motives of the mother. There were points in the story that were slow and all of the native Hawaiian words used through the story had me a little confused although the writer does put definitions of the Hawaiian words at the bottom of each page which was very useful for me!
This book is written for a Young Adult audience but I think that children reading on a middle grade level with find this story enjoyable!
Final Thoughts
If you can get past some of the slow and confusing parts I think anyone would fall in love with Ailani and the magically beautiful world he is trying to save!
The world building was done extremely well, I felt like I stepped right in to Ailani's world without skipping a beat! The magic in this story enhances the beauty of the world and makes for an exciting story! I read through the entire book in one day. I just could not put it down!!
As much as I enjoyed this book, no novel is without flaws. Like I said previously Nahoa was pretty one dimensional and I found it really hard to connect to the feeling and the motives of the mother. There were points in the story that were slow and all of the native Hawaiian words used through the story had me a little confused although the writer does put definitions of the Hawaiian words at the bottom of each page which was very useful for me!
This book is written for a Young Adult audience but I think that children reading on a middle grade level with find this story enjoyable!
Final Thoughts
If you can get past some of the slow and confusing parts I think anyone would fall in love with Ailani and the magically beautiful world he is trying to save!
September 14, 2016
Originally posted at Log Cabin Library
My initial reason for wanting to read The Kingdom of Oceana, was that cover and the setting. I've never visited Hawaii, nor do I know much about its traditions or mythology for that matter. Most of what I know comes from movies and television shows, unfortunately. One of the first things that I did notice is that Mitchell really brought the setting of Hawaii and world of Oceana alive for me with his vivid and detailed descriptions. There are many descriptions of the animal life, coral reefs, ocean, surfing, even the canoes that the people used. Some of my favorites were the descriptions of the food found on the island.
"The fruit was arranged to resemble an oversized flower. In the center was a mound of small orange and green citrus. The petals of the fruit arrangement were fashioned from bananas, mangoes, and sliced pineapple spears. The border was a circle of lychee fruit with pink thorny shells."
Mitchell also uses Hawaiian words with a definition at the bottom of the page and glossary at the back of the book. I appreciate those kinds of details.
The main gist of the story centers on an ancient tiki statue holding the "mana of a king" and how history seems to be repeating itself through Prince Ailani and Prince Nahoa. There are some similar themes found in other middle-grade books of light magic and dark/shadow magic, as well as the struggles between siblings, but there are also things like spirit animals and Kahuna's who can use telepathy as well as heal. I was most intrigued with the idea of how technology or "mikini" was changing the island and might be leading to the demise of magic. Lots of things to ponder, with some fun twists thrown in too. The author's website includes two study guides, which can be adapted for either language arts or a science class, photographs for the inspirations of many of the places discussed, and study questions. Overall, a very enjoyable read and nice introduction to Hawaii and its culture.
*Review copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
My initial reason for wanting to read The Kingdom of Oceana, was that cover and the setting. I've never visited Hawaii, nor do I know much about its traditions or mythology for that matter. Most of what I know comes from movies and television shows, unfortunately. One of the first things that I did notice is that Mitchell really brought the setting of Hawaii and world of Oceana alive for me with his vivid and detailed descriptions. There are many descriptions of the animal life, coral reefs, ocean, surfing, even the canoes that the people used. Some of my favorites were the descriptions of the food found on the island.
"The fruit was arranged to resemble an oversized flower. In the center was a mound of small orange and green citrus. The petals of the fruit arrangement were fashioned from bananas, mangoes, and sliced pineapple spears. The border was a circle of lychee fruit with pink thorny shells."
Mitchell also uses Hawaiian words with a definition at the bottom of the page and glossary at the back of the book. I appreciate those kinds of details.
The main gist of the story centers on an ancient tiki statue holding the "mana of a king" and how history seems to be repeating itself through Prince Ailani and Prince Nahoa. There are some similar themes found in other middle-grade books of light magic and dark/shadow magic, as well as the struggles between siblings, but there are also things like spirit animals and Kahuna's who can use telepathy as well as heal. I was most intrigued with the idea of how technology or "mikini" was changing the island and might be leading to the demise of magic. Lots of things to ponder, with some fun twists thrown in too. The author's website includes two study guides, which can be adapted for either language arts or a science class, photographs for the inspirations of many of the places discussed, and study questions. Overall, a very enjoyable read and nice introduction to Hawaii and its culture.
*Review copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 22, 2017
3.75 really close to 4!
----
I have never read a book set in ancient/modern Hawaii or a book that has content with Hawaiian influence. It was definitely new to me, but I love exploring new cultures in books so I was very excited to read it! This book was very colourful and adventurous. It was a lot of fun to read!
What I Liked
Characters:
Ailani was a fun character to follow. He was the second prince, so he always thought that he would amount to nothing. Which we all know isn’t true, if this whole book is about him. He goes on a grand adventure, seeking his spirit animal and trying to discover the kind of person he wants to be and the kind of traditions discovers. It is very clear that he is doubtful and unsure of himself, but he is also heroic and intuitive. I wish his character were explored a little more, but overall he was interesting to follow.
Nahao. I just liked to hate him. Honestly he is such a rat.
Kolothe, the monkey! He stole my heart and was literally only in the book for a hot minute! I just love animal companions!
There were several other characters, but none of them made a long lasting impression on me. Except maybe the Kahuna because he had all the magic!
The World: Oceana was a very colourful and intriguing setting. There were many descriptions of beaches and caves. There were beautiful descriptions of animals and plants that thrived in the land. The imagery of landscapes and terrain left a good beachy effect on me. Boy, I wish I was in Hawaii!
The Traditions & Folklore: A lot of the journeys that Ailani goes through are derived from ancients myths and legends. In this book, animals have minds of their own. They are able to communicate with the people and help guide them on their spiritual journeys. There are also uses of curses and legends of old kings that wreak havoc on the islands. The myths are interesting and they keep you in tune with the ancient Hawaiian setting. Ailani also goes on spiritual journeys to find the power and self-worth he needs to meet his destiny. I thought it was very beautiful how Charles brought these elements to the story as they are a true part of the culture.
The Use of Hawaiian Words: I am like 95% sure they are in Hawaiian. Anyways, a lot of different words were infused into the characters dialogue and I loved it! Sometimes the words get used so often that you do not have to look at the footnote to understand what is being said. I now know that kohala is whale and kaimoni means demon! It is fun when you get to read the true language that is being spoken by the characters and it adds a little authenticity to them.
What I Disliked
The Romance: It’s not that I didn’t ship the ship. It’s just that this book could have done without it. I feel that Momi was just introduced into the novel to be Ailani’s love interest because she had no grander purpose. This romance just should not have been included.
The Lack of Good Character Structure: As mentioned a lot of the characters just didn’t stick and I feel it is because they weren’t fully developed. I needed to know more about them or spend more time with them to truly understand and grow an appreciation for them.
Slow Beginning & Bumpy Waters: Things do not really seem to pick up until the second half of the novel and after that the action never ends. It’s just bad event, after bad event, after bad event. I think the flow of the story overall was disturbed by having all the intense scenes condensed together.
Overall, I still really enjoyed the book. It was fun, it was fast. It was also very educational and I extended my vocabulary with those two Hawaiian words! (I know bug my sisters by saying kohala every five seconds…even if I have no need to!) The ending did leave promise for a sequel, but I think the author is going to leave it up to us, the readers, to decide what happens after Ailani’s adventure.
Rating: 3.75 / 5 stars (really close to a 4, but I’m a character-kind-of-girl!)
Recommend: Yes! For those of you looking to explore new kinds of ancient myths, why not try Hawaii?
----
I have never read a book set in ancient/modern Hawaii or a book that has content with Hawaiian influence. It was definitely new to me, but I love exploring new cultures in books so I was very excited to read it! This book was very colourful and adventurous. It was a lot of fun to read!
What I Liked
Characters:
Ailani was a fun character to follow. He was the second prince, so he always thought that he would amount to nothing. Which we all know isn’t true, if this whole book is about him. He goes on a grand adventure, seeking his spirit animal and trying to discover the kind of person he wants to be and the kind of traditions discovers. It is very clear that he is doubtful and unsure of himself, but he is also heroic and intuitive. I wish his character were explored a little more, but overall he was interesting to follow.
Nahao. I just liked to hate him. Honestly he is such a rat.
Kolothe, the monkey! He stole my heart and was literally only in the book for a hot minute! I just love animal companions!
There were several other characters, but none of them made a long lasting impression on me. Except maybe the Kahuna because he had all the magic!
The World: Oceana was a very colourful and intriguing setting. There were many descriptions of beaches and caves. There were beautiful descriptions of animals and plants that thrived in the land. The imagery of landscapes and terrain left a good beachy effect on me. Boy, I wish I was in Hawaii!
The Traditions & Folklore: A lot of the journeys that Ailani goes through are derived from ancients myths and legends. In this book, animals have minds of their own. They are able to communicate with the people and help guide them on their spiritual journeys. There are also uses of curses and legends of old kings that wreak havoc on the islands. The myths are interesting and they keep you in tune with the ancient Hawaiian setting. Ailani also goes on spiritual journeys to find the power and self-worth he needs to meet his destiny. I thought it was very beautiful how Charles brought these elements to the story as they are a true part of the culture.
The Use of Hawaiian Words: I am like 95% sure they are in Hawaiian. Anyways, a lot of different words were infused into the characters dialogue and I loved it! Sometimes the words get used so often that you do not have to look at the footnote to understand what is being said. I now know that kohala is whale and kaimoni means demon! It is fun when you get to read the true language that is being spoken by the characters and it adds a little authenticity to them.
What I Disliked
The Romance: It’s not that I didn’t ship the ship. It’s just that this book could have done without it. I feel that Momi was just introduced into the novel to be Ailani’s love interest because she had no grander purpose. This romance just should not have been included.
The Lack of Good Character Structure: As mentioned a lot of the characters just didn’t stick and I feel it is because they weren’t fully developed. I needed to know more about them or spend more time with them to truly understand and grow an appreciation for them.
Slow Beginning & Bumpy Waters: Things do not really seem to pick up until the second half of the novel and after that the action never ends. It’s just bad event, after bad event, after bad event. I think the flow of the story overall was disturbed by having all the intense scenes condensed together.
Overall, I still really enjoyed the book. It was fun, it was fast. It was also very educational and I extended my vocabulary with those two Hawaiian words! (I know bug my sisters by saying kohala every five seconds…even if I have no need to!) The ending did leave promise for a sequel, but I think the author is going to leave it up to us, the readers, to decide what happens after Ailani’s adventure.
Rating: 3.75 / 5 stars (really close to a 4, but I’m a character-kind-of-girl!)
Recommend: Yes! For those of you looking to explore new kinds of ancient myths, why not try Hawaii?
October 28, 2016
The Kingdom of Oceana
I was given an arc in an exchange for a review of Mitchell Charles novel The Kingdom of Oceana.
Normally I do not read young adult novels during the school year, but the cover of this novel had me intrigued.
I have yet to take an adventure to Hawaii, but after reading this novel, and the way Mitchell made me visualize the setting so well, I know feel like I have been there. The novel does not only a wonderful job of introducing and immersing you into the setting, but it also teaches you so many things about the setting. Mitchell's footnotes did an excellent job of clarifying indigenous words, phrases and culture.
I thought the story line of the tiki and the on and off conflict of the brothers was interesting and continued to pull me into the novel.
I am excited for others to be able to read this story, which served not only as a exciting, adventurous story, but anwondow for me into a world I wasn't that familiar with. I look forward what is to come from Mitchell and this series in the future
I was given an arc in an exchange for a review of Mitchell Charles novel The Kingdom of Oceana.
Normally I do not read young adult novels during the school year, but the cover of this novel had me intrigued.
I have yet to take an adventure to Hawaii, but after reading this novel, and the way Mitchell made me visualize the setting so well, I know feel like I have been there. The novel does not only a wonderful job of introducing and immersing you into the setting, but it also teaches you so many things about the setting. Mitchell's footnotes did an excellent job of clarifying indigenous words, phrases and culture.
I thought the story line of the tiki and the on and off conflict of the brothers was interesting and continued to pull me into the novel.
I am excited for others to be able to read this story, which served not only as a exciting, adventurous story, but anwondow for me into a world I wasn't that familiar with. I look forward what is to come from Mitchell and this series in the future
May 31, 2017
PG for some violence
Recommend to anyone interested in a magic + Hawaii team up (hello, Moana!) and advanced middle grade readers looking for a fun summer read.
As I tumbled through the sky there was one thing I knew. I didn't want to die. Not then, not that way, and surely not at my brother's hands.
The opening line was fantastic. It immediately caught my attention, and (bonus!) it doesn't backtrack days or weeks to lead us back to this intriguing moment. It takes us back only a few hours, to explain why Ailani and his brother Nahoa are there -to see if they can catch a glimpse of the rumored ghost haunting an ancient temple, no less- and we've read the resolution to this moment and moved on before the chapter was through, which was a relief for me. I get rather annoyed with the stories that start at the climax, then haul you back to the beginning.
From the fantastic hook, it leads into a great description of the ancient Hawaiian-like culture and its magic elements, introducing a little at a time and strategically dispersing it between events and dialogue, which made learning about the world interesting and enjoyable. Unfortunately, while there's some interesting stuff going on, the punch from the awesome opening doesn't last long and the story moved pretty slowly from this point on.
By far my favorite part of this book were the descriptions. From me, that's saying a lot, because I'm generally impatient with descriptions, but Charles has a beautiful way of describing the tropical islands and the sea -and I couldn't get enough of it! The worldbuilding, too, is fascinating, because it takes Hawaiian myth and mixes it with magic and it's GORGEOUS. Spirit animals, sorcerers, and zombie eels. Tell me you're not intrigued by that!
But let's talk characters. My favorite is the Kahuna -which, I learned, is a Hawaiian word that actually means 'wise man or shaman'. Charles uses a lot of Hawaiian words throughout, but in addition to the glossary in back, he tags initial uses with handy footnote translations so there's no need to flip back and forth. This Kahuna is a straight-up awesome magician who catches lightning bolts, communicates telepathically, and understands the structure of the universe. He is wise and acts as mentor for our main character, Prince Ailani, who gets seriously annoyed with his telepathy.
I liked Ailani, too; he's an unlikely hero, dealing with some relatable teen issues like where he fits into the world, sibling rivalry with his arrogant and short-tempered brother Nahoa, and parental favoritism, as well as the weighty responsibilities that come with being a Prince. One thing that bugged me about Ailani -and let me preface this by saying I'm really, really picky about characters- is that he is a very reactionary character. He rarely acts on his own, instead prompted by events to react or is instructed by the Kahuna on what to do. I don't feel like Ailani came into his own or had a successful arc, which is something for which I'm always on the lookout. Of course, Charles may very well be saving this for his next book.
Like Ailani, most of the characters have decent characterization, but they lacked great depth.
The plot itself had a lot of really interesting facets; it deals with politics, the rocky relationship of the royal brothers, and the looming presence of impending technology threatening to change the magic of their world. However, it feels a little unfocused, because it keeps switching primary villains, building one up with its story line, only to replace it with another, and then alternating between the various established antagonists. There was just a lot going on. There was a really good twist at the end that caught me off-guard and I really enjoyed, but most of the climax was fairly predictable.
I hope Charles continues to explore his fascinating magic system and characters in more depth as the series continues, because this has some amazing potential.
Recommend to anyone interested in a magic + Hawaii team up (hello, Moana!) and advanced middle grade readers looking for a fun summer read.
As I tumbled through the sky there was one thing I knew. I didn't want to die. Not then, not that way, and surely not at my brother's hands.
The opening line was fantastic. It immediately caught my attention, and (bonus!) it doesn't backtrack days or weeks to lead us back to this intriguing moment. It takes us back only a few hours, to explain why Ailani and his brother Nahoa are there -to see if they can catch a glimpse of the rumored ghost haunting an ancient temple, no less- and we've read the resolution to this moment and moved on before the chapter was through, which was a relief for me. I get rather annoyed with the stories that start at the climax, then haul you back to the beginning.
From the fantastic hook, it leads into a great description of the ancient Hawaiian-like culture and its magic elements, introducing a little at a time and strategically dispersing it between events and dialogue, which made learning about the world interesting and enjoyable. Unfortunately, while there's some interesting stuff going on, the punch from the awesome opening doesn't last long and the story moved pretty slowly from this point on.
By far my favorite part of this book were the descriptions. From me, that's saying a lot, because I'm generally impatient with descriptions, but Charles has a beautiful way of describing the tropical islands and the sea -and I couldn't get enough of it! The worldbuilding, too, is fascinating, because it takes Hawaiian myth and mixes it with magic and it's GORGEOUS. Spirit animals, sorcerers, and zombie eels. Tell me you're not intrigued by that!
But let's talk characters. My favorite is the Kahuna -which, I learned, is a Hawaiian word that actually means 'wise man or shaman'. Charles uses a lot of Hawaiian words throughout, but in addition to the glossary in back, he tags initial uses with handy footnote translations so there's no need to flip back and forth. This Kahuna is a straight-up awesome magician who catches lightning bolts, communicates telepathically, and understands the structure of the universe. He is wise and acts as mentor for our main character, Prince Ailani, who gets seriously annoyed with his telepathy.
I liked Ailani, too; he's an unlikely hero, dealing with some relatable teen issues like where he fits into the world, sibling rivalry with his arrogant and short-tempered brother Nahoa, and parental favoritism, as well as the weighty responsibilities that come with being a Prince. One thing that bugged me about Ailani -and let me preface this by saying I'm really, really picky about characters- is that he is a very reactionary character. He rarely acts on his own, instead prompted by events to react or is instructed by the Kahuna on what to do. I don't feel like Ailani came into his own or had a successful arc, which is something for which I'm always on the lookout. Of course, Charles may very well be saving this for his next book.
Like Ailani, most of the characters have decent characterization, but they lacked great depth.
The plot itself had a lot of really interesting facets; it deals with politics, the rocky relationship of the royal brothers, and the looming presence of impending technology threatening to change the magic of their world. However, it feels a little unfocused, because it keeps switching primary villains, building one up with its story line, only to replace it with another, and then alternating between the various established antagonists. There was just a lot going on. There was a really good twist at the end that caught me off-guard and I really enjoyed, but most of the climax was fairly predictable.
I hope Charles continues to explore his fascinating magic system and characters in more depth as the series continues, because this has some amazing potential.
May 22, 2017
I have never read a book that has a Hawaiian / tropical setting before, and that was the main reason I was interested in reading this one! I thought the setting was wonderfully unique; it had all the right tropical vibes, the Hawaiian words and influences, the animals, the waves, all of it. I think you tell the author has a passion for the ocean while reading, especially when precious pages of a relatively short book were dedicated to surfing scenes and describing the waves and ocean animals. Were they necessary to the plot? Not particularly, no. But, they were still fun to read.
While I loved the setting, my favorite aspect of Kingdom of Oceana was the Hawaiian myths and folklore woven into the story. There was just the right amount of magic to make the book feel mythical without absurdity. I loved the concept of a spirit animal, and basically taking spiritual journeys to discover what that animal is; I only wish there was more that came from that particular story line. Prince Ailani discovers his spirit animal, and is ashamed of it. Then, his family proceeds to be complete jerks to him because of it (more on that in a minute) but there is never a conclusion to that plot line. Does Ailani come to terms with his spirit animal? Does he discover that its immensely stronger than he originally gave it credit for? I would like to know.
Overall though, my main issue with the book was that the writing felt inconsistent. There were some parts of the story that I felt myself sinking into with imaginative and beautiful descriptions of Oceana, but then a page later I was almost struck dumb with how juvenile the book would read. This book was pitched to me as a young adult fantasy novel, and I don’t necessarily think I can agree with that. I definitely got some Percy Jackson, early year Harry Potter vibes, which is awesome – if that’s what you are expecting and looking for.
At the end of the day, Kingdom of Oceana was a fun and quick read that was atmospheric and mythical at its best, and a bit rushed and juvenile at its worst. Still, if you are looking for a book with a setting that hasn’t been done 100 times before, definitely check this one out!
Please note I did receive this book from Book Publicity Services, representing the author, in exchange for this review, but all opinions are entirely my own.
While I loved the setting, my favorite aspect of Kingdom of Oceana was the Hawaiian myths and folklore woven into the story. There was just the right amount of magic to make the book feel mythical without absurdity. I loved the concept of a spirit animal, and basically taking spiritual journeys to discover what that animal is; I only wish there was more that came from that particular story line. Prince Ailani discovers his spirit animal, and is ashamed of it. Then, his family proceeds to be complete jerks to him because of it (more on that in a minute) but there is never a conclusion to that plot line. Does Ailani come to terms with his spirit animal? Does he discover that its immensely stronger than he originally gave it credit for? I would like to know.
Overall though, my main issue with the book was that the writing felt inconsistent. There were some parts of the story that I felt myself sinking into with imaginative and beautiful descriptions of Oceana, but then a page later I was almost struck dumb with how juvenile the book would read. This book was pitched to me as a young adult fantasy novel, and I don’t necessarily think I can agree with that. I definitely got some Percy Jackson, early year Harry Potter vibes, which is awesome – if that’s what you are expecting and looking for.
At the end of the day, Kingdom of Oceana was a fun and quick read that was atmospheric and mythical at its best, and a bit rushed and juvenile at its worst. Still, if you are looking for a book with a setting that hasn’t been done 100 times before, definitely check this one out!
Please note I did receive this book from Book Publicity Services, representing the author, in exchange for this review, but all opinions are entirely my own.
April 29, 2017
I recently read The Kingdom of Oceana by Mitchell Charles. From the first pages it was clear that this book would be full of action and adventure. There is a strong theme of sibling rivalry which is evident through quests that the brothers take in the historic Hawaiian setting. With such a setting, it is no surprise that the reader is drawn into the story with magic, spirit animals, and a mysterious (and cursed) tiki. For lovers of Disney’s Moana, there are many similarities in Charles’s adventure tale. Thankfully, his tale is more developed, with a wider range of conflicts and characters than the Disney movie that shares a similar setting. Charles also has a writing style that I appreciate as an English teacher. It is fluid and descriptive and ultimately enjoyable. However, I did feel that the book was a bit of a slow read. The book felt very authentic, which translated to a lot of unfamiliar vocabulary that personally slowed me down. I think this would also be true for a reader who is in the middle grades. Due to the wide range of characters, you should also be wary about putting the book down for any extended period of time. Even over a week or two, you may easily forget significant people that will come back in the end of the story. This is a plus for the Kindle version, because you can easily search for a character’s name and find out when and where you met that person. I feel that this book is well suited to a school-age reader, but due to the complexities that I mentioned above, they may find it a frustrating read. If they stick with it, I think your students will find that it is well worth the time and effort. It is an unforgettable story! And stay tuned because it appears that Charles is also writing a sequel! Want more information about The Kingdom of Oceana? Check out Charles’s website- http://kingdomofoceana.com/
*Disclaimer- I received a complementary copy of the book for my honest review.
*Disclaimer- I received a complementary copy of the book for my honest review.
May 12, 2017
Full review on my blog:
http://paperbackprincess2014.blogspot...
http://paperbackprincess2014.blogspot...
August 8, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. It was so cool for so many reasons and a really fun story as well. First off the book takes place in ancient Hawaii. You get to met a couple of princes. Ailani and his brother Nahoa. They are constantly at odds with each other. They were very much their own awesome fleshed out characters. I loved the protagonist Ailani and loved to hate his jerk brother Nahoa. From the Amazon Page description these brothers: " trespass on a forbidden burial ground and uncover an ancient tiki mask, they unleash a thousand-year-old curse that threatens to destroy their tropical paradise."
It's a wild adventure from there. You get to meet tons of awesome characters. Some of them are animals a select few characters can speak to with magic. Some of them are powerful magicians. Others are nice village people and love interests. All of them were interesting and added to the story in great ways.
I really liked the way the king of the main island described, the father of the brother's , was written. It was cool to see the way he led his people compared to the way another king led his people with avarice. There was always a lot at stake for the characters and their kingdoms and that tension just got raised more and more as the story progressed.
The magic in this YA Hawaiian fantasy story was really cool. There was light magic, and shadow magic, and another kind that was used while trying to balance the two. The way it worked was really intriguing and fun to read about. There were magical items that helped the characters too and their origins and powers were really entertaining to discover.
There were a lot of really intense action scenes in this book too. I would have been scared out of my mind if I had to attempt what the characters do in this book. They made for great really exciting scenes. There were many great fight scenes and also a lot of fun adventure scenes where the characters were in danger from the land, the sea, or the creatures around them.
There were also a few really cool scenes describing surfing, rock climbing, and sailing that I really enjoyed. The author does a great job describing the cool things the characters do and the beautiful and scary places they do them. I highly recommend this book for old dudes like me and I think pre-teen and teen readers would really love this one too.
It's a wild adventure from there. You get to meet tons of awesome characters. Some of them are animals a select few characters can speak to with magic. Some of them are powerful magicians. Others are nice village people and love interests. All of them were interesting and added to the story in great ways.
I really liked the way the king of the main island described, the father of the brother's , was written. It was cool to see the way he led his people compared to the way another king led his people with avarice. There was always a lot at stake for the characters and their kingdoms and that tension just got raised more and more as the story progressed.
The magic in this YA Hawaiian fantasy story was really cool. There was light magic, and shadow magic, and another kind that was used while trying to balance the two. The way it worked was really intriguing and fun to read about. There were magical items that helped the characters too and their origins and powers were really entertaining to discover.
There were a lot of really intense action scenes in this book too. I would have been scared out of my mind if I had to attempt what the characters do in this book. They made for great really exciting scenes. There were many great fight scenes and also a lot of fun adventure scenes where the characters were in danger from the land, the sea, or the creatures around them.
There were also a few really cool scenes describing surfing, rock climbing, and sailing that I really enjoyed. The author does a great job describing the cool things the characters do and the beautiful and scary places they do them. I highly recommend this book for old dudes like me and I think pre-teen and teen readers would really love this one too.
October 7, 2016
About the Book:
SURFER SHARK TAMER FIRE WALKER EXPLORER TEENAGER HERO
Five Centuries Ago, On the Island Now Called Hawaii, There was a Kingdom Filled with Adventure, Beauty, and Magic. When 16-year-old Prince Ailani and his brother Nahoa trespass on a forbidden burial ground and uncover an ancient tiki mask, they unleash a thousand-year-old curse that threatens to destroy their tropical paradise.
As warring factions collide for control of Oceana, it sparks an age-old conflict between rival sorcerers that threatens to erupt-just like Mauna Kea, the towering volcano. With the help of his ancestral spirit animals, his shape shifting sidekick, and a beautiful princess, Prince Ailani must overcome his own insecurities, a lifetime of sibling rivalry, and a plague of cursed sea creatures brought forth by the tiki's spell. Can peace be restored to the kingdom? Can Prince Ailani claim his rightful place as the future king of Oceana? ONLY ONE CAN RULE.
My Review:
Okay, first of all my initial response to review this book was based on the fact that the setting takes place on an island in Hawaii. I have always wanted to go there. My son was excited about the book because it's a mystery and he loves them. This book is basically a movie written in book form. It takes you to an island where you are expecting a more serene outcome but no it has an adventure all it's own.
When Prince Ailani and his brother Nahoa trespass on forbidden burial ground things start to take a turn for the worse. When the brothers come across this terrifying situation they face it and they keep fighting to overcome the rivals that threaten Prince Ailani's rightful place as future king of this beautiful island.
With so much going on how can two young boys fight off such powerful forces that threaten their very lives? Not to mention that love is written in the stars for one of them.
A gripping story that is situated perfect for middle schoolers. It has intrigue, suspense, mystery and thread of romance running through it. The authors story line is strong and the story has really rich, vivid characters.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author.
SURFER SHARK TAMER FIRE WALKER EXPLORER TEENAGER HERO
Five Centuries Ago, On the Island Now Called Hawaii, There was a Kingdom Filled with Adventure, Beauty, and Magic. When 16-year-old Prince Ailani and his brother Nahoa trespass on a forbidden burial ground and uncover an ancient tiki mask, they unleash a thousand-year-old curse that threatens to destroy their tropical paradise.
As warring factions collide for control of Oceana, it sparks an age-old conflict between rival sorcerers that threatens to erupt-just like Mauna Kea, the towering volcano. With the help of his ancestral spirit animals, his shape shifting sidekick, and a beautiful princess, Prince Ailani must overcome his own insecurities, a lifetime of sibling rivalry, and a plague of cursed sea creatures brought forth by the tiki's spell. Can peace be restored to the kingdom? Can Prince Ailani claim his rightful place as the future king of Oceana? ONLY ONE CAN RULE.
My Review:
Okay, first of all my initial response to review this book was based on the fact that the setting takes place on an island in Hawaii. I have always wanted to go there. My son was excited about the book because it's a mystery and he loves them. This book is basically a movie written in book form. It takes you to an island where you are expecting a more serene outcome but no it has an adventure all it's own.
When Prince Ailani and his brother Nahoa trespass on forbidden burial ground things start to take a turn for the worse. When the brothers come across this terrifying situation they face it and they keep fighting to overcome the rivals that threaten Prince Ailani's rightful place as future king of this beautiful island.
With so much going on how can two young boys fight off such powerful forces that threaten their very lives? Not to mention that love is written in the stars for one of them.
A gripping story that is situated perfect for middle schoolers. It has intrigue, suspense, mystery and thread of romance running through it. The authors story line is strong and the story has really rich, vivid characters.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author.
January 7, 2017
4.5 stars. I was sent an audiobook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The descriptions given about the island made the book feel so magical in a way. I could almost hear the waves and see the amazing tropical sights for myself as I listened to the book and it had this certain air about it that made me feel almost as if I was in Hawaii myself which I thought was so great. Everything was so vivid and detailed with the descriptions of the ocean, coral reefs, the animal life and even simple things such as the boats people used and the surfboards. The writing was absolutely amazing and did a great job of really bringing the setting to life as the story unfolded. I also learned a little more about the culture and mythology which I loved.
I really loved all of the characters so much, especially our main character Ailani. Although the two brothers were young, they were mature for their ages and knew their duties. Of course, that didn't stop them from getting on each other's nerves. They were smart boys and were eager to learn more about their responsibilities as princes while having fun every now and then like siblings do. They were adventurous and quick learners, quick thinkers, and ready for the challenges they faced as the story moved forward.
The magical elements in this book were so fun and the author did a great job of bringing light and dark magic, the curses, and the mythology to life and blending them so beautifully together. The way the magic worked was so intriguing and the magical items that helped the characters were interesting and had entertaining origins and it was fun discovering them. I also loved the intense action scenes sprinkled in the book. It made the story more exciting and had me on the edge a few times. Not only that but the narrator did a great job of reading the story and his accent really added to the cultural experience of the book. The audio was so relaxing and almost melodic at times.
The only reason I didn't give this book a five-star rating is while I loved everything about the book, I did have a problem with the pace of the story at times. Certain scenes I wished had been a little longer to avoid feeling a little rushed.
The descriptions given about the island made the book feel so magical in a way. I could almost hear the waves and see the amazing tropical sights for myself as I listened to the book and it had this certain air about it that made me feel almost as if I was in Hawaii myself which I thought was so great. Everything was so vivid and detailed with the descriptions of the ocean, coral reefs, the animal life and even simple things such as the boats people used and the surfboards. The writing was absolutely amazing and did a great job of really bringing the setting to life as the story unfolded. I also learned a little more about the culture and mythology which I loved.
I really loved all of the characters so much, especially our main character Ailani. Although the two brothers were young, they were mature for their ages and knew their duties. Of course, that didn't stop them from getting on each other's nerves. They were smart boys and were eager to learn more about their responsibilities as princes while having fun every now and then like siblings do. They were adventurous and quick learners, quick thinkers, and ready for the challenges they faced as the story moved forward.
The magical elements in this book were so fun and the author did a great job of bringing light and dark magic, the curses, and the mythology to life and blending them so beautifully together. The way the magic worked was so intriguing and the magical items that helped the characters were interesting and had entertaining origins and it was fun discovering them. I also loved the intense action scenes sprinkled in the book. It made the story more exciting and had me on the edge a few times. Not only that but the narrator did a great job of reading the story and his accent really added to the cultural experience of the book. The audio was so relaxing and almost melodic at times.
The only reason I didn't give this book a five-star rating is while I loved everything about the book, I did have a problem with the pace of the story at times. Certain scenes I wished had been a little longer to avoid feeling a little rushed.
July 1, 2016
DISLAIMER: I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions herein are of my own.
Title: The Kingdom of Oceana
Author: Mitchell Charles
Publisher: Butterhorse Media
Pages: 222
Want to buy the book? Go here.
Synopsis:Surfer. Shark tamer. Fire walker. Explorer. Teenager. Hero. Five centuries ago, on the island now called Hawaii, there was a kingdom filled with adventure, beauty, and magic. When 16-year-old Prince Ailani and his brother Nahoa trespass on a forbidden burial ground and uncover an ancient tiki mask, they unleash a thousand-year-old curse that threatens to erupt-just like Mauna Kea, the towering volcano.
With the help of his ancestral spirit animals, his shape shifting sidekick, and a beautiful princess, Prince Ailani must overcome his own insecurities, a lifetime of sibling rivalry, and a plague of cursed sea creatures brought forth by the tiki's spell.
Can peace be restored to the kingdom? Can Prince Ailani claim his rightful place as the future king of Oceana? Only one can rule.
Review:
I was so excited when I opened this book and saw that it was autographed! I really love books based in Hawaii, or any books in genera that deal with islands or that are ocean themed. They really get me away from my small hometown surrounded by nothing but cornfields. For someone not really familiar with Hawaiian terms, Mitchell Charles has woven them into the book and included footnotes at the bottom of the pages that explained what the words meant.
I instantly fell in love with the exotic aspects, along with the magical elements. It's an extremely fun book to read, along with some great lessons learned. All of the characters were well thought out. I especially disliked the mother and Nahoa, and I love books that can illicit negative emotions in me as well as positive ones. They make for an amazing story. I feel like this is a book everyone throughout middle school and up should read because it is just that good.
Mitchell Charles intricately weaves together magic, myths, issues about the environment, sibling rivalry, and neglect. I will definitely be reading future books written by him.
Title: The Kingdom of Oceana
Author: Mitchell Charles
Publisher: Butterhorse Media
Pages: 222
Want to buy the book? Go here.
Synopsis:Surfer. Shark tamer. Fire walker. Explorer. Teenager. Hero. Five centuries ago, on the island now called Hawaii, there was a kingdom filled with adventure, beauty, and magic. When 16-year-old Prince Ailani and his brother Nahoa trespass on a forbidden burial ground and uncover an ancient tiki mask, they unleash a thousand-year-old curse that threatens to erupt-just like Mauna Kea, the towering volcano.
With the help of his ancestral spirit animals, his shape shifting sidekick, and a beautiful princess, Prince Ailani must overcome his own insecurities, a lifetime of sibling rivalry, and a plague of cursed sea creatures brought forth by the tiki's spell.
Can peace be restored to the kingdom? Can Prince Ailani claim his rightful place as the future king of Oceana? Only one can rule.
Review:
I was so excited when I opened this book and saw that it was autographed! I really love books based in Hawaii, or any books in genera that deal with islands or that are ocean themed. They really get me away from my small hometown surrounded by nothing but cornfields. For someone not really familiar with Hawaiian terms, Mitchell Charles has woven them into the book and included footnotes at the bottom of the pages that explained what the words meant.
I instantly fell in love with the exotic aspects, along with the magical elements. It's an extremely fun book to read, along with some great lessons learned. All of the characters were well thought out. I especially disliked the mother and Nahoa, and I love books that can illicit negative emotions in me as well as positive ones. They make for an amazing story. I feel like this is a book everyone throughout middle school and up should read because it is just that good.
Mitchell Charles intricately weaves together magic, myths, issues about the environment, sibling rivalry, and neglect. I will definitely be reading future books written by him.
August 17, 2016
Prince Ailani, our hero in Kingdom of Oceana, is a fine kid. He’s nice to his elders, nice to people on the street, and really nice to the girl of his dreams. He’s a fun sort of guy. His brother Nahoa is a terror, and so the sides were established from the very first page. Honestly, I would have liked more subtlety on this front, but the theme of sibling rivalry was hard-hitting in this one.
I loved the scenes in Pearl City. The description and plot was awesome in these sections of the book, and I loved (of course) the character of the princess. I also got a lot out of these scenes as an armchair sociologist. They really helped me get a feel for the progression of the islands, and some of the mixed views on whaling.
Kingdom of Oceana is a fun story set on an amazing cultural and scientific backdrop. I really enjoyed learning some facts about Hawaiian culture and history, and all of the vocabulary was in the glossary, so it was easy to learn what words meant. I enjoyed Ailani’s quest, but I enjoyed the scenery more.
Classroom Applications:
This book is almost too good to be true as far as classroom applications go. What a gold mine!
The publisher sent me two study guides for this book (they are now available on the website), one for Humanities and one for Earth Science. These are amazing tools that will really help teachers implement this book across content areas for an integrated experience.
Both study guides break down into topics, with passages from the book to support exploration of each area. Here’s an example progression:
VI. Volcanoes
1. Text about volcanoes, lava, and the formation of the Hawaiian islands
2. Five text-based discussion questions connecting science, history, and the book
3. Extension activities for the science classroom
This study guide has nine topics total, and a summative quiz at the end.
Overall, I enjoyed my time reading the Kingdom of Oceana, and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to middle school teachers.
I loved the scenes in Pearl City. The description and plot was awesome in these sections of the book, and I loved (of course) the character of the princess. I also got a lot out of these scenes as an armchair sociologist. They really helped me get a feel for the progression of the islands, and some of the mixed views on whaling.
Kingdom of Oceana is a fun story set on an amazing cultural and scientific backdrop. I really enjoyed learning some facts about Hawaiian culture and history, and all of the vocabulary was in the glossary, so it was easy to learn what words meant. I enjoyed Ailani’s quest, but I enjoyed the scenery more.
Classroom Applications:
This book is almost too good to be true as far as classroom applications go. What a gold mine!
The publisher sent me two study guides for this book (they are now available on the website), one for Humanities and one for Earth Science. These are amazing tools that will really help teachers implement this book across content areas for an integrated experience.
Both study guides break down into topics, with passages from the book to support exploration of each area. Here’s an example progression:
VI. Volcanoes
1. Text about volcanoes, lava, and the formation of the Hawaiian islands
2. Five text-based discussion questions connecting science, history, and the book
3. Extension activities for the science classroom
This study guide has nine topics total, and a summative quiz at the end.
Overall, I enjoyed my time reading the Kingdom of Oceana, and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to middle school teachers.
July 26, 2016
I received a free copy of the audiobook for an honest review.
The Kingdom of Oceana is based on the Hawaiian Islands five centuries ago. Prince Ailani is the second born to the king of the Big Island and Ailani has always assumed that his older brother, Nohoa, will become the next king. The brothers are typical brothers with the older one picking on the younger one.
It is easy to envision the beautiful Hawaiian setting as this story unfolds. The author does a great job of describing it. There are also Hawaiian myths and legends included which makes it more interesting.
The Kingdom of Oceana begins with Ailani and Nohoa unleashing a centuries old curse but there are also tensions building between the island kingdoms, as well as odd occurrences in the ocean. With so much happening, and the kingdom needing all the warriors they can get, the princes are sent on a vision quest to find their spirit animals. The brothers help each other but there is even more tension between them now that there is a princess whom they both like. There’s adventure, adversity, legend, love, and suspense and it all builds up to a surprising ending.
The narrator choice was a good one. The story is told from Ailani’s POV and the narrator has the perfect accent for it (whether it’s real or not, it’s perfect).
I definitely recommend this book for middle school readers and older. I think adults will like it as much as the younger readers.
Just a couple of days ago, I was sent study guides that go along with this book. They are great! One is titled Earth Science and the other Humanities. Both contain a lot of information about the Hawaiian Islands, discussion questions for classes, and even some multiple choice questions. These would make great resources for a class studying Hawaii and the book could be tied into the studies as well.
The Kingdom of Oceana is based on the Hawaiian Islands five centuries ago. Prince Ailani is the second born to the king of the Big Island and Ailani has always assumed that his older brother, Nohoa, will become the next king. The brothers are typical brothers with the older one picking on the younger one.
It is easy to envision the beautiful Hawaiian setting as this story unfolds. The author does a great job of describing it. There are also Hawaiian myths and legends included which makes it more interesting.
The Kingdom of Oceana begins with Ailani and Nohoa unleashing a centuries old curse but there are also tensions building between the island kingdoms, as well as odd occurrences in the ocean. With so much happening, and the kingdom needing all the warriors they can get, the princes are sent on a vision quest to find their spirit animals. The brothers help each other but there is even more tension between them now that there is a princess whom they both like. There’s adventure, adversity, legend, love, and suspense and it all builds up to a surprising ending.
The narrator choice was a good one. The story is told from Ailani’s POV and the narrator has the perfect accent for it (whether it’s real or not, it’s perfect).
I definitely recommend this book for middle school readers and older. I think adults will like it as much as the younger readers.
Just a couple of days ago, I was sent study guides that go along with this book. They are great! One is titled Earth Science and the other Humanities. Both contain a lot of information about the Hawaiian Islands, discussion questions for classes, and even some multiple choice questions. These would make great resources for a class studying Hawaii and the book could be tied into the studies as well.
November 18, 2016
Original Post: http://www.nerdprobs.com/books/book-r...
**A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**
When you first pick up a book the cover is the thing that catches your attention. The Kingdom of Oceana has a colorful, bright, and catching cover that instantly drew me in. Mitchel Charles, author, also has a great writing style that flows smoothly to keep me interested as the story progressed.
The story follows Prince Ailani and his brother as they go through many moments of growth and spiritual exercises to find their spirit animals, escape a fate for their entire community and find out what love feels like. So many things go on in The Kingdom of Oceana, but it doesn't come off as overwhelming. I loved how the two brothers both have very different personalities and it stands true to real life where sometimes you have to learn to work with people very unlike yourself for the greater good. I feel the one downfall of this book was the reading. Because it is a Hawaiian based speech there were many words I was unfamiliar with. The author did offer a glossary of words with meanings, but a lot of them I was unaware of how to even read them. This would be even more difficult for some of the kids that may read this book. Other than the few words spread throughout the book that are harder to read, this book was a joy to read. It had a intriguing and wholesome message woven throughout the story and an ending that left most happy, although there were a few that didn't get such a great finale.
I would recommend The Kingdom of Oceana to anyone wanting an easy ready with a meaningful message and likable, relatable characters. This book is not just for kids. Parents and youth alike would all enjoy this book. A solid 4 out of 5 stars for Mitchell Charles' The Kingdom of Oceana.
**A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**
When you first pick up a book the cover is the thing that catches your attention. The Kingdom of Oceana has a colorful, bright, and catching cover that instantly drew me in. Mitchel Charles, author, also has a great writing style that flows smoothly to keep me interested as the story progressed.
The story follows Prince Ailani and his brother as they go through many moments of growth and spiritual exercises to find their spirit animals, escape a fate for their entire community and find out what love feels like. So many things go on in The Kingdom of Oceana, but it doesn't come off as overwhelming. I loved how the two brothers both have very different personalities and it stands true to real life where sometimes you have to learn to work with people very unlike yourself for the greater good. I feel the one downfall of this book was the reading. Because it is a Hawaiian based speech there were many words I was unfamiliar with. The author did offer a glossary of words with meanings, but a lot of them I was unaware of how to even read them. This would be even more difficult for some of the kids that may read this book. Other than the few words spread throughout the book that are harder to read, this book was a joy to read. It had a intriguing and wholesome message woven throughout the story and an ending that left most happy, although there were a few that didn't get such a great finale.
I would recommend The Kingdom of Oceana to anyone wanting an easy ready with a meaningful message and likable, relatable characters. This book is not just for kids. Parents and youth alike would all enjoy this book. A solid 4 out of 5 stars for Mitchell Charles' The Kingdom of Oceana.
August 6, 2016
Set in a world where myth, spirit animals and magic exists, the islands in this story are like the Hawaiian Islands. I’ve visited Hawaii several times and love the beautiful plants and the people there. This story took me right back there.
While this tale is written for young adults, it was an interesting read for an adult, too. Mr. Charles knows the islands and the folklore and he creates a story that holds your attention and keeps you wondering which Prince is right. His writing style is smooth and light even with the horrors this story has.
There are two Princes who have been competing with each other since birth. Their personalities are very different and the older one is intent on becoming King. The younger one assumes he’ll get it because he’s the oldest, so he doesn’t see what the problem is. It will become apparent before long. He doesn’t know the family loyalties are split.
This is a tale of right and wrong. The King is trying to partner with the near island so if they are invaded, they will fight together to survive. The Princess likes the youngest brother best but ends up being betrothed to the oldest. There’s a dangerous tiki, another Kahuna, and even Zombies before you get to the end. The King on the other island has an alchemist and they are slaughtering whales for the oil. That’s against local custom. How can he be stopped?
Full of legends with a touch of history, this tale is interesting and you get an island feel. Would you be brave enough to fight the undead and your brother both?
While this tale is written for young adults, it was an interesting read for an adult, too. Mr. Charles knows the islands and the folklore and he creates a story that holds your attention and keeps you wondering which Prince is right. His writing style is smooth and light even with the horrors this story has.
There are two Princes who have been competing with each other since birth. Their personalities are very different and the older one is intent on becoming King. The younger one assumes he’ll get it because he’s the oldest, so he doesn’t see what the problem is. It will become apparent before long. He doesn’t know the family loyalties are split.
This is a tale of right and wrong. The King is trying to partner with the near island so if they are invaded, they will fight together to survive. The Princess likes the youngest brother best but ends up being betrothed to the oldest. There’s a dangerous tiki, another Kahuna, and even Zombies before you get to the end. The King on the other island has an alchemist and they are slaughtering whales for the oil. That’s against local custom. How can he be stopped?
Full of legends with a touch of history, this tale is interesting and you get an island feel. Would you be brave enough to fight the undead and your brother both?
July 27, 2016
Legend and folklore come alive as Prince Ailani and his brother Nohoa accidentally unleash a curse when they stumble upon a tiki mask. Set five centuries ago in what we now call Hawaii, The Kingdom of Oceana follows Prince Ailani as he finds himself amongst the chaos of warring island kingdoms, sibling rivalry, spirit animals, and sorcerers. The magical elements of the book weave seamlessly into the story and Hawaiian backdrop, enforcing the myth-like tale.
Middle School students will enjoy the action and lore while also identifying with Prince Ailani's underlying struggles.
Two study guides are also available for the book. One study guide focuses on the science behind the story from volcanos to the formation of the islands themselves - great for building basic background knowledge for students who do not know much about the Hawaiian area. The second study guide dives into Hawaiian culture, mythology, literary devices, and provides an overview of the hero's journey - a handy resource for both teachers and students.
*A copy of this audiobook was provided free of charge for an honest review.
Middle School students will enjoy the action and lore while also identifying with Prince Ailani's underlying struggles.
Two study guides are also available for the book. One study guide focuses on the science behind the story from volcanos to the formation of the islands themselves - great for building basic background knowledge for students who do not know much about the Hawaiian area. The second study guide dives into Hawaiian culture, mythology, literary devices, and provides an overview of the hero's journey - a handy resource for both teachers and students.
*A copy of this audiobook was provided free of charge for an honest review.
April 28, 2016
The Kingdom of Oceana by Mitchell Charles is an intriguing and highly entertaining read. The story is beautifully told with lessons, planted deep into its enchanting plot. The characters are quite interesting. They come to life as well as their ancestral spirit animals and the danger that is brought upon them all. Inside this fascinating tale, readers will meet two brothers. Both do something that unleashes a curse onto their world. Adventure, exotic places and animals, as well as a unique culture, will drag readers head first into this novel. A journey every reader won't want to miss. Hawaii is the most beautiful places to travel to and now readers can go there by following these two brothers as the danger builds and the tensions boil. Overall, I loved reading this engaging YA novel. The threat of a thousand-year-old curse mixed in with mythology is always exciting to read about especially if Mitchell Charles writes it. The talent from this writer is amazing. I look forward to reading more by Mitchell Charles in the future.
February 6, 2017
Actual Rating: 3 1/2 stars out of 5.
One thing I found really interesting about this plot was how it almost seemed to... come in waves. It could’ve easily been divided into three or four sections or short stories, as the plotlines commenced, crescendoed, then slowly sloped downwards, the villain either vanquished or turned into an ally, before the next swell of the story began. Like an ocean, there were some days that were relatively calm, rather than roiling with danger and mystery, but because of the pleasant storytelling feel, the storyworld, and most of all, the MC (all of which I'll talk more about later ;) ), I was content to follow the water until the waves rose again.
If you'd like to read more of my thoughts on this book, you can find the full review on Verbosity Reviews.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book.
One thing I found really interesting about this plot was how it almost seemed to... come in waves. It could’ve easily been divided into three or four sections or short stories, as the plotlines commenced, crescendoed, then slowly sloped downwards, the villain either vanquished or turned into an ally, before the next swell of the story began. Like an ocean, there were some days that were relatively calm, rather than roiling with danger and mystery, but because of the pleasant storytelling feel, the storyworld, and most of all, the MC (all of which I'll talk more about later ;) ), I was content to follow the water until the waves rose again.
If you'd like to read more of my thoughts on this book, you can find the full review on Verbosity Reviews.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book.
February 6, 2017
Have you read a book and wished the story could have been reduced, oops no...rather extended into at least a few more pages? The Kingdom of Oceana is one such book, written for adult and children, alike. The author's love and enthusiasm for oceans clearly depicts the theme of the book.
(Read more reviews at my blog Ethereal Jinxed.)
Talk about adventure, love, jealousy, power, lessons, the book caters to everyone. The use of Hawaiian language adds an additional charm to the descriptive language, with a proper footer describing each such word. And the language never feels like it's too much. All in all, a must read on fantasy, oceans, oceanic creatures, coastlines, magic, curses, coral reefs etc.
In fact, the author's website has two study guides to accompany the book and it's simply perfect. Be it, the audiobook or the written one, I can sing praises for the flow and tone of both. Go for it!
(Read more reviews at my blog Ethereal Jinxed.)
Talk about adventure, love, jealousy, power, lessons, the book caters to everyone. The use of Hawaiian language adds an additional charm to the descriptive language, with a proper footer describing each such word. And the language never feels like it's too much. All in all, a must read on fantasy, oceans, oceanic creatures, coastlines, magic, curses, coral reefs etc.
In fact, the author's website has two study guides to accompany the book and it's simply perfect. Be it, the audiobook or the written one, I can sing praises for the flow and tone of both. Go for it!
April 24, 2016
I enjoyed the Hawaiian tribe/island nation setting of the 1500's with traditional lore, however having to check the asterisk for every word meaning detracted from the story somewhat for me personally, it was distracting. The story flowed well, the main character, Ailani, second born son of the king who just turned sixteen, is very level headed for his age, accepts counsel from the Kahuna (the king's advisor) readily, and overall is a likable character. I felt bad for him concerning his horrible brother and bipolar acting mother, and she's even worse because she's mercurial with malicious intent. I wish Momi, the beautiful princess from a northern island, was more present, especially for the somewhat abrupt ending, it would've been nice to see what happens to her. The story was interesting enough that I want to know what happens next.
July 19, 2016
3/5 stars
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This book is such a short read, and I wish it was longer. I really like the story, but it feels rushed and underdeveloped. Some conflicts over too quickly, and the danger are over too quickly. Our main character, Ailani, also feels really naive and keep making the same mistake over and over again. There's difference between kindness and naive. I really like how it doesn't feel like 1500s, it feels like some local myth that passed down generations to generations. And I really like the Hawaiian terms that appeared in the book! The terms and description make it really easy to imagine that I was there with the characters during this whole ordeal.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This book is such a short read, and I wish it was longer. I really like the story, but it feels rushed and underdeveloped. Some conflicts over too quickly, and the danger are over too quickly. Our main character, Ailani, also feels really naive and keep making the same mistake over and over again. There's difference between kindness and naive. I really like how it doesn't feel like 1500s, it feels like some local myth that passed down generations to generations. And I really like the Hawaiian terms that appeared in the book! The terms and description make it really easy to imagine that I was there with the characters during this whole ordeal.
May 19, 2016
The Kingdom of Oceana by Mitchell Charles is a young adult novel that takes place on Hawaii five centuries ago. It chronicles Prince Ailani and his brother Nahoa, who must figure out how to restore peace in the Kingdom of Oceana after unintentionally unleashing a curse. I liked seeing the characters’ bravery and perseverance; when things get difficult, they look for solutions instead of running away.
I was initially attracted to this book because of its Hawaiian theme. The author weaves Hawaiian terms into the story, and helpfully defines them with footnotes. The book’s exotic setting – added to its fantasy and adventure elements – make it an exciting story. It’s a fun book.
*I received this book for review*
I was initially attracted to this book because of its Hawaiian theme. The author weaves Hawaiian terms into the story, and helpfully defines them with footnotes. The book’s exotic setting – added to its fantasy and adventure elements – make it an exciting story. It’s a fun book.
*I received this book for review*
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January 22, 2017If only we could travel the places we read about! This book takes us to Hawaii. We are given insight into this beautiful island. It is not too long before the adventures ensues on the island and this story really takes shape.
I enjoyed the plot of the story and it gave me a broader appreciation for the culture. I know very little about Hawaii (it's one of the five states I have yet to visit!), so I really appreciated the exposure. The story line was interesting and kept my attention.
If you enjoy learning about new places then this may be the book for you. Thanks for the opportunity to review.
Disclaimer: I was awarded this book from the publisher. Though I did not pay for the book, the opinions are strictly my own.
I enjoyed the plot of the story and it gave me a broader appreciation for the culture. I know very little about Hawaii (it's one of the five states I have yet to visit!), so I really appreciated the exposure. The story line was interesting and kept my attention.
If you enjoy learning about new places then this may be the book for you. Thanks for the opportunity to review.
Disclaimer: I was awarded this book from the publisher. Though I did not pay for the book, the opinions are strictly my own.
May 25, 2016
Imagine a 16 year old growing up in the beautiful islands of Hawaii.... add a brother that helps you get into lots of trouble, and finally, unleash a cure that could destroy the kingdom you are suppose to be governing. For the princes of Oceana, it's time to step up and find a way to stop what they started.
Filled with mythological beasts and beings, The Kingdom of Oceana is a coming of age story that shows off the beauty of the islands as well as its rich culture and legends. The characters are typical boys trying to be the best they can while still remaining typical teens. Lots of adventure and thrills, this is perfect for teen readers and even adults
Filled with mythological beasts and beings, The Kingdom of Oceana is a coming of age story that shows off the beauty of the islands as well as its rich culture and legends. The characters are typical boys trying to be the best they can while still remaining typical teens. Lots of adventure and thrills, this is perfect for teen readers and even adults
December 1, 2016
The Kingdom of Oceana is a lovely read. The story is intriguing, the characters charming, and we learned a great deal about Hawaii. We found ourselves unable to put the book down; reading it in one afternoon.
May 17, 2017
Before I officially begin this review I wanted to thank BookPublicityServices for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I will not be giving away spoilers, so if you have not read the book then you're safe to read on. This book is available through ebook, kindle and paperback.
When I first read the synopsis for this book, I was pretty intrigued because it dealt with the sibling relationship featuring fantastical elements and romance. I've never read a YA book that was set in 5th century Hawaii, so I thought it was interesting to read a book surrounding the Hawaiian culture. In addition, I thought it was extremely helpful to have the definitions of some Hawaiian words throughout the novel. The definitions made the reading experience more worthwhile.
It's not often that I read about a main character who I can relate to more than anything else. Ailani is a shy boy who is destined for greatness but is constantly overshadowed by his older brother Naoha. The brothers do not get along very well and this is pretty much present throughout the book. I can personally relate to this notion as my older brother and I have this same type of relationship. In comparison to my older brother, I'm more shy and introverted, while my brother is more social and outgoing. I felt a connection with Ailani as our personalities and our ways of thinking are extremely similar. The sibling rivalry was an interesting relationship to read about because this type of relationship is not explored often in the YA genre and personally, I want to see this present more in YA.
I loved how romance was featured, but it wasn't the main focus of the story. Ailani meets a princess named Momi from another island and a connection grows between them. But the focus was more on defeating the curse rather than the romance. So hopefully in the sequel, there will be more of a romantic storyline between Ailani and Momi.
In terms of its plot, I found the pacing to be kinda slow in the beginning but I believe this is because of the world building and the introduction of characters. But by midway through, the book had picked up. I also found the ending to be a tad rushed and it could've gone on for a little bit longer. Also, the ending itself gave me the impression that there is going to be sequel coming out (which I believe this to be true according to other book reviewers).
Overall, I very much enjoyed this book and I hope more people read it. It is an entertaining story about sibling rivalry but also about someone who comes to terms with their fate. I loved the fantastical elements throughout the book which made it more complex and enjoyable to read. I would highly recommend this novel if you want an underrated young adult fantasy.
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You can also find this review on my blog: nicolehendersonreads.wordpress.com
When I first read the synopsis for this book, I was pretty intrigued because it dealt with the sibling relationship featuring fantastical elements and romance. I've never read a YA book that was set in 5th century Hawaii, so I thought it was interesting to read a book surrounding the Hawaiian culture. In addition, I thought it was extremely helpful to have the definitions of some Hawaiian words throughout the novel. The definitions made the reading experience more worthwhile.
It's not often that I read about a main character who I can relate to more than anything else. Ailani is a shy boy who is destined for greatness but is constantly overshadowed by his older brother Naoha. The brothers do not get along very well and this is pretty much present throughout the book. I can personally relate to this notion as my older brother and I have this same type of relationship. In comparison to my older brother, I'm more shy and introverted, while my brother is more social and outgoing. I felt a connection with Ailani as our personalities and our ways of thinking are extremely similar. The sibling rivalry was an interesting relationship to read about because this type of relationship is not explored often in the YA genre and personally, I want to see this present more in YA.
I loved how romance was featured, but it wasn't the main focus of the story. Ailani meets a princess named Momi from another island and a connection grows between them. But the focus was more on defeating the curse rather than the romance. So hopefully in the sequel, there will be more of a romantic storyline between Ailani and Momi.
In terms of its plot, I found the pacing to be kinda slow in the beginning but I believe this is because of the world building and the introduction of characters. But by midway through, the book had picked up. I also found the ending to be a tad rushed and it could've gone on for a little bit longer. Also, the ending itself gave me the impression that there is going to be sequel coming out (which I believe this to be true according to other book reviewers).
Overall, I very much enjoyed this book and I hope more people read it. It is an entertaining story about sibling rivalry but also about someone who comes to terms with their fate. I loved the fantastical elements throughout the book which made it more complex and enjoyable to read. I would highly recommend this novel if you want an underrated young adult fantasy.
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You can also find this review on my blog: nicolehendersonreads.wordpress.com
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