Reviews - Sharks in the Time of Saviors

1.99k reviews for:

Sharks in the Time of Saviors

Kawai Strong Washburn

3.89 AVERAGE

literarylaila's review against another edition

4.25

challenging hopeful mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

the_other_aenor's review against another edition

4.0

emotional hopeful sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

katenesbit's review against another edition

3.0

An epic, innovative story told by different members of a native Hawaiian family. I found some of the narrative voices more compelling than others.

etrain's review against another edition

3.75

emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

emily_nelson's review against another edition

4.0

I would definitely add this to your list if you haven't yet. A gorgeous and hugely absorbing family saga infused with magical realism and Hawai'ian mythology. One of the most original books I've read in a while, and I was transfixed all the way through. I felt that the ending got a little too loose and mystical for me, and I lost the plot a bit. But for most of it, I was hooked by the story of a boy gifted with godly powers and how his family fractures and forms in response to it. Read it!!

readingwithkelsey's review against another edition

4.0

I did not know what to expect when going into this novel and I was pleasantly surprised. I am a big fan of family saga books so as soon as I realized that the narrative structure was framed as such, I knew I was going to enjoy this book. The writing of the novel immediately pulled me in; not only because it felt magical but also because each individual character POV in the novel felt real and distinct from one another. There was not one perspective that I did not enjoy listening to because each character and chapter was key to understanding this family and their story. I won't focus too much on the plot because I really feel like this is one that you just need to dive right into. This novel really focuses on issues of class, race, poverty while also focusing on the importance of old cultural beliefs. I found it to be moving (especially as I listened to this one on audio - the narrators did a fantastic job!).