A review by annegoodreads
Sharks in the Time of Saviors by Kawai Strong Washburn

dark lighthearted sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Sharks in the Time of Saviors by Kawai Strong Washburn is a look at the folklore of Hawaii.  I loved learning about the different gods, their connection to the land, and the struggles of indigenous Hawaiians.  A family of 5 lives on Honoka struggles to make ends meet even though both Mom and Dad (Augie and Malia) work.  The three siblings (Dean, Kaui, and Nainoa) have the usual sibling rivalries.  Nainoa (Noa) has healing powers which the parents take advantage of by collecting payment from those who come to be healed.  Noa’s gift is also a curse for him though.  The story was just long and drawn out.  It had all sorts of intricacies on the 4 other family members' lives which were irrelevant to the ultimate storyline.  The mother’s story is told in the second person which was weird.  The book also has odd sex scenes.  It was interesting and different.  Let’s just say it’s one of those families which make you think yours may not be so odd.  I’m just not smart enough to appreciate the literary aspect of the book.  
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