Dragonfruit by Makii Lucier. Clarion Books, 2024. 9780358272106
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5
Format: Hardcover
Genre: Fantasy
What did you like about the book? A new addition to the growing number of books by AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) authors, this book features Pacific Island characters, magical tattoos, a strong heroine, and seadragons. What’s not to love?
Tamarind is a matriarchal island in the Nominomi Sea but the queen is getting old and the princess has been in a coma since being poisoned ten years ago. The only thing that may save her is dragonfruit, the egg of a seadragon. But a dragonfruit is nearly impossible to find since seadragons hide them once they are laid.
When Princess Oliana was poisoned she wasn’t alone; her young page Hanalei was also poisoned. Hanalei’s father stole the last dragonfruit that had been located and used it to save her life, but because of what he did, they left Tamarind and lived in exile. Sadly Hanalei lost her father shortly after their escape and she ended up alone and had to survive on her own at only eight years old. Now, 10 years later, she is back on Tamarind.
This is an exciting and highly appealing story featuring a strong heroine and hero, showing the value of home and family, and as with the best stories, has surrounding characters that are key to the plot. There is danger and sorrow, breathtaking action, and piratical seadragon hunters. It’s a stand-alone, but it will leave you wanting more of Hanalei and Sam.
Anything you didn’t like about it? No
To whom would you recommend this book? Fans of Tahereh Mafi and Sabaa Tahir, and all kinds of fantasy, and mythology will enjoy this novel.
Who should buy this book? Middle and High schools, and public libraries,
Where would you shelve it? MG/YA Fantasy
Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Yes
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Maria Touet, Malden Catholic High School, Malden MA
Date of review: April 23, 2024
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