Dragonfruit

By: Makiia Lucier

Narrated by: Mapuana Makia

• An Asian/Pacific American Award Honor Book
• A USA TODAY bestseller
• One of NPR's 2024 ""Books We Love""
• A Kirkus Best Book of 2024
• A School Library Journal Best Book of 2024
• A New York Public Library Best Book of 2024

From acclaimed author Makiia Lucier, a dazzling, romantic fantasy inspired by Pacific Island mythology.

In the old tales, it is written that the egg of a seadragon, dragonfruit, holds within it the power to undo a person’s greatest sorrow. But as with all things that offer hope when hope had gone, the tale came with a warning.

Every wish demands a price.

Hanalei of Tamarind is the cherished daughter of an old island family. But when her father steals a seadragon egg meant for an ailing princess, she is forced into a life of exile. In the years that follow, Hanalei finds solace in studying the majestic seadragons that roam the Nominomi Sea. Until, one day, an encounter with a female dragon offers her what she desires most. A chance to return home, and to right a terrible wrong.

Samahtitamahenele, Sam, is the last remaining prince of Tamarind. But he can never inherit the throne, for Tamarind is a matriarchal society. With his mother ill and his grandmother nearing the end of her reign. Sam is left with two choices: to marry, or to find a cure for the sickness that has plagued his mother for ten long years. When a childhood companion returns from exile, she brings with her something he has not felt in a very long time—hope.

But Hanalei and Sam are not the only ones searching for the dragonfruit. And as they battle enemies both near and far, there is another danger they cannot escape…that of the dragonfruit itself.

A Beautiful Read for Dragon Lovers

I fell in love with the characters, the dragons, and the islands. I cried at a certain point and my heart was warmed by others. I was hesitant to start this because I'm normally a fan of more action, but this had me riveted from the start and I'm so happy I had the pleasure of experiencing such an amazing novel.

The sea dragons

It felt like the journey was pointless since the healing ended up coming from the main character and not the eggs at all.

Tattoos are cool

I really liked the idea of tattoos coming to life - that was really neat. The rest, however, I had a hard time fully enjoying.

Many things felt glossed over and I never truly understood the act of killing sea dragons. They seemed like a being to be revered and yet they were constantly being hunted and their eggs smashed. It felt like a very natural thing vs something like poaching. Idk it just didn't feel like it worked for me.

I could keep reading about people magically getting tattoos that move all day though haha

Really different in a good way

I would say this is more a YA read but I enjoyed it. I love the Polynesian feel to the story being Hawaiian and from Hawaii. childhood friends to lovers. And did I mention DRAGONS! if you want a fresh new fantasy with a bit of romance you will definitely enjoy this read.

Beautiful story

Such a beautiful book! It’s a bright, colorful story that’s easy to follow and enjoyable from start to finish! Definitely recommend this one if you’re looking for a quick listen! The narrator is fantastic, she really captures the emotions of all the characters!