Author Linda Ballou's thoroughly researched novel shines in its detail about pre-Captain Cook Hawaiian culture. She effortlessly weaves into her narrative details of the customs, gods, war campaigns, hunting, celebrations, spirits, taboos and flora and fauna of early Hawaii. The lavish colors of Hawaii literally jump off each page as she takes the reader on an inside tour of the famous islands. Reading about Wai-Nani's special relationship with the dolphins below the water is an additional treat.

Kudos to Linda Ballou for delivering vivid imagery, historical detail, emotional impact, tragedy and triumph with such sensual beauty. I have never seen Hawaii. Wai-nani makes me want to visit.

Press in to really "get" this book. Wai-nani's story is told in a hypnotic, fairy-tale or high legend voice that took me a chapter or two to get into--but once I did, I was fascinated with the way Linda Ballou had taken us into the intimate and unknown world of the Hawaiian people through the eyes of an unforgettable heroine. Wai-nani is fierce, passionate, and deeply connected to the land and ocean--and to her complex and multi-faceted warrior husband. It reminded me how fully developed the civilization of the Hawaiian people was, and how large their population, before the fateful arrival of "Kapena Kuke" and his "floating heiau."

Thanks for this journey to another time and a Hawaii seen through a princess of its people.Toby Neal, Author

Wai-nani tells the love story of the first High Chiefess of Hawaii, and the fierce, great warrior and magnificent ruler, Makaha, who unified the Hawaiian islands in the late 18th Century. Wai-nani emerges as a young, beautiful, strong, powerful, and "Free-Spirited" modern woman in an ancient society. She is a woman before her time, who rose to a position (Kuhina-Nui) no other had risen before her, and one who helped bring about changes that elevated the status of women. She loves the sea and her dolphin friends, where she finds peace, solitude, and comfort from the harsh traditions imposed on her and her people. She defies the 'kapus' (taboos) of the time and wishes and vows one day to see the savage ways of the long-ago lifted, where men and women can sit together and share their joys and troubles without the fear of the death-dealing Kahunas.

Linda Ballou has done extensive research on the history of the characters and Hawaii and gives the reader blow-by-blow details in a flowery, poetic, and interesting language. She manages to intertwine a love story with historical facts and has done a superb job. She narrates the story through Wai-nani's eyes and experiences, and she makes it all come alive for the reader. I found myself transported into an ancient world where human sacrifices were common and where people were put to death for disobeying the laws. I felt as if I was present in the lives of the common people, the warriors, and the royal families of the time, as well as in the midst of the lush valleys and beautiful sand beaches and mountains of the Islands.

Although this is a story of the past, Linda manages to bring out the human emotions, feelings, and struggles of the present in all of us, which transcend times and cultures. I found the book educational and very entertaining. Make sure you look up the glossary at the end of the book before you get started, it will make it easier to follow the unfamiliar words, names, and places of the Hawaiian culture.