Synopsis "Splintered Paddle: a Novel of Kamehameha the Great"
Set in 1790 Hawaiian Islands, Kamehameha the Great continues his battles to conquer chiefs and unite the islands. Eight years of battle had led to a stalemate. When Captain Cook arrived in the late 1800s, he found people living in the Stone Age: no metals existed, just wood and stone, and fought in close quarters. Kamehameha saw Captain Cook's people destroy a village in retaliation for the murder of Captain Cook, and recognized the value of the noisy weapons of cannon and musket that could "kill from afar". The historical novel begins. Kalani-Moku-Tana, a seventeen-year-old orphan, enters the warrior school of Kamehameha in order to become a heroic warrior and win land as a "black chief". If he fails, his mother and sisters face a life of slavery. He learns the skills of slinging spears and rocks, and battle with shark-toothed wooden clubs, is bullied for not having a genealogy of status, faces a wild boar, slides over the edge of a cliff, and is a target of the treachery of others. When he excels in a contest, he finally becomes a warrior for Kamehameha. A young slave boy describes the horror of human sacrifices before battles to ensure victory. Kalani rescues two British sailors from angry villagers intent on a revenge killing. They teach him about Western cannon and muskets, and American Revolution battle strategies. Kalani is placed in charge of the new weapons. Many historic and dramatic battles challenge Kalani as Kamehameha fights on the islands of Hawaii and Maui at their unique geographical features of mountains, plains, ocean, and a volcano. But the most frightening moments for Kalani were the temple (heiau) rituals of human sacrifices before each battle. He struggles to understand and accept sacrifices in order to be a hero and get land to rescue his family, but fears for his friend, the slave. Then he hears Kamehameha announce the Law of the Splintered Paddle: "Let every elderly person, woman and child lie by the roadside in safety." His warrior status brings the attention of a princess, a royal wife, and others. Even love, he learns, can be as dangerous as battle. Kirkus Reviews of Author Bill Fernandez: "In this rip-roaring tale, Bill Fernandez...has done his research. His narrative is rich in small details of island life before the impact of Western civilization...there is endless intrigue...An action-packed adventure, a wealth of historical and cultural minutiae, and an engaging protagonist." "Fernandez...a native Hawaiian, is an authentic voice...for the turbulent history..." "Action scenes are Fernandez's forte..." "Plot twists come thick and fast." READER REVIEW: "...to call it superb would be an understatement...awestruck by your deep knowledge of the history, context, cultural tapestry and chivalry...captured the soul of your characters...truly marvelous...truly inspiring...Your books are an indelible legacy to your very existence." D. Bal, Kauai
