Action Packed Adventure in The Kingdom of Oceana Novel

We received a teen novel recently for our #MelandNikkiReview and even though Nikki is too young to enjoy a novel, it gave me the opportunity to read one on my own.

The Kingdom of Oceana by Mitchell Charles takes us on an action-packed journey in Hawaii.

“When 16-year-old Prince Ailani and his brother Nahoa trespass on a forbidden burial ground and uncover an ancient tiki mask, they unleash a thousand-year-old curse that threatens to destroy their tropical paradise.

As warring factions collide for control of Oceana, it sparks an age-old conflict between rival sorcerers that threatens to erupt-just like Mauna Kea, the towering volcano. With the help of his ancestral spirit animals, his shape shifting sidekick, and a beautiful princess, Prince Ailani must overcome his own insecurities, a lifetime of sibling rivalry, and a plague of cursed sea creatures brought forth by the tiki’s spell.” (Novel Synopsis)

I give this book a 5 lilikoi (passion fruit) out of 5 as I love the way the author is descriptive on the island details, use of Hawaiian language and culture in the story. It gives the reader the opportunity to feel like they are in the beautiful island. The action-pack story is great and keeps you wondering on what is going to happen next. I recommend this novel for youth 12 and older.

I had the honor and opportunity to interview the author to get some great interesting facts for my loyal readers and fans.

1. How did you begin writing?

I began writing The Kingdom of Oceana after spending prolonged periods of time in Hawaii. I was captivated by the natural beauty and wonderful people of the Islands.

2. What motivates you as an Author?

To create great characters and stories that are woven into themes that are important to me. These themes include family, honoring and protecting the great creatures of the ocean, and respect for indigenous cultures.

3. What inspired you to write The Kingdom of Oceana?

My two teenage children.

4. Is there a message in your book that you would like your audience to know?

There is more to Hawaii than big hotels, golf courses and Mai Tais. The Hawaiian culture is wonderful.

5. What authors do you like to read? What book or books have had a strong influence on you or your writing?

I read a lot, both fictional and non-fiction. The book that has most influenced me is The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho.

6. What makes you passionate about being an Author?

I love to tell stories and had so much fun creating the magical world of ancient Hawaii.

7. Do you have another book in the works? If so, what can we expect?

Yes. I’m working on a sequel to The Kingdom of Oceana, and another novel that takes place in modern day Hawaii.

8. Is there anything else you would like to add for your fans?

My favorite version of the book is the audiobook. Rayton Lamay, who was born on the Island of Lanai, does such a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life. It was important to me to have a native Hawaiian do the narration so that the dialect was authentic.

Special thank you to Mitchell Charles for his time on this exclusive interview for Momma Braga fans. Make sure to follow him on Facebook and Twitter to see what comes up next.

To purchase this great novel for a teenager in your family, click here.

Until next time…Happy Parenting!

– Momma Braga