"Adults seeking books containing discussion points about bigger-picture ecological and magical thinking, as well as revised definitions of good and evil, will find Islanders an excellent choice that comes steeped in Hawaiian culture, mythology, and legends."
"This is an excellent read for elementary students and young adults, packed with humor, fun banter, and adorable illustrations showcasing the creatures we meet along the way. Islanders is clearly a product of love... love of nature, love of Hawaii, and love of good storytelling.
"Islanders will strike you as a cross between The Jungle Book and Moana. Islanders is enormously entertaining, and its arrival now gives it an added sense of relevance and inspiration. The tale deeply respects the myths that have inspired it. It's a must-read for people of all ages, a series that you will look forward to and recommend to others."
"Islanders is a middle-school romp through Hawaii. The most charming aspect of the book for this reviewer was the introduction of Hawaiian words as a natural part of the dialogue. Definitions in English are provided, so one doesn't get lost."
"I THOROUGHLY enjoyed your book! I loved the combination of history, lore, education, entertainment...and I absolutely loved Eleu and Molawa."
HONOLULU (KITV4) -- Author James Eldridge and his illustrator brother Rick are bringing the culture, mythology, adventure, and beauty of their native Hawaii to young readers everywhere with their debut fantasy novel, “Islanders,” the first installment in Their Pacific Chronicles series. Cynthia Yip got a chance to talk story with James about the novel.
Author James Eldridge and his illustrator brother Rick are bringing the culture, mythology, adventure, and beauty of their native Hawaii to young readers everywhere with their debut fantasy novel, “Islanders,” the first installment in Their Pacific Chronicles series.
After a near-fatal experience with COVID in 2021 -- including 45 days on a ventilator in the ICU, multiple blood transfusions, being in an induced coma and having several life-saving surgeries, James's road to recovery was both mentally and physically challenging.
He and his illustrator brother Rick combined forces for a two-part mission: to put the harrowing personal pandemic ordeal behind them, and to bring the culture, mythology, adventure, and beauty of their native Hawaii to young readers everywhere.
The end result was with their debut middle-grade fantasy novel, Islanders, in the The Pacific Chronicles series.
Taking place on the island of O’ahu, Islanders follows eleven-year-old Kilikina and her brother, fourteen-year-old Kaimana, who unknowingly are given access to a secret world, Humaia Awāwa, a legendary paradise within the Hawaiian Islands. Gifted with unexpected magical abilities, the siblings find themselves on an adventure, one in which they experience the interconnectedness of the world around them and begin to learn firsthand about the islands’ vast history and traditions.
If you would like more information about author James Eldridge, illustrator Richard Eldridge and The Pacific Chronicles: Islanders, along with book merchandise, contact thepacificchronicles@gmail.com or visit PacificChronicles.com. Illustrations found in the book are available on Opensea.io as 1/1 NFTs.
