Splintered Paddle

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 found the islands the people lived in the Stone Age: no metals existed so all weapons were made of wood and stone and fought in close quarters. When Kamehameha saw the destruction of a village on the island of Hawaii in retaliation for Captain Cook's killing, he 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 be awarded 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. He is bullied for not having a genealogy that brings status, faces a dangerous 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. He also meets a young slave boy who describes the horror of human sacrifices performed before battles to ensure victory. Kalani rescues two British sailors from angry villagers intent on a revenge killing. The sailors teach him about Western cannon and muskets as well as the American Revolution battle strategies, and 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. Kalani 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 him to 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: "Fernandez...a native Hawaiian, is an authentic voice...for the turbulent history..." "Action scenes are Fernandez's forte..." "Plot twists come thick and fast."