Dragonfruit

By: Makiia Lucier

Narrated by: Mapuana Makia

• One of NPR's 2024 ""Books We Love""
• A New York Public Library Best Book of 2024

From acclaimed author Makiia Lucier, a dazzling, romantic fantasy inspired by Pacific Island mythology.

In the old tales, it is written that the egg of a seadragon, dragonfruit, holds within it the power to undo a person’s greatest sorrow. But as with all things that offer hope when hope had gone, the tale came with a warning.

Every wish demands a price.

Hanalei of Tamarind is the cherished daughter of an old island family. But when her father steals a seadragon egg meant for an ailing princess, she is forced into a life of exile. In the years that follow, Hanalei finds solace in studying the majestic seadragons that roam the Nominomi Sea. Until, one day, an encounter with a female dragon offers her what she desires most. A chance to return home, and to right a terrible wrong.

Samahtitamahenele, Sam, is the last remaining prince of Tamarind. But he can never inherit the throne, for Tamarind is a matriarchal society. With his mother ill and his grandmother nearing the end of her reign. Sam is left with two choices: to marry, or to find a cure for the sickness that has plagued his mother for ten long years. When a childhood companion returns from exile, she brings with her something he has not felt in a very long time—hope.

But Hanalei and Sam are not the only ones searching for the dragonfruit. And as they battle enemies both near and far, there is another danger they cannot escape…that of the dragonfruit itself.

©2024 Makiia Lucier (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers

Tattoos are cool

I really liked the idea of tattoos coming to life - that was really neat. The rest, however, I had a hard time fully enjoying.

Many things felt glossed over and I never truly understood the act of killing sea dragons. They seemed like a being to be revered and yet they were constantly being hunted and their eggs smashed. It felt like a very natural thing vs something like poaching. Idk it just didn't feel like it worked for me.

I could keep reading about people magically getting tattoos that move all day though haha

A Beautiful Read for Dragon Lovers

I fell in love with the characters, the dragons, and the islands. I cried at a certain point and my heart was warmed by others. I was hesitant to start this because I'm normally a fan of more action, but this had me riveted from the start and I'm so happy I had the pleasure of experiencing such an amazing novel.

Really different in a good way

I would say this is more a YA read but I enjoyed it. I love the Polynesian feel to the story being Hawaiian and from Hawaii. childhood friends to lovers. And did I mention DRAGONS! if you want a fresh new fantasy with a bit of romance you will definitely enjoy this read.

Beautiful story

Such a beautiful book! It’s a bright, colorful story that’s easy to follow and enjoyable from start to finish! Definitely recommend this one if you’re looking for a quick listen! The narrator is fantastic, she really captures the emotions of all the characters!

Great listen

Clean story great for any age listener. There is loss and grief and mild romance.

I love who read this book

It’s a great adventure w dragons! Great for a young adult. I love the woman who read the book. He voice gave dynamics and was soothing and she cared for the story. Well done!

A Great Story

I loved everything that was here and as a Chamorro author myself I’m so proud this exists. While I loved everything I wanted everything to have more time. The book felt too short which is a good problem to have. But it was refreshing to say the least to have a Pacific Islander fantasy. The dragons were great and I came to love the magic system. Moreover, I found the main characters compelling, especially Sam. Their relationship was one I got a lot of comfort and enjoyment just being in and watching. I loved this book. It’s a great book and I hope we see more of this world

Great world building & So much potential but falls flat

I was initially drawn into Dragon Fruit by its intriguing world-building and rich cultural mythology, which showed a lot of promise. However, the story fell short in character development and plot resolution. The main character had a conflict that could have provided a profound emotional journey, but it was resolved too easily. Her estranged family resolved and the unclaimed riches. The quest for the dragon's egg, which seemed significant, concluded with a simplistic twist. This 'happily ever after' felt unearned and left me feeling unsatisfied. While the setting was captivating and the journey was fun, it built up anticipation that ultimately led to a letdown.

Such a sweet tale

I adore this very G rated beautiful story after listening to several back-to-back race stories this kind, gentle fantastic stories was just what my old head needed. There’s no swearing in the story. There’s no racy sex scenes. All ages can read this. It’s beautiful. Encourage anyone with a little imagination and love Hawaii in their heart to give it a go.🐉💕🌺

Great escape from reality

I really liked the world building and the magic system. The narrator was great, too.