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Salt Water Blood
Not yet published
Expected 17 Nov 26An Indigenous teen fights to clear her brother of a murder charge by embracing her gift of hearing the sea’s prophetic thoughts in this debut young adult speculative thriller that’s Firekeeper’s Daughter meets Moana.
Eighteen-year-old Moe hears the sea’s prophetic thoughts. Not just hear them—she feels them. That’s how she experienced her father’s death before he did and how she felt her mother’s relief when she abandoned Moe and her younger brother, Tao, months later.
So when the sea warns Moe that Tao will drown, she’s determined to get in fate’s way and soon secures them a way off their island home. But those plans are ruined when Tao’s girlfriend goes missing and Tao is found where she was last seen…with blood on his hands—and no memory of what happened.
Moe will do anything she can to clear her brother’s name, even if it means swallowing her pride and teaming up with her annoyingly clever school rival, Temanea. Even if it means relying on the sea’s prophecies.
Because her dreaded gift may be the only way to save her brother—and uncover a sickness lurking in their community before it poisons them all.
Eighteen-year-old Moe hears the sea’s prophetic thoughts. Not just hear them—she feels them. That’s how she experienced her father’s death before he did and how she felt her mother’s relief when she abandoned Moe and her younger brother, Tao, months later.
So when the sea warns Moe that Tao will drown, she’s determined to get in fate’s way and soon secures them a way off their island home. But those plans are ruined when Tao’s girlfriend goes missing and Tao is found where she was last seen…with blood on his hands—and no memory of what happened.
Moe will do anything she can to clear her brother’s name, even if it means swallowing her pride and teaming up with her annoyingly clever school rival, Temanea. Even if it means relying on the sea’s prophecies.
Because her dreaded gift may be the only way to save her brother—and uncover a sickness lurking in their community before it poisons them all.
368 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication November 17, 2026
About the author
Manuia Heinrich
1 book38 followersManuia Heinrich is a writer of Tahitian and Chinese heritage. She holds a PhD in Pacific Studies and is an alumna of the We Need Diverse Books and New Zealand Society of Authors mentorship programs. She also cofounded Pacific Islanders in Publishing, a non-profit dedicated to amplifying Pacific Islanders’ voices. Salt Water Blood is her debut YA novel, forthcoming from Sarah Barley Books (S&S/NA) and Allen & Unwin (ANZ) in 2026. She lives with her family in Aotearoa New Zealand.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 12, 2025
Absolutely enchanting, perfect for people who love a good thriller with romantic undertones, humour and a bit of history. The storyline had me sat and I finished this book in 1 sitting. This is definitely one of my new favourite books and Temanea reminds me of Kenji from shatter me. Really recommend for hopeless romantic girls too.
Want to Read
January 10, 2025"Pitched for fans of Firekeeper's Daughter and Moana, Salt Water Blood is a speculative YA thriller following an older sister who is able to hear the sea's prophetic thoughts and must race against time to clear her brother's name before he's blamed for his girlfriend's disappearance and eventual murder. The mystery is set against the backdrop of mounting tension over the impact of France's nuclear testing on the people of Ma'ohi Nui (French Polynesia)."
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was not prepared for the emotional roller coaster that this book took me on.
Salt Water Blood is a YA speculative fiction thriller set in Ma'Ohi Nui (or the French Polynesian islands), and I did not want to put it down. Not only did the character dynamics remind me of Holly Jackson's A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, but I also loved how naturally the speculative elements were incorporated into the mystery plot. The speculative elements primarily involved Moana and Aru (the ocean and the forest) having chosen messengers whom they bless with visions and strange abilities, though there are also smaller forms of magic, like a shop that always gives you what you need, not what you want. In addition to fitting naturally into the plot, the speculative elements were also simply natural, as in they related directly to the environmental setting, made more important due to the commentary regarding France's nuclear tests that have affected the inhabitants of the Polynesian islands, and how France continues to evade responsibility. I really liked how unabashedly the book exposed these real-world issues, because I wasn't aware of them until now.
Moe is Moana's (the ocean's) chosen messenger, meaning she's been plagued with prophetic visions for her whole life, and now that the sea repeatedly shows her that her brother, Tao, will drown, she's determined to get him safely off the island. Before Moe and Tao can leave their home for good, however, Tao is accused of murdering his girlfriend, and with no memories of the night, he has no alibi. To clear Tao's name, Moe must team up with her school rival, Temanea, and embrace her visions from the sea. The plot is structured like a murder mystery, with Moe and Tem chasing leads and clearing the names of suspects as they try to prove Tao's innocence. The pacing was great throughout the book; I liked how early the stakes were established, with a clear timeline for added challenge. The mystery was also detailed enough that I didn't solidify a guess until about 2/3 of the way through, but foreshadowed well because I managed to guess the twist. The last 20% was super high-stakes and eventful, and I was genuinely very mad that I had to go to bed instead of finishing the book right then and there. The resolution to the main mysteries (and the smaller ones!) was satisfying, and I was hooked until the very last chapter. This is a standalone, and I don't know that the author could meaningfully expand it anymore, but I will definitely add this book to my list of future releases to reread.
As if the plot wasn't fun enough, I adored the complex relationships between all of the characters, and I especially adored the rivalry between Moe and Tem. Moe, our protagonist, is headstrong and logical, but I could relate to her competitive nature and emotional journey. I loved how much she cared for her brother, as well as her other companions on the island. We don't see as much of Tao on the page due to the nature of his plot arc, but I felt like I knew him well through Moe's descriptions, and I really liked the contrast between his dreamer nature and Moe's more realistic one. Tem, Moe's rival turned detective partner, made a super fun addition to the cast. His dynamics with Moe had me smiling and kicking my feet (and also screaming into a pillow at one point). They're honestly one of my top book duos of the year, and their banter, tension, and quiet loyalty to each other were just perfect for the story. I don't want to say too much about the side characters for the sake of preserving the mystery (I fear sharing my opinions on specific individuals may give away plot points), but all of them felt complex and filled with hidden depth, which was particularly great considering how many characters there were. They're all also tied together in incredibly detailed ways, and the mystery never felt dry because of it.
Salt Water Blood is a YA speculative thriller for readers who enjoy the character dynamics of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, mysteries with speculative elements, and deep connections to the real world.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC!
4.75/5
Salt Water Blood is a YA speculative fiction thriller set in Ma'Ohi Nui (or the French Polynesian islands), and I did not want to put it down. Not only did the character dynamics remind me of Holly Jackson's A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, but I also loved how naturally the speculative elements were incorporated into the mystery plot. The speculative elements primarily involved Moana and Aru (the ocean and the forest) having chosen messengers whom they bless with visions and strange abilities, though there are also smaller forms of magic, like a shop that always gives you what you need, not what you want. In addition to fitting naturally into the plot, the speculative elements were also simply natural, as in they related directly to the environmental setting, made more important due to the commentary regarding France's nuclear tests that have affected the inhabitants of the Polynesian islands, and how France continues to evade responsibility. I really liked how unabashedly the book exposed these real-world issues, because I wasn't aware of them until now.
Moe is Moana's (the ocean's) chosen messenger, meaning she's been plagued with prophetic visions for her whole life, and now that the sea repeatedly shows her that her brother, Tao, will drown, she's determined to get him safely off the island. Before Moe and Tao can leave their home for good, however, Tao is accused of murdering his girlfriend, and with no memories of the night, he has no alibi. To clear Tao's name, Moe must team up with her school rival, Temanea, and embrace her visions from the sea. The plot is structured like a murder mystery, with Moe and Tem chasing leads and clearing the names of suspects as they try to prove Tao's innocence. The pacing was great throughout the book; I liked how early the stakes were established, with a clear timeline for added challenge. The mystery was also detailed enough that I didn't solidify a guess until about 2/3 of the way through, but foreshadowed well because I managed to guess the twist. The last 20% was super high-stakes and eventful, and I was genuinely very mad that I had to go to bed instead of finishing the book right then and there. The resolution to the main mysteries (and the smaller ones!) was satisfying, and I was hooked until the very last chapter. This is a standalone, and I don't know that the author could meaningfully expand it anymore, but I will definitely add this book to my list of future releases to reread.
As if the plot wasn't fun enough, I adored the complex relationships between all of the characters, and I especially adored the rivalry between Moe and Tem. Moe, our protagonist, is headstrong and logical, but I could relate to her competitive nature and emotional journey. I loved how much she cared for her brother, as well as her other companions on the island. We don't see as much of Tao on the page due to the nature of his plot arc, but I felt like I knew him well through Moe's descriptions, and I really liked the contrast between his dreamer nature and Moe's more realistic one. Tem, Moe's rival turned detective partner, made a super fun addition to the cast. His dynamics with Moe had me smiling and kicking my feet (and also screaming into a pillow at one point). They're honestly one of my top book duos of the year, and their banter, tension, and quiet loyalty to each other were just perfect for the story. I don't want to say too much about the side characters for the sake of preserving the mystery (I fear sharing my opinions on specific individuals may give away plot points), but all of them felt complex and filled with hidden depth, which was particularly great considering how many characters there were. They're all also tied together in incredibly detailed ways, and the mystery never felt dry because of it.
Salt Water Blood is a YA speculative thriller for readers who enjoy the character dynamics of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, mysteries with speculative elements, and deep connections to the real world.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC!
4.75/5
July 14, 2026
4 ⭐️
On this dire journey to uncover answers to a mysterious tragedy, SALT WATER BLOOD is a terrifically written story shining with awareness and advocacy for Mā’ohi Nui. 🏝️
I enjoyed getting to know Vaeaga’s people and history, while also remaining extremely curious about what specifically happened and who exactly was involved. The interweaving of these elements were perfect! I was never sure with my guesses, with no information along the way pointing directly to the whos and the whys. The ending was unpredictable and deeply layered!
Another aspect to this book that I thoroughly enjoyed was the romantic subplot! I often feel like a side of romance is unnecessary in these types of stories, but the relationship unfolding here was just beautiful to witness 🥰 It was cute, fun, and essential to get the story going. Moe said it herself, but she really wouldn’t have made as much progress in her investigation if it weren’t for him <3
Our main character’s maturity was easily identifiable from the beginning. Given her upbringing of losing her parents (in different ways), caring for her brother, and hearing Moana’s thoughts, it feels natural to sympathize with Moe. Although she tries to be as sensible as possible, her impulsive emotions often redirect the paths of her decisions. Moe felt like a great example of an 18-year-old who was forced to grow up quicker than those around her. 🥹
I find myself wanting more, not in a way where the pages were insufficient, but in a way where I want to know Vaeaga beyond these awful circumstances!
To this day, France avoids accountability for the devastating impact they left on the people and area after testing nuclear weapons among these islands in the ‘60s to ‘90s. Manuia Heinrich says she wanted to contribute to the activists’ cause “even in a small way”—thank you for honoring Pacific activists in this BIG way!
Thank you so much to Simon Teen for the opportunity to read this fantastic book in exchange for my honest review! I’m excited for others to appreciate Moe’s story like I do 🤗 #SimonTeenInfluencer #SaltWaterBloodBook
Yours in Yellow,
T 💛
On this dire journey to uncover answers to a mysterious tragedy, SALT WATER BLOOD is a terrifically written story shining with awareness and advocacy for Mā’ohi Nui. 🏝️
I enjoyed getting to know Vaeaga’s people and history, while also remaining extremely curious about what specifically happened and who exactly was involved. The interweaving of these elements were perfect! I was never sure with my guesses, with no information along the way pointing directly to the whos and the whys. The ending was unpredictable and deeply layered!
Another aspect to this book that I thoroughly enjoyed was the romantic subplot! I often feel like a side of romance is unnecessary in these types of stories, but the relationship unfolding here was just beautiful to witness 🥰 It was cute, fun, and essential to get the story going. Moe said it herself, but she really wouldn’t have made as much progress in her investigation if it weren’t for him <3
Our main character’s maturity was easily identifiable from the beginning. Given her upbringing of losing her parents (in different ways), caring for her brother, and hearing Moana’s thoughts, it feels natural to sympathize with Moe. Although she tries to be as sensible as possible, her impulsive emotions often redirect the paths of her decisions. Moe felt like a great example of an 18-year-old who was forced to grow up quicker than those around her. 🥹
I find myself wanting more, not in a way where the pages were insufficient, but in a way where I want to know Vaeaga beyond these awful circumstances!
To this day, France avoids accountability for the devastating impact they left on the people and area after testing nuclear weapons among these islands in the ‘60s to ‘90s. Manuia Heinrich says she wanted to contribute to the activists’ cause “even in a small way”—thank you for honoring Pacific activists in this BIG way!
Thank you so much to Simon Teen for the opportunity to read this fantastic book in exchange for my honest review! I’m excited for others to appreciate Moe’s story like I do 🤗 #SimonTeenInfluencer #SaltWaterBloodBook
Yours in Yellow,
T 💛
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a great story to read!
I didn’t realize going in that this story would shine awareness on an important time in history, when France tested nuclear weapons on French Polynesia. Once I started reading though, I was so interested in uncovering the answers as to the mysterious tragedy presented in the book.
I appreciate that while the topics explored were important and informative, this was still an entertaining read overall. The romantic subplot was a lot of fun, lovely, and cute—I think a lot of teen readers will really enjoy it, as it doesn’t take away from the main plot at all.
Moe was an easy character to root for. She’s clearly a character who has to juggle a lot of responsibilities (and perhaps grow up too soon). She has a lot of emotions that help direct (or redirect) her decisions, which was totally understandable and believable.
All in all, I think a lot of people will enjoy this book! And I appreciate and respect the author for wanting to bring this situation to light through their writing.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing | Sarah Barley Books / Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for allowing me to read the eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
As a Pacific Islander, I was so excited to receive this ARC, and it was everything I hoped for!
Set on a fictional island inspired by French Polynesia, Salt Water Blood weaves real-life PI culture and history with my favorite elements of fantasy, romance, and mystery. Not only does Moe receive thoughts and visions from the ocean, but Moana (the sea) and Aru (the forest) act as powerful characters throughout the book. Moe and Temanea’s rivalry evolving into romance had me smiling along, and the whodunnit aspect kept me guessing until the very end (and still surprised me!).
But it was Moe’s inner journey that stuck with me most. Through her story, Manuia Heinrich shines a light on the dark colonial history of nuclear bombs in the Pacific—something that still impacts people today yet has largely gone ignored by the world. She offers a message of community and hope, and her characters find the voice to demand that Pacific Islanders be ignored no more.
Set on a fictional island inspired by French Polynesia, Salt Water Blood weaves real-life PI culture and history with my favorite elements of fantasy, romance, and mystery. Not only does Moe receive thoughts and visions from the ocean, but Moana (the sea) and Aru (the forest) act as powerful characters throughout the book. Moe and Temanea’s rivalry evolving into romance had me smiling along, and the whodunnit aspect kept me guessing until the very end (and still surprised me!).
But it was Moe’s inner journey that stuck with me most. Through her story, Manuia Heinrich shines a light on the dark colonial history of nuclear bombs in the Pacific—something that still impacts people today yet has largely gone ignored by the world. She offers a message of community and hope, and her characters find the voice to demand that Pacific Islanders be ignored no more.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC.
I first heard of this book at SDCC this summer and was intrigued by the description as a combination of "Fire Keeper's Daughter" and "Moana". The book does have some similar elements to "Fire Keeper's Daughter" - the primary plot involves the main character's brother being accused of a crime and unfolds against the back drop of the protagonist's struggle coming to terms with her cultural heritage. The story takes place around real historical events - the testing of nuclear weapons by France's government on the islands in French Polynesia and the lasting effects on the island's inhabitants. I enjoyed the aspects of magical realism and the way the main character's relationships with her family members evolved throughout the book. I will definitely be recommending this one!
I first heard of this book at SDCC this summer and was intrigued by the description as a combination of "Fire Keeper's Daughter" and "Moana". The book does have some similar elements to "Fire Keeper's Daughter" - the primary plot involves the main character's brother being accused of a crime and unfolds against the back drop of the protagonist's struggle coming to terms with her cultural heritage. The story takes place around real historical events - the testing of nuclear weapons by France's government on the islands in French Polynesia and the lasting effects on the island's inhabitants. I enjoyed the aspects of magical realism and the way the main character's relationships with her family members evolved throughout the book. I will definitely be recommending this one!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
i actually really flew through this and enjoyed it a lot after i pushed through the first 120 pages or so. this confused me a good bit at the beginning, but i really enjoyed the characters! especially temanea, he was soooo good and i loved their banter and rivalry. i definitely think this will be a very good read for teens! i loved that this was inspired by france testing nuclear weapons in french polynesia and want to do more research on that now that ive been made aware of it. i think this does a beautiful job of including something that affected people in real life and bringing light to it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Manuia Heinrich’s exceptional debut is richly embedded with stories and myths about the indigenous people of French Polynesia. Moe is such a sympathetic character and the story explores her relationships with her friends and her connection to the sea (Moana) with incredible compassion and nuance. I loved this magic system which was so closely linked with nature and how beautifully Heinrich integrated it with the very real impacts of French colonization and nuclear testing on the islands. I know this remarkable book will stay with me for a long time. Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Not a genre I usually reach for, but I had a great time with Salt Water Blood. It hooks you in with a compelling mystery and keeps things fun and light while weaving in some really lovely themes around connection to nature, land and memory. There’s also a thoughtful exploration of the impacts of colonialism on Indigenous communities. You will find a lot of heart in this book.
A sweet & entertaining read with a great sense of place and plenty of warmth. Definitely worth picking up if you’re looking for something fun that also has some depth under the surface!
A sweet & entertaining read with a great sense of place and plenty of warmth. Definitely worth picking up if you’re looking for something fun that also has some depth under the surface!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3.75, rounded up
These dates are approximate. This was a unique, informative mystery. It was fun to immerse myself in Moe’s world while also learning some (very sad) history. I liked the FMC and the MMC and liked them together. I didn’t predict the villain, but I never do 🤣 It was a lot of characters to keep track of, and I wonder if there will be a Persona Gratae (is that what they call it?) in front of the finished copy — I read an ARC. The middle was a little mushy for me, but otherwise this one was a fun and educational read.
These dates are approximate. This was a unique, informative mystery. It was fun to immerse myself in Moe’s world while also learning some (very sad) history. I liked the FMC and the MMC and liked them together. I didn’t predict the villain, but I never do 🤣 It was a lot of characters to keep track of, and I wonder if there will be a Persona Gratae (is that what they call it?) in front of the finished copy — I read an ARC. The middle was a little mushy for me, but otherwise this one was a fun and educational read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was an excellent mystery set in what was formally French Polynesia. This weaves the after effects of colonization with mythology and an engaging mystery. What's outrageous is France's atomic testing on island, not far from populated areas, not owning up to it and refusing to pay medical bills. What was equally compelling was Moe's relationship with the sea and her gift of prophecy and the lengths she will go to prevent her brother's drowning. This is perfect of readers of Angeline Boulley.
I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.
I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘔𝘢𝘯𝘶𝘪𝘢 𝘏𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘪𝘮𝘰𝘯 𝘛𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘦𝘴!
Salt Water Blood is an incredibly beautiful, moving, and emotional read that touches on real world issues for the indigenous communities of French Polynesia while navigating speculative twists. It didn't take long for me to cry or to find my jaw on the floor, as this book certainly keeps you on your toes. From the worldbuilding to the stunning prose to the gripping plot, this is a book that will sit with me for a long time. (4.5★)
Salt Water Blood is an incredibly beautiful, moving, and emotional read that touches on real world issues for the indigenous communities of French Polynesia while navigating speculative twists. It didn't take long for me to cry or to find my jaw on the floor, as this book certainly keeps you on your toes. From the worldbuilding to the stunning prose to the gripping plot, this is a book that will sit with me for a long time. (4.5★)
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What drew me to Salt Water Blood is that beneath the mystery and supernatural elements is a much bigger story about family, identity, community, Indigenous culture, and the lasting consequences of colonial violence.
A debut that looks like it has plenty to say and a story that will keep you turning pages.
A debut that looks like it has plenty to say and a story that will keep you turning pages.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Damn. 5⭐️
I’m ashamed to say I didn’t know there’d been nuclear bomb tests in the pacific. That sent me down a rabbit hole looking it all up. The book delivered, I kind of flee through it, the mystery took a turn i didnt expect. If the author writes a spin off about temanea or vincent it’s an instant buy. I’m obsessed with the setting kinda being alive. Now i want a pastry!
Thanks to the publisher for the arc .
I’m ashamed to say I didn’t know there’d been nuclear bomb tests in the pacific. That sent me down a rabbit hole looking it all up. The book delivered, I kind of flee through it, the mystery took a turn i didnt expect. If the author writes a spin off about temanea or vincent it’s an instant buy. I’m obsessed with the setting kinda being alive. Now i want a pastry!
Thanks to the publisher for the arc .
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This book was amazing! Truly incredible, and I couldn’t put it down. I loved the way that it felt like an escape, and the characters had so much depth. It shed light on real-world problems, while also being somewhat of a mystery. Highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A thriller in a paradise island definitely like it feels like a holiday trip with twists and I’ve learn some of the hidden part of pacific history highly recommend for any readers
Want to Read
September 17, 2026Thank you for choosing me to read and review this book. I look forward to receiving my copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Salt Water Blood delivers an atmospheric, high-stakes YA thriller that masterfully weaves Indigenous mythology with a gripping murder mystery. Moe’s unique bond with the prophetic sea makes for a mesmerizing magic system, adding an immersive sense of dread to every step of her investigation. The forced-proximity partnership with her rival, Temanea, brings just the right amount of spark and banter to balance the heavy family trauma and dark community secrets. While a few of the mystery reveals felt slightly rushed toward the end, the lush setting and fiercely protective sibling dynamic completely won me over. A solid 4-star debut that perfectly scratches that speculative thriller itch!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews