That Which Feeds Us

by Keala Kendall

A native Hawaiian teen travels to a luxury island resort in search of her missing twin and uncovers the dark side of paradise, in this YA supernatural thriller that's Mexican Gothic meets She is a Haunting.

For the world’s wealthiest, Kōpaʻa Island Resort is more than a destination. It’s the ultimate escape. With no cell service or Wi-Fi, the Hawaiian island is a coveted wellness retreat renowned for its persimmon orchard and promises of rejuvenation.

But their dream vacation is Lehua’s nightmare. When her twin sister, Ohia, goes missing, Lehua follows her trail to Kōpaʻa to find her. Instead, Lehua is cut off from civilization—and help—after the island’s boat leaves without her, stranding her with the resort’s lavish guests and enigmatic staff.

As Lehua investigates Ohia’s disappearance, she discovers her missing sister isn’t the island’s only mystery. Kōpaʻa’s rich exterior and sweet persimmons hide its dark plantation past. And Lehua can’t ignore the dreams haunting her each night—nor the warning telling her to leave the island at once. To uncover what happened to Ohia, Lehua will have to unearth the island’s bloody history and face the horrors that lurk within its sugarcane fields—or risk being consumed by them.

Sharply observed and gorgeously written, That Which Feeds Us explores the true cost of paradise as Lehua must fight to reclaim the land, the stories, and the very souls of her people.

Genres: Horror, Young Adult, Queer, Thriller, Gothic, Paranormal, YA Horror

352 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication May 5, 2026

About the author

Keala Kendall (pronounced: kay-ah-luh) is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of How Far I’ll Go and Nobody Gets Left Behind in Disney's A Twisted Tales series, and That Which Feeds Us: A Hawaiian Gothic. Hapa Native Hawaiian, she is a cofounder of Pacific Islanders in Publishing and a past organizer of the Books for Maui charity auction.

Born in Honolulu, raised on Molokaʻi, she now lives as part of the Native Hawaiian diaspora in Los Angeles. To learn more about Keala, visit her at kealakendall.com or @kealakendall on Instagram and TikTok.

Reviews

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the best I’ve read in a while!!! Cannot wait to get my hardcover and re read when it comes back. Thank you to netgalley and Keala Kendall for letting me have this early ebook. I need to read more Hawaiian gothic tales. The story rocks

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

You’re in for a serious treat with this book (and you will never look at persimmons the same way again).

This is a horror debut that deftly balances colonial atrocities with their lingering specter in modern day—the exploitation of Hawai’i and its people, the mistreatment of the land, and the people who rewrite history for their own benefit. It’s like White Lotus meets Mexican Gothic, with forays into real and terrifying histories. It’s elegantly written, haunting, and will keep you awake at night long after you’ve finished it.

But in some ways, it’s also fun. From Lehua’s descent into the dark underbelly of an idyllic resort and the ugly secrets its guests conceal, to unsettling encounters with what might be supernatural, it’s a book that hit the perfect amount of creepy for me.

Put everything Keala writes on your TBR forever. I’m early awaiting her next Hawaiian haunting!

[Liana Gold]

A Pacific Islander/YA thriller suspense thriller set in Hawaii.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Random House Children’s Books and the author, Keala Kendall for the early eARC!

Publication date: May 26, 2026

[Viktor · Rating 5 out of 5]

That Which Feeds Us is a masterclass in survival, colonial, and eco horror that follows a teen twin, Lehua, as she searches for her sister Ohia after disappearing from a job she took in their native Hawaiian homeland. The resort Lehua investigates is populated by rich White people who find new and increasingly disturbing ways to feed off the land and people they’re occupying… to the detriment of everyone. This text is heavy on indigenous people and stories, and is an incredibly rich story because of it. The loss, justice, and sense of "home' are all key aspects that are explored and I thought this book did a phenomenal job tackling all those items in a way that can resonate with ALL readers. I stayed up late to finish this in one sitting - the horrors and character complexities rival most adult horror I read, so I think fans of Andrew Joseph White and Ryan LaSala would enjoy this work by Keala Kendall.

[Erin Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨✨✨You had me at Hawaiian Gothic!!!✨✨✨

That Which Feeds Us is a beautiful YA gothic horror/thriller with a powerful message about the atrocities committed against native Hawaiians that you won’t soon forget!!

I loved this story! I don’t think I’ve ever read a horror novel set in Hawaii before. A gothic book set in Hawaii is definitely unique and right up my alley! The atmosphere in this book is so spot on. I enjoyed this one so much!

I really liked the FMC Lehua and felt for her while she was searching for her missing twin. I absolutely LOVED the blend of Hawaiian folklore and a bit of supernatural, mixed with such a poignant and important message. I absolutely LOVED the ending too!!!

I am so impressed with how well the author tackled some major topics all wrapped up in such an entertaining and well done book and without being preachy. 👏

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review. This book is expected to be released May 5, 2026.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

*thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free early copy in exchange for an honest review!

This honestly might be my favorite book of the year so far, and I do not say that lightly.

That Which Feeds Us follows Lehua as she travels to a luxury Hawaiian resort in search of her missing twin sister. But when she gets there, she learns the island of Kōpa’a is more than just a retreat for the wealthy, and is hiding more than just her sister.

Lehua has to risk uncovering the islands secrets, or risk being consumed by them.

This book blends the horror elements with the Hawaiian history and landscape so perfectly I felt as if I were there experiencing everything Lehua was. Kendall does an amazing job in her writing of immersing you into the heart of the story. From Lehua seeing her homeland for the first time to seeing the horrors that greed, selfishness, and colonialism brings I was sold.

Page after page, I hungered for more and couldn’t wait to see where the story would go next. I would say this book is an upper YA to New Adult, as Lehua is 19 and the story gets pretty dark. It does not shy away from the darkness that is Kōpa’a Island Resort.

I don’t want to give away too much, but I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys horror, especially botanical and ones that focus on colonialism. And maybe make sure to stay away from persimmons while eating.

[Nicole Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Books for Young Readers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

“That Which Feeds Us” by Keala Kendall is a haunting, furious, and beautifully written debut that exposes the rot beneath the fantasy of paradise. Set on a secluded luxury resort in Hawaiʻi, the story combines horror, history, and folklore to confront the violence of colonialism and the ghosts it leaves behind, both literal and figurative. There is some blood and gore in this book (mainly at the end). With the MC being 19, I recommend this book for older YA readers; this book may be considered NA as well.

When nineteen-year-old Lehua’s twin sister, Ohia, goes missing, Lehua follows her trail to Kōpaʻa Island Resort, an ultra-exclusive wellness retreat for the world’s wealthiest elite. With no cell service, no Wi-Fi, and only one boat in and out, the island promises peace and rejuvenation to its guests. For Lehua, it becomes a trap. When she is stranded on the island, she is forced to search for her sister among indulgent tourists, guarded staff, and a landscape that feels increasingly hostile and alive.

As Lehua digs deeper, the island’s beauty curdles. Human bones surface in the sugarcane fields, ghosts of Native Hawaiian laborers walk the land, and Lehua begins seeing and hearing things that defy explanation. The supernatural elements are chilling and visceral, with moments of blood and gore that provide a brutal message. Kendall’s depiction of ghosts is especially striking: corporeal, present, and bound to the land they were brutalized for defending. These spirits are not just haunting; they are demanding to be remembered.

The story is steeped in Hawaiian history and folklore, with an author’s note that grounds the story in real atrocities committed against Native Hawaiians. Kendall makes it painfully clear that what happened on Kōpaʻa reflects real patterns of land theft, racism, and erasure that persist today. The resort’s persimmon orchard, which is sweet, cultivated, and deeply unsettling, becomes a potent symbol of how paradise is built on suffering.

Lehua is a compelling protagonist, driven by grief, rage, and an unbreakable bond with her sister. Her bisexual identity is thoughtfully included, and while a brief love triangle feels rushed and somewhat out of place given the urgency of her search, it never overtakes the core of the story. At its heart, this is a story about sisterhood, legacy, and the lengths one will go to reclaim what was stolen. Lehua’s willingness to risk her own life to find Ohia gives the story its emotional backbone.

Atmospheric and deliberate in its pacing, this book is infused with Hawaiian myth and righteous fury. Kendall’s prose is lyrical and unsettling, allowing you to almost taste the decay beneath the island’s lush beauty. The multiple plot threads, from colonial violence to supernatural vengeance, gradually braid together, culminating in a powerful, cathartic ending centered on reclamation, justice, and togetherness.

This is horror with teeth and purpose: a brutal, unflinching examination of the true cost of paradise and a reminder that land remembers. “That Which Feeds Us” is not just a ghost story; it is a reckoning, and one that lingers long after the final page.

[Aurora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lehua’s twin sister Ohia disappeared after telling her that she was doing an internship in their family’s native home of Hawaii. Lehua’s investigation leads her to an island resort owned by a former plantation owner, where there are both buried secrets and something unexplainable going on.

That Which Feeds Us has excellent, vivid descriptions of the luxury resort that Lehua’s sister disappeared to. It’s a spooky setting, especially with it having been built on a mass grave, and fans of botanical horror will find lots to love about this book. It’s a well-written thriller/horror, and of course Lehua immediately starts breaking the rules of the resort and going to the most dangerous places on the island. If you’re frustrated by characters in horror going to the haunted places despite all the indications that it’s dangerous, you may be frustrated by Lehua’s behavior in this book. It’s a lot more reasonable than the actions of many horror characters, though, because she’s looking for her vanished sister.

Although the author says in the author’s note that this is a contemporary horror novel and not a cultural text, I still think it has a place in wider discussions of colonization. That’s a significant theme of the book, and there is a definite element of the horror being colonization itself, not just the ghosts. A lot of Americans don’t seem to know or remember much about how the Kingdom of Hawaii became one of the United States, so it could be educational in that way.

This novel has a sapphic sub-plot, with the main character being bisexual but her attraction to women seeming to be what is more significant to her. There are still elements of sexual harassment / assault, including a female-on-female act of sexual assault that could be triggering to survivors.

I do have some confusion about how the topic of feminism was handled in this novel. The first character who says something blatantly racist to Lehua, calling her a “ghoul”, is the only openly feminist-identified character… for some reason? That Which Feeds Us is, overall, not a sexist book. It has some good commentary on the fetishization of women of minority races/ethnicities, and it has strong female characters. The first character who is racist to Lehua, however, is the only character in the book who would seem to explicitly identify as a feminist. She’s described as a sociologist who recorded a talk called The Disillusioned Binary: Men and Women and the Fight for Equality, but apparently she’s both racist and judges other women for how they make their money. If the author was trying to make a point about bigotry in feminism, I question this particular approach to that, as it kind of made it seem like the author didn’t like feminism at all.

Aside from that though, this is a well-written, suspenseful first horror novel for the author. Fans of horror and of novels that have political commentary as well as a tightly-written plot will enjoy That Which Feeds Us.

That Which Feeds Us releases May 5 from Random House Books for Young Readers. Thank you to Netgalley, Keala Kendall and Random House Children’s Books for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

Keala Kendall is a native Hawaiian, and has given us a tale based on native culture and some real events. I found this book to be fascinating, and it has me interested in reading up on Hawaiian history.

Lehua's sister, Ohia, is missing. Not just sister, but twin sister! Ohia has allegedly just left school to go work at a resort in Hawaii, their home. The resort is on one of the smaller, less-populated islands. Lehua can't get Ohia to answer any phone calls or texts, so she takes some time off from her job at a mortuary to go find her sister.

As soon as she arrives at the Kopa'a resort, something feels off. But Lehua is persistent. And that's as much plot as I'll give away, here. This most definitely falls in the genre of horror, and there is plenty of supernatural content in the story. But there is also some tragic racism in the tale as well, and some description of Hawaiian history along the way, which is not terribly kind about the way the U.S. acquired Hawaii.

The history behind the resort that Ohia went to work at, and Lehua winds up staying at for a few days (because she "missed" the boat back to Maui) is quite tainted, and the more Lehua finds out, the worse it is. I like that the author provides a lot of background to the story, both before it begins and after it is over. She also provides a small bibliography, with some suggested books to read on the history of the island.

I can't really go into any more detail without giving spoilers, and I don't want to do that. I will say that I did enjoy the book, and see that the author has written a couple of "twisted tales" for the Disney people, and I have been interested in reading some of those. I see them quite frequently, as I work at a library.

I found it interesting that, at the beginning of the book, it is under "Random House Children's Books," but then has the imprint as Random House BFYR, which apparently stands for "Books For Young Readers." It is listed on other sites as "YA," which sounds better. It is most definitely not a "children's book," as there are some pretty gruesome parts in it, even borderline cannibalism. Borderline, but not quite. That probably doesn't make sense, but that's the best way I know to say it.

I will say that, had I encountered this book as a "young adult" or teen, I would probably have loved it. I was reading Lovecraft when I was in high school, and already a fan of horror, so I do think I would have really enjoyed this book at that age. I feel like Ms. Kendall has done justice to her home and its culture with this supernatural tale of horror and suspense.

I recommend it to fans of horror and indigenous history (combined . . . if you're just interested in history, you might not like this).

[Iz · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I saw this book was compared to She is a Haunting, I immediately rushed to NetGalley to request an ARC. Upon reflection, I realize the double-edged sword of comparison: I had certain expectations of the book before going in which may have clouded my reading experience, but also without the initial marketed comparison, I may not have been interested in picking this up early.

In any case, as someone who has only begun to dabble in Gothic Horror thanks to Trang Thanh Tran's two latest books, That Which Feeds Us was a stark difference in terms of character building and plot pacing. It felt as though each character revealed their "true" personas rather quickly and without much prompting, though this did make sense given the entire plot took place in a relatively short amount of time.

Additionally, I think in fiction books that touch upon histories of racism, colonization, misogyny, etc, I enjoy a balance of explicit and implicit references that makes me pause to think "Wait... was that a reference for *insert historical event and/or sociopolitical discrimination here*?" -- but more often than not, this book didn't give me the time to think, and would spell out the explicit meanings of events via internal/external dialogues. However, the explicit naming of events & stories whether fictional or not, would definitely be useful for readers who might have little to no context about how the U.S. illegally stole Hawai'i and centuries long of negative systemtic impacts as a result.

I did appreciate the queer sapphic representation, especially when considering how cisgender heterosexual norms were also imposed upon indigenous communities by settler colonialism. Additionally, I enjoyed how the author's deep research on different Indigenous/Native Hawai'i cultural practices (and bringing in her own family's stories / identities) is present in her ability to interweave these throughout the book. Keala Kendall explicitly says in her author's note "I am sure there are those that will deplore the cultural deviations I chose to utilize; all I can say is that That Which Feeds Us is a contemporary horror novel. It should not be mistaken for a cultural text or scholarly work." I am of personal belief that supporting Own Voices authors means allowing them the creative freedom to interpret their communities past/present/future experiences.

Overall, I enjoyed this telling about "forgotten" (i.e. erased by colonization) stories and ways the lives of those "forgotten" should never be lost, but honored. (Also, acknowledging that indigenous people are still living today!! Very much thinking of the saying: "honor the dead & fight like hell for the living" upon finishing.)

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Hawaiian Gothic novel had my very intrigued I've never read anything like that before so i was very interested to see how it would read. What made it even better though was the fact that this was a YA novel so I knew that it wouldn't be too dark but just enough to move the plot and still give lots of depth. I went into this book completely blind to the author or the subject however something about the blurb kept calling me. Right from the first page however I knew that this would be unlike anything I had read before and I was fascinated by the plot. I was quickly drawn into the world and the intensity that the author brought to this story was very fascinating. When our main character, Lehua's, twin sister, Ohia goes missing she decides to find her and follows her trail to a luxury resort in Hawaii. However the resort is anything like it seems on paper as unmistakable horrors lie hidden beneath it's luxurious surface. I really liked how the author got straight into the mystery and there wasn't a lot of build up. You got just enough to lean the characters before you were thrust into the plot. While normally I do like a bit more background information I found that with this story it was perfect because it really left the reader just as confused as Lehua, on what was going on and you got to find things at the same time as her. I loved all of the mystery but also the sense that something was always waiting around the corner was enough that it made me gasp and turn the pages at lightening speed I couldn't get enough. This book was dark, mysterious, and had such a sinister atmospheric feel to it that it really grabbed me in a way that I never expected it to. I'm amazed that such a complex read was targeted as a teen novel however at the same time it was written with such simplicity that you were able to easily get into the plot and characters however not be overwhelmed by all of the horror that was happening around them. While it is normally the characters that make or break a book for me it was the plot and the vibe of this one that had me up all night with a flashlight. I was completely obsessed with finding out what was going to happen but at the same time I didn't want it to end and that is how I know that I loved this story. I can't say enough good things about this book but it is for sure one that you shouldn't sleep on. If you love horror this is one for you and if you don't love horror then you just haven't read the right one and you should check it out.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A horror story twisted with folklore that lures you in with promises of new opportunities in paradise but once in its grasp you may find it hard to leave.

“That Which Feeds Us” begins with desperation as Lehua searches for her twin sister settling on an island in Hawaii where she learns her sister faked her identity to obtain a job before disappearing altogether. Out of element, Lehua struggles to find answers and with her knowledge of local culture lacking she finds looks to an employee Melia to fill the gaps but with time is running out she must uncover what lurks both in and outside of the resort otherwise she may find herself in the crosshairs of something far darker than she could have ever imagined.

This is such an interesting and truly frightening book and I felt completely consumed with each page. The author makes mention of the lack of resources regarding the Indigenous Hawaiians and their their history in a special note and I know I have not heard a lot about such things especially the folklore when that is a subject I have always been so interested in. There were so many elements that touched on spirituality and familiar connection as well as elements torn out of your worst nightmares and I would love nothing more than to see more on this subject.

The story itself draws you in with the mystery of Ohia and how far a sister will go to bring her home. The slow creep of dread as you move through the plot only heightens both of the moments of peace with the whisper of romance as well as the terror in whatever lurks off the path. Lehua is just a girl trying her best but she is ultimately searching for the connection with her family and the foundations of a home in a way that makes her the perfect subject to stick around even if it means putting herself at risk. You root for her but it may be those roots that keep her still.

Not for the faint of heart this story isn’t afraid to go there and show the horrors of over indulgence and the way people will strip something pure and good to the bones if it means they get one more moment of power along with the hollow ache of never being satisfied.

** special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review **

[Callie Mo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What a journey of a read this was. I love horror novels, so when I read the synopsis for this on NetGalley, I automatically requested it. That Which Feeds Us follows Lehua as she searches for her missing twin sister, Ohia, at the luxury island resort in Hawai'i where she was last seen. The story combines the dark history of colonialism, cultural traditions, and pure creepy horror to create this masterpiece of a story which will simultaneously haunt you and make you think deeply.

Honestly, I went into this expecting the horror. I didn't expect as much history as I got, and that made the story significantly better. Admittedly, I don't know much at all about the history of Hawai'i or the various cultures and traditions, but I was thoroughly drawn in and captivated nonetheless. The conversations around the colonialism of Hawai'i were truly haunting in a very different way from the horror - history is often bloody, and the author embraces that truth here.

Aside from that, the supernatural and more horror-esque moments of the novel are just chilling and haunting. My annotations throughout read along the lines of, "wow, I really hate this" and "really really don't like this". The descriptions of the field workers particularly - I could picture them in my mind perfectly, and I didn't like what I imagined! But that's what made it so good to me - the writing is so perfectly visual and descriptive.

And the ending - wow. I guessed a couple of things along the way, but had absolutely no clue what the real end game was. Honestly, I felt a bit nauseous, but the plot and ending were very well thought out and the story leads up to the ending so well. I finished the story feeling satisfied, and incredibly sad at the same time.

Overall, I would recommend this to anyone looking for a solid horror read, especially if you're interested in historical aspects as well!

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Katrina Torres · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this book. All opinions are my own. 3.5 stars rounding to 4

What I absolutely loved about it this book was the inclusion of Hawaiian folk lore. I know absolutely nothing about it and this book made me want to deep dive into it. The horror wasn’t so much scary monsters as it was a commentary on the lasting effects of colonialism told through a horror lens.

Our story follows Lehua, a young native Hawaiian woman looking for her missing twin. She had previously lost contact with her, and then the twin leaves a concerning message prompting Lehua to take off after her. She follows the twin to an upscale resort where only the super rich are allowed in. Lehua gets stranded over the weekend and becomes an unofficial guest while she searches for her twin.

What then unravels is a story of Hawaiian lore and colonialism’s lasting effects blended with eco horror. The book was very interesting on that front.

The one critique I have is that though it has these elements, it still reads somewhat at a YA level. It is upper YA for sure, but YA hasn’t really piqued my interest in sometime. This one was fun, but I almost wish it was even more horrific at some points. Most of the horror elements were fairly predictable with the saving grace being the Hawaiian take on it. I would love more Hawaiian lore based horror novels. The setting really added to the plot and I’d love an adult horror-forward novel steeped in Hawaiian lore.

[beccasbookscapes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of This book. What stuck out to me is the author explaining how Hawaii has become a tourist destination but that has pushed Hawaiians out of their home. Forced them to leave their homeland or made it very difficult to find work in Hawaii. This is why books like this are very important to read. The book starts with Lehua going to Hawaii to find her twin sister who has been missing. As she's looking, she stumbles are a girl who's going to Kopa'a Island for work and the girl tells her maybe she might get answers there. When Lehua arrives, she is told that her sister was there but just suddenly left. Also, that Lehua is stuck on the island for the weekend as the boat left because there is a storm coming. Things start getting weirder and weirder from there, as Lehua investigates what happened to her sister on this island. The use of colonialism as horror, which is a compelling concept and now, I can't look at a persimmon the same way again. The scenery of Hawaii especially as right now it is freezing out was a much needed reprieve. It was three stars for me because the book felt very slow paced in building what was to come. It still important to read a book like that learn something new.

[Jazlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved That Which Feeds Us. It was spooky, mysterious, and completely gripping. Just like Lehua, I kept wondering the entire time: Where is Ohia?

Similar to Mexican Gothic, I was hooked from the very beginning. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that there’s much more to the resort’s hosts than they’re willing to reveal.

The blend of Hawaiian culture and the supernatural was fantastic and gave the story such a unique atmosphere. The island setting, with its beautiful but unsettling persimmon orchard and plantation history, made the mystery even more unsettling.

One of my favorite quotes from the book really captures the deeper themes of the story and stayed with me long after I finished:

“Remember, Lehua. They want to be the only ones telling our story, because in their version they're fucking heroes. But we can't let them say our history is done and written. Not by their hand. That's how they get to keep what they stole."

Moments like this highlight how the novel isn’t just a supernatural mystery, it’s also about history.

Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Random House for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book started off strong but ultimately lost some momentum for me in its execution.

What worked well:

- The use of colonialism as horror which is a compelling concept that’s especially effective when handled thoughtfully.

-The incorporation of Hawaiian history and folklore, which I found fascinating, particularly since it’s an area I’m not very familiar with.

-The setting and landscape, which added a refreshing change of pace from the usual cold, urban backdrops.

What didn’t quite land:

-I struggled to feel emotionally connected to the characters.

-The main antagonist felt somewhat derivative of other colonial-horror narratives.

-There were fewer genuinely frightening moments than I expected from a horror novel.

Overall, it’s a solid YA horror read set in a distinctive location with an intriguing perspective, even if it didn’t fully deliver on its initial promise.

[Tess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I really enjoy books with the gothic feel in a modern setting. Lehua's stay at Kōpaʻa Island Resort to try to find her missing sister Ohia is a great example of this. The island immediately feels heavy and mysterious. Not only did I feel right away that Lehua shouldn't be there, despite clearly needing to be there to find Ohia, but I shouldn't be there reading along with her either. The depiction of the plantation house as having a grand coating barely covering the rot Lehua could literally smell made the atmosphere so claustrophobic. The other characters were all equal parts intriguing and terrible, especially the guests of Kōpaʻa. The cultural history and folklore throughout the book was so interesting. Even though I knew some small bit of the history of Hawaii I found myself wanting to know more as I read the book. The story wrapped up in a very satisfying, and justified, way. I would read this one again to find the details I might have missed along the way!

[bookishwitherin · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Rounding to 5 stars

The cover and premise of this book is what caught my eye when I first saw it. I love a good gothic horror novel and I was super intrigued to read about an Hawaiian gothic story. The author does a great job of weaving folklore, history and the supernatural into this YA horror novel. I loved learning more about the Hawaiian culture and really felt a kinship towards our main character. It was frustrating, sad and downright terrifying reading what was happening in the story. I am always a fan of reading books that scare me but also educate me at the same time. Might be why folklore horror are some of my favorite books to read. Really enjoyed reading the author note in the beginning and end of the story that really explains the author's thought process and meaning behind writing this book! Definitely recommend and worth checking out. There also might be a little bonus sapphic romance in the story too!!!

Thank you to the publisher for the advanced copy!

[Chasity Flower · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't want to put this book down to do practically anything - and when I did have to put it down it was all I could think about.

That Which Feeds Us was a fantastic YA horror. An Arizona-raised Hawaiian teenager heads back to her mothers home of Hawaii to find her missing twin sister. Supposedly having taken a job at a luxury island resort until strange things begin happening, and the resort patrons are an interesting group.

I was on the edge of my seat for most of my read, wanting more any time I had to close the book for real life. Though I probably could have eaten this entire novel in one sitting it was nice to break it up and reflect on what had happened in the time I had to do big girl things.

I absolutely cannot wait to gush over this book with my book besties because I know they're gonna love it as much as I did.

[Lindsey Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you netgalley for the ARC. This was the 4th book of the year for me and I am definitely glad to have discovered it! Not only did I enjoy reading about Lehua and her sister I got a glimpse into some native folklore and the effects of native Hawaiians being priced out of their homeland. When Lehua’s sister goes missing at a luxury resort in Hawaii she races there to find out what happened to her. She discovers a lot more then she bargained for when she realizes her sister is not the only one that has gone missing here and how the owner of the resort is somehow on his deathbed and still thriving. Everyone is keeping a secret and some of it is quite unexplainable. Not only is Lehua on a journey to find her sister as well as her roots. I really enjoyed this spooky thriller!

[H. Woodward · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rare five star. While there are some minor quibbles I have with this book, I read all of it in two days. It is such a struggle to find native Pacific people writing books, especially for teenagers. I bless this author for giving us such a fantastic and gripping book. The best way to teach students about the past is through good story. This book is good story. There is so much here for a teacher to use in class. First of all, it's a dark fairy tale, in the best possible way. All fairy tales have deep meaning, and this one takes on colonialism, diaspora, ruthless capitalist ambition, gender stereotypes, the history of Hawaii...perhaps most importantly, it is the story of a people who never gave up on finding home. It's terrifying and beautiful. I adore it. Will use in class.

[Whitney Kantola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received an advanced copy from NetGalley- many thanks!
4.5 -YA

First and foremost, I was awestruck by the cover art - kudos !

In brief summary, the story was both engrossing and eerie. I recommended reading without too much background information. Somehow, author Kendall was able to perfect the fusion of Hawaiian beauty with gothic undertones.
Further, the author did a fantastic job “painting a picture for the viewer” - I was able to visualize the sugar cane fields, the details of the resort, the people, the persimmons etc with such clarity. It really added to why this book was so good.

Last, author Kendall also mastered weaving some historic elements and culture of the indigenous people of Hawaii throughout the story in a meaningful way.

[Ellie J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 stars
Recommended if you like: horror, ghosts, decolonization, Hawaii, plantation horror

Big thanks to Random House, Netgalley, and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This is a book steeped in history and family. The ghosts of the past, both personal ghosts and colonial ones, are prevalent in a metaphorical and literal way, and I enjoyed reading about the interplay between these various elements. This is the kind of horror I enjoy. So much of the colonial historical elements echo through to Lehua's personal story, as it's wont to do. It's horror with a message, but one that doesn't knock you over the head.

Lehua actually has a pretty interesting background, and I wish we got to see more of her as a mortician. Of course, most of the book takes place on Kopa'a, where she is looking for her sister and decidedly not preparing people for their funerals. Lehua used to be a track star alongside her twin, Ohia, but ended up quitting the team and dropping out of school, causing a rift between the two. But family's family, and when Ohia goes missing, Lehua is determined to find her.

I will admit, based on Lehua's account of things, I wasn't a huge fan of Ohia. She sounded stuck-up and pushy, but it's good to remember that there's always two sides to a story, and we do eventually get to hear Ohia's side. She's actually not that bad, lol.

It's pretty obvious from the moment Lehua finds Melia, another girl going to work at Kopa'a, that something deeper is going on. Lehua maybe took longer to clock it, but from the moment I heard Melia didn't have family and that Chiyo was surprised Ohia did that Kopa'a was specifically looking for girls they could disappear without issue. Lehua, despite being in foster care, is much more trusting than me and pretty much believes Chiyo when she says she'll help. Much of the story revolves around finding Ohia, but unraveling that mystery also requires unraveling the larger mystery of the resort and Kopa'a as a whole.

[Danielle Heptinstall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was absolutely blown away by this book! That Which Feeds Us By Keala Kendall is a a horror book, but it is written so beautifully, with intensity. The strength that a sister has within on her, really comes to light when something happens to her twin. From a rough childhood, full of trauma and unfathomable living conditions to being a young woman on the search for her twin sister. This book is emotional, dark, mysterious, & displays trauma in a way that ultimately touched my heart. The history spoken about is also very interesting and has peaked my curiosity & I fully intend to go "down a rabbit hole" tonight!

[Cathye Aka OrionReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded to 5.

I read That Which Feeds Us based on it being a gothic horror. Bonus points for being Hawaiian gothic horror, something I've never read before. It did not disappoint and more than lived up to my expectations. It was creepy, mysterious, and tense. From start to finish, the story kept me constantly on edge, never quite allowing me to settle into a sense of comfort. The twists and turns were both surprising and immensely satisfying, unfolding in ways I didn’t see coming but thoroughly enjoyed.

I recommend going into this book with minimal information. Experiencing the story without preconceived expectations allows the twists to hit harder and makes the journey all the more rewarding.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

That Which Feeds Us is a good story, but it drags a bit in the middle. The number of characters seems a little much. I kept forgetting who Jennifer was and constantly got Leigh and Oliver mixed up. My favorite characters were Chiyo and Daisy, because they had the best back stories. I ended up not caring much for Lehua, Ohia, or Melia, which is too bad, because more investment in these characters would have equaled more investment in the story itself.
Overall a good book, just a little bogged down and draggy. 3.5 out of 5

[Hannah Orb · Rating 3 out of 5]

the main character must return to her native land (Hawai'i) to find her lost twin - I loved portions of this book with the setting and the use of horror from a colonialization perspective, but it felt like the main character doddled?

Sister is missing and you're just like kissing folks and like wandering around. I understand her need to learn more about her mother's life and her history but like... shouldn't we be finding your missing sister?

Also there was a supernatural element that still doesn't make sense to me.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley, for an eARC in exchange for my review.

This book really surprised me. I absolutely loved the Hawaiian culture woven throughout. Her love and passion for Hawai'i is palpable and brings another layer to the story.

The mystery of Kopa'a drew me in immediately and I enjoyed the supernatural elements inspired by Hawaiian folklore. While the plot did become predictable in the 3rd act, I was still entertained.

Anyone looking for a tropical Gothic mystery should add this to their TBR.

4/5 solid stars

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read an advance reader copy of the book. This did not influence my review.

I really had not read anything before that had information regarding the history of Hawaii's original people. I do realize this was a fictional book but still rooted in some of that history. Very eye-opening and horrifying..

That said I found the pace of the book on the slow side and had to put it down and come back to it.

Liked the ending.