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Salt Water Blood
Not yet published
Expected 17 Nov 26“A marvel.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“An original and riveting page-turner.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
An Indigenous teen who hears the sea’s prophetic thoughts must rely on the gift she’s always feared to save her brother, and her island home, in this “gripping Polynesian mystery laced with Indigenous cultural knowledge, for fans of Angeline Boulley and Ari Tison” (School Library Journal, starred review).
Eighteen-year-old Moe hears the sea’s prophetic thoughts—not just hears 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 after.
So when the sea warns Moe that Tao will drown, she’s determined to get in fate’s way and secures them passage 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. And 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 the truth behind the sickness poisoning her community.
“An original and riveting page-turner.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
An Indigenous teen who hears the sea’s prophetic thoughts must rely on the gift she’s always feared to save her brother, and her island home, in this “gripping Polynesian mystery laced with Indigenous cultural knowledge, for fans of Angeline Boulley and Ari Tison” (School Library Journal, starred review).
Eighteen-year-old Moe hears the sea’s prophetic thoughts—not just hears 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 after.
So when the sea warns Moe that Tao will drown, she’s determined to get in fate’s way and secures them passage 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. And 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 the truth behind the sickness poisoning her community.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 17, 2026
About the author
Manuia Heinrich
1 book45 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 - 30 of 51 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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Salt Water Blood follows eighteen-year-old Moe, an Indigenous teen who possesses a dangerous gift: she can hear and feel the prophetic thoughts of the sea.
I enjoyed the character dynamics in this book and also the suspense! Salt Water Blood explored the beautiful relationship Moe shared with her brother, Tao, at the same time it delved into Moe's relationship with her annoyingly clever school rival, Temanea. Moe will do anything to save her brother and uncover the truth behind the sickness poisoning her community.
The idea of Moe being able to hear and feel the prophetic thoughts of the sea was unique and fascinating. Part of this book is based on France's testing of nuclear weapons in French Polynesia, which I knew nothing about. Heartbreaking.
Thank you, #SimonAndSchusterBooksForYoungReaders for providing this book for consideration and review via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Salt Water Blood has an expected publication date of November 17, 2026.
#Fantasy #Thriller #Teenagers #Young Adults #Romance
I enjoyed the character dynamics in this book and also the suspense! Salt Water Blood explored the beautiful relationship Moe shared with her brother, Tao, at the same time it delved into Moe's relationship with her annoyingly clever school rival, Temanea. Moe will do anything to save her brother and uncover the truth behind the sickness poisoning her community.
The idea of Moe being able to hear and feel the prophetic thoughts of the sea was unique and fascinating. Part of this book is based on France's testing of nuclear weapons in French Polynesia, which I knew nothing about. Heartbreaking.
Thank you, #SimonAndSchusterBooksForYoungReaders for providing this book for consideration and review via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Salt Water Blood has an expected publication date of November 17, 2026.
#Fantasy #Thriller #Teenagers #Young Adults #Romance
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book had everything you could ask for and more. The tragedies inspired by real life events taught me a ton, the romance was so sweet, and the thriller parts were so engaging. Def recommend!!
Thanks to NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Sarah Barley Books / Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for providing me with access to the eARC via NetGalley.
This was such a beautifully written and thought provoking book. It combines a murder mystery with Polynesian culture and folklore, romance, and important commentary on environmental concerns and the brutal disregard for the welfare of indigenous populations. All those themes are combined in a cohesive manner without any of them feeling out of place.
The story follows Moemoana, an 18-year old girl who has been seeing visions of the future from Moana, the ocean, all her life. As a young child she loved her connection to Moana, but after the visions of her father's death and of her mother leaving her and her brother, Tao, behind come true she grew to fear them. Then when she begins to see the vision of Tao drowning she becomes determined to move away leaving their island home and Moana behind, but that plan comes to a halt when Tao is accused of murdering his girlfriend Sabine. Together with her school rival, Temanea, she searches for the truth to save her brother.
Moe was a great main character. She was intelligent and as an older sister I loved the connection between Moe and Tao. They argued like siblings, but I could feel the love they had for each other and Moe’s determination to save him. I also loved her relationship with Temanea. They spent so many years at odds, but the tension between them was there from the beginning and I loved how their feelings for each other grew.
The mystery was well thought out with plenty of suspects and twists to keep me guessing. I’m usually good about figuring out who the culprit is, but it actually surprised me, but makes complete sense in retrospect.
I admit to not knowing much about France's nuclear testing in the Pacific before reading this book and it is presented in a manner that is easy to understand. The book explores the effects of the testing upon the indigenous communities and the environment, as well as showing that France to this day continues to evade responsibility. The effects run throughout the story connecting the characters, their families, the community, and even the mystery.
This is such a beautiful and important book. I would recommend it to anyone and will keep a close eye out for more from the author.
This was such a beautifully written and thought provoking book. It combines a murder mystery with Polynesian culture and folklore, romance, and important commentary on environmental concerns and the brutal disregard for the welfare of indigenous populations. All those themes are combined in a cohesive manner without any of them feeling out of place.
The story follows Moemoana, an 18-year old girl who has been seeing visions of the future from Moana, the ocean, all her life. As a young child she loved her connection to Moana, but after the visions of her father's death and of her mother leaving her and her brother, Tao, behind come true she grew to fear them. Then when she begins to see the vision of Tao drowning she becomes determined to move away leaving their island home and Moana behind, but that plan comes to a halt when Tao is accused of murdering his girlfriend Sabine. Together with her school rival, Temanea, she searches for the truth to save her brother.
Moe was a great main character. She was intelligent and as an older sister I loved the connection between Moe and Tao. They argued like siblings, but I could feel the love they had for each other and Moe’s determination to save him. I also loved her relationship with Temanea. They spent so many years at odds, but the tension between them was there from the beginning and I loved how their feelings for each other grew.
The mystery was well thought out with plenty of suspects and twists to keep me guessing. I’m usually good about figuring out who the culprit is, but it actually surprised me, but makes complete sense in retrospect.
I admit to not knowing much about France's nuclear testing in the Pacific before reading this book and it is presented in a manner that is easy to understand. The book explores the effects of the testing upon the indigenous communities and the environment, as well as showing that France to this day continues to evade responsibility. The effects run throughout the story connecting the characters, their families, the community, and even the mystery.
This is such a beautiful and important book. I would recommend it to anyone and will keep a close eye out for more from the author.
November 4, 2026
In the blurb of the book it is written that Salt Water Blood was a mashup of Moana and Firekeeper’s Daughter and I couldn’t think of a closer match than exactly that! We meet Moemoana (Moe) for short and her brother Tao. They have plans to flee their island (mostly Moe wanting to break her tie both with Moana (the sea) and the distressing memories/history). Those plans are stilted when Tao’s girlfriend goes missing and he becomes a suspect. Together with her peer Temanea, Moe starts on a journey to prove her brother’s innocence.
The indigenous lore is very present in this book, also opening the door for the theme of injustice towards the indigenous of the island, as well as the politics, specifically in regards to historical cover-ups, which I didn’t necessarily expect! At first, this inclusion felt a bit erratic, like too much was trying to be squeezed in, but ended up tying up very nicely along with the rest of the story.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship of Temanea and Moe. This was your enemies to lovers trope in the form of both classmates and coworkers at its best. By the end, I had forgotten that they were originally rivals-that’s how well it was done.
The book started out very strong for me, but did lose a bit of momentum along the way. Luckily, it picked back up in the end. A big thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the ARC!
The indigenous lore is very present in this book, also opening the door for the theme of injustice towards the indigenous of the island, as well as the politics, specifically in regards to historical cover-ups, which I didn’t necessarily expect! At first, this inclusion felt a bit erratic, like too much was trying to be squeezed in, but ended up tying up very nicely along with the rest of the story.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship of Temanea and Moe. This was your enemies to lovers trope in the form of both classmates and coworkers at its best. By the end, I had forgotten that they were originally rivals-that’s how well it was done.
The book started out very strong for me, but did lose a bit of momentum along the way. Luckily, it picked back up in the end. A big thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I appreciate that while the island in the story is made up, the author drew in real life events, weaving them seamlessly into the story. Taking place on a fictional island in French Polynesia, this story tells of nuclear testing, of island lore, and of something a bit more. I liked Moa, and her love/hate relationship with the water, Moana. She spent so much time running that she missed important things Moana was trying to teach her.
I enjoyed the mystery element to the story, and when Sabine goes missing. And I really like when Moe and Temanea team up to clear Moe’s brother.
I found some key elements overly repetitive. We often get told the same things throughout many chapters. But on the whole, I enjoyed this one.
I enjoyed the mystery element to the story, and when Sabine goes missing. And I really like when Moe and Temanea team up to clear Moe’s brother.
I found some key elements overly repetitive. We often get told the same things throughout many chapters. But on the whole, I enjoyed this one.
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
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Mystery/Thriller is not a genre I usually reach for, but I was immediately intrigued by the premise and the gorgeously vibrant cover of Salt Water Blood. Set on a fictional island in French Polynesia, it mixes real-life Pacific Islander history with a classic contemporary murder mystery, a cute romance, and elements of fantasy that weave seamlessly into a real-world plot.
There something magical in and of itself when a story can make something otherworldly feel natural, and I loved how the author incorporated the lore of Moana (ocean) and Aru (forest) through the visions and strange abilities of their chosen messengers. It even added a more powerful means of explaining the history and culture of a people that many (including myself) have little to no knowledge about. Included in that history, is a strong message regarding France's nuclear testing that affects the inhabitants and the land itself to this day, as well as, France's continued evasion of responsibility and medical aide for those suffering from radiation sickness. It's a hard truth, but Salt Water Blood unabashedly takes on the task of exposing these real world issues and parallels them with nuanced characters struggling to find their own voices amid chaos.
In the end, Salt Water Blood a well written story with memorable characters, a plot that kept me guessing, and a lot of heart. Ultimately, it reveals the tight bonds of a small community tethered by hope and just a little bit of magic.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing | Sarah Barley Books / Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for providing a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
There something magical in and of itself when a story can make something otherworldly feel natural, and I loved how the author incorporated the lore of Moana (ocean) and Aru (forest) through the visions and strange abilities of their chosen messengers. It even added a more powerful means of explaining the history and culture of a people that many (including myself) have little to no knowledge about. Included in that history, is a strong message regarding France's nuclear testing that affects the inhabitants and the land itself to this day, as well as, France's continued evasion of responsibility and medical aide for those suffering from radiation sickness. It's a hard truth, but Salt Water Blood unabashedly takes on the task of exposing these real world issues and parallels them with nuanced characters struggling to find their own voices amid chaos.
In the end, Salt Water Blood a well written story with memorable characters, a plot that kept me guessing, and a lot of heart. Ultimately, it reveals the tight bonds of a small community tethered by hope and just a little bit of magic.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing | Sarah Barley Books / Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for providing a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
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
~~Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the ARC!~~
I vaguely remember adding this book to my to-read about 10 months ago, far before the cover and official synopsis was revealed. Naturally, I instantly had to grab an ARC when this became available to me.
And boy, did it not disappoint.
I didn't know coming in that Ma'Ohi Nui (The French Polynesian island where the book takes place) was an entirely fictional place, but the vast amount of care and detail Heinrich put into the worldbuilding, particularly regarding the elements that are based in reality, felt so enriching it could've been real. Strangely, I was familiar with the overabundance of nuclear testing France engaged out on the ocean throughout the 20th century (Thank you, Godzilla 1998. Horrible movie, but them getting that part right is still weird, all things considered), but the story went far more into depth about the lengths the Indigenous suffered at the hands of the testing, all the while France still refuses to take responsibility for their heinous actions to this very day. It is because of this history that everyone in Moe's life was heavily affected by it in some shape or form. The themes and message Heinrich wanted to send with this book are stark clear and resonated strongly; I just adored the fine layering of it all.
Everyone in this book is distinct and important to the plot. Moe herself is a deeply complex character who internally shunned herself from her community in fear of her bond with Moana, for the trauma it brought upon her family, and the stigma of being a Indigenous woman on colonized land. She lives with the consequences for the French's actions every single day but believes there's no point in fighting for justice when all it had brought her was hurt. I just felt so bad for this girl, and her determination to save her brother from the miscarriage of justice only made me love her all the more. And the relationship she has Temanea? Loved it. Their banter and chemistry made the mystery-solving all the better. And the relationship she shares with the various other side characters were just as intriguing. I was guessing who the main culprit was constantly, and when they were revealed, it felt obvious in hindsight, but in a good way.
All in all, I just really loved this book. I dunno whether Heinrich is planning to write more about this world in the future, but I definitely see the potential to do so. Regardless, I'm now on the look out to see whatever Heinrich may publish next!
I vaguely remember adding this book to my to-read about 10 months ago, far before the cover and official synopsis was revealed. Naturally, I instantly had to grab an ARC when this became available to me.
And boy, did it not disappoint.
I didn't know coming in that Ma'Ohi Nui (The French Polynesian island where the book takes place) was an entirely fictional place, but the vast amount of care and detail Heinrich put into the worldbuilding, particularly regarding the elements that are based in reality, felt so enriching it could've been real. Strangely, I was familiar with the overabundance of nuclear testing France engaged out on the ocean throughout the 20th century (Thank you, Godzilla 1998. Horrible movie, but them getting that part right is still weird, all things considered), but the story went far more into depth about the lengths the Indigenous suffered at the hands of the testing, all the while France still refuses to take responsibility for their heinous actions to this very day. It is because of this history that everyone in Moe's life was heavily affected by it in some shape or form. The themes and message Heinrich wanted to send with this book are stark clear and resonated strongly; I just adored the fine layering of it all.
Everyone in this book is distinct and important to the plot. Moe herself is a deeply complex character who internally shunned herself from her community in fear of her bond with Moana, for the trauma it brought upon her family, and the stigma of being a Indigenous woman on colonized land. She lives with the consequences for the French's actions every single day but believes there's no point in fighting for justice when all it had brought her was hurt. I just felt so bad for this girl, and her determination to save her brother from the miscarriage of justice only made me love her all the more. And the relationship she has Temanea? Loved it. Their banter and chemistry made the mystery-solving all the better. And the relationship she shares with the various other side characters were just as intriguing. I was guessing who the main culprit was constantly, and when they were revealed, it felt obvious in hindsight, but in a good way.
All in all, I just really loved this book. I dunno whether Heinrich is planning to write more about this world in the future, but I definitely see the potential to do so. Regardless, I'm now on the look out to see whatever Heinrich may publish next!
October 4, 2026
Thank you NetGalley, Sarah Barley Books, and Manuia Heinrich for this dazzling ARC! I wasn’t sure what to think when I started reading, but I love the Polynesian folklore woven into the story. The tail follows Moe (Mo-eh) on the hunt to figure out why the French police have arrested her brother for a crime he doesn’t remember. Enter love interest and childhood friend, Temanea, and the two team up to uncover a plot bigger than the whole town. To top it all off, Moe has been gifted by the sea with future visions. She needs to get her brother out of town before the vision she was given for him destroys her life. We have already pre-ordered this book for the high school kids, and I can’t wait to do a book talk on it. I love the adventure, mystery, and a dab of romance that all keep you guessing until the very end.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
What a gorgeous book. It was my first exposure to Mā’ohi culture and I deeply appreciated it. The story wove together indigenous culture, environmental issues, colonialism, murder mystery, family tragedy, and just a tiny bit of magic in a way that was not overwhelming, overdone, or confusing in the slightest bit. No one part of the story took over the rest; it was all woven so beautifully together. Very highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a story that will stay with me! Beautifully and thoughtfully written, Salt, Water, Blood brought Moe and Tem (and the earth and sea) so fully to life that it's a wonder I ever came up for air while reading. Every twist and turn in the mystery, every glance between Moe and Tem, every message from Moana captivated me.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I finally had time to sit with the feeling of this book and AM OFFICIALLY DEMANDING THAT EVERYBODY READS IT!!!!
Moe hears the sea's thoughts and prophecies, and they're kind of messed up so obvs she wants to escape them, until she gets one about her brother drowning. In true older sister fashion she goes against the tide (wink wink the tide) to save him. Things blow up in her face. he's accused of murdering his girlfriend, so Moe starts her own investigation to free him from prison.
So hear me out, this book is the best kind of YA. It's SO fun to read, fast-paced, the romance is adorable, and I actually learned a lot about Pacific islands and colonialism. Half the time I thought I had it all figured out but hell this book kept surprising me. That's excellent plotting skills ma'am! I need every book to take notes because I'm so sick of predictable twists.
I have personal beef with the author not giving me more of Temanea and the shop that gives you what you need. GIRL NEEDS MORE!
Moe hears the sea's thoughts and prophecies, and they're kind of messed up so obvs she wants to escape them, until she gets one about her brother drowning. In true older sister fashion she goes against the tide (wink wink the tide) to save him. Things blow up in her face. he's accused of murdering his girlfriend, so Moe starts her own investigation to free him from prison.
So hear me out, this book is the best kind of YA. It's SO fun to read, fast-paced, the romance is adorable, and I actually learned a lot about Pacific islands and colonialism. Half the time I thought I had it all figured out but hell this book kept surprising me. That's excellent plotting skills ma'am! I need every book to take notes because I'm so sick of predictable twists.
I have personal beef with the author not giving me more of Temanea and the shop that gives you what you need. GIRL NEEDS MORE!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What a fantastic debut book! While it's listed as YA due to the ages of the main characters, the depth of the writing, the mystery/thriller plot, and the historical elements make this a great read for adults as well. I was drawn in immediately but Moe's character - her struggle to deal with her connection to the sea (Moana) and desire to protect her little brother Tao after being left by all the adults in her life.
When Tao is accused of murdering his girlfriend Sabine and has amnesia of the hours around it, Moe and her school rival/crush Temanea have only a few days to figure out what happened. Moe struggles with her connection to Moana the ocean, even as Moana tries to help and save them.
The investigation slowly reveals secrets, lore, and history of the islanders, while weaving in the present day consequences of the nuclear fallout from France's using the waters around the islands for decades to test their bombs. There's such a delicate balance of all the themes and storylines as they come together to reveal what actually happened to Sabine, and I was on the edge of my seat for the ending.
Heinrich is a talented writer, and I hope we get many more books from her!
When Tao is accused of murdering his girlfriend Sabine and has amnesia of the hours around it, Moe and her school rival/crush Temanea have only a few days to figure out what happened. Moe struggles with her connection to Moana the ocean, even as Moana tries to help and save them.
The investigation slowly reveals secrets, lore, and history of the islanders, while weaving in the present day consequences of the nuclear fallout from France's using the waters around the islands for decades to test their bombs. There's such a delicate balance of all the themes and storylines as they come together to reveal what actually happened to Sabine, and I was on the edge of my seat for the ending.
Heinrich is a talented writer, and I hope we get many more books from her!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Sarah Barley Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“Salt Water Blood” by Manuia Heinrich is a fantastic debut that manages to combine a genuinely engaging murder mystery with Polynesian folklore, a sweet romance, environmental themes, and important historical commentary without making any of those pieces feel completely disconnected.
The story follows Moe, an 18-year-old who has been dealing with visions from Moana, the ocean, for most of her life. Unfortunately, the sea keeps showing her the same horrifying future: her younger brother Tao is going to drown. Moe is determined to get him off the island before that happens, but things get complicated when Tao is accused of murdering his girlfriend, Sabine. He can't remember what happened that night and has no alibi, so suddenly Moe has a much bigger problem than just trying to save her brother from the ocean.
Her solution? Team up with her school rival, Temanea, and investigate the murder themselves.
And honestly, Moe and Temanea were one of my favorite parts of the book. Their relationship starts with that competitive rival energy, but as they work together, you get banter, tension, trust, and some genuinely adorable moments. I loved watching them slowly become partners, both in the investigation and in each other's lives. The romance never felt like it was randomly shoved into the story just because the characters are teenagers. It actually contributes to the plot and develops naturally alongside everything else.
The mystery itself was so much fun. There are plenty of suspects, secrets, hidden connections, and twists, and I was constantly changing my mind about who was responsible. When the culprit was finally revealed, I had one of those “of course!” moments where the clues suddenly made sense in retrospect. The pacing also worked really well for me. The stakes are established early, there's a clear ticking clock, and the final stretch gets seriously intense.
But what really made this book stand out was the way the speculative elements were woven into the mystery.
Moe is connected to Moana, while other characters have relationships with Aru, the forest. Their chosen messengers receive visions and unusual abilities, but the magic never felt like it was pasted onto a completely unrelated murder mystery. It feels connected to the land, ocean, culture, and history of the setting. Even some of the smaller magical details, like a shop that gives you what you need rather than what you want, added to that feeling.
And then there's the history.
I honestly didn't know much about France's nuclear testing in the Pacific before reading this book, and I really appreciated how directly Heinrich confronts its consequences. The story explores how Indigenous communities and the land continue to deal with the effects of those tests, while France has continued to evade responsibility and accountability. It's not just background information either. That history is deeply connected to the characters, their families, their community, and the mystery itself.
That was probably my favorite thing about the book. The murder mystery gives you the immediate reason to keep turning pages, but underneath it is a much larger story about colonization, environmental damage, cultural identity, and what happens when people are forced to live with the consequences of decisions made by powerful outsiders.
Moe herself is also a really compelling protagonist. She's headstrong, logical, competitive, and sometimes impulsive, but given everything she's had to deal with, it makes sense. She's been forced to grow up quickly, especially after losing her parents and taking on responsibility for Tao. Her relationship with Moana is complicated too. The visions that should be a gift have also caused her pain and contributed to her feeling disconnected from her community. I really felt for her as she tried to figure out whether her connection to the ocean was something to fear or something she could embrace.
I also loved how much detail went into the worldbuilding and Indigenous representation. There is a lot of Mā'ohi language and cultural material throughout the story, and I appreciated that the book didn't feel the need to flatten its culture and language for the reader's convenience.
If I had one complaint, it's that I sometimes wanted even more. More about the mythology. More about the gods and their chosen messengers. More about the island and its people outside the immediate mystery. I finished the book feeling like I wanted to spend more time in this world, which is probably a pretty good sign.
Overall, “Salt Walter Blood” is atmospheric, thoughtful, and full of heart. I can’t wait to read more from Heinrich.
“Salt Water Blood” by Manuia Heinrich is a fantastic debut that manages to combine a genuinely engaging murder mystery with Polynesian folklore, a sweet romance, environmental themes, and important historical commentary without making any of those pieces feel completely disconnected.
The story follows Moe, an 18-year-old who has been dealing with visions from Moana, the ocean, for most of her life. Unfortunately, the sea keeps showing her the same horrifying future: her younger brother Tao is going to drown. Moe is determined to get him off the island before that happens, but things get complicated when Tao is accused of murdering his girlfriend, Sabine. He can't remember what happened that night and has no alibi, so suddenly Moe has a much bigger problem than just trying to save her brother from the ocean.
Her solution? Team up with her school rival, Temanea, and investigate the murder themselves.
And honestly, Moe and Temanea were one of my favorite parts of the book. Their relationship starts with that competitive rival energy, but as they work together, you get banter, tension, trust, and some genuinely adorable moments. I loved watching them slowly become partners, both in the investigation and in each other's lives. The romance never felt like it was randomly shoved into the story just because the characters are teenagers. It actually contributes to the plot and develops naturally alongside everything else.
The mystery itself was so much fun. There are plenty of suspects, secrets, hidden connections, and twists, and I was constantly changing my mind about who was responsible. When the culprit was finally revealed, I had one of those “of course!” moments where the clues suddenly made sense in retrospect. The pacing also worked really well for me. The stakes are established early, there's a clear ticking clock, and the final stretch gets seriously intense.
But what really made this book stand out was the way the speculative elements were woven into the mystery.
Moe is connected to Moana, while other characters have relationships with Aru, the forest. Their chosen messengers receive visions and unusual abilities, but the magic never felt like it was pasted onto a completely unrelated murder mystery. It feels connected to the land, ocean, culture, and history of the setting. Even some of the smaller magical details, like a shop that gives you what you need rather than what you want, added to that feeling.
And then there's the history.
I honestly didn't know much about France's nuclear testing in the Pacific before reading this book, and I really appreciated how directly Heinrich confronts its consequences. The story explores how Indigenous communities and the land continue to deal with the effects of those tests, while France has continued to evade responsibility and accountability. It's not just background information either. That history is deeply connected to the characters, their families, their community, and the mystery itself.
That was probably my favorite thing about the book. The murder mystery gives you the immediate reason to keep turning pages, but underneath it is a much larger story about colonization, environmental damage, cultural identity, and what happens when people are forced to live with the consequences of decisions made by powerful outsiders.
Moe herself is also a really compelling protagonist. She's headstrong, logical, competitive, and sometimes impulsive, but given everything she's had to deal with, it makes sense. She's been forced to grow up quickly, especially after losing her parents and taking on responsibility for Tao. Her relationship with Moana is complicated too. The visions that should be a gift have also caused her pain and contributed to her feeling disconnected from her community. I really felt for her as she tried to figure out whether her connection to the ocean was something to fear or something she could embrace.
I also loved how much detail went into the worldbuilding and Indigenous representation. There is a lot of Mā'ohi language and cultural material throughout the story, and I appreciated that the book didn't feel the need to flatten its culture and language for the reader's convenience.
If I had one complaint, it's that I sometimes wanted even more. More about the mythology. More about the gods and their chosen messengers. More about the island and its people outside the immediate mystery. I finished the book feeling like I wanted to spend more time in this world, which is probably a pretty good sign.
Overall, “Salt Walter Blood” is atmospheric, thoughtful, and full of heart. I can’t wait to read more from Heinrich.
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
Salt Blood Water is a very well-done novel. The pacing is spot on, and the mystery at the heart of the story kept pulling me deeper because I genuinely wanted to find out exactly what had happened. Heinrich does a particularly impressive job with the Indigenous representation, which adds a great deal of depth and authenticity to the story.
The romance isn't really my thing, but I thought it was handled well. The relationship develops naturally, and the characters' coming together never felt particularly forced or contrived.
My biggest question is how this book will connect with younger readers. There is a significant amount of Indigenous language woven throughout the story, and while I think that is an important part of the book and its representation, I wonder whether some young readers will stick with it when they encounter words and phrases they don't understand. For the right reader, I don't think that will be an issue at all, but I could see it becoming a barrier for some.
And then there is the issue I feel obligated to mention, particularly because I read a lot of books with young readers in mind. Let me be very clear: I abhor censorship. I believe writers should be free to write what they want and how they want to write it. But we also have to acknowledge the reality of the current political and cultural climate, especially when it comes to books in schools and libraries.
There is a particular blasphemous curse word used twice in this book. Some readers will have absolutely no problem with it. However, there are conservative communities where that particular word is considered unacceptable, and its presence can be enough to keep an otherwise excellent book from reaching some readers. That's not a judgment on the book or the author's choice to use the language; it's simply something librarians, teachers, and parents should be aware of.
Overall, this is a strong, engaging mystery with excellent Indigenous representation, solid pacing, and a romance that works even for someone who isn't particularly drawn to romance. Four stars for me.
The romance isn't really my thing, but I thought it was handled well. The relationship develops naturally, and the characters' coming together never felt particularly forced or contrived.
My biggest question is how this book will connect with younger readers. There is a significant amount of Indigenous language woven throughout the story, and while I think that is an important part of the book and its representation, I wonder whether some young readers will stick with it when they encounter words and phrases they don't understand. For the right reader, I don't think that will be an issue at all, but I could see it becoming a barrier for some.
And then there is the issue I feel obligated to mention, particularly because I read a lot of books with young readers in mind. Let me be very clear: I abhor censorship. I believe writers should be free to write what they want and how they want to write it. But we also have to acknowledge the reality of the current political and cultural climate, especially when it comes to books in schools and libraries.
There is a particular blasphemous curse word used twice in this book. Some readers will have absolutely no problem with it. However, there are conservative communities where that particular word is considered unacceptable, and its presence can be enough to keep an otherwise excellent book from reaching some readers. That's not a judgment on the book or the author's choice to use the language; it's simply something librarians, teachers, and parents should be aware of.
Overall, this is a strong, engaging mystery with excellent Indigenous representation, solid pacing, and a romance that works even for someone who isn't particularly drawn to romance. Four stars for me.
September 21, 2026
Salt Water Blood is a powerful and imaginative story about our inherent connection to nature and our duty of love to others and ourselves. These are the kinds of stories that need to be told, especially at this time of division and climate change.
I actually remember being young and on a trip in Hawaii, swimming in the ocean and feeling a turtle brush my foot, realizing that the ocean is our mother. She is my mother, she is everyone's mother. Something about being on the Pacific islands and in the ocean to make you feel connected to the larger ecosystem. It is absolutely spiritual.
This book is incredibly powerful in its message of how the historically oppressed can make a difference against an established system of power that would like nothing more than to sweep their past and future atrocities under the rug so they don't have to be held accountable. I think this is a great story to help younger people understand in a more concrete way how it hurts communities to not only deny reparations, but also to deny the extent of the pain the oppressors' actions wrought.
This all said, there are some issues I had with the narrative itself. I think the spec fic notes of the story (specifically related to the magical food) that muddle the worldbuilding and are made redundant with other elements. It falls into some tired tropes I feel are harmful to what the ultimate message: MINOR SPOILERS MINOR SPOILERS the villain is motivated by a good cause but goes too far and thus the message is dismissed; and how focused on the protagonist the ocean is. The ocean is HUMUNGOUS and yet it only wants to talk to our MC about her problems? That I have to forgive it for the message and the age group this is in.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for allowing me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.
I actually remember being young and on a trip in Hawaii, swimming in the ocean and feeling a turtle brush my foot, realizing that the ocean is our mother. She is my mother, she is everyone's mother. Something about being on the Pacific islands and in the ocean to make you feel connected to the larger ecosystem. It is absolutely spiritual.
This book is incredibly powerful in its message of how the historically oppressed can make a difference against an established system of power that would like nothing more than to sweep their past and future atrocities under the rug so they don't have to be held accountable. I think this is a great story to help younger people understand in a more concrete way how it hurts communities to not only deny reparations, but also to deny the extent of the pain the oppressors' actions wrought.
This all said, there are some issues I had with the narrative itself. I think the spec fic notes of the story (specifically related to the magical food) that muddle the worldbuilding and are made redundant with other elements. It falls into some tired tropes I feel are harmful to what the ultimate message: MINOR SPOILERS MINOR SPOILERS the villain is motivated by a good cause but goes too far and thus the message is dismissed; and how focused on the protagonist the ocean is. The ocean is HUMUNGOUS and yet it only wants to talk to our MC about her problems? That I have to forgive it for the message and the age group this is in.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for allowing me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was hard to put down! From the very first sentence I was hooked.
I absolutely loved the world building. It left me wanting more — I want to learn more about all the shops and the different types of magic they offer! The dress shop? The bakery? Even the scenery and the forest and ocean are rich with details that draw you in and captivate you.
Moe was such an interesting character. Her drive to protect her brother Tao really resonated with me, an older sister, and her frustrations and growth throughout the book were done really, really well. They felt like a believable pair of siblings.
Tea was also an interesting chronicle from when we first meet him to going throughout the journey with him and Moe in the book. Won’t say much to not spoil anything here, but he was 100% one of my favorite characters.
Doc and Fara were perfectly frustrating — did I say how much I loved the character development here? This author understood the assignment and did a phenomenal job.
I don’t usually tend to enjoy books that paint cops (or gendermenes) in poor light as there’s already too much chaos in our world to find that enjoyable for me, but the way the author did that here with their knowledge of their own culture’s history was incredibly well done.
By the time to made it to the last page, I was wishing for more!
If I had a complaint, it would be solely that I would have liked a little dictionary added to help with some of the non-English words. The name pronunciation guide in the beginning was super helpful; I would have appreciated something similar for the non-English words so I didn’t have to be pulled out of the story to double check with google I was getting the gist of what the word was. Not a necessary or real complaint, more of a personal preference on my side.
Can’t wait to read more by this author and watch their journey
I absolutely loved the world building. It left me wanting more — I want to learn more about all the shops and the different types of magic they offer! The dress shop? The bakery? Even the scenery and the forest and ocean are rich with details that draw you in and captivate you.
Moe was such an interesting character. Her drive to protect her brother Tao really resonated with me, an older sister, and her frustrations and growth throughout the book were done really, really well. They felt like a believable pair of siblings.
Tea was also an interesting chronicle from when we first meet him to going throughout the journey with him and Moe in the book. Won’t say much to not spoil anything here, but he was 100% one of my favorite characters.
Doc and Fara were perfectly frustrating — did I say how much I loved the character development here? This author understood the assignment and did a phenomenal job.
I don’t usually tend to enjoy books that paint cops (or gendermenes) in poor light as there’s already too much chaos in our world to find that enjoyable for me, but the way the author did that here with their knowledge of their own culture’s history was incredibly well done.
By the time to made it to the last page, I was wishing for more!
If I had a complaint, it would be solely that I would have liked a little dictionary added to help with some of the non-English words. The name pronunciation guide in the beginning was super helpful; I would have appreciated something similar for the non-English words so I didn’t have to be pulled out of the story to double check with google I was getting the gist of what the word was. Not a necessary or real complaint, more of a personal preference on my side.
Can’t wait to read more by this author and watch their journey
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 NetGalley
Available November 17th, 2026!
Salt Water Blood pulls you in with a mystery and keeps you hooked with its heart, culture, and unforgettable characters. Eighteen-year-old Moe's quest to clear her brother Tao's name after he's accused of a terrible crime is packed with suspense. What makes the story truly stand out is its connection to Polynesian mythology and the ocean spirit, Moana, who speaks to Moe through visions. The romance between Moe and her longtime rival Temanea is sweet and believable, adding just the right amount of tension and charm. Beyond the mystery, Heinrich shines a light on the real-life impact of French nuclear testing in Polynesia, which makes the story both eye-opening and meaningful without feeling like a history lesson. Moe's fierce loyalty to her family and community makes her easy to root for, and her journey of embracing her identity is inspiring. While a few parts feel slightly rushed or repetitive, the fast-paced plot and emotional depth keep the pages turning. Perfect for fans of YA mysteries, contemporary fantasy, and stories with strong cultural roots.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Salt Water Blood pulls you in with a mystery and keeps you hooked with its heart, culture, and unforgettable characters. Eighteen-year-old Moe's quest to clear her brother Tao's name after he's accused of a terrible crime is packed with suspense. What makes the story truly stand out is its connection to Polynesian mythology and the ocean spirit, Moana, who speaks to Moe through visions. The romance between Moe and her longtime rival Temanea is sweet and believable, adding just the right amount of tension and charm. Beyond the mystery, Heinrich shines a light on the real-life impact of French nuclear testing in Polynesia, which makes the story both eye-opening and meaningful without feeling like a history lesson. Moe's fierce loyalty to her family and community makes her easy to root for, and her journey of embracing her identity is inspiring. While a few parts feel slightly rushed or repetitive, the fast-paced plot and emotional depth keep the pages turning. Perfect for fans of YA mysteries, contemporary fantasy, and stories with strong cultural roots.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 21, 2026
Huge thanks to NetGalley, Simon and Schuster/Sarah Barley Books, and author Manuia Heinrich for the Advanced Readers Copy
Taehyung what are you doing here?? No in all seriousness, this story was phenomenal. This story follows two main issues: the aftermath of France’s thirty years of nuclear testing on and around Polynesian islands and the main character’s brother being a murder suspect. Both of these topics gripped me with interest and the way the author weaves both of these plot points together through the lenses of indigenous stories, culture, and history was very well done. I kept thinking I could figure out who the murderer was and I was surprised at the end. The author did a good job at pointing the reader towards suspicion and keeping them active with the story without giving too much away. Also the romance! Just light enough that I didn’t think it took away from the plot. I very much appreciated the pronunciation guide at the beginning of the book. This is for sure one of my top thriller books now and I will definitely be recommending it to my friends. I will be buying this to put on my shelves at home
Taehyung what are you doing here?? No in all seriousness, this story was phenomenal. This story follows two main issues: the aftermath of France’s thirty years of nuclear testing on and around Polynesian islands and the main character’s brother being a murder suspect. Both of these topics gripped me with interest and the way the author weaves both of these plot points together through the lenses of indigenous stories, culture, and history was very well done. I kept thinking I could figure out who the murderer was and I was surprised at the end. The author did a good job at pointing the reader towards suspicion and keeping them active with the story without giving too much away. Also the romance! Just light enough that I didn’t think it took away from the plot. I very much appreciated the pronunciation guide at the beginning of the book. This is for sure one of my top thriller books now and I will definitely be recommending it to my friends. I will be buying this to put on my shelves at home
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 NetGalley
This YA novel has a lot packed into it -- too many things, for my taste. First and foremost, it's an exposé of the decades of nuclear testing France performed in the islands near Tahiti -- nuclear tests that have sickened and killed many islanders, and which France continues to refuse to atone for. Then there is the indigenous lore and native language that is central to the story. And there are absent parents, a horrendous murder, and some pretty crazed people. I would have liked this better if the murder element had been left out -- all the rest of the story could be told without that, and I think it would be a stronger novel. The murder, for me, distracted from more compelling and important elements.
The pronunciation guide to a few given names was nice, but more useful would be a glossary of foreign terms that are liberally used throughout the story.
The pronunciation guide to a few given names was nice, but more useful would be a glossary of foreign terms that are liberally used throughout the story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Read this if you like books based on reality and dark YA with a tropical island magic feel
Oooh I loved this. I devoured this. I love a spooky island magic thriller and this one delivered! It felt so real and I enjoyed the island legends brought to life twists and turns.
This book is dark and magical and the emphasis on family and friends and taking care of nature is threaded through it.
The political nuance behind the story and the basis in reality is fascinating and I ended up doing some research after reading the explanation.
This book sucked me right into the story and had me reading with anticipation till the end. So many twists I didn’t see coming, and a dark motivation driving someone unexpectedly. I loved every minute.
Oooh I loved this. I devoured this. I love a spooky island magic thriller and this one delivered! It felt so real and I enjoyed the island legends brought to life twists and turns.
This book is dark and magical and the emphasis on family and friends and taking care of nature is threaded through it.
The political nuance behind the story and the basis in reality is fascinating and I ended up doing some research after reading the explanation.
This book sucked me right into the story and had me reading with anticipation till the end. So many twists I didn’t see coming, and a dark motivation driving someone unexpectedly. I loved every minute.
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.
October 12, 2026
Salt Water Blood is a YA speculative thriller by debut author Manuia Heinrich. Set on a fictional island in the real Mā'ohi Nui Polynesian islands, this powerful story is a commentary on French colonialism and its ecological and economical effects. Heinrich blends these themes with the main mystery plot and subplots of romance and activism without taking the reader out of the story. I felt Moe's anger at the French and what they had done to her beloved island home through the page. I was taken aback when I read the reader's note at the end about the true history of nuclear tests in Mā'ohi Nui. It truly is a horrible situation that Heinrich tackles with a righteous anger, yet hopeful tone. The mystery plot of the book was also written wonderfully, I never would have guessed the ending. The spiritual aspects of the story felt very natural and I found myself wanting to know more about Moana and Aru. Overall this was a very captivating story that everyone should read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing, and the author Manuia Heinrich for a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley, Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing, and the author Manuia Heinrich for a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was such a good mix of magical realism, Indigenous folklore, mystery, suspense and unique characters. The author does a great job of revealing just enough about the characters and plot to keep you reading more without sharing too much. I love how the underlying political/environmental issues affect the rest of the story and MC. Also, the magic involved is so well done, but my favorite aspect might be the store that gives you what you need (not what you want). I'd say the story is Dateline meets a grownup Moana with a full cast of memorable characters.
*The ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
*The ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
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