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Na Akua
Maui was supposed to be a romantic trip for two; a battle between angry gods was not part of the plan.But when Grayson Park’s bride leaves him at the altar, a solo trip to paradise seems like just the thing to take him far from his troubles. Then he meets the beautiful and enigmatic Hi’iaka, and his troubles truly begin—because when she’s abducted by the sinister Kamapua’a, a vengeful demigod bent on draining her life by the light of the full moon, she calls on Grayson to rescue her.And if he fails, the gods of Hawaii will tear the world apart.With his loyal, new-found Hawaiian friend Polunu as his steadfast guide, Grayson sets out on an incredible adventure that pits him against the very gods of Hawaiian mythology and leads him to the heart of Pele’s volcano, into the ocean to find the mythical Hook of Maui, and through the strange and brutal upcountry fleeing from elder witches and the mo’o demons sent to destroy him. But there are only two nights left before the moon becomes full, and Grayson is running out of time to save Hi’iaka...and the world.What readers are "...a magical and well-crafted story""...classic wit and charming characters. [Smith] is a master of drawing you into his fantastical worlds.””Na Akua is Smith writing at the top of his game."
245 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 11, 2016
14 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
About the author
Clayton Smith
22 books149 followersClayton Smith is a writer, teacher, and entrepreneur based in Chicago. He is an assistant professor of instruction in the Business and Entrepreneurship Department at Columbia College Chicago, and he is the co-founder of Media Empire Media. His work includes the novels Apocalypticon, Anomaly Flats, and Na Akua and the comedic plays Death and McCootie and The Depths.
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April 11, 2017I almost didn't made it past the beginning of this novel, as I am not fond of sad sack guys falling into insta love with gorgeous women. But the fact that I was promised Hawai'ian mythology kept me going--and when I encountered the sand crabs, I was glad I did.
Gray Park was dumped at the altar by his bride-to-be so he goes on the honeymoon that he'd paid for, alone and miserable, and of course proceeds to get toasted. Swears off women a heartbeat before a gorgeous, mysterious woman meets him and takes an interest. They make a date to meet the next day. She doesn't show up, but something else does.
He's a modern guy, and so takes rather a long time to believe in the weird, but the weird is so vividly described, so much fun, even when it's scary, that I was sucked right in. He meets a Hawaiian who becomes his (unwanted) best bud, and their relationship is part of the fun as Gray gets educated out of his white mainlander assumptions.
It's a delicious story, with the gorgeous woman holding up her end of the story quite nicely. Do be warned, it does set up for a sequel (not that that is a bad thing!!!)
Gray Park was dumped at the altar by his bride-to-be so he goes on the honeymoon that he'd paid for, alone and miserable, and of course proceeds to get toasted. Swears off women a heartbeat before a gorgeous, mysterious woman meets him and takes an interest. They make a date to meet the next day. She doesn't show up, but something else does.
He's a modern guy, and so takes rather a long time to believe in the weird, but the weird is so vividly described, so much fun, even when it's scary, that I was sucked right in. He meets a Hawaiian who becomes his (unwanted) best bud, and their relationship is part of the fun as Gray gets educated out of his white mainlander assumptions.
It's a delicious story, with the gorgeous woman holding up her end of the story quite nicely. Do be warned, it does set up for a sequel (not that that is a bad thing!!!)
March 5, 2017
I won this book as a Goodreads giveaway, and it was signed by author Clayton Smith. This did not affect my review.
Na Akua is a novel filled with folklore, humor, adventure, romance, suspense, and friendship. Grayson Park is on his honeymoon in Maui, except that his bride ditched the wedding and he had already paid for the holiday. Drinking his sorrows away, he is approached by the beautiful Hi'iaka, who fears for her life, and then disappears. Sending a magical message for help, Gray meets a local named Polunu, who is a gentle-giant and whose beliefs and humor anchor the story. Together,they meet the old gods, including Pele in her volcanic home and gather the tools they need to attempt the rescue of Hi'iaka from the evil Kamapua’a, who seeks to capture her powers by the light of the pending full moon. Gray's inner strength and the truths he learns about the beliefs, culture, and way of life of the Hawaiian people, courtesy of Polunu, are the centerpiece of this novel.
The glossary at the front was most helpful.
Na Akua is a novel filled with folklore, humor, adventure, romance, suspense, and friendship. Grayson Park is on his honeymoon in Maui, except that his bride ditched the wedding and he had already paid for the holiday. Drinking his sorrows away, he is approached by the beautiful Hi'iaka, who fears for her life, and then disappears. Sending a magical message for help, Gray meets a local named Polunu, who is a gentle-giant and whose beliefs and humor anchor the story. Together,they meet the old gods, including Pele in her volcanic home and gather the tools they need to attempt the rescue of Hi'iaka from the evil Kamapua’a, who seeks to capture her powers by the light of the pending full moon. Gray's inner strength and the truths he learns about the beliefs, culture, and way of life of the Hawaiian people, courtesy of Polunu, are the centerpiece of this novel.
The glossary at the front was most helpful.
September 13, 2016
Na Akua is a Neil-Gaiman-Makes-a-Disney-Movie of a novel, filled with humor, magic, adventure, romance, suspense, and a core friendship as sweet and funny as any buddy story ever told. The heartbroken-yet-wholly-relatable Grayson Park (a pitch-perfect addition to the already-amazing Clayton Smith protagonist collection) and his insta-bestie Polunu – who turns out to be the hilarious gentle-giant heart of the whole story - set out to save the beautiful Hi'iaka, an abducted Hawaiian goddess caught up in a revenge plot unfolding among the other deities, braving the perilous upcountry of Maui in a race against time and the forces of evil as they go. At every next danger, Gray discovers a new truth about the beliefs, culture, and way of life of the Hawaiian people, courtesy of Polunu’s highly entertaining and gently educational philosophies. They share some of the funniest, most touching bonding moments I’ve ever read between fictional characters. And as much as being an incredibly entertaining adventure (which it absolutely is) and a heartwarming friendship tale (which it also is, undeniably) with an unabashed stroke of Gray-and-Hi'iaka romance right down its middle (which it has, no question), Na Akua is a breathtaking tone poem to the beauty and wonder of the islands - to their people, their mythology, and their magic. To be honest, I didn’t know much about the Hawaiian mythology before reading Na Akua...Smith did more than just entertain and move me brilliantly with this one; he educated me to the world of the islands in a fun and exciting way as only he seems capable of doing, and he left me wanting to know so much more — not just about the characters in the story, but about the whole enchanted world that is the Hawaiian Islands. It simply doesn’t get any better.
September 25, 2019
At this stage in his prolific writing career, Clayton Smith has mastered the persona of the cynical everyman thrown into impossible situations. Na Akua continues in that vain.
The story introduces us to Grayson Park, a Missouri high school teacher, who is visiting beautiful Maui on his honeymoon. This is no ordinary honeymoon though, as Grayson was left standing at the altar by his bride-to-be, and decides to take the trip he paid for. Talk about impossible situations.
Once there, Grayson’s drunken exploits earn him the ire of the other hotel patrons, until a seemingly chance meeting with a surreally beautiful woman changes not just Grayson’s trip, but his perception of what is real.
Smith has crafted a fun tale, laced through with his trademark cynicism, as his hero struggles to keep a grip on reality. Along for the ride is his faithful sidekick and Hawaiian native Polunu, who provides the heart of the duo. The author captures the beauty of Maui, and introduces us to the mythology of the Islands.
Grayson stretches the boundaries of the anti-hero, making all the wrong choices, much to the constant amusement of Polunu, and survives more on dumb luck than any skill or mental acuity.
Na Akua is an amusing tale with more than enough adventure to keep you turning the page.
The story introduces us to Grayson Park, a Missouri high school teacher, who is visiting beautiful Maui on his honeymoon. This is no ordinary honeymoon though, as Grayson was left standing at the altar by his bride-to-be, and decides to take the trip he paid for. Talk about impossible situations.
Once there, Grayson’s drunken exploits earn him the ire of the other hotel patrons, until a seemingly chance meeting with a surreally beautiful woman changes not just Grayson’s trip, but his perception of what is real.
Smith has crafted a fun tale, laced through with his trademark cynicism, as his hero struggles to keep a grip on reality. Along for the ride is his faithful sidekick and Hawaiian native Polunu, who provides the heart of the duo. The author captures the beauty of Maui, and introduces us to the mythology of the Islands.
Grayson stretches the boundaries of the anti-hero, making all the wrong choices, much to the constant amusement of Polunu, and survives more on dumb luck than any skill or mental acuity.
Na Akua is an amusing tale with more than enough adventure to keep you turning the page.
July 6, 2025
This is a fantastic story about a mainlander who is caught up in the internal struggles of the Hawaiian gods. Readers are treated to a non-stop rollicking ride through the wonders and terrors of the Hawaiian islands and myths.
The real star of the book is Polunu, the main character's fun-loving, life-loving, Hawaii-loving, friend. The two characters are so good together! Clayton Smith has a real flair for dialogue, and the banter made me laugh out loud more than once!
The ending wraps up nicely, and an epilogue hints at a sequel to come. Good times ahead! (An insta-buy!)
I almost put this down after the first chapter. The main character had a long way to go, and the crabs were…odd. I am so glad I kept reading! When I think of what I almost missed out on, it makes me want to never give up on a book, ever again.
The real star of the book is Polunu, the main character's fun-loving, life-loving, Hawaii-loving, friend. The two characters are so good together! Clayton Smith has a real flair for dialogue, and the banter made me laugh out loud more than once!
The ending wraps up nicely, and an epilogue hints at a sequel to come. Good times ahead! (An insta-buy!)
I almost put this down after the first chapter. The main character had a long way to go, and the crabs were…odd. I am so glad I kept reading! When I think of what I almost missed out on, it makes me want to never give up on a book, ever again.
September 12, 2016
Most people think of Maui as a beautiful island full of romance and magic. Grayson Park sees it as an escape from his currently miserable life. While drinking himself into a stupor, he finds himself part of an adventure of mythical proportions. Befriended by a local, he heads off to save the girl...and learns about himself along the way.
The story begins a little slow, but don’t let that deceive you. It picks up and I found myself flying through each page until the end. I may have even stayed up until 1am to finish it!
I’ve read a couple other stories by Clayton Smith and enjoyed them, so I was looking forward to this one. I was not let down. In fact, I think this is my favorite!
Na Akua will take you on the Hawaiian adventure you never knew you wanted to go on!
The story begins a little slow, but don’t let that deceive you. It picks up and I found myself flying through each page until the end. I may have even stayed up until 1am to finish it!
I’ve read a couple other stories by Clayton Smith and enjoyed them, so I was looking forward to this one. I was not let down. In fact, I think this is my favorite!
Na Akua will take you on the Hawaiian adventure you never knew you wanted to go on!
September 13, 2016
I'm a big Clayton Smith fan so I jumped on this, thinking I knew what to expect. But this one was, imho, quite different from his usual zany tales. It was still filled with the delightfully unexpected, and humorous and bittersweet, but somehow it was also different. Maybe because there's been a dearth of books out there recently (really good books, anyway) that mix mythology and comedy and adventure. A very fun read and I can't wait for the next installation!
November 26, 2016
I really enjoyed this rich love (?) story built around Hawaiian mythology. Grayson Park is drinking away his not-honeymoon on Maui, after being abandoned at the altar by his would-be bride. Having sworn off women for the rest of his life, his resolve is quickly tested by a beautiful, exotic native. She turns out to be much more than she appears, however, and ensnares Gray in a dangerous quest.
December 28, 2016
Fun!
This is the third Clayton Smith book I have read. He has a great storytelling "voice", the stories are fun, fast moving and very original. Na Akua was extra enjoyable for it's inclusion of Polynesian mythology, which one doesn't commonly run across.
This is the third Clayton Smith book I have read. He has a great storytelling "voice", the stories are fun, fast moving and very original. Na Akua was extra enjoyable for it's inclusion of Polynesian mythology, which one doesn't commonly run across.
June 11, 2017
I really, really enjoyed this!
I've liked all of this author's books so far... keep them coming! The dialogue and character development are always awesome in Smith's books, and this is no exception.
I've liked all of this author's books so far... keep them coming! The dialogue and character development are always awesome in Smith's books, and this is no exception.
May 15, 2017
Pleasant read
As usual, Clayton Smith delivers an interesting adventure mixed with plenty of humor. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an escape from the usual.
As usual, Clayton Smith delivers an interesting adventure mixed with plenty of humor. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an escape from the usual.
June 15, 2017
Fun, quick, engrossing
Enjoyable read with enough intriguing elements of myth and magic to go with a likable hero to make it worthwhile.
Enjoyable read with enough intriguing elements of myth and magic to go with a likable hero to make it worthwhile.
August 29, 2017
I don't know why Clayton Smith isn't a hugely popular author. His books are consistently interesting, well written and original. This is about the 5th title of his i've read and i thought it was the best so far. This book should be a text book for how to write dialogue. I was hooked by the first conversation the hero of the book has with a mysterious Hawaiian lady at the pool of his resort. He's there, alone, on his honeymoon having just been left at the altar, drinking and crying inside and sometimes outside. He's sworn off all women till she comes along and she suddenly changes things again. Giving him something to live for. She seems magical and recruits him to help save her from her dreams. When she disappears, he gets a message delivered by sand crabs. A cry for help. That's just the beginning of his story. There's so much more. A 500 lb hawaiian giant who is enlisted to help him. The goddess Pele and her squabbling siblings. Gods and goddess squabbles are epic in proportion. There are terrible lizard monsters. Goat demi-gods and so much more. A trip well worth taking. I do have one slight problem with the book and that is the ending. He tacked on an epilogue which serves no purpose except to set up the next book in the series. Though that sequel is not in sight yet, i'm sure it's on the drawing board. I hate that. Let each book be sufficient to itself. If they liked this book, they'll search out a sequel without you leading them by the nose to it. Still, that was not enough to change my love for what had come before. I highly recommend this book.
March 30, 2020
Anyone who reads this should bear in mind that this is not an exact and scholarly interpretation of Hawaiian gods and legends. That being said, the author has taken a great deal of care and effort to research the legends that inspired this story, giving the cultural source material it's due.
This is where the strength of the story lies: the research the author did to make it work. So many writers who try to write a story based on a mythology that is different from the usual Greco-Roman pantheon have their own cultural ideas so rigidly in place, it leads to misrepresentations for Hawaiian culture.
This author does not do this. He shows what happens when research and storytelling come together.
A hero's journey takes us on a tour of different famous legends from Hawaii: from The Volcano Goddess Pele and her beloved sister to the fearsome boar god and demigod Maui. Anyone not familiar with these legends will surely develop a taste for them after reading this story.
This is where the strength of the story lies: the research the author did to make it work. So many writers who try to write a story based on a mythology that is different from the usual Greco-Roman pantheon have their own cultural ideas so rigidly in place, it leads to misrepresentations for Hawaiian culture.
This author does not do this. He shows what happens when research and storytelling come together.
A hero's journey takes us on a tour of different famous legends from Hawaii: from The Volcano Goddess Pele and her beloved sister to the fearsome boar god and demigod Maui. Anyone not familiar with these legends will surely develop a taste for them after reading this story.
May 1, 2020
Very exciting
The story was very exciting. I kind of wonder if this Grayson Park is the friend of Patrick in the book Apocolypticon? If not, I still like him and his friend Polunu. Because you need a friend when your rescuing a goddess.
The story was very exciting. I kind of wonder if this Grayson Park is the friend of Patrick in the book Apocolypticon? If not, I still like him and his friend Polunu. Because you need a friend when your rescuing a goddess.
August 12, 2023
Super fun read. I enjoyed the Hawaiian mythology and also the bumbling main character. Very relatable. Highly recommend if you enjoy adventures and mythology and regular person gets sucked into magic things stories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2024
It would be a 3,5⭐️ For me, it was a fun reading! It’s not long and it’s fast paced. The characters are lovable and funny. The book is full of beautiful descriptions of Hawaï and notions of Hawaiian mythology.
February 27, 2017
Good entertaining read
I really enjoyed the world this book was set in, the vivid descriptions of the island, the friendship between Gray and Polunu, and the real threat that the villains posed made for a very entertaining read.
I really enjoyed the world this book was set in, the vivid descriptions of the island, the friendship between Gray and Polunu, and the real threat that the villains posed made for a very entertaining read.
September 14, 2016
Myth and action abound.
I was unsure about such a change in style from Mr Smith, but the in-depth detail of the sights and sounds of Hawaii, plus the amazing mythology, make this an exciting and very educational (in a good way) book to read.
The characters are well thought out with lots of depth so that they are easy to connect with. The story is fast paced with lots of action and twists and turns right up to the shocking epilogue.
*This was an ARC from the author, my opinions are my own.*
I was unsure about such a change in style from Mr Smith, but the in-depth detail of the sights and sounds of Hawaii, plus the amazing mythology, make this an exciting and very educational (in a good way) book to read.
The characters are well thought out with lots of depth so that they are easy to connect with. The story is fast paced with lots of action and twists and turns right up to the shocking epilogue.
*This was an ARC from the author, my opinions are my own.*
November 10, 2016
Fun, interesting, and funny. I feel most adventure books, particularly those that dip into the supernatural, often fail in their attempt to be genuinely funny. Na Akua actually strikes a nice balance between maintaining the urgency of the situation, but incorporating humorous dialogue. It definitely made me chuckle aloud once or twice on the subway, which is high praise coming from me.
Plot wise, it's not terribly different from other "man gets caught up in the affairs of gods" sub-genre, and doesn't flesh out the world of the gods quite enough. The story itself - joe everyman and his wise guide rescue the girl - also isn't the most original, but it's executed well and given enough twists and turns to keep me glued. But just the fact that it's based around Hawaiian mythology, which I previously knew nothing about, makes it a fascinating read.
Come for the Hawaiian god mythos, stay for the witty dialogue. A perfect read if you're trying to bury your head in the sand after the election...
Plot wise, it's not terribly different from other "man gets caught up in the affairs of gods" sub-genre, and doesn't flesh out the world of the gods quite enough. The story itself - joe everyman and his wise guide rescue the girl - also isn't the most original, but it's executed well and given enough twists and turns to keep me glued. But just the fact that it's based around Hawaiian mythology, which I previously knew nothing about, makes it a fascinating read.
Come for the Hawaiian god mythos, stay for the witty dialogue. A perfect read if you're trying to bury your head in the sand after the election...
September 22, 2016
Great story, hilarious dialogue, classic Clayton. And there's cake. Read it!
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