Daughters of Fire

by Tom Peek

A gripping adventure of romance, intrigue, myth, and murder, Daughters of Fire picks up where Michener's Hawaii left off. More than a decade in the research and writing, Tom Peek's debut novel mills Hawaii's tensions into an epic tale that illuminates the irrepressible spirit of a native people struggling to keep faith with aloha.

Genres: Fiction, Magical Realism, Contemporary

504 pages, Paperback

First published November 4, 2013

About the author

An award-winning novelist and acclaimed writing teacher, Tom Peek lived his early life on Minnesota’s Upper Mississippi River. After hitchhiking by boat through the South Seas, he settled on Hawaiʻi Island three decades ago. There he’s been, among other things, an astronomy and mountain guide on Mauna Kea, an eruption ranger and exhibit writer on Kilauea, and an insider participant in the efforts to protect both sacred volcanoes.

Winner of the 2024 Nautilus Gold Award for Small Press Fiction
Finalist for the 2024 Eric Hoffer Award Grand Prize
Winner of a 2013 IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award for Popular Fiction

"Tom Peek’s understanding of place, culture, and current issues is deep and respectful without being heavy-handed.” — Maile Meyer, founder of Honolulu’s Native Books/Nā Mea Hawai‘i

“Peek is a storyteller extraordinaire, cut from an older cloth seldom seen today.” — The Contemporary Pacific Journal

"Peek is an author who takes the time to listen and observe, honestly portraying islanders of all hues and voices.” — Nelson Ho, Sierra Club leader and longtime Mauna Kea activist

Reviews

[Viviane Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contemporary Hawaii has been taken over by politicians and businessmen seeking profit at any cost. Native Hawaiians have been marginalized and cast aside, sometimes by omission or ignoring and sometimes by commission of violent crimes. But there is a magic, mysticism, and beauty of this state that elicits wonder, awe, and passionate defense. Maile is a such a Hawaiian, an educated anthropologist who keeps in touch with everything going on. She quietly notes and at times assists those native Hawaiians who will demonstrate and do whatever they can to keep their land pure and true to its spiritual identity and destiny!

So the reader watches with fascination as she meets a non-Hawaiian white Australian astronomer doing research. He is at first a detached observer here for his scientific exploratory job but slowly is entranced with Maile and with her land. His initial attitude is representative of those who live for a material world and are blind to the awesome ambience of this gorgeous island. Even the volcanic craters that have a temperament of their own, believed to indicate the support or punitive anger of the divine Pele.

Add to that a super resort is being built on what is believed to be sacred native land that was stolen from true Hawaiians. It's worth millions and its growth is supported by politicians all the way to Washington. However, it is also built on a volcano that recently has been predicted to be slowly rising. It poses a major financial crisis for the builders, owners, and even the Hawaiian rebels who will demonstrate to try to stop this abomination from opening.

A young man accidentally happens upon a strange murder, several Hawaiian men hurling a desperate, screaming, crying man into a volcanic crater. On and on the violence goes, a symbol of betrayal, and a symbol of the immense power of the Hawaiian "mafia."

There is so much more in this vivid, panoramic view of so many disparate sides vying for power and ownership, all with different motives and all using acceptable and illegal means to attain their goal.

Daughters of Fire in a way takes of where Hawaii by James Michener ended. It's an emotional, terrifying, and inspiring look at this land that has moved so many to its paradise atmosphere and possibilities. Notable fiction!

[Lyn (Readinghearts) · Rating 4 out of 5]

To say that this book picks up where Michener's left off is a bit misleading. Upon reading that, I expected a book centered on the history of Hawai'i from Statehood to the present. What this book is, to my joy, is a top-notch contemporary fiction book about modern day Hawai'i and the cultural, economic, and political forces that are at play there. It is truly a 'tale that illuminates the spirit of a native Hawaiian people struggling to keep faith the aloha.'

I'm not sure what Tom Peek's background is, or what compelled him to write a book about Hawai'i, but I am very glad that he did. The story that he weaves of these 16 days on the Big Island of Hawai'i is a compelling one that will keep you turning the pages and stay with you after you finish. It was easy to involve myself in the lives of the main protagonist; Hawaiian born anthropologist, Maile, who is trying to balance the "old ways" that she grew up with and modern life, and Mainland born astronomer who finds himself, not only in love with Maile, but caught up in a web of murder and politics. I particularly enjoyed the way that the author used them, and the other characters in the book, to represent the various factions at play in today's Hawai'i. Giving each faction a voice, and portraying them as themselves, neither good nor evil, but trying to fit in and pursue their vision of what Hawai'i is.

In addition to crafting great characters for this work, Peek's prose flows through the pages with all of the rhythm an feeling of the old Hawaiian legends. In fact, these legends are the backdrop for the story that he tells. I had read about several of the legends before in other books, but thoroughly enjoyed the way that the author used them as a backdrop for his story, giving the story as a whole a truly Hawaiian feel. In short, the combination of story and legend transported me, making me feel that I was actually on the island, dealing with the problems of clashing cultures.

In the end, I really struggled with the rating for this book, and would love to have given it 4.5 stars. I ended with giving it 4 stars as it did not quite hit me the way that Michener's work did. Nonetheless, it was highly enjoyable and gets a huge recommendation from me. In fact, I think this one is a buried treasure and definitely deserves more exposure and should garner many more readers.

[Arlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author: Tom Peek
Published By: Koa Books
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Blog For: GMTA
Rating: 5
Review:

"Daughter's of Fire was a very interesting novel that takes place over 16 days on the Big Island of Hawaii. You will find this novel ...full of 'romance, intrigue, myth, and murder.' All I can say is this wonderful well written novel will keep you truly turning each page, shaking your head and saying Wow ...I didn't see that one coming! This author, Tom Peek really put a lots of not only writing but researching to be able to tell this 'tale that illuminates the spirit of a native Hawaiian people struggling to keep faith the aloha.' This author gives us a wonderful interpreatation of this culture and science so that the reader will be able to fully understand Hawaii's archeological, the Big Island ecosystem and its culture...all in this creative story telling. The main part of this excellent read is showing how a contemporary places that has been taken over by creedy politians and even businessmen that will try to make a profit any way they can. Now, I am sure you are wondering what this novel is all about and this is where I say you must pick up "Daughter's of Fire" to find out. You will not be disappointed because this is a good read from start to finish. Be ready for a very emotional and even terrifying paradise ride that has a lot of twist and turns.


"Daughter's of Fire" will give you a panoramic view of power and ownership and what one will do to get it and with that being said yes I would recommend this as a excellent read.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books was very good. It creates a great essence of Polynesian history and how a foreigner can eventually come to respect that past.

[Stefaniab · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very enjoyable book for me because I know the Big Island of Hawaii well. Poor me had her upcoming vacation in Kona and Hilo canceled due to the coronavirus outbreak, so reading Daughters of Fire was sort of a consolation prize.

Thus, I found the beginning entirely too didactic for me. Also the book wasn't 100 percent
clear on what it was supposed to be: a thriller, a romance, or "what if" enviromental
disaster story. I enjoyed the characters of the lovers and the old guys who were their friends. I felt their stories were very moving. I found most of the other characters was less fleshed out and stereotypical, especially the gangsters, real estate magnet, and the too hot for her own pants singer.

On the other hand, kudos to Tom Peek for including a bit of ancient Hawaiian culture before the Tahitians landed at South Point. And the glossary at the back of the book was mai`kai.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

A timely read given that the volcanoes on the Big Island Hawaii are erupting again now, October 2021.
The story covers ancient geological history, as well as ongoing attempts to create a Disneyland on very dangerous ground.
If you want hot sex, Gavin and Maile have an assist from mythical beings, animals, hawks, owls, and a great whale shark. Maile wants to document the religious artifacts and burial grounds hidden beneath a vast network of lava tubes. She has photos, but the new volcanic tubes will obliterate any attempt to prove her history.
Gavin is there to use the mountain top observatory and telescope. What's happening with volcanic moon io zipping high speed around Jupiter, spewing an endless streams of lava at the giant. Jupiter's great red storm is spinning faster this October 2021.
As it happens, io also is a powerful Hawaiian goddess guiding Gavin and Maile.

[jasper · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was sorry I hadn't picked this book up when I saw it in a used bookstore in Hilo last year but then was happy to find it at Powell's. Sadly it turned out to be a big disappointment. I never understand why love stories have to be about two extra beautiful people. Ordinary just won't do. I got pretty tired of the descriptions of Maile's looks. And there wasn't nearly enough self reflection by her character.

Overall the author has a good grasp of Hawaii's culture and geology but I just didn't find the story engaging. And that part about them getting lost in the lava tubes and barely escaping ahead of the flowing lava was wholely unbelievable and went on way too long. There are other much better novels about Hawaii.

[Yun Rou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure, I wrote a blurb for the cover and the author is a dear friend. All the same, there is a dearth of really good work on Hawaii these days, which is strange given how topical the place is on so many levels, ranging from mysticism, exoticism, climate crisis, and the way the dominant culture treats First Peoples. It's a strong story with memorable characters, but more than that, it lends voice to those who remain, outside of the Sandwich Islands, comparatively voiceless.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The perfect read for someone visiting The Big Island for the first time. Me....lived here 30 years, so an OK read for me with lots of chuckles about the local politics and business-as-usual. I enjoyed learning the Hawaiian meaning of a couple of words I never knew and the references to Hawaiian belief systems. Tom Peek offers writing workshops in Volcano Village. If you are a budding writer, check it out.

[Stef · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the descriptions of Big Island and the Hawaiian culture and mythology. It’s especially nice to read the story when you’re visiting or have visited Big Island. However, the storyline was not that great. The author tries to make the book thrilling, but somehow doesn’t succeed - maybe because he’s switching between many different story lines to often. All in all, a nice vacation read but don’t expect a masterpiece.

[Katrina Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story, which immersed me in the culture of Hawaii and gave me a chance to learn about the history/politics/traditions via fiction. It took a little while to adjust to the POV (3rd Omniscient, which isn't my favourite), but in the end I appreciated seeing the events from the many vastly different perspectives of the characters.

[Marty Greenwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please read this before visit the Big Island. Good at explaining what true Hawaiian culture is an not just aloha and mahalo. Romance, murder, intrigue, politics .....it's all there. Great book! Also has a glossary of Hawaiian words. Got it at a used bookstore in Hilo.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, written ten years ago, is very relevant with Mauna Loa and Kilauea volcanoes both erupting. I was there in 2018 when Kilauea started erupting so many of the locations were familiar to me. The story had me staying up a few too many nights to read it!

[Michelle E. Barabino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome story with just enough mystical portions to intrigue any reader

As noted in title, the story moves seamlessly through so much mystery. If you’ve ever been to Hawaii, you know that there is always more than meets the eye.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Always better to read stories of paradise in paradise. Contains a lot about legends, myth, history, and folklore. But the author loses far too much in taking at least one storyline way over the top. Yes, I'll likely read more by the author, but I now consider myself forwarned and forearmed.

[Tom Wascoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story with some cultural learning about the Hawaiian myths and mysteries. Especially relevant if one has been to Hawaii and particularly the Big Island.

[Andabook · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you live in Hawaii you really ought to read this book. Gets swirly with culture.

[Lehua Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daughters of Fire by Tom Peek is an epic speculative novel set in contemporary Hawaii. Like a local plate lunch special, it’s a mix of many different genres, an unexpected combination of flavors and tastes that work well together. It’s a romance. It’s a murder mystery. It’s a political thriller. It’s a social commentary on traditional Pacific vs. western world views. It’s a speculative tale of ancient gods and goddesses, curses, prophecies, and traditions. It spans everything island-style from mo’o legends to bento boxes and from the politics of lounge singing to the politics of international stargazing.

On the surface, Daughters of Fire is the story of three strong Hawaiian women: an anthropologist who works with corporate developers to identify and preserve ancient sites, an elderly traditional healer and seer, and a young Hawaiian rights activist. The stories intertwine as a murder occurs, a controversial mega-tourist resort opens, legalize gambling rears its head, and reports of an imminent volcanic eruption are hidden from the public.

Despite its convoluted storylines, it’s an easy, entertaining read. Readers familiar with the landscape and culture will appreciate the authenticity and those new to Hawaii will get a taste of the complexity of island culture without feeling lost. If you’re looking for a book to take on a trip—or to remember your Big Island vacation—this one satisfies.

[Nitya Iyer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I snagged an autographed copy of this book at the sweetest little store/cafe on Kauai, but stashed it in my suitcase knowing that I would be in Hawaii withdrawal as soon as we got back to the mainland. Somehow it drifted to the bottom of the bag, and by the time I lugged it out, I was truly in the depths of depression at having left behind that beautiful Polynesian paradise. So I tore into the book hoping that it would drop me back into the lush greenery and jagged rocks that peopled my memories of the islands.

Even with all of my outsider's passion for Hawaii though, I was a little turned off by the liberal slathering of love lavished on Hawaii in this book. I mean, I understand that Maile is beautiful in a very Hawaiian way, but enough with the moon glinting in her hair and the drops of water sliding down her honey skin!

Also, the sheer size of the cast involved in the main plot, especially given that their names were culturally unfamiliar to me, made it hard for me to keep track of who was where doing what exactly.

That's not to say I didn't enjoy the book. It was a sharp enough plot and lovely enough setting that I got through it without feeling too bogged down. But if I keep it on my shelves, it will certainly be more for Herb Kane's magnificent cover art than anything else.

[Sheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great fun read. Peek has some really interesting characters here and the setting of Big Island, Hawaii is a character in and of itself. If it is dynamic, strong women you like in a story then this is going to be a favorite. If you are intrigued by the mysticism of the Hawaiian gods and goddess like Pele and Ku then Daughters of Fire will be both exciting and educational. If the drama of political activism is important to you, Daughters of Fire demonstrates the importance and dangers of this form of community involvement and protest. If the power of the natural world fascinates you, the geology of Hawaii, its active volcanoes and the powerful ocean surrounding it are sure to excite and lure you to turn the page and maybe even book a ticket. Finally, if all that is not enough to get you to read, Daughters of Fire, then good old political cronyism, corruption and greed wrapped up with murder and beautiful women should reel you in…..there is something for everyone in this great fun book.

[Wanda Maynard · Rating 5 out of 5]

DAUGHTERS OF FIRE is a romance that starts out warm and soft, then turns into a flaming, burning love for Gavin and Maile. It is also a murder mystery with twists and turns, that drags Gavin and Maile, along with Jack, into a volcano and lava tube secret that they will never forget. It’s like getting two effects from one story. Impressive! A superb masterpiece that will leave you hungry for more.
Jimmy, after seeing a murder, talks to Jack about getting the police involved. Jack wouldn’t help Jimmy when he needed him, so he took off on his own. Later they find out Jimmy is missing. The three, after finding a shoe, and a camera strap that had gotten stuck in the lava, stumble into a difficult situation while trying to find Jimmy.
The plot was filled with fast-paced suspense and action that gripped me, and would not let me go, like a child wanting more candy, and couldn’t decide which piece to enjoy next, and wanting to know which way to turn to find out what lay beyond the next page all the way to the end. A must read.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Although I'm not big on ooshy gooshy emotions - some of the romantic parts made me squirm. I also wondered at the ease with which the scientist opened himself to the pantheon of Hawaiian gods, visions, etc. It felt like the author loved his characters. In each one we see flaws and strengths. No one is purely villian, they are human with weaknesses. In this way the book felt kind and real. I enjoyed the magic in the book, if you can't write magic into fiction then what good is it!? I adored the paintings and the drawings and the plot was lively. I didn't want to put it down. The history and culture of Hawai'i is cleverly intertwined with the plot so that those who aren't looking to learn can't help themselves. The book did make me think about the concepts of development and the politics of warning systems. Overall a very worthwhile read, highly recommended especially for anyone traveling to the Big Island.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I definitely enjoyed reading a book taking place in my own backyard. I kept pestering my husband with questions like "is there really a sacred site at punalu'u?" and "what about this cigatera theory?". It was a bit over descriptive. Got fairly sick of Maile's "magnificent" hair. But the excitement moved along and it kept me interested. Didn't like hearing about the children dying. I was like, "oh really, if this goddess is so amazing then why didn't she save them? she can save certain parts of the resorts but the children aren't worthy of being saved? whatever". But then I'm a fairly new Mom so hearing about terrible things happening to children always gets my back up. Overall, I just barely liked it. Maybe more like 2.5 stars.

[Laurie Hanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard Tom Peek speak on Maui recently. It was purely coincidental that my book club on Oahu chose to read Daughters of Fire this month, after a high recommendation by a former member who now lives in California. The story starts out mellow as Gavin (Australian astronomer) and Maile (Hawaiian/Chinese anthropologist)get to know each other. After about 40 pages, the intrigue begins and the story takes off. The action never slows as danger and conflict build, right up to the explosive ending. The Hawaiian history, folklore, gods, sorcery, and magic are treated with utmost respect by the haole author. I highly recommend the book to anyone who loves these islands and the people who inhabit them.

[Shawna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A huge new resort is getting ready to open on the Kona side of the Big Island of Hawaii, while a lava murder mystery is taking place on Kilauea. Meanwhile, HVO scientists are monitoring activity on Hualalai that could indicate a possible eruption sometime in the near future.

For some reason, I thought the 3 main female characters were supposed to be sisters, but I think I just misread the back cover. However, I wish those 3 characters had more interaction or something to make the story lines weave together better.

After my second reading, I realize that there are a lot of storylines and characters in this book, but they somehow all connect. I wish the HVO scientists had some interaction with the other characters just to make them more involved in the story.

[Monique Roddy · Rating 3 out of 5]

My parents found this in Hawaii for me when I asked for fiction set in the islands. It is an interesting thriller/adventure combination with native spiritual aspects as part of the book's development. It's a light and fast read that is enjoyable as well as mildly informative on Hawaiian history, culture, and modern struggles. There is also quite a bit of volcano involved, adding to the adventure and interest.

[Nancy Cook Lauer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author used a deft hand to prevent what would otherwise have been a predictable native v. developer plot line and rather phantasmagorical natural events from coming off as hackneyed. Good insight into Native Hawaiian myth and sensitive portrayals of the Hawaiian people, culture and language. Oddly enough, the haole characters were the ones who came across as stereotypical. Worth a read, especially if you are trying to understand Hawaii.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good novel for both the serious reader who wants to read about the scientific, religious and cultural aspects of current and past Hawaii and for the casual reader looking for an entertaining read. I was pleasantly surprised at Tom Peeks ability to weave a romantic story in the mix of science and cultural matters. Tom Peek is an engaging writer and I look forward to more of his work.

[Alexandra Lander · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonderful description of the island, and a good look into "authentic" Hawaii and the native culture. Tom is very good at holding readers in suspense, and wanting to stay up later than planned to read just one more chapter to see what happens. He painted a very realistic picture of what another volcano eruption might look like.

[Kerstin Lampert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who thinks the history of Hawaii has been written in Michener's book, should go back to school with this novel. A complex story of what is and isn't written in the fire, smoke and lava of Hawaii.