Makiia Lucier – Official Author Website

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I wasn’t expecting more trade reviews, so this w

I wasn’t expecting more trade reviews, so this was a wonderful surprise. It’s another star for DRAGONFRUIT! ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Emmy @sljournal writes, “(A)n incredible talent… A deeply satisfying standalone readers will race through and a rare Pacific Island–inspired fantasy that belongs in all YA collections.” Much appreciated! 🌺 Full review below.
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DRAGONFRUIT
Gr 7 Up–With interest in dragon fantasy novels on the rise, Lucier’s new adventure has exquisite worldbuilding inspired by Pacific Island mythos and a comfortable, slow-building romance. Lady Hanalei and Prince Samahtitamahenele grew up together on the matriarchal island of Tamarind, until the day their mother is poisoned, falling into a magical, unending sleep. Tamarind uses all of its resources to find the only possible cure: a rare seadragon egg called dragonfruit, which legend says can grant wishes to those who eat it. But those wishes come at a terrible cost, which Hana’s father learns when he steals the dragonfruit, flees Tamarind, and saves his daughter. Hana, now 18, has lived as an exile, tracking and studying seadragons in the Nominomi Sea. She discovers one of her subjects is pregnant—the dragonfruit could be her way back home if she’s willing to pay the price. Lucier has an incredible talent for creating strong relationships inside large cast of characters, bringing Tamarind and its matriarchal politics to life while layering the family dynamics with love and a painful history. Lucier grew up on Guam, and her love for the Pacific Islands and its diversity shines through while referencing the damage exoticism and colonialism have wrought on the region. Characters are cued Pacific Islander, with some additional diversity outside the main cast. VERDICT A deeply satisfying standalone readers will race through and a rare Pacific Island–inspired fantasy that belongs in all YA collections.–Emmy Neal

Some kind words for DRAGONFRUIT. 😊 Thank you ve

Some kind words for DRAGONFRUIT. 😊 Thank you very much to Haley, and to the @novelneighbor bookstore in St. Louis. 🌺🐉🌺

So many beautiful DRAGONFRUIT pics popped up this

So many beautiful DRAGONFRUIT pics popped up this month. Here are just a few of them. 🌺♥️🌺

#Dragonfruitbook #Seadragons #Dragonfruit #Dragons #Oceania #Bookstagram #Aesthetic #FantasyBooks #AAPI

Look at those edges. 🤯 I can’t decide what I

Look at those edges. 🤯 I can’t decide what I love most: the bat, the boat, the spider? It’s the last day to order this splendid DRAGONFRUIT edition from @dazzlingbookishshop. Orders will close at 6pm EST, or until sold out. 🌺🐉🌺

On April 30, Ronni, Kelly, and I will be chatting

On April 30, Ronni, Kelly, and I will be chatting about ROMANCE. ♥️ Come join us! You can find all the details at the link in bio. Thank you very much to @booksofwonder for the invite!

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