Praise for Mauna Kea

“A compelling, entertaining story that encompasses ancient Hawaiian concepts and American thought patterns. The authentic characters are perfect. It’s a Hawaiian cultural primer, a gift that lifts the spirits high! ʻIolanaʻoe! (You soar like a hawk!)”

Kaluna West, Native Hawaiian artist, educator, and former Kahoʻolawe activist

 “An authentic, eye-opening novel that lifts the veil on the ancient traditions and modern political intrigues that underlie the longstanding controversy over telescopes on Mauna Kea.”

Nelson Ho, longtime Sierra Club and Mauna Kea activist

“This is fiction based on fact, about different people’s lives and how the mountain influences them. The authenticity of the tensions in Hawaiʻi—the range from rage to aloha—is spot on. It’s a story that needs to be told.”

Moses Kealamakia, Native Hawaiian artist with ancient family ties to Mauna Kea

“Peek’s compelling and deftly woven plot lines, keen sense of pacing, and finely-etched, authentic characters combine to bring to life the world of the Mauna Kea Protectors Movement . . . His down-to-earth storytelling voice speaks to a broad audience—national, global, and local—no small feat.”

Susan Najita, University of Michigan Literature and Asian/Pacific Islander American Studies professor

“Reading Mauna Kea: A Novel of Hawai‘i, I’m reminded of levels of feeling and intuition and relationships I know and treasure from my times there. Mauna Kea has authority on every page. I admire very much about all of it, but perhaps especially the way Tom Peek shows the simultaneity of past and present on the mountain, and by implication in all of Hawaiian history. It is both so true and so hard to do believably—and yet he does it.”

Elinor Langer, author of The Nation Special Issue on Hawaiian History, “’Famous Are the Flowers’: Hawaiian Resistance Then—and Now” 

“If youʻre interested in Native Hawaiian culture, or in the community politics of Hawaiʻi,  or in deep-universe astronomy, you should read this book. You likewise may wish to read it if you followed the epic 2019 protest in which an improvised village of mostly Native Hawaiians blocked construction of one of the worldʻs largest telescopes on Hawai`i Island . . . Author Tom Peek is an insider to this story. He has stepped back to give us a novelistʻs view from high in the heavens of what the next protest might look like. He hooks you on his multiple characters, who variously collude and collide, as people have and will continue to do so in real life over this sacred mountain.”

Tom Coffman, writer/director of the film Mauna Kea, Sacred Conduct/Sacred Mountain and author of Nation Within: The History of the American Occupation of Hawaiʻi

“In this age of countless battles, whether over indigenous resources in the Americas or territory in Ukraine, here’s a novel that offers a deeper way to think about conflict, a hopeful book sorely needed in these often-disheartening times.”

Michael Osmera PhD, Retired cultural anthropologist from Linfield University in Oregon

“Mauna Kea is a deeply expansive novel. I am in awe of all the material—historical, scientific and cultural—that Tom Peek has mastered in order to create this marvelous story. HATS OFF, DEEP BOW!”

Victoria Mudd, Academy Award winning producer of “Broken Rainbow” and “Tibet: Cry of the Snow Lion”

“Majestic, deep, compelling . . . a feat of high literary skill and imagination. . . . [Peek’s] love for both the Hawaiian people and their land (‘aina) is as pervasive as it is palpable. I expect it to cement his place as a fine chronicler of the archipelago and culture he loves so much. A great read, well-written, compelling, Mauna Kea is a sword cut performed by a master, both fast and deep at the same time. I highly recommend it.”

Monk Yun Rou, award-winning author of numerous Taoist books, including Nautilus Award winner Mad Monk Manifesto: A Prescription for Evolution, Revolution, and Global Awakening, the novels Wasp Warrior and The Jade Boy, and his memoir The Monk of Park Avenue  — full Goodreads review

“This novel is medicine for the world.”

 Arnie Kotler, editor of Thich Nhat Hanh’s Peace Is Every Step

“This novel has captured the essence of aloha. It is a book destined for the annals of Hawaiʻi literature.”

Dr. John Dvorak, critically acclaimed author of How the Mountains Grew, Mask of the Sun, and The Last Volcano

“Tom Peek is an organic intellectual in the tradition of Mark Twain.”

 Poet Jaime Jacinto, author of Heaven Is Just Another Country

“A compelling story that drew me into the power of the spirit of Aloha . . . This novel draws many threads of our modern world and juxtaposes them with Native Hawaiian traditions and beliefs in a compelling way. A page-turner I couldn’t put down that also fed my spirit and gave me hope.”

Mary Porter Kerns, Substack blogger and author of The Flowers Are Speaking oracle cards

“Big Island must read – this beloved local author again presents a historically well researched book full of mystery and adventure.  If you love Big Island or the lure of volcanos, be sure to pick this book up.”  

Brenda McConnell, co-owner of Kona Stories bookstore in Keauhou

“As someone who has never been to Hawaii and knows little to nothing about its history and culture, this was magnificent. Peek’s writing style is so detailed and fluid that I was immediately immersed in the story . . . it’s got action and adventure, Hawaiian mythology, history, and culture, real-life political aspects, a character on an inadvertent journey to find himself, and so much more. The 12 illustrations included in this are beautiful and . . . there’s an incredible map in the beginning that shows the summit area of Mauna Kea . . . This book was incredible and I would gladly recommend it.”

Manuela Soares, Fathoms Amidst the Lines Reviews (USA) – full review and website

“Having been born and raised in Hawaii, I will read anything when it comes to my Hawaiian heritage. I wasn’t sure what to expect at first, but I was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed reading about how one man comes to learn the true meaning of Hawaii and the gods that we, Native Hawaiians, revere based on our culture. Through the man’s growth and his learning about the meaning of aloha, a true understanding and appreciation of faith (in all aspect) has developed. The book will take time [to read] but in the end, you will enjoy it if you give Tom Peek a chance!

Barb Jones, The Blood Prophecy Reviews (Florida) – full review

“I really love the writing skills of this author. The tale has been written in a very captivating way and will keep you engaged throughout the book. The concept of the book is also very unique and I absolutely enjoyed it till the very end . . . I will definitely recommend this book.”

Sudeshna Banerjee, Dark Fantasy Reviews (Kolkata, India) – full review

“Beautifully written and there are gorgeous illustrations included . . . a great job of weaving science and spirituality throughout that gave the story a touch of magical realism . . . What at first seems like a tale of myths and folklore also evolves into a beautifully written history lesson . . . The colonization of the island and the political turmoil surrounding it are explored and I liked the positive cultural representation of Native Hawaiians. . . . If you’re a fan of astronomy this will lure you in as well. . . .  a pleasure to read.”

Genie, Genie Wanders Book Reviews (New England) – full review

“This story was beautifully written and conveyed how important the deities and culture of Hawaiʻi are to the culture.”

Shannon, Shandy Reads Romantasy Reviews (San Francisco) – full review

“I really enjoyed reading this book as it taught me more about how sacred Mauna Kea is and just how respectful one should be here and in every sacred space. I loved Aunty Moana so much! I can really appreciate that this author, who is not a Native Hawaiian, took the time to learn from the locals . . .”

So Glad to Read You Reviews (New York City) – full review

“I loved this book about Hawaii and Big Island, specifically Mauna Kea . . .  [and] I was pleased to also see the illustrations which add an element of greatness to the story . . . the realism is very good for readers who have traveled there and also for those like myself, who have never been there. I highly recommend this one . . . READ the book!

Country Mama with Kids Book Reviews (Georgia) – full review and website

“The book is amazing! It allowed me to know a little more about Hawaii and . . . also taught me a lot about culture and sacred places. I recommend this book to everyone, especially if you are the type of person who likes to learn about different cultures and Hawaii of course.”

Anta Syla Book Reviews – full review