LiteraryTitan.com
“Kawika has just lost his wife of many years to cancer. He looks to live through the gut-wrenching pain and move on with life. But little does he know that he’d soon be running to preserve his own life. It all begins with the murder of a financial expert on the Hawaiian island where he stays. The unfortunate victim appears to have died in the strangest of ways. Joe Adams, the lead detective investigating the case then opts to bring in a Hawaiian anthropology expert to make sense of the ritualistic elements littering the crime scene. Kawika – a professor of Hawaiian anthropology – takes up the task and begins to uncover shocking truths alongside the detective. They find evidence suggesting that the murderer would kill again and Kawika and his relations are among his potential victims. But who is the mysterious killer and why is he on a mission to take out the descendants of the members of an ancient Hawaiian cult?
Luigi N. Spring does something special with Sorcerer’s Prayer. It’s a gripping Hawaiian tale dripping with suspense. A real page-turner that had me channeling my inner Sherlock Holmes in an attempt to solve the story’s mysteries. Written in an immersive style, Luigi was able to pull me into the story. On more than one occasion, I found myself muttering warnings to characters who were about to meet their doom.
Luigi sets the stage of the story on the captivating Islands of Hawaii. This allows him to weave thrilling bits of the Hawaiian culture into his tale and this adds so much color to the story. From the society’s history to the people’s language and practices, Luigi gives us a good descriptions of Hawaiian culture without appearing to take me through a history lesson.
Apart from making the cultural details of his setting fun, Luigi also includes them smartly. He sprinkles these facts in a way that they wouldn’t distract you from the book’s plot and themes. He ensures that his thoughts on the human mind, retribution, inclusion and love aren’t drowned out by the noise of too many details. This also allows the personalities of his characters to shine through. Kawika was particularly fascinating – a typical example of a seemingly weak protagonist who ends up rising to the occasion.
The author is a fan of mystery thrillers and claims to have been inspired by the works of Dan Brown and James Rollins. There’s no doubt he chose good models and didn’t do too badly with this book. If you have enjoyed the works of Luigi’s mentors, his style isn’t a far cry from theirs.” – LiteraryTitan
OnlineBookClub.org
"Sorcerers' Prayer - Book 1: Sacred Idol by Luigi N. Spring can be defined as a supernatural thriller because the villain is an immortal man who has deep knowledge of Hawaiian magic rituals. He was forgotten after he had disappeared in the 1800s, but he's still alive and he came back to take revenge on the descendants of the person he thinks he was wronged by. In 2014, when a man is killed following a complex Hawaiian ritual, Dr. Kawika Kinimaka-Ka'ahalewai, aka Dr. Triple K, an anthropology professor, is called by the local police to work as a consultant. The investigation turns out to be dangerous for him too. This novel can be labeled in various ways as the author mixed various genres. There's no doubt that its Hawaiian setting is memorable. It's not just that the story is set mostly in Hawaii, it's that the Hawaiian "flavor" fills it up. Words in Hawaiian language and references to Hawaiian culture are present throughout the novel accompanying the plot's developments. The villain is a Hawaiian man nicknamed the Judge because for some time in the 1800s he was indeed a judge. He learned deep secrets of Hawaiian religion and magic, to the point that he found a fountain of youth and became an immortal. A professor of anthropology with a deep knowledge of Hawaiian history and culture ended up becoming his main adversary. This is not your usual crime thriller, and the supernatural element is just the most obvious one the author added. The murders are accomplished complying with a very precise ritualism to appease the Hawaiian god Lord Kaha. The ritual is quite brutal, so particularly sensitive readers might be disturbed even if the author described only the details that are relevant to the story. Despite that, the novel is full of humor, often dark, sometimes over the top, that adds a strong comedic component. The important characters are well developed, also through their speech patterns. In the dialogues, the author included a lot of vernaculars and words in various languages that include Hawaiian and Japanese for characters of Japanese heritage. That means that the characters have their own recognizable "voice." - OnlineBookClub
D. Donovan
Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
“Sorcerer’s Prayer: Sacred Idol blends a detective’s probe of a murder mystery with supernatural overtones in the first book of a series.
The Judge (Keoni) is an immortal man who was disfigured. He uses his immortality to wreck vengeance on the descendents of the woman who ruined his eternal life. He cultivates a computer hacker’s skills to track them down, then murders them in one of the few actions he enjoys, these days.
The rituals involved in his actions lead homicide detective Joe Adams to tap the skills of Hawaiian anthropology professor Dr. Kawika Kinimaka-Ka‘ahalewai, a researcher of nearly forty who never expected that his specialty in Hawaiian lore would be of interest in a modern murder case involving ceremonial rituals.
In true Hawaiian family style, a circle of authors, including his Aunty, become involved and contribute some of the clues to locating this dangerous “judge”. But they are missing the biggest clue of all—one which changes the game from a serial murder’s pursuits to a dangerous immortal’s driving purpose in life.
The story is steeped in Hawaiian culture and focuses on the professor’s inadvertent exploration of a career far from the library or the researcher’s desk, after the grief of losing his wife. Detective work leaves him “feeling frazzled” but also attracts him with a new job title. The lure of problem-solving, using his specialty to contribute to something more than a research paper, is a welcome distraction from his grief and gives him unexpected directions that challenge him to apply his knowledge in new ways.
Luigi N. Spring’s story excels in unexpected twists and turns. Although the reader well knows The Judge’s background, motivations, and modus operandi, the characters trying to solve this homicide are continually puzzled and thwarted in their inspections. Their usual approaches to life and career are themselves challenged as they draw ever closer to The Judge and the dangerous truth not just about his identity and operations, but the possibilities of life itself.
The Hawaiian language, atmosphere, and culture are fine backdrops to the murder mystery and will especially appeal to readers with any degree of knowledge about Hawaii, as well as many newcomers who will absorb that culture here.
Every day is an amazing adventure that leads Kawika further from his grief and staid life, even into the possibilities of romance. An Indiana Jones-style series of encounters keeps the action fast-paced and evolving. Readers looking for an engrossing murder mystery with a difference will find the Hawaiian backdrop, circumstances surrounding The Judge’s ritual murder spree, and characters of those who would stop him make for thoroughly engrossing reading that’s hard to put down. It leaves the door open for further adventures while providing a pause and satisfying conclusion to the action in Sacred Idol.” – D. Donovan
Amazon Mini Reviews
Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2020
This is a unique story. You don’t find too many tales about Hawaii and its unique native rituals and such. Interesting characters, especially Triple K (thanks for shortening his name; I couldn’t read the whole thing), and unique situations really help flesh out the story.
A sorcerer who can kill through the power of prayer? Yeah, that’s one lawehala villain!
5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting Hawaiian-style thriller!
Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2020
Hawaii has always been my favorite place to visit. It’s always exceeded my expectations. Same with this book. Carefully crafted with Hawaiian color, you feel like you’re standing in the lava cave grotto facing down wrathful ancients. This novel will keep you up until the early hours of the morning, with its twists, turns, and surprises it will keep you wondering until the very end.
5.0 out of 5 stars – Unusual & compelling
Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2020
This was a great book with some unexpected plot twists that kept me turning pages. It reminded me of James Rollins’ novels as it explored an exotic location and unearthed legends that the mainstream reader is not familiar with from a culture that has been seriously under-utilized. Highly recommended.
5.0 out of 5 stars – Well-written book
Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2020
The book is a thriller that happens in Hawaii. The story of a kingdom is rich with fodder for numerous historical, humorous, and fantastic anecdotes. Kahuna Sorcerer is an immortal judge who trained in Hawaiian black arts. He tried to solve the ritualistic riddles left at a crime scene. It’s an exciting story to read because it’s happened in Hawaii.
5.0 out of 5 stars – Refreshingly Unique
Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2020
The locale of this book takes place in an area that is traditionally associated with sunshine and good times, and this story is anything but that. A really good read, unique story, and keeps you engaged. I recommend.
Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2020
Wasn’t like some of the other fantasy thrillers I like to read in my spare time. Very well crafted, truly felt original and rich. Highly recommended for fans of this genre.
5.0 out of 5 stars – Great book
Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2020
All I can say about this story is wow. The author did a fantastic job with this story and for me it was nothing but a nonstop thrill. I highly suggest getting a copy.
5.0 out of 5 stars– Unique story
Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2020
This story had a fun and unique twist on your typical mystery/thriller novel. It incorporated Hawaiian culture and mythology in a really intriguing way and kept you wanting to read more. Would definitely recommend!
5.0 out of 5 stars – Unusual setting!
Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2020
I have never read anything that used Hawaii and its traditions/legends in such a way. Great location, great and unique story. I recommend it.
5.0 out of 5 stars – A unique story
Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2020
I enjoyed this story. It was entertaining, interesting and unique.
5.0 out of 5 stars – Love fiction
Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2020
Started loving fiction books and this one is one of them!
5.0 out of 5 stars – A compelling and original story
Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2020
A truly original and well-written story. Set in a unique place like Hawaii it keeps you glued on the sheets until the end. Recommended
Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2020
Such a fantastic book! Loved the Hawaiian history spread throughout.
Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2017 Verified Purchase
Interesting storyline that keeps you wondering what is next. The pieces of history and places in Hawaii are worth checking out. As a traveler to Hawaii many times the places named are interesting and worth visiting. I will be waiting for the next installment with bated breath. Highly recommend this book
5.0 out of 5 stars – Sorcerer’s Prayer a Mystery Delight!
Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2017
Wow! Sorcerer’s Prayer gave insight to the culture, history and cuisine of the lovely Hawaiian Islands, but the gist of the story is the how the poisoned mind of an immortal judge leads to the demise of several innocent people, the well intentioned professor becomes embroiled in the mystery and himself becomes a target, and the industrious detective suffers personal attack in his efforts to uncover the truth. Written in true spy novel style, I hesitate to categorize this novel as such; it is as complex in nature as the plot itself: the movies Poltergeist and Willow meet the writing of Dan Brown and Tom Clancy, with a dash of Robert Ludlum thrown in for good measure! Visceral, gut-wrenching and passionate, it kept me reeling in suspense, even when the identity of the bad guy was known from the beginning. I’ll await the continuation of the story with the next book
5.0 out of 5 stars – A great Hawaiian thriller. Looking forward to the next edition.
Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2017
Kept me on the edge of my barstool. A great Hawaiian thriller. Looking forward to the next edition