“Fascinating linguistic-turned-magical theory, electrifying moments of intimacy, and a thrilling whodunit set this apart from the pack.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

“An absolutely fantastic debut. A fantasy steeped in language magic and a murder mystery, The Killing Spell serves as a thoughtful exploration of the consequences of colonization and the choices the colonized are forced to make in order to survive. I tore through this book and loved every second. Shay Kauwe is a talent to watch.” —Rebecca Roanhorse, New York Times bestselling and Hugo Award-winning author of the Between Earth & Sky trilogy

“Pulsing with language-based magic, Kauwe’s mystery debut unapologetically rips into the legacy of colonialism on Native Hawaiians. An exceptional addition to fantasy and Pacific Islander literature.” —Manuia Heinrich, author of Salt Water Blood

“High-spirited, inventive, and action-packed, The Killing Spell is a skillfully constructed murder mystery that weaves together magic and romance, family and resistance, while showcasing the power of ‘olelo—the Hawaiian spoken word. It’s a dazzling debut.” —Chris McKinney, author of The Tattoo and The Water City Trilogy

“A thrilling mystery with a bold and exciting linguistic magic system and themes painfully familiar to the Hawaiian diaspora in the modern day, The Killing Spell is a deeply Hawaiian—and human—story. Kea’s powerful voice will stay with you like magic... the dangerous kind.” —Aleese Lin, author of Samantha Spük: Paranormal Wedding Planner

“Magical and mystical, Shay Kauwe is deeply imaginative in this spellbinding debut.” —Electric Lit

“Startlingly original.” —CrimeReads

“Inventive and just really, really exciting..” —Reactor

“The political intrigue aspects of the novel touch on the ever-relevant topics of colonialism, the preservation of threatened cultures, and the displacement of indigenous peoples. Where The Killing Spell really comes alive, though, is in its thoughtfully developed fusing of magic and linguistics.” —Financial Times

“Plenty of heart and humour . . . I hope we’ll see more from Kauwe.” —Skiffy and Fanty