 |
Inspired by archaeological evidence and the legends of the Andes, Polynesia, and the Eastern Islands, Pitard delivers a narrative for the ages, weaving in a multitude of universal themes like kindness and empathy, beauty and warmth, and having them go toe-to-toe with power and greed. In this sweeping saga revolving around one Kon Tici (also referred to as Kon Tiki and Kon Teke), the author conducts a deep exploration of the universe and what it means—or perhaps, what it should mean—to be human.
From the book’s first pages, readers are privy to the horrors committed by the Incas against the peaceful people, knowers of the light, the Viracocha. In fact, with no word on the fate of their grandfather, the great Taranga, and the many others who had left their ancestral lands for the daunting waters, Kon Tici and his brother Illa Tici are the last of their doomed race, a race slaughtered for sport, with generations of wisdom and pure energy eradicated for senseless pleasures. What begins with a one-sided war quickly evolves into a love story that will stir the hearts of all audiences. After a daring escape through a secret exit, Kon Tici gets separated from his brother and finds his way to Tahiti-nui, the island kingdom of King Tupua and his awe-inspiring daughter, Hina.
Throughout the novel, an aura of serenity and spirituality surrounds the main characters and their reverence for the majesty of nature, whether that is the infiniteness of the seas or the indomitable strength of the mountains. Specifically, the allure of Mount Orohena, which had never been climbed, is representative of the power of hope and persistence. It also encapsulates the enduring love story of Hina and Kon Tici, who becomes Kon Teke as per Hina’s pronunciation.
The plotline and worldbuilding are unparalleled. While this is not a work of fantasy, Pitard’s ability to drive the character arcs forward with such fluidity has a strong resemblance to two iconic authors and masters of worldbuilding and character development—George R.R. Martin and Brandon Sanderson. In particular, once Hina spots Kon Teke and nurtures his resolute spirit to good physical health, then allows him to hide out in their ancestral resting spot, the storyline reaches a breakneck pace. Whether it is the beautiful, pure, and spiritual bond that Kon Teke and Hina of the Valley forge together through wisdom and their respect for Mother Nature, Kon Teke winning the heart of King Tupua and taking his island to greater developmental heights, or helping a raging madman of a ruler determined to destroy Tahiti-nui rediscover his humanity, every plot point acts as one unified pulse of the story, a story determined to demonstrate that even in the mindset of despair and hatred, peace is still possible.
Featuring visions and premonitions and mana, a powerful form of pure meditation, the themes and character arcs are very reminiscent of other cosmic myths, though what stand out more prominently are the parallels with Hindu epics like the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. For instance, in the Mahabharata, the greed and lust of Duryodhana, the prince of Hastinapur, India’s most powerful kingdom, lead to the downfall of an entire family of unrivaled warriors. While Duryodhana felt wronged because his blind father initially did not get anointed king, Tamatoa, the madman ruler of Rarotonga in Pitard’s work, is similarly blinded by rage after witnessing his father being dismembered in front of him. The result is that he sees nothing but destruction. At its core, Pitard’s story is about love and peace, a stirring rendition of the blessings that come when one lives like Kon Teke, with peace, calm, and hope regardless of the storm that may face him, even if that storm is death himself.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review