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Rapa Nui, perhaps better known as Easter Island, has long presented a mystery to the world. How and why were the giant sculptures, known as Moais, created and placed on the island’s shore? In this sequel to Heirs of a Lost Race, Pitard imagines the world of the earliest settlers of Rapa Nui. With charming characters and descriptions of the sea voyage, early settlements, and the creation of the first Moais, the author creates a stunning story of the spiritual nature of these early Rapanuis. As he states, “This book pays homage to the real Rapanuis, the original Rapanuis, a peaceful group of talented, intelligent, and caring people.” Pitard refutes contemporary theories which paint these early settlers as “a self-destructive society that created the environmental disaster, starvation, cannibalism, and warfare resulting in its downfall” as “unadulterated slander.”
The book tells the story of two exceptional women: Hina of the Valley—the respected Priestess Leader of the island’s people—and Kukara, a young girl who possesses great intelligence and spirituality. The aging supreme leader, Taranga, relays his wishes to these two women. Hina will become the new queen, and Kukara will be the “keeper of the sacred Rongo-Rongo tablets,” which tell of their life and customs on the island. Along with other early talented settlers, they form the Sacred Circle, which will oversee the development of the island, with each in charge of a specific societal need of their people. With their oversight, the island becomes a thriving and vibrant community with educational opportunities for their children, cultivation of crops, and the building of communities. Kukara is also told by Taranga that not only is she in charge of writing the story of Rapa Nui, but she “will also have another secret mission on this island, and you shall be the one to discover it, in due time; for that, mana {magical power} will always be with you!” As Kukara grows, so do her magical abilities. She has a vision of creating great monuments commemorating the important leaders of Rapa Nui, and it is her mana which helps the people bring this vision to fruition.
The author has penned a fascinating tale of the early settlers of Rapa Nui. Pitard creates a world of magic and wonder. His characters are unique and well-rounded, and his narrative presents readers with an intriguing look at how these mysterious early settlers might have accomplished the great feat of creating the Moias, an accomplishment passed on from generation to generation. Mana plays a large role in the lives of the settlers, and their spirituality is an important aspect of the novel as each member of the Sacred Circle is taught by Kukara to access the supernatural powers of the light or life force. The story offers readers a unique view of Rapa Nui, and the author’s foreword enhances one’s understanding of the novel with explanations of his own thoughts concerning these ancient settlers. One has no problem imagining the lives of these settlers through Pitard’s fictional recounting. This is a novel that arouses the imagination and instills in readers a desire to learn more about the island and its early inhabitants. Those who enjoy historical novels and delving into the mystical will find it an exceptional read.