LiteraryTitan

“Judge Kaona is a disturbed man, wrought with depression over his wife and unborn child’s death. For a short time he found solace in opium, but even that grew to not be enough. One day while presiding over a trial, he met Mister Jones and Priestess Kalehua, also known as TuTu Lana. It is later on from these two Kaona learns the secrets of immortality by drinking from the stone that resides under his old childhood church. After drinking the water, the Blood of Christ, Kaona is visited in a vision from Jesus telling him he is preparing to return and also, that Kaona’s son is alive out in the world. From here on out Kaona’s purpose in life is to find his son, and to retain position of the stone that the Blood of Christ flows from so he can keep his immortality. He endures extreme bipolar episodes, spends time in mental institutions, jail, and eventual in seeking out training for sorcery. All in the name of vengeance for the death of his Petunia.

From the opening pages this book hits the reader with culture, history, mystery and conspiracy. The dialect took some adjusting to but once you start following the flow, the Hawaian dialect enhances the story and draws you in more. The opening section of the book is a chaotic series of events as Koana transitions from the honorable Judge to crazed Prophet leading his followers against the law and convinced of the second coming. His ability to sway people and form his cult is fascinating. Luigi Spring’s ability to develop his characters is impressive. Koana and Jimmy, as they progress through so many different stages of their immortal life, intertwine their stories and you are constantly wondering what is real and what is an act. Sorcerers’ Prayer – Precious Blood touches on the mysteries revolving around the Freemasons. This is always a topic of conspiracy theorists and expert mystery novelists. The ability to cast his spells through prayer allows Kaona to obtain his long-sought revenge without revealing himself. This twist was different than other murder mysteries I have read in the past. The ever-changing relationship between Kaona and Jimmy was engaging and unpredictable. The plot lines and twists run deep and you are never sure how it will turn out, and if you think you know, you are probably wrong because some new information will pop up. This novel isn’t what I would call an easy read, but it is an enjoyable page turner. There are a lot of flashbacks and visions mixed into the plot line. You need to pay attention to what is going on and even the smallest of details will likely be important later on and you will have that “ahh ha” moment and it will suddenly all make sense, at least for the moment. I highly recommend this novel if you are looking for an escape. Sorcerers’ Prayer is a riveting mystery novel with some of the best elements of supernatural horror that I’ve seen in a while.” – LiteraryTitan

OnlineBookClub

“A Hawaiian judge is down in the dumps because he finds no hope after all. It is a sad state of affairs for a nobleman who has just lost his pregnant wife. With a heavy heart, he is in search of comfort. And since death is his biggest fear, he is determined to take a path to immortality. In Sorcerer’s Prayer by Luigi N. Spring, you will discover how that pursuit knocks him sideways.

Luigi clearly articulates the topic of a sorcerer’s prayer and the precious blood used to acquire magical powers. The subject is covered adequately in a balanced fashion. The descriptive approach is spectacular. Some of the scenes, like the attendance of the Hawaiian secret society meeting, are breathtaking. I believe the dialogue used also brings the story to life.

Luigi portrays that leadership is a back-breaking task that requires sacrifices. I was astounded to see the extent to which power and ideology can influence the masses. It was hard to comprehend how one judge chooses to use religion as a means to take control of a fountain and the source of vitality it holds. He has complete disregard for his followers. It is all fueled by personal interests. It reminded me of how leaders in society are using our tenets to their advantage.

Spring managed to showcase the culture of the Hawaiian Kingdom. For instance, there is a moment when the monarch grabbed a torch from a wall holder when they visited a cavern with Keoni. Luigi describes the moment in a brilliant way. The Hawaiian people were fond of making torches from a two-foot piece of bamboo, with one end wrapped thickly with a tapa cloth soaked in kukui nut oil, and it would burn for hours with little smoke. There is also a remarkable moment when they sail to Hawaii’s fifth-largest island, Molokaʻi. Luigi completes the book with a suspenseful outline, which tempts the reader to seek a continuation from another book in the sequel.

My rating is a 4 out of 4 stars. Sorcerers’ Prayer (book 2.1 – Precious Blood) doesn’t conform to the conventions of one genre. It spreads its uniqueness across the supernatural, suspense, thriller, and humor genres. The story is mysterious and unravels thematically. Even though some chapters build up slowly, the events flow smoothly. I only discovered a few insignificant errors. There’s the use of cursing words and some sexual scenes, and hence I’d recommend mature readers for this one. Spare some time to delve into a thrilling reading experience.” – OnlineBookClub

D. Donovan

Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

Fans of the first book in the Sorcerers’ Prayer series, will find its sequel, Precious Blood, just as captivating; if not just as complex.

This is no light read for the cursory thriller fan looking for entertainment, but a walk through Hawaiian culture, legal processes and systems, and the rise of a congregation of true believers whose actions threaten everything.

Familiarity with the premise of the first book will lend quick understanding for those who pick up its sequel, allowing for a seamless segue into the lingo, culture, and world of Hawaii, which is an integral part of the mystery and story line.

From Judge Keoni’s confrontations with new possibilities to the intrigue and danger that plague his choices and revised life, readers will find just as much to delight in this story’s progression as in the introductory piece, which stays true to its complex explorations of Hawaiian history and myths.

There’s also an unexpected stream of humor often injected into the story that changes reader expectations, providing comic relief and cultural insights, as well: “The king raised a finger of warning to the judge. “If you have any ideas of absconding with any of this royal treasure, Keoni, please don’t. It is all cursed, and the culprit will die a thousand deaths.” An amazing number of bushel baskets lay at their feet, containing a multitude of semiprecious and precious stones and minerals. Some of them seemed to glow as they reflected the flames from the kukui nut oil torches.

The judge scratched his head. “One thousand deaths, huh? Not nine hundred ninety-nine?” The sovereign started to giggle again. “I should know, brah. I am the kahuna sorcerer that placed the enchantment on these riches.”  There is laughter and jest even between the Judge and supporting characters, from Jimmy to Uncle Gabe. This sense of community adds to the story, giving it a personal touch that belies the usual procedural approach to mystery, thriller, and cultural explorations.

The story is at once playful, childish, sexually charged, culturally revealing, and intriguing at different points of the story. All these facets might confuse those who anticipate and look for linear thinking and stories; but anyone who has visited Hawaii and is familiar with its culture, language, and the inherent playfulness of many of its peoples will find this story holds satisfyingly realistic elements, for all its complexity.

Precious Blood is an inviting follow-up tale that expands the role and purposes of the Judge and his Hawaiian community. Its wealth of characters, Hawaiian words, and mercurial scenarios makes it a highly recommended pick for those with some background in Hawaiian customs, who will find it a delightful blend of intrigue, mystery, and social examination.” – D. Donovan