I'm the AAPI Culture Editor here at BuzzFeed, where I cover everything from trending news to pop culture to AAPI issues.

Fun fact: This is the first Native Hawaiian YA horror novel, and it just released this month! I interviewed Keala to dive deeper into this incredible book — you can read more about the inspiration for the story here.

Description: Lehua travels to the fictional island of Kōpaʻa in search of her missing twin sister, who was last seen working at a luxury wellness resort. As she dives deeper into the island's mysteries, she connects with her Native Hawaiian heritage while unearthing Kōpaʻa's bloody history.

Why I loved it: It's an unapologetically anti-colonial examination of the treatment of Native Hawaiians, inspired by real-life history and culture. Plus a sapphic romantic subplot? Yes, please!

You can buy That Which Feeds Us from Bookshop here.

Fun fact: I attended a local book festival to hear Megan speak about magical realism as a vehicle for exploring identity. Outside the building, I asked a woman to take a picture of me, and once I sat down inside, I saw that woman join the panel — it was Megan Kamalei Kakimoto! LOL. She was kind enough to chat with me afterward and take a selfie, too. You can see the pics here.

Description: Steeped in Native Hawaiian myth, this collection of short stories is bold in its exploration of womanhood, sexuality, the effects of colonization, and what gets passed down through generations.

Why I loved it: I usually prefer novels to short story collections, but this was definitely an exception. The prose is sharp and biting, the kind that makes you sit up and pay attention, and I loved the haunting darkness combined with Native Hawaiian legend.

You can buy Every Drop Is a Man's Nightmare here.

Fun fact: With this book, Drew became the first Samoan woman to hit the NYT Best Sellers list! I chatted with her about what that felt like, and you can read the interview here.

Description: Drew dives into her own life and empowers readers to really examine theirs. Basically, it's a feminist manifesto that will leave you feeling like you — yes, YOU — can have the life you long for.

Why I loved it: This felt like part memoir, part pep talk from the best big sister in the world. It was also lovely reading about Samoan culture from her perspective! But I specifically remember finishing this book and feeling SO inspired. Perfect pick-me-up if you're having a bad day or feeling a bit lost.

Fun Fact: Makiia is the only author on this list who's Micronesian! Born on the Northern Mariana island of Saipan, she grew up on Guam. Why is this important? Well, Polynesians usually get most of the attention when it comes to Pacific Islanders, so whenever possible, it's great to uplift our Micronesian (and Melanesian!) cousins.

Description: Hanalei, who's lived most of her life in exile, and Sam, a prince, reunite to search for dragonfruit: the egg of a seadragon that can undo one's greatest sorrow.

Why I loved it: This was the first fantasy book I read inspired by Pacific Islander mythology, and I can't tell you what that meant to me as a long-time fantasy reader who spent her whole life waiting for some PI rep in the genre. From the names (Masina means moon in Samoan, so that made me smile) to the seadragons to the tattoo magic, I just loved this world!

You can buy Dragonfruit from Bookshop here.

Fun fact: This is the first adult Native Hawaiian fantasy book, and it just came out last month!

Description: After an LA activist is murdered by a Hawaiian spell, Kea — the leader of her clan and the only known Hawaiian spellsmith — must solve the case in order to protect herself and her family living on the Homestead.

Why I loved it: The language-based magic system! Certain languages are approved by the board for magic use, and Hawaiian is not one of them. It was really cool to see the languages' strengths and weaknesses in different magical scenarios, as well as how the author addresses the colonial disdain for historically oral languages like Hawaiian.

You can buy The Killing Spell from Bookshop here.

Description: After her brother is accused of murder, Moe — who can hear the ocean's prophetic thoughts — teams up with her annoyingly clever school rival to clear her brother’s name, only to uncover a sickness lurking in their community.

Why I'm excited about it: This book isn't out yet, but I'm waiting for an ARC! I can't wait to read it — just look at that cover, OMG. Keala Kendall received an early copy and wrote on Instagram, "Packed with Tahitian culture, lore, and suspense, SALT WATER BLOOD is a must-read for fans of Firekeeper’s Daughter + Moana." Girl, say less. 

You can preorder Salt Water Blood from Bookshop here (it releases on Nov. 17).

Description: After ten years as a national park ranger in Oregon, Makalani returns to Kaua‘i and discovers two of her cousins are missing. As she searches for her family members, she reconnects with her home, her people, and herself.

Why I'm excited about it: I love a good mystery, and the reviews say this book immerses readers in Native Hawaiian culture, language, and social issues. Right up my alley! Plus, the second book, Hawai'i Rage, came out last month — both available on Kindle Unlimited.

You can buy Kaua'i Storm from Bookshop here.

Description: After her older sister's mysterious accident leaves her in a coma, 16-year-old Torres Strait Islander Zillah discovers moondust — a sparkling elixir with magical properties. Suspecting it might be related to her sister's accident, she sets out to unravel the mystery.

Why I'm excited about it: This is the only Melanesian author on this list! Similar to my earlier note about Micronesian authors, it's so important to support all Pasifika creatives, and that includes Torres Strait Islanders, of course. Plus, the moondust sounds really interesting — I can't wait to learn more.

Description: In Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland), three friends remain close in the face of gentrification and racial tensions.

Why I'm excited about it: My mom's from Aotearoa (New Zealand), and my brother and I spent a lot of time there with family growing up. Also, Coco Solid is a singer, producer, director, and all-around very cool creative, so I'm really curious about her writing, too!

You can buy How to Loiter in a Turf War here.

Description: A squid-like scientist adventures to the surface and teams up with a seal-folk storyteller to investigate the ocean's slowing currents. The unlikely duo realizes that the activities of terrestrial beings are slowing the spiraling currents of time. 

Why I'm excited about it: This novella is apparently a well-written and creative examination of climate change. I'm not usually a sci-fi girlie, but the way those elements are combined with fantasy and the ocean really intrigues me!

You can buy Weird Fishes from Bookshop here.