When language is magic, words don’t just hurt - they kill.

When a local politician is murdered by Hawaiian magic, all signs point to Kea Petrova, the only Hawaiian spell smith for hundreds of miles. There’s just one problem.

Kea doesn’t write death spells.

PRAISE FOR THE KILLING SPELL

“Kauwe’s debut is the start of a sure-to-be-beloved urban fantasy series. An excellent purchase for any library and a must-listen.” - Library Journal, Starred Review ★

“Kauwe’s smart and satisfying urban fantasy debut combines gripping mystery, tantalizing romance, and sharp cultural critique.” - Publishers Weekly, Starred Review ★

“Kauwe’s deep understanding and connection to her Hawaiian culture shine through, drawing readers into a unique perspective for speculative fiction.” - Booklist, Starred Review ★

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Colorful, abstract illustration for the UK book cover of a snake, leaves, and leiomano, with the title 'The Killing Spell' and the author's name 'Shay Kauwe' overlaid.

UK Cover

Kea’s Spellbook:

An Audio Glossary of Hawaiian Words

A

ʻŌlelo - Language, word, speech, utterance (n.vt)
ʻŌlelo Noʻeau - A wise saying, traditional saying (n)

P

Kalo - Taro (n)

L

Lewa - Sky, atmosphere, space, upper heavens (n)
Leiomano - Shark-tooth studded club, a type of weapon (n)
Lepo - Dirt, earth, ground, soil (n)

M

ʻĀina - Land, earth (n)
ʻAwe - Tentacles (n)
Ahi - Fire, lightning, flame (n)

H

Hā - To breathe, exhale, breath, life (n.vi)
Hāmau - Silent, silence, hush (vi)
Hoʻolohe - To listen, hear, obey (v)
Hoʻopaʻa - To stick, to make fast (vt)

K

Piko - Navel, center of the stomach, umbilical cord (n)
Pili - A grass used for thatching (n)
Poʻo - Head (n)
Puka - Entryway, hole, door (n)

T

Tī - A canoe plant with long green or red leaves (n)
Malo - Traditional loincloth (n)
Mana - Supernatural, spiritual, or divine power, miraculous power (nvs)
Moʻo - Lizard, any reptile creature, dragon, water spirit (n)
Moʻokūʻauhau - Genealogy (n)
Moʻolelo - Story, history, myth, legend, tradition (n)

N

Nānā - To look, see, observe, notice, inspect (vt)

O

Ola - Life, health, wellbeing, curable, salvation, healing (nvs)