Hawai'i & Polynesia Before Captain Cook: The Tattooed Woman

In this mesmerizing first installment of an epic ten-book series, Richard Shouse masterfully weaves historical fact with compelling fiction to resurrect a world lost to time. Drawing from sacred chants, oral traditions, and archaeological evidence, Shouse breathes life into the arrival of the Tahitians to Hawai'i in the 1300s—a pivotal moment that would forever transform these isolated islands, all the way to the introduction of COVID-19 in the twenty-first century.

With the keen eye of both historian and storyteller, Shouse confronts the challenging task of reconstructing a civilization that existed before written records. Through richly drawn composite characters and vivid landscapes, readers are transported to an ancient Hawai'i of powerful chiefs, revered kahuna priests, and commoners navigating a rigidly stratified society governed by the sacred kapu system.

The narrative fearlessly explores controversial aspects of Hawaiian history, including the contested lineage of Kamehameha, while maintaining deep respect for Native Hawaiian cultural sensitivities. Shouse offers a fresh perspective that illuminates rather than exploits, inviting readers of all backgrounds—from curious visitors to protective locals to the descendants of those depicted—to engage with this vital chapter of Pacific history.

This meticulously researched novel is perfect for fans of sweeping historical epics who appreciate nuanced cultural narratives. Fifteen years in the making, Shouse's passion project proves that, contrary to publishing skeptics, there is indeed a hunger for stories that honor Hawai'i's complex past beyond tourist guidebooks.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through ancient Hawai'i—where myth and history merge, where gods walk among mortals, and where the foundations of one of the world's most unique cultures were laid.