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Book summary:
NEVER, EVER lock eyes with a Night Marcher! Everyone in
Hawaii has heard this warning, except for seventeen-year-old Emma Townsend,
that is. For most Hawaiians know that looking into the eyes of Night Marcher
can strike a curse that will end in death or eternal servitude.
Even though her father, who is a paranormal investigator,
solely raised Emma, she has little experience in the realm of the supernatural.
When she is forced to move with her father to Hawaii, only months before her
graduation, Emma finds that her world as she knows it, is shaken when she
starts seeing the unexplainable: fire balls in the distance, beating drums in
the middle of nowhere and strangers who vanish into thin air. Then one day when
she has a run in with a procession of Night Marchers, ancient Hawaiian spirits
wandering from their burial grounds to their locations of battles past, Emma
has no choice but to believe that the unbelievable does exist.
Now Emma must go on the run with the help of a mysterious
stranger, as they seek out how to free Emma from the curse of a Night Marcher,
who will stop at nothing to get her soul.
Hawaii – Home of the Night Marchers
The Hawaiian Islands are notably one of the most spiritual
vacation destinations. With a rich history of mythology and folklore and
numerous sacred sites still standing, Hawaii’s link to the past is ever present.
The retelling of spooky ghost tales has been a favorite form
of entertainment and an important cultural link in Hawaii since ancient times.
Ghostly images or haunting acts have been reported in old buildings, deep
valleys, sacred burial sites, ancient temples called heiaus, forested areas,
beaches and lava fields. A good majority of Hawaii residents have either had a
spooky encounter at some point during their lives, or know of someone with an
eerie story to tell. One of the most popular subjects of ghost stories in the
islands is the Night Marchers, or Hukai-po.
Who are they?
Night Marchers are ghostly apparitions of a band of beings
who move with purpose to the beat of primitive pounding drums. Some say they
are armed spirit warriors en route to or from battle, toting archaic weaponry
and clothed in decorated helmets and cloaks. Other accounts tell of
high-ranking alii (ruler) spirits being guided to places of high importance or
to welcome new warriors to join in battle. Perhaps these restless souls are
looking to reclaim rightful territory, replay a battle gone awry, or avenge
their own deaths. Some say the Night Marchers are searching methodically for an
entrance into the next world.
Night Marchers are said to roam through very specific
locations on the islands, between seashore and mountains and are often
recognized by their raised torches and repeated olis, or chants. Although there
have been a few scattered reports of daytime marches, these apparitions appear
to be most active at night and are said to march on certain nights designated
by the moon. And although the Night Marchers allegedly float a few inches off
the ground, some local accounts tell of seeing mysterious footprints in their
path after they’ve passed.
Areas like the Nuuanu Pali Lookout, Kaaawa Valley and Kalihi
Valley on Oahu are rumored homes of Night Marcher trails, and nighttime
visitors are encouraged to be wary.
What to do when happening upon a night march in progress?
The ghostly procession must never be interrupted. Legend has it that resting
your eyes upon the Night Marchers could signal a grim fate for the perpetrator,
a friend or relative, so witnesses are urged to crouch low to the ground, “play
dead” and avert the eyes. Any sound or movement could invite a Night Marcher’s
deadly glance. These Night Marchers are set diligently upon their destination
and are not considered spirits that will deviate from their path to haunt
humans nearby.
Some characteristics of the mysterious night marches
include:
Heavy wind
Rows of spirits carrying torches
Alternating male and female rows
Accompanying lightening and thunder
Accompanying heavy rain or high surf
Chanting and drumbeating
Unusually bright torches
Game playing and revelry
Accompanying mist or fog
About the authors
Rebecca and Courtney are downhome country girls powered by
chocolate and other random late night cravings. Coined in southern twang they
bring new meaning to the word y'all. BFI's since the 6th grade, with a knack
for getting into sticky situations, has resulted in countless ideas to write
about for years to come.
Author's
Giveaway
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Until the next time,
Interesting guest post. I would love to visit Hawaii but the real not this
OdgovoriIzbrišiYes I'd love to visit Hawaii too :)
IzbrišiThis is such an interesting post, I've never heard of Night Marchers before, but then I know very little about folklore from that region. I don't think I've ever read a book set in Hawaii before either. This sounds really unique and cool. Thanks for sharing! :-)
OdgovoriIzbrišiI didn't know about it either but it turns out to be amazing! :) Thanks :)
Izbriši