House of the Sun

House of the Sun, a metaphysical novel set on Maui, tells the story of Keli'i, a young boy who develops special powers -- and an indelible connection with Madame Pele, the legendary Goddess of Fire who dwells within the volcanoes of the Hawaiian Islands.Despite misgivings, Keli'i becomes a student of Joshua Bailey, an elderly kahuna , to learn the secrets of the ancient mysteries of the Huna, a spiritual way of life still practiced by some modern-day Hawaiians.Keli'i spends years with his mentor, learning the mystical spiritual practice -- and struggling to become a kahuna himself. He is repeatedly drawn to Haleakala, Maui's majestic volcano known as the House of the Sun. Within Haleaka's crater, he constantly is challenged by Madame Pele.The mountain also brings him the two loves of his life. One he loses, in a tragic accident at sea; the other he gains by saving her life. Her name is Aimee Justice, a tourist who is the daughter of the renowned televangelist Jeremiah Justice.House of the Sun explores the childhood of the evangelist, showing how the prospect of fame and fortune in television ministry can be so enticing -- and so full of pitfalls -- for a poverty-stricken young man with a silver tongue and a golden touch.Aimee's mother has died, and she desperately tries to please her father, becoming part of his broadcast empire even though she has doubts about his beliefs.As a college graduation gift, Jeremiah gives Aimee a trip to Maui, where she almost dies in an accident. Keli'i saves her life, using Huna healing principles he learned under Joshua's patient tutelage.During her recovery, Aimee and Keli'i realize they are falling in love, despite their cultural and spiritual differences. Their relationship illuminates the schism between the radical fundamentalism of the religious right and the gentle spirituality of the Huna.The novel concludes with a climactic clash between Jeremiah and Keli'i on the slopes of Haleakala, as Madame Pele makes a fiinal, dramatic appearance.House of the Sun is the first book in a planned trilogy. Island of Death is working title for the second.