How Far I'll Go

A Twisted Tale

by Keala Kendall

What if Moana broke the heart of Te Fiti?

After a devastating battle with Te Kā, Moana’s worst fears are realized: the heart of Te Fiti is in ruins, Maui is frozen in volcanic rock, and darkness threatens to envelop her beloved home. Desperate to fix things, Moana stumbles upon an island already crumbling under the blight. All life is gone, save one sole survivor—a young woman named Noe.

Moana is relieved to find another wayfarer, even if this stranger is more than a little intimidating. Better still, Noe has an idea how to fix the heart: using the tears of Te Fiti, gems infused with the goddess’s essence. The catch? The tears are said to be scattered throughout the realm of monsters.

Banded together, Moana and Noe set a course for an impossible mission to find the powerful lost tears. Will Moana be able to restore the heart amid secrets and monsters? Or will the blight overtake everything Moana holds dear?

Genres: Fantasy, Retellings, Young Adult, Fiction, Fairy Tales, Audiobook, Magic

480 pages, Hardcover

First published September 2, 2025

About the author

Keala Kendall (pronounced: kay-ah-luh) is a hapa Native Hawaiian author of science fiction, fantasy and horror. She is the author of the forthcoming novels, How Far I’ll Go (releasing September 2nd 2025) and No One Gets Left Behind (releasing Fall 2026), writing for Disney's New York Times bestselling A Twisted Tales series. She is one of the cofounders of Pacific Islanders in Publishing and a past organizer for the Books for Maui charity auction.

Born and raised in Hawai’i, she now lives as a part of the Native Hawaiian diaspora with her partner and their dog, Mele.

Reviews

[Books_and_Crafts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely phenomenal! Keala Kendall does a stunning job of capturing our Moana and guiding her through this epic journey of self worth! I loved it!

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fav quote!

“How can the ocean connect us if we separate ourselves from it”

OMG y’all don’t know how much I worship this book series. These people that write them are geniuses every last one of them. Going into September 2nd I was like why would you release the tinker bell and this book at the same time. Now I’m like so everyone can enjoy them both tandomly 🥹🥹🥹.

I wasn’t sure how I would feel about this book being a new author and I couldn’t read any previous would cuz it doesn’t exist lol. Let me tell ya Keala didn’t upset me. I LOVED IT 😍. Moana’s tale was so fun. I mean talk about a journey and all the people she met. My fav character her grandma was back guiding her on the way through her journey warmed my heart. Felt very original but still giving credit too the movie and I just love that. I can’t wait for Liz braswells next book in the spring and can’t believe I have to wait that long for the next saga. Now that I have read this one I have nothing but high hopes for kealas next book in fall 2025 I love lilo and stitch

[Sarah Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love all things Moana, and I have been ridiculously excited about this book since the moment I knew it was coming out. Overall, I enjoyed this retelling. You could tell that this author was passionate about tying culture into the novel, and I really liked that you got more on that side of things than you get in the movies. I am SO glad that this book didn't write in a romance for Moana. I was so afraid that they would take it that route, and that's one of my favorite things about Moana-she has passions and goals that have nothing to do with a partner. One major issue for me....I MISSED MAUI. When he finally pops back in toward the ending, I was like "Maui would have added so much to this book!
Thanks to Random House, Disney, and Netgalley for the ARC of this book!

[Bethea Scovic · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first couple of chapters were somewhat boring and repetitive. Being a twisted tale, the amount of backstory reflected on in the beginning was unnecessary. However, once things picked up, the book became more interesting and the twists in the storyline were fun to follow. As an adult, it was easy to figure out things that the main characters couldn’t see, but the clues are perfect for younger readers to piece together more slowly. The setting descriptions were well done and each main character was well developed.

Thank you to #NetGalley for an eARC of #HowFarI’llGo in exchange for honest feedback. 3.5 stars rounded up

[Valerie Contreras · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting twist to Moana. I did not expect the plot to go the direction it did. I’m gonna be honest and say that this was probably 100 pages too long. It felt like a lot of it was filler information that was not needed. I think it’s misleading to say “ What if Moana Broke the Heart of TeFiti”. There was a wholesome scene with Moana teaching how to wayfind to someone, I really wish a scene like that was included in the movie. This will definitely suit early teens especially because it was pretty easy to guess the twist from very early on.

I was interested enough to finish this story but I think most teens and Moana fans will enjoy this the most.

Thank you to the author, Random House Children’s, and NetGalley for this e-ARC.

[Horizon Littéraire · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ As a big fan of Moana and the Disney universe, I couldn’t resist diving into How Far I’ll Go by Keala Kendall (Twisted Tale). 🌊 And let me tell you—I absolutely loved revisiting this familiar world with such a completely fresh twist.

Right from the first pages, I was struck by the darker tone: Moana fails to save Te Fiti, Maui is frozen, and the island is left in danger. This narrative choice instantly sets a more dramatic mood and kept me hooked. The introduction of Noe, a mysterious survivor, was one of my favorite parts: their unlikely duo works perfectly, mixing strong bonds with little clashes that make the reading experience even more engaging.

The Monster Realm is described so vividly that I felt like I was right there. It carries Disney’s rich visual essence, but magnified through the novel’s imagination. The trials they face are not only mythological and physical but also deeply personal. I loved seeing Moana doubt herself, stumble, then rise again with even greater strength.

In the end, this book made me travel, dream, and reflect on what it truly means to “restore balance.” A wonderful success that will captivate younger readers (ages 9–15) as well as adults who, like me, enjoy rediscovering Disney heroes through a new lens. 💙🌺

—Sandrine 🌻

💞 Tropes & Tensions
🎭 What if / Twisted Reality
👑 Mythological Quest
🐚 Unlikely Allies
🌊 Save the World Arc
👹 Monster Realm Adventure
🌺 Identity & Heritage

[Courtney Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a new and deeper exploration into Moana’s character! I really enjoyed the cultural exploration in this book and the depth it played in Moana’s journey. I think she may have even found a deeper meaning within herself than we saw in the movie.

Noe’s character was full circle. If you pay attention to all the little clues, you can figure out the twist of her character before it’s ever revealed to you. I wasn’t completely sold on her character, but her final acts of the book redeemed her in my eyes.

We also got the character of Afā. I really wish his character could’ve been explored more, especially his interactions with Moana. They taught each other great lessons in their limited time, so I can only imagine what would happen if Afā would continue to see Moana.

This book gave a whole new perspective to the Te Fiti and Te Kā dynamic as well. I enjoyed exploring that relationship with Moana.

If you’re a Maui fan, he’s only in the book for a few pages. Moana thinks of him throughout the book, but he definitely takes a backseat in this book.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a fan of What Ifs or Twisted Tales, you need to get this book immediately! Keala Kendall takes on the story of Moana if she had been the one to break the heart of Te Fiti. She struggles to right the wrongs that are destroying her island. After meeting up with Noe, she starts on the path to find the tears that could restore the heart. But things are never as they seem and Moana faces a journey she didn’t expect. I cannot wait to add this beautiful story to my classroom collection. My students are going to love it!

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher for this free eARC! All opinions are my own.

This book explores what would have happened if Moana and Maui failed to return the heart of Te Fiti and it was destroyed instead. Maui is turned to stone, and Moana is cursed by Te Ka. Her grandmother guides her to another lost girl who failed to save her island from the spreading blight. Together, Moana and Noe traverse the realm of monsters to find Te Fiti's tears to restore the heart. #NetGalley #HowFarIllGo

[Katelyn Peel · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who adores this series from a Disney adult point of view: Moana did NOT disappoint. I really love that it took place for Moana and not Moana 2. The heart of Te Fiti is so special so to see what could have been was so interesting. Never once was I annoyed by the way the book went, Noe kept me on my toes the whole damn time! And meeting Dad’s best friend was so meaningful if you know anything about the storyline between the Chief and the water. This book was so beautifully written!

[Kealani · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing read! I couldn’t put the book down. I finished it in two days and stayed up till one in the morning because I had to know how it ended. Keala did such an amazing job incorporating so many cultural elements that the book felt very rooted in the Pacific.

[Kate Kate Prince · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love where she took Moanas story

[Kaitlin Larsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

this storyline was amazing I can't wait till keala kendall write lilo and stich.

[Taylor Lewis · Rating 2 out of 5]

A disservice to the original story and a slap in the face to Moana.

[Bell ☾ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this one, don't get me wrong, but I feel like the climax of the book didn't start until about halfway through.

[Reneé Lasswell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moana finally makes a friend, Noe,and goes on an epic adventure with her , but, ultimately, can she trust her?

It's nice to meet some new characters and the adventure is an entertaining one with several heart-warming encounters along the way.