Histria Books is pleased to announce the release of The Seekers by Jack Bartley, the second volume in the Hilo Dome series. This book is published by Histria YA, an imprint of Histria Books dedicated to outstanding works for teens and young adults.
The Seekers takes the framework of a post-apocalyptic survival story and roots it entirely in Hawaiian mythology and Polynesian wayfinding. Generations after a devastating global war, isolated communities on the Big Island must set aside bitter rivalries when the volcano goddess Pele awakens. To escape impending lava flows, a small crew builds a traditional double-hulled sailing canoe to chart a course into the unknown Pacific.
Jack Bartley’s second Hilo Dome novel trades standard dystopian action for a focus on cultural reclamation. The true tension comes not just from navigating a ruined world, but from the painstaking effort of relearning lost ancestral skills. The book asks what happens when a community must resurrect ancient traditions to save its future. It is a localized, community-driven approach to the end of the world that feels vital for readers tired of lone-wolf survival tropes.
Praise for The Seekers:
“The Seekers: Hilo Dome by Jack Bartley is a brilliant, nail-biting adventure that is full of action. It is one of the rare gems that take place on the water, where explorers must navigate uncharted territory to survive. It will appeal to anyone who enjoys an adventure full of suspense, thrills, and the awe of discovery.” — Readers’ Favorite
Jack Bartley is a U.S. Navy veteran, retired University of Delaware ecology professor, and the author of several books, including the 2025 naval memoir Smoke on the Water (Koehler Books) and the young adult series Hilo Dome (Histria Books). His extensive time spent in Hawaiʻi, both during his military service and while leading academic ecology expeditions, heavily influences his writing. Also an accomplished musician and former newspaper columnist, Jack now lives in Ocean View, Delaware, where he focuses on writing, music, and environmental volunteer work.
