Ghosts of Parihaka

Aotearoa #5

by David Hair

It hasn't been an easy time for Matiu Douglas, magical Adept. One of his friends is now a ghost, his enemies have stolen the Treaty of Waitangi, he can't date the girl he really likes, and he keeps getting unwanted marriage proposals from a dangerous, centuries-old tohunga's daughter.

But when his best friend, Riki, is snatched into the Ghost World of Aotearoa during a school trip, Mat has to put all his other worries aside and act fast.

For Riki vanished at Parihaka, scene of one of the darkest acts from New Zealand's colonial past, and in Aotearoa such places are deadly dangerous.

Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

David Hair is the author of The Bone Tiki, winner of Best First Novel (Young Adult Fiction section) at the 2010 NZ Post Children's Book Awards. The Bone Tiki and its sequel The Taniwha's Tear are fantasy novels set in New Zealand. David is a New Zealander, who has worked primarily in financial services. He has a degree in History and Classical Studies. He has lived from 2007 to 2010 in New Delhi, India, but usually resides in Wellington, New Zealand. Apart from writing, he is interested in folklore, history, and has a passion for football.

Reviews

[Lemurkat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whilst this story continues to go from strength to strength in terms of character development and writing style, this book also felt annoyingly like a bit of a filler - since it concluded only a few of the threads and left many, many others hanging open, prime for a sequel.

However, I love the New Zealand touch to it - Maori mythology combining with real world history and modern day affairs. It truly does highlight what a multi-cultural and instrinsically eclectic culture New Zealand has. It was also fun to see Mat and co come down to join us in the South Island. I hope they stay a while (and maybe visit Christchurch, either past or present).

[Aranka · Rating 2 out of 5]

The most helpful thing is the glossary appendix.

It was a good intention to bring cultural elements back to life, but the author did not seem to try hard enough to make it relevant. It does not justify using Maori mythology just for the sake of writing a fantasy story. Without new elements, there comes no revival.

The story is unfortunately very unimpressive. It was not until two thirds of the pages had been turned that the plot really began to be a bit enticing. That was where real depictions of conflicts began. The only reason why I did not give up reading was my interest in learning some fine descriptions, like this:

"The inky black of the water was lessened by jade seams that shifted constantly. White-capped waves slapped, and once he glimpsed dolphins playing in the ferry’s bow wave. The North Island receded off the right-hand stern, while the South Island loomed closer and to the left. He could see the snow-capped Southern Alps ahead and, away to the south, a bulk of low clouds over the Kaikoura Ranges, which ran to the eastern coast of the South Island. "

"Wanaka township. The sky was slate-grey, the southerly a numbing headwind that flattened the surface of the lake, sending ripples like shockwaves across the water. The sun was a vivid glow behind the clouds to their right, difficult to look at despite the clouds. "

[St Stephen's C C]

They say the past is another country. Some people can go there. It hasn't been an easy time for Matiu Douglas, magical adept. One of his friends is now a ghost, his enemies have stolen the Treaty of Waitangi, he can't date the girl he really likes and he keeps getting unwanted marriage proposals from a dangerous, centuries-old tohunga's daughter. But when his best friend, Riki, is snatched into the ghost-world of Aotearoa during a school trip, Mat has to put all his other worries aside and act fast. For Riki vanished at Parihaka, scene of one of the darkest acts from New Zealand's colonial past, and in Aotearoa such places are deadly dangerous.

[Shannonigans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its not the last book to the series as I thought so now I am all hyped up on Autearoa induced adrenaline while having to wait for the next book to be written. So unfair. But overall it was quite addictive to read although there are some emotional bits that are challenging to read. Cant wait for the next book. This adds to a list of book i will have to wait forever for.

[A S G Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

creative with the Maori legends cool book