In the Earth's Embrace

Kotahi Bay #2

by Iris Beaglehole, Nova Blake

Blurb to come

(Please note that we are setting a long pre-order on this book but will likely bring this forward when the book is ready!)

336 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2025

Reviews

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was drawn immediately into this latest book of the Kothai Bay series. Alyssa just has so much to deal with in this latest addition to the series, and I really felt for her. A bright spot for her is a new kitten from her friend after everything that goes down. She feels betrayed by an action taken, and she must learn to trust again, or it’ll be too late for the bay as a god has his sights set on the bay. I love most of the things that happen in this except for the events around Alyssa and the betrayal. I do think that for someone who felt so betrayed, she trusted someone who lied to her who maybe shouldn’t have been trusted so easily having just been so betrayed. Sorry for the vagueness and/or confusion, but I don’t want to spoil it. Great addition to the series, and I can’t wait for the next one. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Yvonne Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a step up from the first book in the series, which was something of a scene-setter. As Alyssa spends more time in Kotahi Bay and comes to terms with her heritage, she finds the demands of her new life to be dangerous but increasingly unavoidable. She also has to make some hard choices about who her friends really are and who she can trust. The story follows a fairly familiar trajectory, but the characters are so well rounded and appealing that the reader is drawn into the action. By the end of the book, a lot of the loose ends are tied up but enough remain to leave the reader looking forward to the next book.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably my favourite Iris Beaglehole book yet. I am really enjoying reading about the Gods of New Zealand and the addition of the dark, handsome love interest added a new, delicious flavour. can't believe we have to wait until November 2026 for the next installment. 😭😭😭

[Margaret lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

life magic

Wow what a great read , brilliant believable characters I would love to share a cuppa with , the storyline is exciting I highly recommend this book, a big 5 stars

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful sequel! I love the characters and the magic!!

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this follow up, I read this on my cruise and I couldn’t put it down ! Hoping that another book is on the way !