What do you think?
Rate this book
Myths, Legends, and Monsters #1
The Gatekeeper
Cocky. Selfish. Arrogant.
Immortal.
Chief Mataio Tauati took over his father’s post as Lord of The Underworld at just seventeen years of age, mere weeks after his father's passing. Twelve years later, he’s become the strongest god of his ancestral lineage. To challenge him is a death sentence and, for the most part, everyone understands the rules--no one defies the Lord of the Underworld.
For the most part.
Archaeologist Tia Coleman seems hell-bent on proving herself as the exception.
He refuses to believe this woman who isn't afraid to challenge him and doesn't do a thing he asks is supposed to eventually be the reason his heart beats. Being the strongest means there’s no room for weakness, no matter how much she softens him, and there’s no room to be vulnerable, no matter how easily she brings him to his knees.
510 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2020
745 people are currently reading
808 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
February 7, 2023
i thought the main character was sexy as hell but i didn’t really care about the dynamic and i don’t really care about their love in general like there was no fun tropes?
January 7, 2020
My word!!!!!!!!!!! This story was fantastic and the H/h, Chief Mataio Tauati and Tia were hilarious but smexy all the same!
A must read if you enjoyed a strong alpha male and even stronger alpha heroine!
A must read if you enjoyed a strong alpha male and even stronger alpha heroine!
January 15, 2020
I wanted to love this book so bad but I got bored several times.
I needed more suspense. Also, Tia (h) bothered me at times. To me, she intentionally provoked Mataio (H) by flirting with Sefa and holding Jason’s hand at the breakfast table. Mataio asked her if she was going to continue to hold his hand and she said, (I’m paraphrasing) “what are you going to do about it?” She’s extremely immature by playing these wishy washy mind games and that turned me off. Then she would start getting insecure about “other women”. Felt like I was reading about at 15 year old girl.
I also thought it took way to long to get the point of the entire story. I ended up skipping pages and I hated doing that.
I was excited about the book but kind of fell flat for me. I do enjoy the authors work and I hope others have a better reading experience than I did.
I needed more suspense. Also, Tia (h) bothered me at times. To me, she intentionally provoked Mataio (H) by flirting with Sefa and holding Jason’s hand at the breakfast table. Mataio asked her if she was going to continue to hold his hand and she said, (I’m paraphrasing) “what are you going to do about it?” She’s extremely immature by playing these wishy washy mind games and that turned me off. Then she would start getting insecure about “other women”. Felt like I was reading about at 15 year old girl.
I also thought it took way to long to get the point of the entire story. I ended up skipping pages and I hated doing that.
I was excited about the book but kind of fell flat for me. I do enjoy the authors work and I hope others have a better reading experience than I did.
August 19, 2022
I LOVED the representation and overall plot but a lot of it felt disjointed and flat at times. Please don’t get me wrong, this had the makings of an amazing book, but I found myself getting bored at times because the tension and pacing weren’t where they needed to be. The representation in the book was absolutely lovely. I really wish it did more for The MMCs as well.
March 23, 2020
This was a really good paranormal book. I'm not familiar with Polynesian culture, it seemed like adequate research was conducted for the book that helped lend to the credibility and believability" of the story. Usually with some paranormal stories I will skip over the non-romantic parts but these parts where subtly tied in a great way that kept the story flowing and interesting. I would have liked a sequel to make it a happier ending it was still great. I love stories where the connection is seemingly greater than them and this is exactly that. This book read like a movie at times which was super intriguing. It's awesome because not a lot of movies show 100% African American women in connections and relationship like this so it gave you a feel of what a movie with a African American main love interest would be like and a supernatural man who is super dedicated to her would do for her.
January 20, 2020
The Gatekeeper is thrilling love story centered around Samoan Mythology which a nice change. I have read plenty about Greek Mythology, but have read little to none about the Polynesian deities which I found very interesting. The story was at times dark but oftentimes lighthearted. I enjoyed Mataio and Tia as there connection was truly 🔥!
Want to read
September 7, 2020🎁FREE on Amazon today (9/7/2020)! 🎁
September 8, 2024
3.75 stars
October 19, 2024
*slow claps* BRAVA.
k. alex walker had already created a lifelong fan in me, but this was a mix of fantasy + slightly dark romance i wasn’t expecting to experience. i cried my eyeballs out at the end and audibly gasped, “wow.” 😭
other notes:
the bickering between the two leads annoyed me a bit in the beginning, but they grew on me. it felt like the book was too long/had a bit of a lull towards the middle of the book, but things picked right back up. i LOVED how the story was modern, but felt a bit victorian? i can’t explain it lol! but walker did a wonderful job melding both worlds.
you can also tell walker respects/respected polynesian culture in this work, and did her research. this is one of those pieces i’ll revisit again!
k. alex walker had already created a lifelong fan in me, but this was a mix of fantasy + slightly dark romance i wasn’t expecting to experience. i cried my eyeballs out at the end and audibly gasped, “wow.” 😭
other notes:
the bickering between the two leads annoyed me a bit in the beginning, but they grew on me. it felt like the book was too long/had a bit of a lull towards the middle of the book, but things picked right back up. i LOVED how the story was modern, but felt a bit victorian? i can’t explain it lol! but walker did a wonderful job melding both worlds.
you can also tell walker respects/respected polynesian culture in this work, and did her research. this is one of those pieces i’ll revisit again!
January 3, 2020
Whew
This booed played with my emotions. The ending nearly broke me. This a must read I loved this book. D
This booed played with my emotions. The ending nearly broke me. This a must read I loved this book. D
February 11, 2020
This was really good
I haven’t read a paranormal book this good in a while. I seriously could not have put this book down. The love between Mataio &Tia as well as Sefa & Naomi was out of this world beautiful. I’m happy I came across this book and I’d definitely recommend it.
I haven’t read a paranormal book this good in a while. I seriously could not have put this book down. The love between Mataio &Tia as well as Sefa & Naomi was out of this world beautiful. I’m happy I came across this book and I’d definitely recommend it.
September 21, 2020
Loved it
This book was everything. I enjoyed the story of Taio and his Angel from beginning to end. Sefa...I love him. Can't wait for the next book in this series.
This book was everything. I enjoyed the story of Taio and his Angel from beginning to end. Sefa...I love him. Can't wait for the next book in this series.
December 10, 2023
I cried 🥹
November 8, 2020
Great Book!
This isn't my favorite of the series, but it's a great book. Hope to receive more from the series. Love paranormal!
This isn't my favorite of the series, but it's a great book. Hope to receive more from the series. Love paranormal!
January 2, 2022
Excuse me, but I loved this book so much! It had everything I loved. Adorkable characters, humorous banter, easy chemistry and a host of characters you can’t help but fall in love with!
I loved Tia! I loved Mataio! I loved Sefa! I loved Naomi! I loved all of them *ugly crying* so much!! Honestly, they were all so wholesome. Irritating and flawed (as we all are) but not to the point where you’d hate them or wished I’ll on them. Bloody hell, I even loved Pele. Sure, she was evil, but she was a sexy and fun evil. If evil can be fun. I liked her cocky demeanour and that she just revelled in who she was. So yeah, I liked Pele.
Tia was the way I enjoy my heroines to be. Strong willed, funny, have a bit of snark, but not in that “I’m an intolerable bitch” way. The same goes for our resident Polynesian god, Mataio. He was hawttttttttyt! Dark, brooding, honest, possessive, but not in that, “I’m really a controlling asshole that don’t believe you have any right to freedom” manner. This was a well suited couple. My favourite book of 2022.
Can I just say how positively refreshing it was to have the H|h properly communicate their feelings to the other from the onset? One of my pet peeves is not communicating emotions and having them be used as a miscommunication plot point set up for later. It’s an awful and tired trope that just needs to die already. Have those two people be honest about their feelings and give us a proper storyline that isn’t a result of miscommunication. So I loved and very much appreciated this book for that. Their banter after their initial meeting was so adorable. I couldn’t stop fawning and grinning over their exchange. Especially over Taio’s brutal romantic honesty. The cutest!
I didn’t give the story 5 stars because the first few chapters were a bit choppy and seemed disjointed. Which made me crinkle my brows a few chapters in. The transitions were seamless and needed work but it progressed quite nicely the further I read. Naomi’s storyline was another reason I withheld a star. Her story felt abrupt and it kind of made me question if Sefa would not notice the changes in her to recognise that something was wrong. And what happened with her in the cave- it almost felt as though it was done for shock value and to tug at our heart strings, but it just felt… empty. This isn’t a throwaway character, but that moment handled her as though she were which was just horrid. Very happy she and Sefa worked out.
I have NEVER read about Polynesian mythology and I found that it captured my attention the entire time. The fact that you can tell Ms. Walker researched the Polynesian culture, folklore, myths and legends and incorporated them so cleverly into her novel *chef kisses* I love when an author takes the time to do proper research for their stories. I did have to whip out my Google when I read things like, “put on his ‘ie” because I kept reading it as i.e. 😩 but that’s the beauty of research, it teaches you things. A must was that it brought up lots of yummy Polynesian men wearing the traditional ‘ie and rocking their tribal tattoos on my Google search. **Note to self: Delete last sentence before husband reads review**
Bottom line. If you’re looking for a romance that’s equal parts funny, cute and dramatic, definitely give this a read. Will check out the rest of the books in the series by this author.
I loved Tia! I loved Mataio! I loved Sefa! I loved Naomi! I loved all of them *ugly crying* so much!! Honestly, they were all so wholesome. Irritating and flawed (as we all are) but not to the point where you’d hate them or wished I’ll on them. Bloody hell, I even loved Pele. Sure, she was evil, but she was a sexy and fun evil. If evil can be fun. I liked her cocky demeanour and that she just revelled in who she was. So yeah, I liked Pele.
Tia was the way I enjoy my heroines to be. Strong willed, funny, have a bit of snark, but not in that “I’m an intolerable bitch” way. The same goes for our resident Polynesian god, Mataio. He was hawttttttttyt! Dark, brooding, honest, possessive, but not in that, “I’m really a controlling asshole that don’t believe you have any right to freedom” manner. This was a well suited couple. My favourite book of 2022.
Can I just say how positively refreshing it was to have the H|h properly communicate their feelings to the other from the onset? One of my pet peeves is not communicating emotions and having them be used as a miscommunication plot point set up for later. It’s an awful and tired trope that just needs to die already. Have those two people be honest about their feelings and give us a proper storyline that isn’t a result of miscommunication. So I loved and very much appreciated this book for that. Their banter after their initial meeting was so adorable. I couldn’t stop fawning and grinning over their exchange. Especially over Taio’s brutal romantic honesty. The cutest!
I didn’t give the story 5 stars because the first few chapters were a bit choppy and seemed disjointed. Which made me crinkle my brows a few chapters in. The transitions were seamless and needed work but it progressed quite nicely the further I read. Naomi’s storyline was another reason I withheld a star. Her story felt abrupt and it kind of made me question if Sefa would not notice the changes in her to recognise that something was wrong. And what happened with her in the cave- it almost felt as though it was done for shock value and to tug at our heart strings, but it just felt… empty. This isn’t a throwaway character, but that moment handled her as though she were which was just horrid. Very happy she and Sefa worked out.
I have NEVER read about Polynesian mythology and I found that it captured my attention the entire time. The fact that you can tell Ms. Walker researched the Polynesian culture, folklore, myths and legends and incorporated them so cleverly into her novel *chef kisses* I love when an author takes the time to do proper research for their stories. I did have to whip out my Google when I read things like, “put on his ‘ie” because I kept reading it as i.e. 😩 but that’s the beauty of research, it teaches you things. A must was that it brought up lots of yummy Polynesian men wearing the traditional ‘ie and rocking their tribal tattoos on my Google search. **Note to self: Delete last sentence before husband reads review**
Bottom line. If you’re looking for a romance that’s equal parts funny, cute and dramatic, definitely give this a read. Will check out the rest of the books in the series by this author.
March 13, 2020
I loved this story
Love wins out every time over revenge and evil. The author did a wonderful job of weaving a story around the Oceania islands of Polynesia, their culture and folklore. We see two immortal men raised as brothers or uce and how love affects each one, especially where folklore and prophecy is concerned.
Mataio Tauti and Isosefa Paselio had their fate already written for them by the Polynesian gods. Mataio was the protector of the island of Tauti and the chief of his people and Gatekeeper that separates the living from the dead, while Sefa's job was to be his guardian even though he did not need one. Even though Sefa was able to fall in love, Mataio did not believe in it. He was afraid of becoming like his father Sio'ata when his mother died. His heart was a block of lifeless stone until the day he rescued her. He knew when he saw her that she would be his undoing and would bring him to his knees.
Tia Coleman was following in her mother's footsteps as an Archaeologist whose focus was the mysterious island of Tauti. When she was saved by Mataio from the Gates of the Underworld she could not explain her pull to him. He had to save her and keep her from dying. With her being saved by Taio, it set in motion the prophecy of the Ofaanga and started the coming together of two hearts that were seeking each other.
There were energies and enemies that wanted revenge on Mataio for the sins of his father and grandfather. They tried and failed. Even though it looked like they would succeed, they eventually failed. Love is the greatest of all and sacrifices all. Both Sefa and Tia sacrificed for their loves and in doing so, they were able to have love eternal and make the prophecy of the Ofaanga, not just a fantasy but very real for Mataio and Tia.
The plot at the end of this book had me in tears. I just knew all was done in for Mataio and he would turn into his father at his loss. I recommend reading this book as I see as one I would re-read and re-read again. I just love the story of Mataio and Tia and Sefa and Naomi and their battle to get to their HEA.
Love wins out every time over revenge and evil. The author did a wonderful job of weaving a story around the Oceania islands of Polynesia, their culture and folklore. We see two immortal men raised as brothers or uce and how love affects each one, especially where folklore and prophecy is concerned.
Mataio Tauti and Isosefa Paselio had their fate already written for them by the Polynesian gods. Mataio was the protector of the island of Tauti and the chief of his people and Gatekeeper that separates the living from the dead, while Sefa's job was to be his guardian even though he did not need one. Even though Sefa was able to fall in love, Mataio did not believe in it. He was afraid of becoming like his father Sio'ata when his mother died. His heart was a block of lifeless stone until the day he rescued her. He knew when he saw her that she would be his undoing and would bring him to his knees.
Tia Coleman was following in her mother's footsteps as an Archaeologist whose focus was the mysterious island of Tauti. When she was saved by Mataio from the Gates of the Underworld she could not explain her pull to him. He had to save her and keep her from dying. With her being saved by Taio, it set in motion the prophecy of the Ofaanga and started the coming together of two hearts that were seeking each other.
There were energies and enemies that wanted revenge on Mataio for the sins of his father and grandfather. They tried and failed. Even though it looked like they would succeed, they eventually failed. Love is the greatest of all and sacrifices all. Both Sefa and Tia sacrificed for their loves and in doing so, they were able to have love eternal and make the prophecy of the Ofaanga, not just a fantasy but very real for Mataio and Tia.
The plot at the end of this book had me in tears. I just knew all was done in for Mataio and he would turn into his father at his loss. I recommend reading this book as I see as one I would re-read and re-read again. I just love the story of Mataio and Tia and Sefa and Naomi and their battle to get to their HEA.
February 10, 2020
Let me collect myself first.
Did it take me a minute to settle in, yes. Nothing against the story, it just always does when it's a sci-fi or paranormal setting. It didn't take long for me to absolutely love the trio of Mataio, Sefa and Naomi though. The love and friendship they shared went way past a blood bond. It was clearly written, leaving you with a sense of feeling like a part of that bond too. The addition of Tia was just the icing on the cake. She was the missing piece of this puzzle, a huge piece in fact.
I loved the scenery, the storyline, the love, laughter and heartbreak. It all took me on an elevator ride of emotions. Up, down and all the stops inbetween. The basement level took me out. No spoilers, but would I have absolutely loved for there to have been some magical pipeline between worlds, of course. Was there a great ending? As good as the Gods and Guardians could give us. I still need a minute to collect myself though.
Did it take me a minute to settle in, yes. Nothing against the story, it just always does when it's a sci-fi or paranormal setting. It didn't take long for me to absolutely love the trio of Mataio, Sefa and Naomi though. The love and friendship they shared went way past a blood bond. It was clearly written, leaving you with a sense of feeling like a part of that bond too. The addition of Tia was just the icing on the cake. She was the missing piece of this puzzle, a huge piece in fact.
I loved the scenery, the storyline, the love, laughter and heartbreak. It all took me on an elevator ride of emotions. Up, down and all the stops inbetween. The basement level took me out. No spoilers, but would I have absolutely loved for there to have been some magical pipeline between worlds, of course. Was there a great ending? As good as the Gods and Guardians could give us. I still need a minute to collect myself though.
August 8, 2022
Ate this shit up are you serious right now ???⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
First off I don’t know what I was expecting but this was beyond my expectations. I enjoyed the whole ride the author took us on. This story gave me so much more than I asked for and read like a fantasy which I enjoyed. I’m not gonna lie I was confused 80% of the book but only because this is a new mythology I’m not familiar with but enjoyed immensely. The soulmates trope is my number one and I loved how it was depicted in this story and Mataio was everything and more. Also I love how strong Tia was and it was an added bonus that she’s a Texas gal like me, I loved that detail in the story. I was teary eyed in the end I couldn’t handle it. Overall I loved it !
First off I don’t know what I was expecting but this was beyond my expectations. I enjoyed the whole ride the author took us on. This story gave me so much more than I asked for and read like a fantasy which I enjoyed. I’m not gonna lie I was confused 80% of the book but only because this is a new mythology I’m not familiar with but enjoyed immensely. The soulmates trope is my number one and I loved how it was depicted in this story and Mataio was everything and more. Also I love how strong Tia was and it was an added bonus that she’s a Texas gal like me, I loved that detail in the story. I was teary eyed in the end I couldn’t handle it. Overall I loved it !
January 8, 2020
Keeper of Life and Death
KAW has done it again....second otherworldly novel and it's scorching hot....a sexy God ...picture Jason Mamoa...well that's who I picture in mind....as a sexy beautiful alpha God who does not have a heartbeat uncle a sexy brown archeologist with one good eye stumbles into a hole of the dead...she becomes cursed th death just from touches from the cursed souls and cannot be cured....but can't or won't isn't in King Mataoi's vocabulary...his true love Tia has finally been found and prophecy be damn...the beating of his heart will keep his true love alive....?
KAW has done it again....second otherworldly novel and it's scorching hot....a sexy God ...picture Jason Mamoa...well that's who I picture in mind....as a sexy beautiful alpha God who does not have a heartbeat uncle a sexy brown archeologist with one good eye stumbles into a hole of the dead...she becomes cursed th death just from touches from the cursed souls and cannot be cured....but can't or won't isn't in King Mataoi's vocabulary...his true love Tia has finally been found and prophecy be damn...the beating of his heart will keep his true love alive....?
January 22, 2020
Oh My Goodness, Loved It
Wish I could give this book 10 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟, if you have not read this you really should. I kept picturing the hero as Roman Reigns. The heroine is an archeologist who is continuing her last mother's work. One day while out walking on this island she fall into a hole where it feels like something is pulling her down further and further until a hand reach in and pulled her out. It's Matiao the hero. She is his fated mate. So much more I would like to say but I don't want to spoil anything. This book had me on the edge of my seat. Loved all of the secondary characters. Kudos to the author. Keep the stories coming.
Wish I could give this book 10 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟, if you have not read this you really should. I kept picturing the hero as Roman Reigns. The heroine is an archeologist who is continuing her last mother's work. One day while out walking on this island she fall into a hole where it feels like something is pulling her down further and further until a hand reach in and pulled her out. It's Matiao the hero. She is his fated mate. So much more I would like to say but I don't want to spoil anything. This book had me on the edge of my seat. Loved all of the secondary characters. Kudos to the author. Keep the stories coming.
December 24, 2020
Outstanding and Breathtaking
Where do I begin?
The love that began so simply between Tia and Mataio grew into a thing of beauty and timelessness. To watch them fight, laugh and love was so beautiful. Their growth as a couple and friendships with others and tale come to life.
The villainess was beyond evil and wicked. The background story of how she grew to be so vile was steeped in Polynesian folklore and was intriguing and informative.
The plot was well thought out and the story so well written i felt as if I lived the story. This is a book is recommend to any reader! Excellent job.
Where do I begin?
The love that began so simply between Tia and Mataio grew into a thing of beauty and timelessness. To watch them fight, laugh and love was so beautiful. Their growth as a couple and friendships with others and tale come to life.
The villainess was beyond evil and wicked. The background story of how she grew to be so vile was steeped in Polynesian folklore and was intriguing and informative.
The plot was well thought out and the story so well written i felt as if I lived the story. This is a book is recommend to any reader! Excellent job.
October 30, 2021
I don’t even know how to review this story… To call it a romance novel isn’t fair. It’s more. It’s so much more. Yes, the romance between Mataio and Tia is as hot and intense as the volcano in this book, “Ko e manava ‘o Pele.” But, this novel transported me to the island of Tauati. I felt the ocean and the sand and the ever present storm and the mystery of this place and it’s people. The island is just as much a main character as Mataio and Tia. The story and characters are so richly developed and the plot is amazingly executed. It’s so good I almost don’t want to recommend it so I can protect it and keep it for myself. Do yourself a favor and read this!
February 15, 2021
Having spent my early and formative years in the Pacific, this story drenched in heavy Polynesian influence now holds a special place in my heart.
I absolutely loved the dynamic between Mataio and Tia, but I would ABSOLUTELY read this book all over again from Sefa's perspective. He was the epitome of stalwart, anguished and dedicated selflessness over and over (AND OVER) again and his love ultimately signified the true measure of a worthy Guardian.
K. Alex built us up to break us down repeatedly throughout this book and I loved it.
I absolutely loved the dynamic between Mataio and Tia, but I would ABSOLUTELY read this book all over again from Sefa's perspective. He was the epitome of stalwart, anguished and dedicated selflessness over and over (AND OVER) again and his love ultimately signified the true measure of a worthy Guardian.
K. Alex built us up to break us down repeatedly throughout this book and I loved it.
November 25, 2022
5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3.5/5🌶️🌶️🌶️
•forced proximity
•paranormal romance
•age gap
•soulmates
•black fmc
•interracial romance
I loved this book and the story. It was so different but it had me hooked from the beginning. I loved the story line and both main characters. Tia as a character was someone I could relate to and I loved her journey. Mataio was so down bad for Tia and loved them together. I literally couldn’t put this book down, the storyline and love story had me hooked. Definitely would recommend if your looking for a great read.
3.5/5🌶️🌶️🌶️
•forced proximity
•paranormal romance
•age gap
•soulmates
•black fmc
•interracial romance
I loved this book and the story. It was so different but it had me hooked from the beginning. I loved the story line and both main characters. Tia as a character was someone I could relate to and I loved her journey. Mataio was so down bad for Tia and loved them together. I literally couldn’t put this book down, the storyline and love story had me hooked. Definitely would recommend if your looking for a great read.
April 29, 2020
Interesting.
This book was inconsistent. I enjoyed the peek at Polynesian culture. That said the story line was very inconsistent and flat. I think the author tried to do too much and lost a grip on the story. Even the love story was flat. This author has done better.
This book was inconsistent. I enjoyed the peek at Polynesian culture. That said the story line was very inconsistent and flat. I think the author tried to do too much and lost a grip on the story. Even the love story was flat. This author has done better.
September 6, 2022
What are you willing to sacrifice for the one you love? I cried 😢
January 28, 2020
Unexpectedly emotional
When I first started this book I wasn’t fully invested. I mostly reading it to fill the time, but I was surprised by the emotions I felt from this book. Tia and Mataio’s relationship develops nicely it doesn’t seem too fast or too slow. They also have a lot of chemistry which was nice. Who really stole the show for me though was Sefa and Naomi. Their relationship was wholesome and genuine and I just really enjoyed their presence in this book. I was really surprised by the way their relationship unfolded, and I didn’t see it coming. The ending actually moved me to tears which was is unusual for me because I usually never am invested enough in a book to get emotionally connected to it’s characters. I was mostly moved by Sefa’s behavior. He really touched me. (spoiler Warning) I was also a little sad for him and Mataio because of the deep connection they had since childhood being severed permanently. For me Naomi and Sefa were the selling point if this book and made want to keep reading.
On a different note, I like that this book explores Polynesian culture. I do t know if any other IR novels that explore (amongst K. Alex Walker’s cohort). I enjoyed learning a little about Polynesian culture and I even looked up things mentioned in the book to learn more about it such as the pe’a which is extensive tattooing done in Samoan culture. I like that this book gives readers the opportunity to learn about cultures that they may not be familiar with. It gives this book more purpose. K Alex Walker has also just created a truly original story that I really appreciate considering how repetitive IR novels can be.
I have a gripe with the ending though. I just wanted more! I wanted to know more about their life after all the events took place. How much time has passed? What are their lives like now? What are they doing with their time? Did they relocate everyone who lived on the previous island onto the new island or just close family and friends? Is Mataio still fulfilling his underworld/Atua duties? What is Tia doing with her time other than filming her show? I just have so many questions about their quality of life after the final chapter. I also wouldn’t have minded a bonus chapter for Sefa and Naomi. I’m a sucker for lots of detail so I want to know everything so I feel content knowing everything wrapped up nicely.
Overall, this is an enjoyable read and someone might find themselves really touched by the characters.
When I first started this book I wasn’t fully invested. I mostly reading it to fill the time, but I was surprised by the emotions I felt from this book. Tia and Mataio’s relationship develops nicely it doesn’t seem too fast or too slow. They also have a lot of chemistry which was nice. Who really stole the show for me though was Sefa and Naomi. Their relationship was wholesome and genuine and I just really enjoyed their presence in this book. I was really surprised by the way their relationship unfolded, and I didn’t see it coming. The ending actually moved me to tears which was is unusual for me because I usually never am invested enough in a book to get emotionally connected to it’s characters. I was mostly moved by Sefa’s behavior. He really touched me. (spoiler Warning) I was also a little sad for him and Mataio because of the deep connection they had since childhood being severed permanently. For me Naomi and Sefa were the selling point if this book and made want to keep reading.
On a different note, I like that this book explores Polynesian culture. I do t know if any other IR novels that explore (amongst K. Alex Walker’s cohort). I enjoyed learning a little about Polynesian culture and I even looked up things mentioned in the book to learn more about it such as the pe’a which is extensive tattooing done in Samoan culture. I like that this book gives readers the opportunity to learn about cultures that they may not be familiar with. It gives this book more purpose. K Alex Walker has also just created a truly original story that I really appreciate considering how repetitive IR novels can be.
I have a gripe with the ending though. I just wanted more! I wanted to know more about their life after all the events took place. How much time has passed? What are their lives like now? What are they doing with their time? Did they relocate everyone who lived on the previous island onto the new island or just close family and friends? Is Mataio still fulfilling his underworld/Atua duties? What is Tia doing with her time other than filming her show? I just have so many questions about their quality of life after the final chapter. I also wouldn’t have minded a bonus chapter for Sefa and Naomi. I’m a sucker for lots of detail so I want to know everything so I feel content knowing everything wrapped up nicely.
Overall, this is an enjoyable read and someone might find themselves really touched by the characters.
August 16, 2020
Amazing, Awesome & an Outstanding Must Read!!!
Amazing, amazing, amazing!!!! This is a must read and the best book I’ve read this year!!! As a novel reader and lover of all things supernatural. I must say again this was the best book I’ve read this year and I’ve read a lot. K. Alex Walker, this was book was fantastic!!! Normally when we read about supernatural books it is more so about werewolves, witches and maybe a dragon. But I loved how this story told the tale of gods. The way Mataio and Tia came to find each other, the love that developed between them, and the bond that strengthened them as their love grew was amazing. I cannot say enough how this book alone has wrenched out so many emotions in me that I actually shed a tear at the end.
The brotherhood of Mataio and Sefa, the friendships between Naomi and Tia, the death of Naomi, the love of Naomi and Sefa. The emotional connections that this group had with each other, I literally cried when Sefa made the ultimate sacrifice and traded in his life for Tia’s.
There are so many great things in this story that could go into this review, the way you beautifully described the island of Tahiti and the other islands in which the story took place were beautifully written and I felt like I was there. The culture of the gods and their history. The deception of Fai and the treachery of Pele and her need for destruction.
But the best part of this story was the love story between Mateo and Tia, the way they fought for each other, supported each other, loved each other, and loved on each other😏. She literally made his heart beat, without Tia and her love for him Mateo would have never experienced true love and a life worth living. The fact that he almost withered away because she was no longer alive spoke volumes as to how much he meant to her. In short, I’m so happy I stumbled upon this book. I literally read this in 2 days if not less. If this is book 1, bring on book 2!! Great job K. Alex Walker, great job!!!
Amazing, amazing, amazing!!!! This is a must read and the best book I’ve read this year!!! As a novel reader and lover of all things supernatural. I must say again this was the best book I’ve read this year and I’ve read a lot. K. Alex Walker, this was book was fantastic!!! Normally when we read about supernatural books it is more so about werewolves, witches and maybe a dragon. But I loved how this story told the tale of gods. The way Mataio and Tia came to find each other, the love that developed between them, and the bond that strengthened them as their love grew was amazing. I cannot say enough how this book alone has wrenched out so many emotions in me that I actually shed a tear at the end.
The brotherhood of Mataio and Sefa, the friendships between Naomi and Tia, the death of Naomi, the love of Naomi and Sefa. The emotional connections that this group had with each other, I literally cried when Sefa made the ultimate sacrifice and traded in his life for Tia’s.
There are so many great things in this story that could go into this review, the way you beautifully described the island of Tahiti and the other islands in which the story took place were beautifully written and I felt like I was there. The culture of the gods and their history. The deception of Fai and the treachery of Pele and her need for destruction.
But the best part of this story was the love story between Mateo and Tia, the way they fought for each other, supported each other, loved each other, and loved on each other😏. She literally made his heart beat, without Tia and her love for him Mateo would have never experienced true love and a life worth living. The fact that he almost withered away because she was no longer alive spoke volumes as to how much he meant to her. In short, I’m so happy I stumbled upon this book. I literally read this in 2 days if not less. If this is book 1, bring on book 2!! Great job K. Alex Walker, great job!!!
October 25, 2020
The Immortal and His Love
Ms Walker describes him: Cocky.Selfish.Arrogant. and the kicker: Immortal!! Right on point !!!, however, you cannot be in charge of a " Nation" without some kind of hubris... It came with the territory,he is a god after all.
Then again, everybody has a weakness,and in Mataio's case Tia is, but at the same time she is and will be his greatest strength. She is literally his heartbeat and there is no one without the other , they are each other’s half. They are ready to sacrifice their own life for the other. So much involved: Fate vs evil, the devil is never happy to see love and harmony...so much love and not just Mataio's and Tia... Sefa and Naomi and, the four of them ,their love and sacrifice will leave you speechless. Will evil prevail? Will their love survive? The answer to these questions are not simple ones. Get your copy and follow their journey.
Very hard to review this book, because the story is too complex and I can't do it justice without spoiler.
Fantabulous!!
Ms Walker describes him: Cocky.Selfish.Arrogant. and the kicker: Immortal!! Right on point !!!, however, you cannot be in charge of a " Nation" without some kind of hubris... It came with the territory,he is a god after all.
Then again, everybody has a weakness,and in Mataio's case Tia is, but at the same time she is and will be his greatest strength. She is literally his heartbeat and there is no one without the other , they are each other’s half. They are ready to sacrifice their own life for the other. So much involved: Fate vs evil, the devil is never happy to see love and harmony...so much love and not just Mataio's and Tia... Sefa and Naomi and, the four of them ,their love and sacrifice will leave you speechless. Will evil prevail? Will their love survive? The answer to these questions are not simple ones. Get your copy and follow their journey.
Very hard to review this book, because the story is too complex and I can't do it justice without spoiler.
Fantabulous!!
June 18, 2022
So So
*****Spoilers*****
Tia is an archaeologist and is inexplicably exploring without her team and ends up almost dying. Thankfully Mataio shows up to save her but it's really only a band-aid because she's been poisoned and there's no cure for a mortal. Mataio being the god of the underworld doesn't matter as there's nothing he can do. We then watch as a prophesy comes true, Tia the cause of Mataio having a heartbeat and them being beyond something as trivial as love. Death of main characters was heartbreaking, particularly when Sefa traded his life for Tia's after she'd died by killing herself to stop a vengeful powerhouse set to destroy the world.
The speech patterns and phrases were similar to American speech so wasn't quite believing the Polynesian culture the author built. It could've used more explanation in certain places that would've tied things together well. The book ends without another word about Tia's father or Jason which left me feeling dissatisfied with the ending.
*****Spoilers*****
Tia is an archaeologist and is inexplicably exploring without her team and ends up almost dying. Thankfully Mataio shows up to save her but it's really only a band-aid because she's been poisoned and there's no cure for a mortal. Mataio being the god of the underworld doesn't matter as there's nothing he can do. We then watch as a prophesy comes true, Tia the cause of Mataio having a heartbeat and them being beyond something as trivial as love. Death of main characters was heartbreaking, particularly when Sefa traded his life for Tia's after she'd died by killing herself to stop a vengeful powerhouse set to destroy the world.
The speech patterns and phrases were similar to American speech so wasn't quite believing the Polynesian culture the author built. It could've used more explanation in certain places that would've tied things together well. The book ends without another word about Tia's father or Jason which left me feeling dissatisfied with the ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews