Broken Tikanga: The power of matakite, love, betrayal and sacrifice woven through generations

by Raewyn Anderson

My name is Laura I'm from Auckland, New Zealand. I come from a line of women who have the gift of matakite (clairvoyancy). My grandmother was brought up in the old ways of tikanga (Māori customs, lore, values and protocols). Her story begins as a young girl. Tane Mahuta, god of the forest appears to her. To his surprise she could see and talk with him. They fell in love. But it was a love that could not be. Eventually Nan accepts an arranged marriage. He is bitter, mean and jealous. Nan sent mum away to live in Auckland. Mum is ashamed of her past and blamed Nan for everything that went wrong. Mum did everything she could to deny that part of her life, even changing her name to Mary. Mum married an Irishman. And this is where my story begins. I grew and fitted in well with my European counterparts, but in my heart, I was Māori and I longed to be accepted. Ten years later, tragedy forces a decision that changes all our lives and we all return to Tolaga Bay, a small town on the East Coast. I’m 19 years old now and am looking for answers about memories that have reawakened and unexplainable events that have happened. I believe that only Nan has the answers to what I seek. Laura learns about her mother’s hidden past and what lengths she went to hide matakite. Laura’s adventures take her into an unbelievable realm of the gods and mystical creatures. She meets a deceptive friend, a fierce tribe of Patupaiarehe (fairy folk), and discovers a love that could cost her everything. Laura discovers her true power, but to keep the promise she has made means a choice between keeping or breaking tikanga.

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 5, 2019

Reviews

[Angelique Simonsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy to read YA that shows the Māori culture throughout. I enjoyed this

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Absolutely loved the concept of this book! I could sink my teeth into this type of world all day between the exploration of matakite, infusion of Māori legends and gods and their tales while making something new is so invigorating. I just wish this book was refined a bit more. This feels like a third draft with the odd wrong punctuation marks throughout or the feeling of being left out on important parts that could have easily been expanded. Just because a book is considered YA doesn’t mean it has to be oversimplified. The dialog was pedantic, to the point I swear all I read were names without any real interactions happening that forwarded the story. The use of Māori language and tradition was super insightful, adding to my growing knowledge of the culture which I appreciate! Overall, I’m looking forward to see how Book 2 fairs.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldnt put it down loved the story. Cant wait for part two of this story.
Also helped me while i was in critical care in hospital and gave me inspiration to contact a maori healer to assist me in my journey where i must use natural remedies to assist my incurable disease.
Doctors came in and said western medicines wont work anymore and i had just started to read this story and was wow thats uncanny coincidence or the universe above giving me a sign. Plus was the first lot of reading i had done in years that wasnt a educational book to read for study. Got me to get new glasses and start reading again.

[Emma Watson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was excited to read this, to gain a better grasp of Maori culture.
The premise is excellent, with a chance to dive deep into the spiritual history of Maori beliefs, but it just didnt get there for me.

It was very choppy and just skimmed over everything. I found myself skipping back several times, to see what Id missed, because it hopped around so much. This happened, then this, then we are here etc with no depth to anything.

Disappointing.

[Moria Holdaway-Howard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad read

The concept of the story is amazing and if executed properly it would be a really great book, but I honestly felt like things moved way too fast, the dialogue between characters was very rushed and sometimes read as childish and the ending left me feeling as though the author lost track of where the story was going and so just ended very abruptly

[Ivena Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read.

Loved the book. Thank you, I had trouble putting it down, hence I finished faster than I wanted to. This book captured me from the beginning & kept me there. Brilliant writing.
Thank you.
Cannot wait to read more from you.

[Audrey Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book and I didn't put it down at all until the end. I can't wait for the second book!!! Please let your wairua carry you quickly through the second book. I just can't wait. Seriously hurry up lol.

[Dwayne Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very entertaining