Justice and utu - David Hair

The 4th book in the series, Justice and utu suggests that David Hair is onto a winning concept.

Set in modern day NZ and the mythical Aoteroa of the past, Matiu continues his battle against the dark forces of the tohunga and his servants.

As riveting and fast paced as it's predecessors, this is a book that many teens will enjoy.

Read more about this author and what inspires his writing here

The lost tohunga - David Hair

This is the third book in this series by David Hair - not sure why I haven't posted in the first two - because they were FAB stories.

Set in modern day NZ and a parallel mythical world of Aotearoa, the main character 16 year Matiu (Mat) can cross the path between the two worlds. In this volume Mat is coming trying to come to terms with NCEA and the fact that he has special powers that need to be developed by his mystical guide Aethlyn Jones. In the previous story, The taniwha's tear, the power balance that had existed for generations had been destroyed with the death of the warlock, Purata. However now his allies are willing to do anything to gain control of Purata's power base, Te Iho.

Hair's novels have been branded with a new genre 'Maori gothic'. He has created a world where fantasy and history, technology and the spirit world co exist. This instalment little 'dark' in places and more suited to mature junior readers.

Read more about David Hair's work here

Ripples on the Lake - Dawn Rotarangi

This new, NZ fiction, I believe is a must for senior readers. The main character, Saffron Delaney is believable and very likeable. The cultural and spiritual aspects of the book are hugely engaging - What is tapu? How do non- Maori justify and qualify the notion of tapu? How does the past influence how we live now? 

All huge questions that need some thought if we are to really understand and accept the values of biculturalism.

Those of you that have the time check out the author's blog and website - http://www.dawnrotarangi.blogspot.com/

And isn't it a great cover.........