Stunning, informative, engaging…a book I could not draw away from even after the last chapter closed.
Set in pre-colonial East Coast, North Island, Monty brings life to tribal utu (revenge), makutu (witchcraft) and kaitangata (cannibalism).
A coming-of-age tale teamed with themes of retribution, whanau expectations, duty and resolve – all coming together to create a powerful narrative that has been missing in the publishing landscape. It is unique – quite unlike anything I have ever read.
Monty reveals a picture of an indigenous Aotearoa in the mid-18th century. Proud tribes living in harmony with the natural world with sophisticated knowledge of science, medicine, religion – highly adaptable and capable people with a family legacy that is paramount. However, it is also a culture with a brutal undercurrent of vengeance, witchcraft and cannibalism. It is the first book in a trilogy and I cannot wait for the second book!