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by Raewyn Anderson (Author)
My name is Laura. 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.
