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dwiparto's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
I was glad to have chosen the audio version of this book, to hear the correct and beautiful pronunciation of Māori language and names. This book was a great thriller, as well as informative of the plight of the indigenous people of New Zealand. I thought it was written very well, with good pacing, and a diverse set of characters.
lisapetrakis's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
4.0
aj_mooney's review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This was both a page-turning crime novel and a compelling exploration of the trauma caused by colonization. While I learned a lot about the Māori peoples, I also saw a lot of parallels to the injustices that persist here in America.
Hana is a complicated character who I enjoyed cheering for. The multiple povs added depth to all characters and prevented this from just being a good guy vs bad guy story. I also loved the character of Addison. I'm excited to continue following these characters with the next book.
Hana is a complicated character who I enjoyed cheering for. The multiple povs added depth to all characters and prevented this from just being a good guy vs bad guy story. I also loved the character of Addison. I'm excited to continue following these characters with the next book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Police brutality, Death of parent, Colonisation, Blood, and Suicide
bschapma's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
fairlyoddhippie's review against another edition
3.0
Started out really interesting and I was drawn into it immediately. But the ending was sorely lacking.
meowserly's review against another edition
4.0
Gritty and cinematic. So much so that I looked up if they had made it into a TV series... It's in development with Taika Waititi's company.
taniabissett's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
year23's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
The first 50 or so pages and I thought this would be a five star book. But the plotting got really confusing for me and didn't let up for most of the book, in large part because I think the cuts between different characters/scenes didn't flow well AND the character development was too shallow.
At the same time - the exploration of Maori cultural heritage, identity, and the impact of colonization and on-going prejudice was compelling, informative, and heartbreaking.
I think the themes around policing and how racism shows up within that institution were not as strong given that there's still an underlying assumption that police are good or needed (in light of the core mystery at play and the fact that the MC is a detective). Trying to have an ACAB sort of insight when your MC is a police officer (and even if they do face racism and oppression as a result), undercuts the point a bit. Also having the people who are raising questions about that very problematic institution also be terrorists - I do think the author is trying to raise important issues around policing, racism, and the injustice inherent in the justice system but I think it was muddy in execution.
At the same time - the exploration of Maori cultural heritage, identity, and the impact of colonization and on-going prejudice was compelling, informative, and heartbreaking.
I think the themes around policing and how racism shows up within that institution were not as strong given that there's still an underlying assumption that police are good or needed (in light of the core mystery at play and the fact that the MC is a detective). Trying to have an ACAB sort of insight when your MC is a police officer (and even if they do face racism and oppression as a result), undercuts the point a bit. Also having the people who are raising questions about that very problematic institution also be terrorists - I do think the author is trying to raise important issues around policing, racism, and the injustice inherent in the justice system but I think it was muddy in execution.