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A review by emrodav
Guardian of the Dead by Karen Healey
4.0
I really loved this book! I've never read anything with Māori mythology before, and it was very intriguing. Healey gave great respect to the native culture, even though her story was told from the point of view of a non-Māori girl. I especially loved how Healey integrated real-world diversity. There was an asexual character (which I've never seen in YA!), and male victims of rape were recognized and treated with respect and sympathy.
The book does get bogged down with some first novel mistakes. There is a bit too much exposition, the climax is bit rushed and under-explained, and a lot is told instead of shown. But the story is just so intriguing and different that I didn't really care.
I'm a lover of books that explore other mythologies and religious systems, and Guardian of the Dead was a great read to get me familiar with Māori beliefs. Highly recommended!
The book does get bogged down with some first novel mistakes. There is a bit too much exposition, the climax is bit rushed and under-explained, and a lot is told instead of shown. But the story is just so intriguing and different that I didn't really care.
I'm a lover of books that explore other mythologies and religious systems, and Guardian of the Dead was a great read to get me familiar with Māori beliefs. Highly recommended!