Guardian of the Dead - Book Review

Title ~ Guardian of the Dead
Series ~ Single Title
Author ~ Karen Healey
Release Date ~ April 1, 2010
Age Group ~ Young Adult
Publisher ~ Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Source ~ Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

GOODREADS SUMMARY

This is an intriguing YA urban fantasy in the tradition of Holly Black and Wicked Lovely. Set in New Zealand, Ellie's main concerns at her boarding school are hanging out with her best friend Kevin, her crush on the mysterious Mark, and her paper deadline. That is, until a mysterious older woman seems to set her sights on Kevin, who is Maori, and has more than just romantic plans for him. In an effort to save him, Ellie is thrown into the world of Maori lore, and eventually finds herself in an all-out war with mist dwelling Maori fairy people called the patupaiarehe who need human lives to gain immortality.

REVIEW

Guardian of the Dead is set in the island nation of New Zealand. The islands share a rich cultural background, including the legend of the Maori. Not only are there Maori humans, but there are also myths about Maori Gods and fairies. My favorite Maori legend tells the history of the North Island and how it is believed to be a giant fish.

Ellie is a rather average girl who is on the tall side and has a black belt in tae kwon do. Girl has the moves to defend herself! I really liked Ellie and her positive attitude. Her best friend (Kevin) and her crush (Mark) are both Maori. I love the way the Maori live hand-in-hand with typical humans. It’s the fairy Maori, however, who are starting trouble for the humans.

When Kevin becomes the target of a Maori fairy, Ellie and Mark find themselves in an all-out fight to save him. To make matters worse, there is a much larger Maori plot underfoot that Ellie must stop. Oh, and the fairies are also into some crazy creepiness to steal magic. Wow, there is a lot going on in this book!

Since I am new to the Maori myths, I took full advantage of the glossary at the end of the book. If it were not for the mythical tie-in, I think the plot would have felt a bit over-the-top. The exotic setting and a great main character were big selling points for me.

RATING

4 Liked

COVER COMMENTS

I have the new paperback copy with the red face. It is simple, mysterious and dark. I like this cover so much better than the old one with the mask facing upward.