In the Spirit: Kotahi Bay 1

The only reason I'm giving it 4 instead of 5 stars is that for a short book it did take a while to get going, the ‘would she wouldn't she' of Alyssa accepting her magic went on for a tiny bit too long. But the second she made a decision, the book went up a gear, and I was completely hooked. 

I loved the cultural references to New Zealand folklore and mythology. It's inspired me to research into it more and to find more books by NZ authors who incorporate it in their writing. I do think that it fully adds to the magic of the book and it offers a connection to the reader. 

The twists were very well thought out. The friendship between Magnus and Alyssa was sweet, I hope to see more of it in book 2! 

We've been left with a couple of unfinished plot points. What is the barrier, what's going on beyond it, and why couldn't Alyssas friend get to the town. The epilogue offered no answers or hints of any of this being mentioned. Fingers crossed it is all in book 2!