Thriller (Available only in paperback)

THE TAKEN LAND (Riro Te Whenua) - Synopsis

In South Auckland, New Zealand, Mannie and his wife, Jo, have finally achieved stability. Mannie’s successful job as a carpenter gives the couple hopes for a future home and children. But it’s all about to come tumbling down.

When Wall Street crashes in 2005, the New Zealand economy plunges into a recession. Mannie loses his job and is forced to apply for the unemployment benefit to survive. Worse, he and Jo must take in boarders in order to make the rent. But Mannie soon sees his misfortune as an opportunity to illegally reclaim land in the Tongariro National Park that belonged to his Maori tribe more than one hundred and twenty years earlier.

Mannie persuades a small, disillusioned group of young Maori into claiming sovereignty over a small block of land on the side of Mount Ruapehu, offering freedom and peace in protest against the government. They build huts and live off the land. Mannie and Jo try to find their former happiness, but then tragedy strikes, and Mannie suddenly finds himself in a deadly game of survival.

Here's a couple of reviews:
By GJK - THE TAKEN LAND (Riro Te Whenua)

Fast moving story and although based in New Zealand today could relate to anywhere in the world. Characters were simplistically identified and the reader easily became involved in their lives.
Overall an excellent read. Hard to put down. A great start for this first time author.

From TSO - The Taken Land (Riro Te Whenua)

Loved the storyline. Kept moving and a great NZ story. I felt like I knew the characters. Lots of action and drama.
Certainly not boring. A good read.

The Taken Land

Great powerful NZ story. Had me going right from the start. Quite sad in places and emotional. Heaps of action and lots
of drama. I felt like I knew the bush where they lived. Good climax at the end. Good plot and definitely a great read. Fran