Review of Dead Reckoning

[Owuamanam Eberechukwu]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Dead Reckoning" by John McAneney.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Dead Reckoning by John McAneney is a follow-up and the second book of the Latitude 35 Degree series. The setting of the book is New Zealand. John started the book by presenting the lives of the indigenous and native peoples. The natives were gathering at the graveside of Erena, twelve months after her "tangi." While her farewell speech, rituals, and songs went on, Kawiti slipped through the crowd to Conor. It only took a while for them to be swimming against the tide while caught in a chat about Erena. Conor’s last memory of her is seeing her in the oncology ward of a hospital, although he does not know the meaning of the word. Kawiti sees her in his dreams. After all, they shared a bond that was deeper than he knew. From swimming, they went sailing and fishing. They did not know that the sweet swimming and hard rowing were a foreshadowing of their future in sailing. How far did this future go? What became of them?

I know you are curious about what "tangi" is. Read the book to find out. I was also curious to know what it was. However, the author depicted the true culture of the society in which the story is set up, and that is commendable. The author also presented the story in a weave of emotions that could make the reader identify with one character. The author was born in New Zealand and lived there, so he wrote with experience and full knowledge.

The author presented the New Zealanders’ love for the sea and fishing through the characters. The synchronicity between the native religion and European Christianity was also highlighted. The story centered on Kawiti, Conor, and Michelle. The author ensured these characters were well developed. The book is sociological as well.

Although the author used a lot of sailing and Maori words, the glossary served as a mediator. Thus, it did not disrupt my enjoyment of the book. Consequently, there is nothing I detest about this book. I feel it is a splendid book.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 because it brought to light the lives of indigenous New Zealanders. According to the book, one is never too young to fight crime. The book is also detailed and explains each scene or event. The book was also exceptionally well edited. The author started the book amazingly and ended it extraordinarily. I feel the above rating is appropriate.

I recommend this book to historians and those studying the cultural heritage and lives of indigenous people. It is also a brilliant book for individuals who love adventure stories. I enjoyed the book. I am also confident that you will enjoy the book.

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Dead Reckoning
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[Amy Luman]

I think that I’ll have to read the first book in this series first, but I’m really interested in it. Just recently I read my first book ever with a glossary included and it was much more helpful than I ever thought it would be.

[mathziia]

oooh this book seems nice to learn about this culture ! will give it a try

[Aisha Yakub]

I'm curious about what tangi is, so I may read to find out. Great review.

[Patty Allread]

The author presented the New Zealanders’ love for the sea and fishing through the characters.

These are all things I would enjoy reading about, especially since the storyline sounds entertaining. Good review!

[TheGayOne12]

I'd love to find out what 'tangi' is. I'll pick this one up. Great review!

[nwankwo chibuchi]

Historians will eat this one. Great review, by the way.

[Elijah0007]

Sounds like another exhilarating ride through history. Nice review.

[Mmaduabuchi Eze]

The cultural and historical aspect of this book, copuled with its creative narrative, make this book appealing to me.