Before the Rising – Keryn Powell (Metamorph Book, $22)
Reviewed by Louise Ward, Wardini Books
This is the best kind of Young Adult novel – one that easily crosses over into thoroughly enjoyable adult reading.
It's set in Napier and we understand right from the start that there is more going on around Pania's Reef than just some choppy water.
A secret race of people known as Aqueans call it home, and are keenly awaiting the one who could save the earth from the Rising, an event that will flood cities and kill their inhabitants.
Our protagonist, Rebecca, is at the end of her last year of high school, a bright young woman expected to go on to great things, but she's unsure of what she wants from life.