Joanna Orwin

Part of the My Story (New Zealand) series and based loosely on the recollections of 93-year-old Ruth (Micky) Murray (nee McIsaac) (6 December 1910-3 March 2007), who in 1929 married bushman John Leslie Murray 'Jack' (8 May 1911-1996). Laura Ann Findlay and her family live the bush life among the mighty kauri trees of the Coromandel forest in the 1920s. The last remnants of the once mighty kauri forest are being cleared for timber and farmland. Laura and her mother cook for a bush camp, feeding around 10 men per day. The text is fulled with much historical information about the time. Historical notes and photographs at the end of the story add value and are useful learning tools. This is a wonderful series.… (mais)

Left a wasteland after the Pacific 'ring of fire' and devastating tsunami the North Island’s inhabitants are just trying to survive, but food is running low and Taka along with other teenage boys are being chosen to be members of the Travellers. The Travellers will be sent off into the Pacific Ocean to try and find new resources, people and the hope of a future.
Taka the ‘dancer’ and his cousin are one of the Chosen ones and here begins the travel to either certain death or if the Gods choose, discovery.

Set in the future in the North Island of New Zealand and the Pacific, Sacrifice is an enthralling novel that takes you on a journey of adventure, choice and self discovery. Superbly written, reminding us that sometimes we all have to make the ultimate sacrifice. I was drawn in from the first page and felt deep emotions of heartache and loss by the end of the book, an ending that took me by surprise. Here’s hoping Joanna will write another with the passion and strength of Sacrifice.… (mais)