Charlie has a story to tell you. The previous year he had an amazing adventure in his tiny seaside New Zealand town, but is relieved it’s all over. But things get messy again in Tolaga Bay and this time it’s even more dangerous for him and his whanau (family), as Charlie is half atua (god). He is soon to be called on again to save everything and everyone he loves.

It all begins on the town wharf while he’s fishing with his little brother Robbie. This is where he meets a new kid in town named Nathan. Charlie isn’t impressed with Nathan’s treatment of the sea, and even less keen when he finds himself in the same class at school.

Another concern for Charlie is the news that Robbie’s dad is planning to take him to live in Auckland. Robbie is excited at the thought, but Charlie knows he will miss his cheeky little brother. Their mum isn’t saying much about it, but still keeping them busy helping in the family store.

A local named Old Pete often hangs around the store for their day-old pies, but one afternoon is missing his dog, Jackson. When he asks Charlie to go up into the bush to find him, Robbie is along on the horse ride with him.

They find Jackson but not before something finds them first. Patupaiarehe (forest fairies) appear out of the bush, strong and eerie to Charlie and invisible to Robbie. They are angry about changes in their forest and show Charlie something strange. What he sees gives some answers to questions he has had lately, but quickly plummets him into an adventure of epic proportions.

Things are happening in Tolaga Bay that Charlie knew nothing about. Plans are afoot to help their small town prosper, but these plans are far from what is really happening behind the scenes. This brings unrest and upset and a powerful disruptive force is released in the process. This force is all vengeance and keen to wreak havoc on all he can.

Charlie is called upon to help reveal the truth, save his town and all the people trapped in it. Can he face an even angrier atua than last time, remember all his koro has taught him, and stand his ground?

I love this sequel even better than the award winning first book in this series (Charlie Tangaroa and the Creature from the Sea).

Charlie Tangaroa and the God of War has everything. Action, Mystery, Humour, Caring for the Environment, Family, Sibling rivalry and Love. There are also frightening forest fairies, sea goblins and angry gods!

With plenty of kiwi slang, settings we can easily imagine ourselves in and relatable conflicts, this sequel is so easy to immerse yourself in as Charlie tells his story directly to you.

Charlie is easy to like, trying to be there for his mum, look out for his little brother and stepping up when his half god status is needed to save others. He’s no angel though, which makes him even more real on the page and in the story.

The Māoritanga is rich and underpins this fast-paced middle-grade read, that kiwi kids especially will love. The full glossary of Gods and Māori words is extremely helpful in full understanding of the story and extends any young reader’s te reo. It certainly did mine. 

Laya Mutton-Roger’s expressive pencil illustrations are scattered throughout the book and just like Charlie’s first amazing adventure, Charlie Tangaroa and the God of War just has to be starring in future book awards picks. 

Author – Tania Roxborogh

Illustrator – Laya Mutton-Rogers

Age – 10+

(2024, Huia Publishers, Aotearoa New Zealand, NZ, East Coast, NZ, Action, Family, Adventure, Animals, Courage, Crime, Environment, Growing up, Mystery, Secret, Series, Tangaroa, tumatauenga, Whiro, Maori Gods, Atua, Mining, Dogs)