Irish Convict Series
True stories of several real Irishmen in the early 1800's are told through the adventures of the fictional Maurice O'Brien. Books one - four are adapted from the original Irish Convict novel. Book five, Troubled Waters, is the sequel to the story.
Historical Fiction novels
This trilogy reveals the little known and fascinating true stories of New Zealand’s Maori history at the time of early European arrival, especially Te Rauparaha and his tribe, Ngati Toarangatira (Ngati Toa). Told through the eyes of a fictional character, Te Rou Rou, the story draws on extensive written histories, oral traditions, ancient songs and knowledgeable elders. The tales of heroism, treachery, Maori cultural norms of the time and the spiritual influences on tribal life are all historically accurate.
Book Reviews
Tim Duff (verified owner) – 11 January 2022
Brilliant, hard to put down, and life-changing read!
Absolutely loved this trilogy, easily some of the best books I have ever read. Never have I learned so much from reading with an incredibly well-written and fascinating storyline.
In the first book “Tides of Kawhia” the main character Rou is young, in the 2nd book “Pathways to Taranaki,” Rou is in his prime, in the third book “Shadows of Kapiti”, Rou is aging in years, and with it comes his wisdom. So the trilogy is sequential throughout Rou’s life.
Although Rou is a fictional character, the way he lives is well described in Tom's writing, and it's based on four decades of research into the old ways of Moari at the time. You will learn how they lived, and sustained themselves like catching and growing food, and how they travelled and fought in wars. The incredible thing is that all the events that happen in the book are believed to have happened, as those stories have been passed down through generations and now thanks to Tom have been documented.
These books are true treasures that should be shared and read by everybody who wants to get a better understanding of Maori way of life around the time that Europeans started visiting and then settling in NZ.
I found the way Tom describes detail in his book to be exceptionally accurate, for example, sea fearing. I've spent a lot of time on the water paddling different Waka and Tom nails the description of what it would be like. Some people might find the Moari names used in the book tricky but what is brilliant is Tom has put a map and an index in the book so you can refer to them when you need clarification.
Truly a masterpiece !! If you like these books you should also read Tom’s book “Irish Convict”, I was totally blown away by this book, way better than I expected. It's the same period as the trilogy but this time the fictional character is Irish. Over about a 15-year period he is living with Moari and you gain even more understanding of how they lived at the time.
Fascinating insight into how Europeans were able to settle here in NZ and why and how the treaty was formed.
Incredible read! Should be read in schools as part of the history curriculum, which would make learning fun! Thanks, Tom O’Conner you're an absolute legend in my mind for producing these works. I can't wait for the fourth book, when Rou is old???
Book Reviews
Tim Duff (verified owner) – 11 January 2022
Brilliant, hard to put down, and life-changing read!
Absolutely loved this trilogy, easily some of the best books I have ever read. Never have I learned so much from reading with an incredibly well-written and fascinating storyline.
In the first book “Tides of Kawhia” the main character Rou is young, in the 2nd book “Pathways to Taranaki,” Rou is in his prime, in the third book “Shadows of Kapiti”, Rou is aging in years, and with it comes his wisdom. So the trilogy is sequential throughout Rou’s life.
Although Rou is a fictional character, the way he lives is well described in Tom's writing, and it's based on four decades of research into the old ways of Moari at the time. You will learn how they lived, and sustained themselves like catching and growing food, and how they travelled and fought in wars. The incredible thing is that all the events that happen in the book are believed to have happened, as those stories have been passed down through generations and now thanks to Tom have been documented.
These books are true treasures that should be shared and read by everybody who wants to get a better understanding of Maori way of life around the time that Europeans started visiting and then settling in NZ.
I found the way Tom describes detail in his book to be exceptionally accurate, for example, sea fearing. I've spent a lot of time on the water paddling different Waka and Tom nails the description of what it would be like. Some people might find the Moari names used in the book tricky but what is brilliant is Tom has put a map and an index in the book so you can refer to them when you need clarification.
Truly a masterpiece !! If you like these books you should also read Tom’s book “Irish Convict”, I was totally blown away by this book, way better than I expected. It's the same period as the trilogy but this time the fictional character is Irish. Over about a 15-year period he is living with Moari and you gain even more understanding of how they lived at the time.
Fascinating insight into how Europeans were able to settle here in NZ and why and how the treaty was formed.
Incredible read! Should be read in schools as part of the history curriculum, which would make learning fun! Thanks, Tom O’Connor you're an absolute legend in my mind for producing these works. I can't wait for the fourth book, when Rou is old???
Book Reviews
Terry Kitson – 14 December 2021
Totally engaging Tom makes history exciting. First of a trilogy-highly recommend all three, hard to put down.
Ray Montgomery (verified owner) – 11 February 2021
The first two books were great reads waiting for the third
Ross Robertson (verified owner) – 11 February 2021
I have purchased a number of copies of all three titles in the Trilogy and have passed most of the books on to special friends with my recommendation. I particularly enjoyed the second edition of Pathways of Taranaki
Les Hall – 11 February 2021
Very powerful reading of both books. Read both multiple times. Cant wait for the third book
Book Reviews
Dave kana (verified owner) – 13 February 2021
Fantastic reading I was raised from a baby at Maketu Kawhia behind Ahurei my partner was Scottish and brought up with Maori in Porirua (Ngati Toa) so for some time I’ve been wanting to know about Te Rauparaha and Ngati Toa, therefore, I am very thankful that your father wrote these books I’ve brought books 1 and 2 can’t wait for the third book but also I would like the new addition of book 1 Tides of Kawhia please once again fantastic reading plus just knowing how we Maori lived back then wow ever so grateful.
Thanking You
George Moss (verified owner) – 14 February 2021
Still to read the third book in the trilogy. Really enjoyed the book, while I a reasonable familiar with a lot of Aotearoa’s history in terms of events and dates etc I had very little understanding of how Iwi society was structured and operated. A most worthwhile read and has allowed me to put context around and number of the historical points in time & happenings.
Book Reviews
Ralph Murray – 25 February 2021
This was the second book of the trilogy that I read.I enjoyed the colloquial style of the writing.This no nonsense account of the culture and times of the people of Kawhia and their journey into Taranaki, was a gripping read.
Vinnie Tamakaha – 2 October 2023
Always feel u don’t choose the book the book chooses u. Nice easy reading will definitely be getting the other 2 books from the trilogy. Discovered this book in Kawhia so makes it that much better to me.Thanks, tom much appreciated book to add to the collection
George Moss (verified owner) – 24 May 2021
Excellent read and gives one a real feel for what life was like at the time. Definitely not all “peaches & cream”. I am heartened by the knowledge that the events written about have been known to have occurred. The book gives flavour to the facts
Kuia Byford (verified owner) – 12 February 2021
Purchased this book for my husband and read it myself, we both loved it! Have recommended it to so many of our friends, it's a book you can't put down.
Book Reviews
Daniel Stead (verified owner) – 29 August 2022
Such a great book about the tragic shooting in Christchurch. Definitely recommend everyone to read this to gain more insight to that tragic day in March, 2019. Thanks Tom for this masterpiece.