New Zealand teenager Mat Douglas is living with his father since his parents split and his mom moved to another town. Mat isn't happy about being left with his father, a tough Maori lawyer who seems to have gotten involved with a client so frightening that even Mat's dad is afraid of him. The client, a reclusive, elderly Maori who was banned by his tribe many years ago, is demanding a tiki carved from human bone, one that was promised to Mat upon the death of its owner.
Mat, along with some magical friends, go on the run across New Zealand's beaches, forests and mountains. Through his escape, Mat learns more of his own Maori culture and mythology. Lots of action and suspense, along with mythology.