Book launch
Salt Water Blood by Manuia Heinrich
- Date
- Friday, 20 November 2026
- Time
- 5.30pm – 7.00pm (NZT)
- About this event
Scorpio Books and Allen & Unwin invite readers to an evening with Manuia Heinrich, author of the captivating new young adult novel Salt Water Blood. Manuia will be joined in conversation by Rachel King to discuss her debut novel, its inspiration and the themes woven throughout the story. Moe doesn’t just hear the sea’s prophetic thoughts - she feels them. When her brother is accused of murder, her extraordinary gift could hold the key to uncovering the truth. Blending mystery, family ties and the supernatural, Salt Water Blood follows eighteen-year-old Moe, whose extraordinary connection to the ocean allows her to sense events before they happen. Having already experienced her father's death and her mother's abandonment through the sea's warnings, Moe is determined to protect her younger brother, Tao, when she foresees his drowning. But when Tao's girlfriend mysteriously disappears and he is discovered with blood on his hands and no memory of what happened, Moe finds herself caught between fate, family loyalty and a desperate search for the truth. This is a free event, and everyone is welcome. Refreshments will be served from 5.30pm, with the author conversation beginning at 6pm. RSVP here to reserve your place. About the Author Manuia Heinrich is a Tahitian Chinese writer based in Aotearoa New Zealand. She holds a PhD in Pacific Studies from Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington and is a co-founder of Pacific Islanders in Publishing, an initiative supporting Pacific voices in the literary world. She was also selected as a mentee for We Need Diverse Books, an organisation championing greater diversity in children's and young adult literature. Salt Water Blood is her debut novel.
- Cost
- Free
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Added 12/11/2026 · Last checked 12/11/2026
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