The Dream Swimmer continues the odyssey of Tama Mahana, grandson and heir to the matriarch, Riripeti Mahana or Artemis. Tama takes up the mantle of leadership, along with his grandmother's battles with the Pakeha. But at every step he is thwarted, by deceit, deception and intrigue - and by the woman whose destiny has crossed Riripeti's and his. This woman is the enigmatic Tiana, Tama's mother, the woman of no account. Mana, power and boldness remain the hallmarks of Ihimaera's style as he negotiates a story of mythic dimensions and breathtaking climaxes, combining the passion of The Matriarch with the storytelling ability of Bulibasha. .