The Gatekeeper’s Staff is a solid young adult fantasy read. It has an ensemble of characters that are loveable and younger audiences will definitely relate to.

I enjoyed the pacing and the world building of the story. The writing style is easy to follow and you can read (a fairly long first book) without it feeling long.

It felt a little too young for me but that’s my personal preference. I think teens are really going to enjoy this one, especially fans of Percy Jackson.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a free advanced copy of this book to read and review.

I’m really disappointed in this book. I’ve read a lot of books on the Orishas, and I was very excited to get this book in my hands. I received an ARC of this book ages ago, and I could never get through it. The book eventually expired, so I grabbed it on my own.

Fast forward to today, I’m about 30% through the book, and I give up. I listened to the reviews and roughed it though Part 1, and it still feels like I’m roughing it through Part 2. The length didn’t upset me as I’ve read plenty of longer books; however, this book didn’t feel engaging at all. I completely understand the importance of world building and establishing the magical system; however; this story just felt entirely too long and overdone.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I tried with both the audiobook and the digital copy but I so wished I got into it but I just couldn't. Maybe I'll come back to it a little bit later because I want to make it till the end but for now it did not hook as other novels from the same type did

I love this sooo muchhh it reminds me of Percy Jackson wich is one of my favorite series ever! But instead of "superior" chosen one", we get the "lacking" one as the MC instead. An enjoyable escapism indeed.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was glad I got to read this, I always enjoy reading about mythology and coming of age/into your own power stories. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys learning about different cultures and mythos.

I'll be honest. I finished the book quite a while ago but I couldn't find the time to sit down and write a review I could be proud of. Well... I guess it's better late than never, right?

As I opened the Goodreads page of The Gatekeeper's Staff, I noticed that this book is NOT getting the amount of attention that it deserves. And that sucks, because the book is truly amazing. Hopefully my review might convince more people to read it!

I experienced a bit of a slow start when I read this book. I wasn't familiar with the mythology of the Orishas, unlike the mythology of the Greek Gods when I started Percy Jackson. I'm not going to say I know a lot about the Orishas after reading The Gatekeeper's Staff, but the book gave exactly the right amount of information and backstory to be able to follow the story and understand the motives of the characters and the powerful spirits. For me, the book also served as an eye-opener about the West African mythology and I can't wait to read more about it. If anyone knows more books that include the Orishas, please let me know!

Needles to say, after gaining more understanding of the mythology, I truly raced through the book. The writing style is easy to read and the characters all have their own backstory and motives for their actions. Considering that's an aspect that's often missing in YA books, I'm glad that Antoine Bandele worked it out so well here.

Another thing that is SO GOOD in this book, is that the characters truly act their age. In most YA books, I imagine the characters to be 20-something because THEIR. ACTIONS. DON'T. MATCH. THEIR. AGE. TJ is 14 and he acts 14. He makes mistakes, he struggles when talking to a girl he likes, he can be naive and he makes rash decisions, and that's completely okay because he's only 14 and he's supposed to act like that! It only makes TJ more relatable! I love how well Bandele worked this out in this book. However, because of this, the book might read as a middle-grade book. That is NOT a bad thing. The book is marketed as YA, which I completely understand because of the elaborate world building, but don't start this book thinking you're getting 16-going-on-26 characters because you will be disappointed.

The Gatekeeper's Staff is perfect for fans of Percy Jackson and Amari and the Night Brothers. I can't recommend it enough.

I liked the story, but it took a little bit to really get hooked into the story. I appreciated the struggle of the MC who was searching for where he fit. In the end, I loved the evolution of the MC's journey. Well done.

I absolutely loved this book! If you grew up reading Percy Jackson, Harry Potter and love yourself some mythology this is the book to pick up! First in the series TJ Young & The Orishas - The Gatekeeper's Staff introduces you to old Gods, adventure and mayhem.

TJ Young - a 14 year old, grows up in the heart of modern day Los Angeles, part of a family of powerful diviners. In the face of magic though TJ hardly can keep up. He is the middle child in all its sense. But when his powerful and gifted sister dies, a dormant power seems to awaken - just barely - and he is determined to uncover the truth behind his sister's passing. Enrolled at a remedial magic school for the those who are not fully diviner, TJ tries to coax his power to work and become a diviner while uncovering the mystery that was his sister! Faced with the toughest counsellors, a big ol' Alligator, magic and of course grades can TJ discover the truth, not only about his sister, but also himself?

This book introduces you to the Orisha Gods of Africa. Older than the well-known Greek, Roman and Norse it is an absolute delight to learn about the Orishas - neither good nor bad, but just existing. It's a whole new culture and mythology and the mythology lover in me absolutely delved into it.

TJ is a character for everyone to relate to. Feelings of mediocrity and not fitting in are things we have all faced at one point or another and he embodies these feelings and struggles with them throughout the book. His friends and the Gods are no different, with amazing character building and descriptions that you can see them clearly in your mind and find something to relate to in each of them. The humor in the book was on point and absolutely made me laugh out loud.

The writing was easy to read and flowed well and the plot was one that kept you on the edge. The climax and the ending perfectly sets you up for the next adventure! I am absolutely thrilled and looking forward to picking up the second book in the series - The Windweaver's Storm.

This book was amazing and I was really sad when it was over! I really don't know where to start with everything I loved about this book.

First off, I found the setting amazing and very immersive. This book is mainly set at a magical summer camp in the swamps outside New Orleans. I have been there once and really felt that the author captured the "swamp vibe" by including mysterious alligators, the sweltering heat and the swamp waters! I think the audiobook really helps with this also, as it has sound effects at the start of each chapter.

I found the characters to be very realistic for their age. The main character, TJ, has always struggled with his magic and therefore doesn't really think highly of himself. Throughout most of the book he thinks of himself as a failure and struggles to live up to his sister's legacy. After a while I did become slightly annoyed with TJ second guessing himself, but it really was realistic for him, so I wouldn't say that is a negative of the book, just something I personally did not enjoy.

The side characters were also amazing! I thought each of the side campers was unique and very easy to tell apart. I did get a bit confused with all the adults names but that could have been since I was listening to the audio and couldn't see the names.

The plot was definitely the best part! I just couldn't stop listening to it. I had to know what was going to happen. It really reminds me of a Rick Riordan Presents book or Amari and the Night Brothers. I did see the plot twist coming, but I think that is because it reminded me so much of Amari that I was looking very carefully at all the characters. Even though I saw the plot twist coming I still enjoyed how it happened and the consequences that the characters to deal with.

Overall, I really enjoyed learning more about a new mythology and joining TJ and his friends on an adventure. I can't wait for the second book!

This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review

Now where to begin????

Before I actually begin, here's a word of advice.

Antoine Bandele is the best thing that happened to The Orishas, and I mean it.

I will also be very sentimental with this review and I will do my best to withhold spoilers because I know I wouldn't want this epic tale to be ruined for me.

"What happens when a deity needs a body? They go to the source of course."

TJ Young and the Orishas takes you on a journey like never before. If you're a fan of the world Jk Rowling (Harry Potter), Rick Riordan (Percy Jackson and the Olympians), Neil Gaiman (American gods) or Madeline Miller (Circe).

My dear fellow reader you're in luck because this tale was spun from the very yarn that wove the west African mythology, the Story of the old gods of the Yorubaland, old land of Ile Ife.

The first book in this series, The Gatekeeper's Staff begins in a modern day world where magic is no secret or myth to the Young family.

With an immigrant mother from Nigeria and an American father, Tomori Jomiloju "TJ" Young finds himself experiencing two different worlds at a time while keeping the existence of his mother's heritage and his heritage a secret from the outside world.

I especially loved how relatable Tomori Jomiloju "TJ" Young was. He's me and you while we were growing up trying to figure out where we fit in.

Trying to believe that when our family told us we were special in our own way, we actually were.

In his case, TJ was the only member of his family who couldn't wield his Ashe (A form of magical essence bestowed on diviners by the Orishas.

It was beautiful to see TJ Young grow into believing in himself and in his family and learning to let grief not overcome him but help him to relearn and grow.

TJ's life changes when he's accepted into a summer camp- Camp Olosa under the guidance of the water Orisha, Olosa.

He finds himself doubting in his strengths, but also believing in his power of his "Lucky charm".

You know, growing up in a Nigerian society of today, we never really talk about the Orishas, they were/are still a deep core part of the Yorubaland society and culture.
The Orishas are viewed as evil entities in modern Nigeria.

But Antoine Bandele has come to bring a fresh new perspective.

The Orishas are not evil and neither are they good.

They are just that, Orishas, dieties with immense power that once changed the world and defined nature and human civilization.

Reading this story made me realize that we don't appreciate our culture as much as we ought too as Nigerians.

The characters were all relatable and the Yoruba he used in saying the spells made it so ominous because I bet not everyone reading this book will understand them unless you're Yoruba.

But here's one thing, read this book with the goal of enjoying the story of young campers trying to discover their own strengths, show that they can be more than their already predisposed destiny written out on assumptions for them and learn the power of friendship.

As always Antoine Bandele left best for last. The plot was beautiful, it started so well and progressed with the right speed.

The setting and description will literally suck you into the scenes, making you feel like a third player in this story, living through the story along TJ Young and his friends.

The book cover is beautiful and since I'm the typical judge a book by its cover, I'm so glad I get to be a part of this new narrative of western Nigerian fantasy tale.
This book should be a go to for all Nigerian teens, young adults hoping to learn a thing about our culture and heritage. It should actually be sitting at the top along those other amazing mythology books because yes, it's worth every time you'll spend reading it.


Thank you Netgalley for giving me an advanced reader's copy of this book

Thanks to NetGalley & Independent Book Publishers Association for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.

TJ Young is a kid dealing with the sudden loss of his older sister, the apparent "chosen one" who was mysteriously killed in battle. For all his life, TJ had lived in his older sister's shadow and her powerful magic left his nonexistent magic in the dust. He finally exhibits some magic and is sent to a sort of training camp for those who struggle with their magic. He digs deeper into his sister's world in order to discover what truly happened to her, but TJ discovers that he enjoys this strange and chaotic magical world too.

Despite the dark beginning, this actually is an incredible story! It fits right in with Rick Riordan Presents, despite not being part of it. I'm definitely going to be recommending this to anyone who enjoys those books as well.

TJ is a refreshing protagonist, he's snarky but also very emotional, which makes him far more relatable than most protagonists. He outright admits to the reader how often he's terrified but keeps pushing on and it's really refreshing to read. I especially liked TJ's friendships with the three other campmates and how they developed.

I will say I had trouble with the names but I have trouble with names in general, but it was especially annoying here since most of the gods' names started with "O" which made it more complicated. Definitely use the vocab section in the back to keep up with it, ha.

Also fair warning, that cover is STUNNING but honestly doesn't even actually happen in the book until maybe the last 10% of it. It's still pretty, but doesn't really "cover" the entire book, if that makes sense.

Wonderful story and can't wait to keep reading the rest of the series!

Great concept, not so great execution. I really enjoyed learning more about the Orishas, the world, and TJ’s friendships with other campers. I also enjoyed the humor and narrative style. That being said, I felt like the story progression was too slow with too much time focused on content that built the world but did not move the plot along. This was particularly frustrating given the plot wasn’t very complex and one plot point was so obvious the character involved repeatedly telegraphed their role/secret. That being said, I am looking forward to the next book…I just hope it is tighter.

I absolutely fell in love with this story after previewing the audiobook. Antione Bandele has a true gift for story telling that I appreciate. I thoroughly enjoy his writings. It is definitely page turner. If you like Percy Jackson you’d like this book as well!

I wanted to like this book and thought I would given other books I’ve enjoyed (Percy Jackson series, Harry Potter series etc.). I just couldn’t get into this story. I read seven chapters not wanting to give up but the book didn’t hook me. I wish it had.

I so, so wanted to enjoy this but I found the writing to be a bit juvenile even for a young adult novel. The descriptions were not for me, and I just found the world to be lacking. Thank you for the e-arc

Pick this book up. Now! This definitely fits right in with Rick Riordan and his Presents series, while not being part of it. It is better than most of his offerings, and that's a high bar for me. This centers on the world of the Orishas - gods of Nigeria and the African Diaspora.

TJ is naive, but very likeable. I especially appreciated the fact that, as someone who never got magic down as a youngster, he risks being in classes with seven year olds at remedial magic camp. My favorite aspect is, in itself, a spoiler. Let's just say that my favorite underappreciated God type is included in the plot. The plot wasn't predictable, and there is foreshadowing of dealing with plenty hefty issues in an age appropriate way. I can't wait for the next installment!!

Thank you to Antoine Bandele, Independent Booksellers Association, and Netgalley for the chance to discover this book via a free ecopy in exchange for an honest opinion.

Free Netgalley book for review~. 3.5 raised up to a 4 star because middlegrades get a “not for my intended age bracket” bonus if there’s wriggle room.

I predicted at least three of the twists but I had fun reading this! It’s a little slow to start; TJ is so bad at everything for the first half of the book it’s sometimes hard to read even while sympathizing with the poor kid. If it weren’t for that ending and a few outstanding questions that need to be answered I would be okay with this as a stand-alone book. I pretty much have a good idea of where the sister story line will go but there’s other things I have NO IDEA how he will pull off.

I was a bit weirded out in the beginning that TJ knew so little about what would happen during the funeral—someone should have told him the haps, if he hadn’t experienced something on that scale before! What a thing to spring on somebody….

Loyalties also change. REALLY QUICKLY. Overnight even. I wouldn’t mind it if some people also kept their personalities intact but they become entirely different people, almost. Some of it felt a bit hand-wavey to me.

Anyway, minor complaints aside this was a fun read and I’m sure will be fantastic for its age group in particular. I’ve only read a couple Percy Jacksons but you can definitely see the influence on these books. I might read the sequel in the future.