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ollieoxnfree's review against another edition
5.0
Audiobook review:
Truly well done! This story is about a young boy going through big life changes in a very realistic way, while navigating a very fantastical world. Presented in a tone that feels personal, like a deja-vu of your own thoughts, the MC (TJ) becomes quickly relatable, though I have never personally encountered such events. I feel like I grew as a person as though I had experienced these trials along side TJ. I can’t wait to share it with my son when he reaches middle school age!
No matter your age or lot in life, there’s something to be enjoyed in this tale of a 14 year old African American boy navigating a loss that creates a new path for him. He is a self described introvert that grows up feeling like an outsider, the mundane in an anything-but-mundane world. Pushing through that to make new friendships, his vulnerability is always there, admitting he still feels too normal to consider letting them get close. He is not the chosen, but he acts anyway.
You may read the description and think “another camp adventure? Why try when Percy Jackson did it so well.” Well think again! This is its own unique adventure, with characters that feel real and individual, and a magic system that can actually be followed. TJ is a novice so you get to learn about much of the world and magic alongside him. His curiosity is contagious and the mystery draws you deep into the world of West African mythology.
To be honest, I was unsure if I would be the right reader to review this as it is not exactly up my alley. However, the story itself and the way it was written makes it feel more universal. Though the author makes sure to explain that this is fantasy fiction and does not reflect the true practice of Ifa (please excuse any misspelling as I listened to, not read the story), it certainly sparked an interest in me to learn more of the culture surrounding it.
The language used was descriptive, without feeling drawn out. There was never a time I felt as though I were wading through fillers. The world in which you are pulled through is rich and fantastical without being unobtainable. It makes the story much more lived in, similar to how Harry Potter comes across. This story I personally feel would be much more easily received by young people, though easily enjoyed by adults as well.
The setting was well done, especially considering the overuse of the New Orleans bayou. Coincidently, my husband and I are going on a vacation to New Orleans in a week. It has been a lifelong dream of mine to visit the bayou and surrounding areas, growing up reading so many stories with NOLA as the setting. As often happens when a dream is about to come true, there are doubts and fears that arise in completing something you have been so invested in. But once again, this story has stoked that fire and my excitement has returned!
The narrator did an excellent job reading in a tone that was easy to follow. Her narration of the dialogue was excellent, each voice unique and true to character. The only true critique I would have of her is that sometimes (not often) it felt near monotone through the story. The dialogue was very well done, but when there wasn’t any for long stretches of time, or an important or emotional moment, my mind would have difficulty staying interested and would somewhat wonder. This was no fault of the story, but the tone of voice used to read it.
I have listened to many audiobooks that tried to incorporate certain sounds or special effects that often fell flat, felt misplaced, or had the opposite intended effect and seemed to take away the magic of the story. This was not the case in this audiobook. Maybe it is due to the placement, or maybe the editing job was much better or thought through. Either way, it is the first time I’ve heard it enhance the narration, rather than hinder it.
Overall, if you are considering this book/audiobook for yourself or a young person in your life, it’s definitely worth your time!
NetGalley review for the audiobook. This is a personal review, requested by the publisher with no bias or monetary compensation.
Truly well done! This story is about a young boy going through big life changes in a very realistic way, while navigating a very fantastical world. Presented in a tone that feels personal, like a deja-vu of your own thoughts, the MC (TJ) becomes quickly relatable, though I have never personally encountered such events. I feel like I grew as a person as though I had experienced these trials along side TJ. I can’t wait to share it with my son when he reaches middle school age!
No matter your age or lot in life, there’s something to be enjoyed in this tale of a 14 year old African American boy navigating a loss that creates a new path for him. He is a self described introvert that grows up feeling like an outsider, the mundane in an anything-but-mundane world. Pushing through that to make new friendships, his vulnerability is always there, admitting he still feels too normal to consider letting them get close. He is not the chosen, but he acts anyway.
You may read the description and think “another camp adventure? Why try when Percy Jackson did it so well.” Well think again! This is its own unique adventure, with characters that feel real and individual, and a magic system that can actually be followed. TJ is a novice so you get to learn about much of the world and magic alongside him. His curiosity is contagious and the mystery draws you deep into the world of West African mythology.
To be honest, I was unsure if I would be the right reader to review this as it is not exactly up my alley. However, the story itself and the way it was written makes it feel more universal. Though the author makes sure to explain that this is fantasy fiction and does not reflect the true practice of Ifa (please excuse any misspelling as I listened to, not read the story), it certainly sparked an interest in me to learn more of the culture surrounding it.
The language used was descriptive, without feeling drawn out. There was never a time I felt as though I were wading through fillers. The world in which you are pulled through is rich and fantastical without being unobtainable. It makes the story much more lived in, similar to how Harry Potter comes across. This story I personally feel would be much more easily received by young people, though easily enjoyed by adults as well.
The setting was well done, especially considering the overuse of the New Orleans bayou. Coincidently, my husband and I are going on a vacation to New Orleans in a week. It has been a lifelong dream of mine to visit the bayou and surrounding areas, growing up reading so many stories with NOLA as the setting. As often happens when a dream is about to come true, there are doubts and fears that arise in completing something you have been so invested in. But once again, this story has stoked that fire and my excitement has returned!
The narrator did an excellent job reading in a tone that was easy to follow. Her narration of the dialogue was excellent, each voice unique and true to character. The only true critique I would have of her is that sometimes (not often) it felt near monotone through the story. The dialogue was very well done, but when there wasn’t any for long stretches of time, or an important or emotional moment, my mind would have difficulty staying interested and would somewhat wonder. This was no fault of the story, but the tone of voice used to read it.
I have listened to many audiobooks that tried to incorporate certain sounds or special effects that often fell flat, felt misplaced, or had the opposite intended effect and seemed to take away the magic of the story. This was not the case in this audiobook. Maybe it is due to the placement, or maybe the editing job was much better or thought through. Either way, it is the first time I’ve heard it enhance the narration, rather than hinder it.
Overall, if you are considering this book/audiobook for yourself or a young person in your life, it’s definitely worth your time!
NetGalley review for the audiobook. This is a personal review, requested by the publisher with no bias or monetary compensation.
wisecraic's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
wanderingreadingsoul's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you Net Galley for an ARC of this book!
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.
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.
joyful24's review against another edition
5.0
This was a really well constructed adolscent heroes journey. It was a nice blend of contemporary US and Yoruba spirituality. I am invested in TJs story. I am definitely going to read the entire series.
melisag's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
kitstonglade's review against another edition
4.0
thank you netgalley for providing me with the ARC for this book
—
after the mysterious death of TJ’s older sister, TJ comes into his powers unexpectedly and gets sent to a summer camp in louisiana for young people who also have powers.
this book explored a very fun journey through african-american culture, religions, folklore & mythology. it was a little bit of a slow start for me but after a few chapters i got hooked. i’m very excited to see where the author takes TJ next <3
—
after the mysterious death of TJ’s older sister, TJ comes into his powers unexpectedly and gets sent to a summer camp in louisiana for young people who also have powers.
this book explored a very fun journey through african-american culture, religions, folklore & mythology. it was a little bit of a slow start for me but after a few chapters i got hooked. i’m very excited to see where the author takes TJ next <3
elbriada's review
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
niklit's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Very solid choice for those who grew up on HP and Percy Jackson and would like something West African-inspired!
aj_king's review
adventurous
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail and Bullying
existentialghost's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you, netgalley for providing me with the audiobook
I had a blast!! super fun world building, great characters and the voice actor also did really great accents (which was so unexpected). really wish there was a series like this when i was in middle school!
the yoruba pantheon >
I had a blast!! super fun world building, great characters and the voice actor also did really great accents (which was so unexpected). really wish there was a series like this when i was in middle school!
the yoruba pantheon >