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tinyelfarcanist's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I’m not a fan of MG and I believe this played hugely into my enjoyment of it. This probably shows this was more of a me problem rather than the book itself. Having said that, it wasn’t without its flaws.
• Condescending teachers.
• Fatphobia with a character named Joshua, who’s smelly and gross and all he thinks and talks about is food. And while Josh is friendly, the other overweight character is a bully.
• Some teenager with bursting pimples is called “Juice”.
• One boy is insinuated to be gay because he’s always seen with girls.
Teenagers are already insecure enough to be taught that having acne or being fat is enough reason for people to talk about them behind their backs to say how disgusting they are.
Even when I haven’t read enough MG, the tropes were undeniable and they weren’t done in an original manner, making it very derivative.
It also could have been shorter. It caught my attention only after the halfway mark. It felt longer than it actually is, and it could be a problem to catch the attention of younger readers. Fortunately, the audiobook was more lively with the narrator portraying different voices and accents. Though I can’t comment on the accuracy of the accents, I enjoyed the narration, otherwise, I would’ve DNF.
I think the story would work fine as a TV series. Of course, after dealing with all the problematic stuff.
• Condescending teachers.
• Fatphobia with a character named Joshua, who’s smelly and gross and all he thinks and talks about is food. And while Josh is friendly, the other overweight character is a bully.
• Some teenager with bursting pimples is called “Juice”.
• One boy is insinuated to be gay because he’s always seen with girls.
Teenagers are already insecure enough to be taught that having acne or being fat is enough reason for people to talk about them behind their backs to say how disgusting they are.
Even when I haven’t read enough MG, the tropes were undeniable and they weren’t done in an original manner, making it very derivative.
It also could have been shorter. It caught my attention only after the halfway mark. It felt longer than it actually is, and it could be a problem to catch the attention of younger readers. Fortunately, the audiobook was more lively with the narrator portraying different voices and accents. Though I can’t comment on the accuracy of the accents, I enjoyed the narration, otherwise, I would’ve DNF.
I think the story would work fine as a TV series. Of course, after dealing with all the problematic stuff.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Fatphobia
Moderate: Suicide attempt, Bullying, Violence, and Homophobia
Minor: Murder and Injury/Injury detail
2nd2lastunicorn's review
4.0
Beautifully woven story based on Nigerian mythology and magic! TJ is the perfect coming of age character and his needing to live up to his sister's legacy?! Priceless!
Narrator was wonderful and gave the story life and made it so entertaining!
Narrator was wonderful and gave the story life and made it so entertaining!
psydneigh's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I felt like this was a bit slow to start, and I really didn’t like TJ’s relationship with his mom, but the world is definitely intriguing. On to the next one!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Death, and Grief
lostinthepaiges's review
5.0
Thank you to NetGalley for the audiobook ARC of TJ Young and the Orishas 1: The Gatekeeper's Staff.
I loved this story. First of all, the audiobook was fantastic. There was sound effects, different variations in voices and some music. I honestly don't know why more audiobooks don't include these effects! It The Gatekeeper's Staff such fun to listen to.
I really enjoyed learning about the West African Orishas mythology. It was such an interesting topic with some amazing lore. (The author does state at the beginning of the book that the mythology is used in a fantasy based way, so may not be 100% accurate).
TJ is our main character, and I found him instantly likable and easy to go on an adventure with. We see TJ go through a life changing experience right at the beginning of the story, and you root for him to succeed at once as well as sympathise with his woes and hardships.
I also adored the adults in TJ's life. His parents were a wonderful couple with some solid life advice. I also really enjoyed the camp instructors!
This book was like an amazing mash up of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson and it worked really well.
Antoine Bandele also includes mention of current events in American culture, specifically those effecting Black Americans which works well to remind you of the real-life issues amongst the fantasy story.
The Gatekeeper's Staff is so well written, and so wonderfully read in the audiobook, and I devoured it in a couple of days.
This is a book I would love to bring to the classroom for story time, and will have to get myself a hard copy!
I loved this story. First of all, the audiobook was fantastic. There was sound effects, different variations in voices and some music. I honestly don't know why more audiobooks don't include these effects! It The Gatekeeper's Staff such fun to listen to.
I really enjoyed learning about the West African Orishas mythology. It was such an interesting topic with some amazing lore. (The author does state at the beginning of the book that the mythology is used in a fantasy based way, so may not be 100% accurate).
TJ is our main character, and I found him instantly likable and easy to go on an adventure with. We see TJ go through a life changing experience right at the beginning of the story, and you root for him to succeed at once as well as sympathise with his woes and hardships.
I also adored the adults in TJ's life. His parents were a wonderful couple with some solid life advice. I also really enjoyed the camp instructors!
This book was like an amazing mash up of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson and it worked really well.
Antoine Bandele also includes mention of current events in American culture, specifically those effecting Black Americans which works well to remind you of the real-life issues amongst the fantasy story.
The Gatekeeper's Staff is so well written, and so wonderfully read in the audiobook, and I devoured it in a couple of days.
This is a book I would love to bring to the classroom for story time, and will have to get myself a hard copy!
mekeisha's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
2ndchance_chad's review
5.0
4.5/5.0 Officially
This was another of my assigned books from the inaugural Indie Ink Awards 2023. I knew once again this was a story intended for a younger audience for myself so I braced for that type of a story. However, not only did this story itself grow on me as it progressed but opened me up to such a wonderfully different type of mythology I wasn't previously familiar with.
The character development was done really smoothly by the author. We have a lot of characters through the book. I didn't feel like any of them were rushed but steadily evolved as time went on. That can be said both for the information we are provided for many of the characters but also how they evolve into their own selves. TJ and Manny were definitely favorites but Joshua was awesome as well. We definitely have some interesting and exciting reveals in the last quarter of the book but I think looking back it only makes many of these characters even more interesting!
The Pacing was nicely done. There are two sides of this since I feel most books intended for a younger audience do seem to be easier reads that just allow me to flow steadily through the story. On the other hand I had a lot of names and a new type of magic and mythology to learn as the story went on. So there was a bit of a learning curve for me. However, I felt Antoine did a great job in not only immersing us into this world but helping those such as myself understand it as well.
This brings us to the world building. Again this was so much fun for me. It's opened my eyes to an entirely new cultural mythology to explore. Yes this story takes place in a more modern world but with connecting it to these types of historical roots and expanding to other planes on top of that, was nicely done. There are just so many possibilities to see where things go from here with TJ and the crew!
I've had an amazing time with the reads for this competition already this year. It's introduced me to several new to me authors that I hope to keep up with their works in the future.
I'd recommend this to any readers looking for an easy and entertaining fantastical story about young characters who are still finding out who they really are, what has happened in generations past and what they can do to help make the world they live in a better place!
This was another of my assigned books from the inaugural Indie Ink Awards 2023. I knew once again this was a story intended for a younger audience for myself so I braced for that type of a story. However, not only did this story itself grow on me as it progressed but opened me up to such a wonderfully different type of mythology I wasn't previously familiar with.
The character development was done really smoothly by the author. We have a lot of characters through the book. I didn't feel like any of them were rushed but steadily evolved as time went on. That can be said both for the information we are provided for many of the characters but also how they evolve into their own selves. TJ and Manny were definitely favorites but Joshua was awesome as well. We definitely have some interesting and exciting reveals in the last quarter of the book but I think looking back it only makes many of these characters even more interesting!
The Pacing was nicely done. There are two sides of this since I feel most books intended for a younger audience do seem to be easier reads that just allow me to flow steadily through the story. On the other hand I had a lot of names and a new type of magic and mythology to learn as the story went on. So there was a bit of a learning curve for me. However, I felt Antoine did a great job in not only immersing us into this world but helping those such as myself understand it as well.
This brings us to the world building. Again this was so much fun for me. It's opened my eyes to an entirely new cultural mythology to explore. Yes this story takes place in a more modern world but with connecting it to these types of historical roots and expanding to other planes on top of that, was nicely done. There are just so many possibilities to see where things go from here with TJ and the crew!
I've had an amazing time with the reads for this competition already this year. It's introduced me to several new to me authors that I hope to keep up with their works in the future.
I'd recommend this to any readers looking for an easy and entertaining fantastical story about young characters who are still finding out who they really are, what has happened in generations past and what they can do to help make the world they live in a better place!
breesharee's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.25
readingelli's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Vomit
Minor: Injury/Injury detail and Violence
blotchedspots's review against another edition
I might come back to this book, but it's just not for me. There's things focused on I have no interest in (the detail in the basketball game in the first chapter was almost enough for me to DNF there). It's well written and the author does a great job of explaining the Orishas and introducing them.
sophiasunlitreads's review
5.0
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.
This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Netgalley for giving me this advanced reader's copy.
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.
This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Netgalley for giving me this advanced reader's copy.