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A review by noriboo
The Gatekeeper's Staff by Antoine Bandele
4.0
This is definitely one of those books that has me berating myself that I've let it sit on my TBR for so long.
The worldbuilding in this YA story is very well done. What I enjoyed most about this story is that while the magic is a secret to the world in general, TJ's family is very much aware and a part of the magical society.
The Orisha deities were new to me, and as readers, we get introduced to their lore throughout the story in a way that doesn't make all the information feel overwhelming. If anything, it further stoked my personal interest to look up further information.
TJ isn't a typical chosen one: he doesn't become this invincible mmc overnight, and I'm happy that's the route the author chose. He's a real teenager who's struggling with grief for his elder sister while simultaneously being done with feeling the pressure of never being as good as her.
The book is the first of a trilogy, and it's clear that this part is meant to set the stage. The characters have realistic reactions and displays of emotions. I was surprised multiple times throughout the story, which definitely kept me on toes as I tried to figure things out. Above all, I adore TJ. The middle of the story seems to slow down as he takes the time to process all of his emotions and tries to adapt to all the ways his life has changed. He's a good kid with his heart in the right place. I'm looking forward to seeing his further growth as the series progresses.
I'd definitely recommend this story to people who've ever felt like they would never belong and people who've enjoyed Rick Riordan's work.
The worldbuilding in this YA story is very well done. What I enjoyed most about this story is that while the magic is a secret to the world in general, TJ's family is very much aware and a part of the magical society.
The Orisha deities were new to me, and as readers, we get introduced to their lore throughout the story in a way that doesn't make all the information feel overwhelming. If anything, it further stoked my personal interest to look up further information.
TJ isn't a typical chosen one: he doesn't become this invincible mmc overnight, and I'm happy that's the route the author chose. He's a real teenager who's struggling with grief for his elder sister while simultaneously being done with feeling the pressure of never being as good as her.
The book is the first of a trilogy, and it's clear that this part is meant to set the stage. The characters have realistic reactions and displays of emotions. I was surprised multiple times throughout the story, which definitely kept me on toes as I tried to figure things out. Above all, I adore TJ. The middle of the story seems to slow down as he takes the time to process all of his emotions and tries to adapt to all the ways his life has changed. He's a good kid with his heart in the right place. I'm looking forward to seeing his further growth as the series progresses.
I'd definitely recommend this story to people who've ever felt like they would never belong and people who've enjoyed Rick Riordan's work.