The Gatekeeper's Staff

TJ Young & The Orishas, Book 1

By: Antoine Bandele

Narrated by: Nekia Renee Martin

TJ Young has been surrounded by magic his entire life, yet he has never tapped into it...until now.

Fourteen-year-old TJ grew up normal in a secret community of gifted diviners in the heart of modern-day Los Angeles. His powerful sister was ordained to lead his people into a new age of prosperity, but her mysterious death in Nigeria threatens to destroy the very foundations of TJ’s world.

Desperate to pick up where his sister left off and uncover the secrets behind her questionable death, TJ commits himself to unlocking the magical heritage that has always eluded him. So he enrolls in Camp Olosa—a remedial magic school for the divinely less-than-gifted in the humid swamps of New Orleans.

But little does he know, TJ is destined to cross paths with powerful spirits of old thought lost to time: The Orishas.

Delve into this young adult fantasy based on the mythology of the West African gods, where TJ will encounter unlikely allies, tough-as-gatorhide instructors, and the ancient secrets of the Orishas.

©2021 Antoine Bandele (P)2021 Antoine Bandele

loved it!

this book gave me every "feel" that Tristan Strong left me short of. It is an amazing middle-grade novel for young african american males. I loved every second of it. I love the newness of it. I loved the contrast of it. great read!!

Amazing Story, can't wait to hear more!!! YES!!!

I truly loved hearing a story about the Orishas. This is a great book! Ase!!!

where is book 2

I loved this book. I look forward to the next one. I need answers

Awesome narration and story!

I enjoyed the story so much. The main character TJ is likable. He is Young but emanates are certain strength. This is a great story for adults and for children.

The title matched the work. this is a great piece of work.

I love the story and how it was told great job to the author and the narrator. The plot was thought out very well and the culture was truly respected.