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pages_and_procrastination 's review for:
The Gatekeeper's Staff
by Antoine Bandele
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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:
Yes
I was given a digital copy of this title, free. All opinions are my own.
I really liked this story, it checks off a lot of the boxes of what turns a good story into something that I want to come back to. First, I like TJ as a character, I wish that he had a bit more confidence, but I think he'll get there. I like that way that magic is explained and taught. It's a camp setting with the kids aligning with particular Orisha's. (Not another Harry Potter comparison, but maybe Percy Jackson). There is definitely something going on, but you don't realize just how big that something is until the end. And the story carries you there, engaged and invested in the characters.
But I have questions. TJ has questions. Even after the story has ended and the first book's wrapped there are questions. And the makings of an even bigger problem, unless TJ figures something out. Tj and his group of friends are heroes that I can get behind. I am interested in seeing what happens and watching them grow and discover their magic and their strengths.
The surprises that came were handled nicely and I didn't suspect some of them being what they were. I like how TJ's power was slow in growing and that he isn't overwhelmed with them, also that they are powerful but ones that he can't rely on. He makes choices based on what he thinks is the right thing to do knowing that he can't really trust his power to bail him out. This was a great first book and I am definitely looking forward to continuing on with the series. This is also one that I highly recommend.
I really liked this story, it checks off a lot of the boxes of what turns a good story into something that I want to come back to. First, I like TJ as a character, I wish that he had a bit more confidence, but I think he'll get there. I like that way that magic is explained and taught. It's a camp setting with the kids aligning with particular Orisha's. (Not another Harry Potter comparison, but maybe Percy Jackson). There is definitely something going on, but you don't realize just how big that something is until the end. And the story carries you there, engaged and invested in the characters.
But I have questions. TJ has questions. Even after the story has ended and the first book's wrapped there are questions. And the makings of an even bigger problem, unless TJ figures something out. Tj and his group of friends are heroes that I can get behind. I am interested in seeing what happens and watching them grow and discover their magic and their strengths.
The surprises that came were handled nicely and I didn't suspect some of them being what they were. I like how TJ's power was slow in growing and that he isn't overwhelmed with them, also that they are powerful but ones that he can't rely on. He makes choices based on what he thinks is the right thing to do knowing that he can't really trust his power to bail him out. This was a great first book and I am definitely looking forward to continuing on with the series. This is also one that I highly recommend.