-
The Gatekeeper's Staff
- TJ Young & The Orishas, Book 1
- Narrated by: Nekia Renee
- Length: 15 hrs and 32 mins
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Buy for $24.95
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
Will of the Mischief Maker: An Orisha Tale
- TJ Young & the Orishas (Orishas Among Mortals, Book 1)
- By: Antoine Bandele
- Narrated by: John Rogers
- Length: 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Eshu the Trickster needs a mortal form for his mischievous plans, but the only other Orisha who can help him swore off the practice ages ago. It will take careful scheming to convince the Original Architect to come out of retirement. Any misstep and Eshu will be thrown from the Sky Realm. What’s worse, Eshu hasn’t visited the heavens for several centuries. Would his former comrade even be the same? How can Eshu persuade someone he barely knows anymore?
-
-
Adventure Driven Excellence
- By lisa on 05-11-22
By: Antoine Bandele
-
By Sea and Sky: An Esowon Story
- The Sky Pirate Chronicles, Book 1
- By: Antoine Bandele
- Narrated by: John Rogers
- Length: 9 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
With no magic, no brawn, and no pirate crew, Zala seeks to steal back the one treasure that matters to her most: Her husband. To succeed she needs a ship - and not just any ship, but the latest, secret invention by the Vaaji Empire. An airship. Zala will have to use her wits to overcome scoundrels and nobles alike on her journey through the clouds. But if she's smart enough, she may just have what it takes to save her husband - and go down in history as the first sky pirate.
-
-
Bet you can't put it down
- By Leilanime on 05-19-20
By: Antoine Bandele
-
Skin of the Sea
- Skin of the Sea, Book 1
- By: Natasha Bowen
- Narrated by: Yetide Badaki
- Length: 11 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Simi prayed to the gods, once. Now she serves them as Mami Wata — a mermaid — collecting the souls of those who die at sea and blessing their journeys back home. But when a living boy is thrown overboard, Simi goes against an ancient decree and does the unthinkable — she saves his life. And punishment awaits those who dare to defy the gods.
-
-
Amazing
- By Diana Rayer on 11-11-21
By: Natasha Bowen
-
The Kishi
- Tales from Esowon, Volume 1
- By: Antoine Bandele
- Narrated by: J. Keith Jackson
- Length: 11 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Amana hopes his dark secrets will never catch up with him. But when nearby villagers discover a mauled body near him, the residents assume the traveling monk is to blame. Amana suspects the grisly handiwork of a bloodthirsty, mythological creature. Determined to clear his name and catch the culprit, Amana follows the trail of bloody clues. When shadows from his own past tie in with the demonic attack, he's torn between his vow of pacifism and his duty to protect the defenseless.
-
-
Great story, subpar narrator
- By Anonymous User on 05-24-22
By: Antoine Bandele
-
Akata Witch
- Akata Witch Series, Book 1
- By: Nnedi Okorafor
- Narrated by: Yetide Badaki
- Length: 8 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Twelve-year-old Sunny lives in Nigeria, but she was born American. Her features are African, but she has albinism. She's a terrific athlete but can't go out into the sun to play soccer. There seems to be no place where she fits in. And then she discovers something amazing - she is a "free agent" with latent mystical power.
-
-
Dialogue driven story with poor dialogue
- By Meredith on 08-13-19
By: Nnedi Okorafor
-
Tristan Strong Keeps Punching
- By: Kwame Mbalia
- Narrated by: Amir Abdullah
- Length: 9 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents the finale of Kwame Mbalia's trilogy, in which Tristan Strong faces off with his archenemy, King Cotton, once and for all.
-
-
great conclusion
- By Ronald D. Shepherd on 10-28-21
By: Kwame Mbalia
-
Will of the Mischief Maker: An Orisha Tale
- TJ Young & the Orishas (Orishas Among Mortals, Book 1)
- By: Antoine Bandele
- Narrated by: John Rogers
- Length: 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Eshu the Trickster needs a mortal form for his mischievous plans, but the only other Orisha who can help him swore off the practice ages ago. It will take careful scheming to convince the Original Architect to come out of retirement. Any misstep and Eshu will be thrown from the Sky Realm. What’s worse, Eshu hasn’t visited the heavens for several centuries. Would his former comrade even be the same? How can Eshu persuade someone he barely knows anymore?
-
-
Adventure Driven Excellence
- By lisa on 05-11-22
By: Antoine Bandele
-
By Sea and Sky: An Esowon Story
- The Sky Pirate Chronicles, Book 1
- By: Antoine Bandele
- Narrated by: John Rogers
- Length: 9 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
With no magic, no brawn, and no pirate crew, Zala seeks to steal back the one treasure that matters to her most: Her husband. To succeed she needs a ship - and not just any ship, but the latest, secret invention by the Vaaji Empire. An airship. Zala will have to use her wits to overcome scoundrels and nobles alike on her journey through the clouds. But if she's smart enough, she may just have what it takes to save her husband - and go down in history as the first sky pirate.
-
-
Bet you can't put it down
- By Leilanime on 05-19-20
By: Antoine Bandele
-
Skin of the Sea
- Skin of the Sea, Book 1
- By: Natasha Bowen
- Narrated by: Yetide Badaki
- Length: 11 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Simi prayed to the gods, once. Now she serves them as Mami Wata — a mermaid — collecting the souls of those who die at sea and blessing their journeys back home. But when a living boy is thrown overboard, Simi goes against an ancient decree and does the unthinkable — she saves his life. And punishment awaits those who dare to defy the gods.
-
-
Amazing
- By Diana Rayer on 11-11-21
By: Natasha Bowen
-
The Kishi
- Tales from Esowon, Volume 1
- By: Antoine Bandele
- Narrated by: J. Keith Jackson
- Length: 11 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Amana hopes his dark secrets will never catch up with him. But when nearby villagers discover a mauled body near him, the residents assume the traveling monk is to blame. Amana suspects the grisly handiwork of a bloodthirsty, mythological creature. Determined to clear his name and catch the culprit, Amana follows the trail of bloody clues. When shadows from his own past tie in with the demonic attack, he's torn between his vow of pacifism and his duty to protect the defenseless.
-
-
Great story, subpar narrator
- By Anonymous User on 05-24-22
By: Antoine Bandele
-
Akata Witch
- Akata Witch Series, Book 1
- By: Nnedi Okorafor
- Narrated by: Yetide Badaki
- Length: 8 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Twelve-year-old Sunny lives in Nigeria, but she was born American. Her features are African, but she has albinism. She's a terrific athlete but can't go out into the sun to play soccer. There seems to be no place where she fits in. And then she discovers something amazing - she is a "free agent" with latent mystical power.
-
-
Dialogue driven story with poor dialogue
- By Meredith on 08-13-19
By: Nnedi Okorafor
-
Tristan Strong Keeps Punching
- By: Kwame Mbalia
- Narrated by: Amir Abdullah
- Length: 9 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents the finale of Kwame Mbalia's trilogy, in which Tristan Strong faces off with his archenemy, King Cotton, once and for all.
-
-
great conclusion
- By Ronald D. Shepherd on 10-28-21
By: Kwame Mbalia
-
Son of the Storm
- By: Suyi Davies Okungbowa
- Narrated by: Korey Jackson
- Length: 17 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From one of the most exciting new storytellers in epic fantasy, Son of the Storm is a sweeping tale of violent conquest and forgotten magic set in a world inspired by the pre-colonial empires of West Africa.
-
-
A story with so much potential
- By Steph on 08-09-21
-
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Book 1
- By: J.K. Rowling
- Narrated by: Jim Dale
- Length: 8 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Harry Potter has never even heard of Hogwarts when the letters start dropping on the doormat at number four, Privet Drive. Addressed in green ink on yellowish parchment with a purple seal, they are swiftly confiscated by his grisly aunt and uncle. Then, on Harry's eleventh birthday, a great beetle-eyed giant of a man called Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with some astonishing news: Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. An incredible adventure is about to begin!
-
-
Narrator is GREAT!
- By Amazon Customer on 10-01-20
By: J.K. Rowling
-
Aru Shah and the Nectar of Immortality
- By: Roshani Chokshi
- Narrated by: Soneela Nankani
- Length: 11 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Pandavas only have until the next full moon to stop the Sleeper from gaining access to the nectar of immortality, which will grant him infinite power. But how can Aru, Mini, and Brynne hope to defeat him without their celestial weapons? The Sleeper and his army are already plundering the labyrinth, and the sisters can't even enter. Their quest to get in will have them calling on old friends, meeting new allies, and facing fearsome trials, like...performing in a rock concert? When the moment of confrontation finally arrives, it's up to Aru to decide who deserves immortality.
-
-
The Best Review Ever
- By venkat chander on 06-29-22
By: Roshani Chokshi
-
Blood Like Magic
- By: Liselle Sambury
- Narrated by: Joniece Abbott-Pratt
- Length: 16 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A rich, dark urban fantasy debut following a teen witch who is given a horrifying task: sacrificing her first love to save her family’s magic. The problem is, she’s never been in love - she’ll have to find the perfect guy before she can kill him.
-
-
Message: Morality is a myth & Balance is essential
- By Timisha on 01-07-22
By: Liselle Sambury
-
Ballad & Dagger
- By: Daniel José Older
- Narrated by: Lee Osorio
- Length: 11 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Almost sixteen years ago, Mateo Matisse's island homeland disappeared into the sea. Weary and hopeless, the survivors of San Madrigal's sinking escaped to New York. While the rest of his tight-knit Brooklyn diaspora community dreams of someday finding a way back home, Mateo—now a high school junior and piano prodigy living with his two aunts (one who's alive, the other not so much)—is focused on one thing: getting the attention of locally-grown musical legend Gerval.
-
The Last Wish
- By: Andrzej Sapkowski
- Narrated by: Peter Kenny
- Length: 10 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Geralt of Rivia is a witcher. A cunning sorcerer. A merciless assassin. And a cold-blooded killer. His sole purpose: to destroy the monsters that plague the world. But not everything monstrous-looking is evil, and not everything fair is good...and in every fairy tale there is a grain of truth.
-
-
Better than the show, of course!
- By Cheryl Dias on 01-07-20
-
Norse Mythology
- By: Neil Gaiman
- Narrated by: Neil Gaiman
- Length: 6 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Neil Gaiman has long been inspired by ancient mythology in creating the fantastical realms of his fiction. Now he turns his attention back to the source, presenting a bravura rendition of the great northern tales. In Norse Mythology, Gaiman fashions primeval stories into a novelistic arc that begins with the genesis of the legendary nine worlds; delves into the exploits of the deities, dwarves, and giants; and culminates in Ragnarok, the twilight of the gods and the rebirth of a new time and people.
-
-
Great book
- By Amazon Customer on 12-05-19
By: Neil Gaiman
-
The Awakening
- The Dragon Heart Legacy, Book 1
- By: Nora Roberts
- Narrated by: Barrie Kreinik
- Length: 15 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Breen Kelly was a girl, her father would tell her stories of magical places. Now she’s an anxious 20-something mired in student debt and working a job she hates. But one day she stumbles upon a shocking discovery: Her mother has been hiding an investment account in her name. It has been funded by her long-lost father - and it’s worth nearly four million dollars.
-
-
Ditch the Witch Stories. Nothing intriguing here.
- By GMa on 11-25-20
By: Nora Roberts
-
Dawn of Wonder
- The Wakening, Book 1
- By: Jonathan Renshaw
- Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds
- Length: 29 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When a high-ranking officer gallops into the quiet Mistyvales, he brings a warning that shakes the countryfolk to their roots. But for Aedan, a scruffy young adventurer with veins full of fire and a head full of ideas, this officer is not what he seems. The events that follow propel Aedan on a journey that only the foolhardy or desperate would risk, leading him to the gates of the nation's royal academy - a whole world of secrets in itself. But this is only the beginning of his discoveries.
-
-
So, DUDE, where's the next book?
- By Morro Schreiber on 08-13-19
By: Jonathan Renshaw
-
The Gilded Ones
- Deathless, Book 1
- By: Namina Forna
- Narrated by: Shayna Small
- Length: 12 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Sixteen-year-old Deka lives in fear and anticipation of the blood ceremony that will determine whether she will become a member of her village. Already different from everyone else because of her unnatural intuition, Deka prays for red blood so she can finally feel like she belongs. But on the day of the ceremony, her blood runs gold, the color of impurity–and Deka knows she will face a consequence worse than death.
-
-
Loved It!!!
- By MICHAEL G. on 02-11-21
By: Namina Forna
-
Eragon
- Inheritance, Book 1
- By: Christopher Paolini
- Narrated by: Gerard Doyle
- Length: 16 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Fifteen-year-old Eragon believes he is merely a poor farm boy - until his destiny as a Dragon Rider is revealed. Gifted with only an ancient sword, a loyal dragon, and sage advice from an old storyteller, Eragon is soon swept into a dangerous tapestry of magic, glory, and power. Now, his choices could save - or destroy - the empire.
-
-
Saphira's Voice is Immersion Breaking
- By Lauren on 10-04-18
-
Daughters of Nri
- By: Reni K. Amayo
- Narrated by: Weruche Opia
- Length: 11 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A gruesome war results in the old gods' departure from earth. The only remnants of their existence lie in two girls. Twins, separated at birth. Goddesses who grow up believing that they are human. Daughters of Nri explores their epic journey of self-discovery as they embark on a path back to one another. Strong-willed Naala grows up seeking adventure in her quiet and small village. While the more reserved Sinai resides in the cold and political palace of Nri.
-
-
The potential to be a good story but the pace is unbearable
- By Danay on 02-19-20
By: Reni K. Amayo
Publisher's Summary
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.
What listeners say about The Gatekeeper's Staff
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Anonymous User
- 07-19-21
Of you love Harry Potter you will love this book !!
The build up of the book is slow while you get to discover the magical parallel world of wizards and TJs teen life in L.A . I found the beginning too teen fictiony and unrelatble to me as an adult, but glad I stuck with the book past the first 5 chapters. It turns into a beautiful adventure about perseverance, loosing a loved one and friendship. I cant wait for the sequel !!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Anonymous User
- 02-23-22
More Fire
I need more entries and recs for series like this. Black Magic and Community.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Jennifer Burns
- 12-09-21
Ya Ya the Blaque Witch on YouTube
This book was suggested by YaYa the Blaque Witch and I loved it from beginning to end.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Aniyah Poelinitz
- 09-17-21
I loved it!!!
I’m an African American and I’ve never Ed read a story that’s kept my attention more. I recently did AncestryDNA and found out hun Nigerian Cameroon and Malian and it kind hurts reading this story wishing I grew up knowing this. But it’s a beautiful story, it taught me a lot of new things that I’m researching!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon Customer
- 06-24-22
Good Story Lackluster Narration
I really wish the narrator learned how to pronounce Yoruba words. The way she pronounced Ifá (ee--fah) as "I-fa" made me cringe. I hope she learns to say the character's and Òrìṣà names properly. Despite her lackluster performance this is a really good book.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Stanley Gurley
- 06-21-22
TRULY EPIC!!!!
This is the fantasy that the Ifa culture has needed for a long time. The characters are totally easy to become invested in. This is a excellent novel for all those who follow the traditions and even for those who don't!!! The voice actress in this audiobook is hands down the best reader I've ever listened to.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Anonymous User
- 05-31-22
Awesome
Great book to listen too. It keeps you in the story with the different character voices and sound effects. This book I would listen to again.💕
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon Customer
- 05-20-22
Amazing
I would definitely recommend this book and I will definitely be getting part 2 once released!!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Destiny
- 05-17-22
When I tell you I was Shook!
Let me start by saying this I’m not typically the audible listening type of person, but a YouTuber i watch suggested this book so I had to give it a listen since I’m on my spiritual journey have been for 3 almost 4 years now , since coming across the Orishas I’ve been intrigued to know more! this book had my interest from start to finish I finished this book in 2 days !😭 I’m talking about I was listening to it all damn day . To the point I wasn’t even taking phone calls so I can listen to this book . Loved loved loved it . Ending plot twist . It’s a black Harry Potter but better ! I would love to see this in a movie or something! I’m ready to book 2 ! In the meantime I will be listening to the others 💙
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Anika Blandon
- 05-06-22
Amazing!
I truly enjoyed this book! The narrator was amazing and kept me captivated from start to finish! When is the movie coming out?
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- FranMcMahon
- 07-09-21
An incredible story for all ages
There's something about TJ's story that keeps me going back to read it, as well as the short stories connected to the universe. This is a coming of age mythology series I think everyone needs to read. If you enjoy Percy Jackson or Tristan Strong, you're going to love TJ Young more.
As someone who didn't know much of the Yoruba faith, or pickup basketball, I learnt a lot and experienced a world that feels real. The characters and their relationships are what kept me reading. TJ, Manny, Ayo, and even TJ's love for his sister Dayo, everything that happens feels earned and important.
Add to this, the audiobook is well read and gives this feeling of being IN the story for the music and sounds provided within it, helped by the brilliant narration by Nekia Renee.
If this isn't on your TBR/TBL (to be listened) yet, put it to the top.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Author
- 10-05-21
The gods wrath and the truth about the chosen one
Tj hasn't caught a break his whole life but I was rooting for him. Not everyone starts the same but of course there's gonna be haters on the way.
I loved how torn he was about his new powers and how he was wresting with even believing in himself. His connection to his sister kept him going and also got him a little lost but his endurance through the first half time at camp was admirable. It's not rushed and his growth asa character paces well. His development, his friends and mothers trust in his magic puts more faith in him and is so beautifully placed as the story gains momentum and the pieces of the puzzles begin to come togther. I didn't know who to believe either. I can't wait for the next book.
The narrator had a nasal voice all through like she had a cold and it made me want to return the book a few times. The African accents missed because she only spaced out words and spoke slower, that's not it. The African amercan ones she hit right. But It was hard to engage.