Will of the Mischief Maker: An Old Gods Story

Orishas Among Mortals #1

by Antoine Bandele, Authur Bowling (Illustrator)

What happens when a deity needs a human body?

They go to the source, of course.

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?

Find out in this prequel short story to The Gatekeeper’s Staff, a young adult fantasy based on the West African mythology of the Orishas.

An Old Gods Story

Genres: Fantasy, Mythology, Young Adult, Audiobook

30 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 22, 2021

About the author

HOW I RATE

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Very Profound and/or Entertaining.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ I enjoyed it.
⭐⭐⭐ It was okay.
⭐⭐ I didn't enjoy it.
⭐ I hated it.

ABOUT ME

ANTOINE BANDELE IS AN AMAZON BESTSELLING AUTHOR IN AFRICAN LITERATURE.

He lives in Los Angeles, CA with his girlfriend, where he produces work on YouTube for his own channel and others, such as JustKiddingFilms, Fanalysis, and more. During the summer he is a camp counselor. Whenever he has the time he’s writing his debut series: Tales from Esowon.

SINCE 1990 ...

I've been a creative kid, whether writing stories, drawing comics, or directing home movies. I remember the first time I thought I was a "published" author. My father took my brother and I to an office supply store, where we got our books (which were made out of wide-ruled notebook paper) laminated and copied.

It felt so legit.

In elementary school, I kept filling out more notebooks with my stories. I was even brave enough to share those stories with friends during recess. The underside of the playground slide became my own library, but the only inventory was my books. They were stories about kung fu fighting teenagers who were stuck in their own dreams (still might develop that one day), or fan fiction covering my favorite franchises.

Growing up in Los Angeles, only a few miles from Hollywood, I started flirting with the film industry. This became my focus throughout my young adult years. I majored in Multimedia at California State University Northridge (though my diploma is still incomplete). That eventually got me on YouTube which (for most filmmakers in those early days) was the best place to archive and share your work. YouTube has turned into a different beast today, but I still seek out that sense of community it had among like-minded individuals.

If there is one thing that encompasses my life so far, one theme, it would be the pursuit of art. Whether I'm writing, drawing, editing or otherwise (though I really wish I had a talent for music), I've always been drawn to crafting art. That's all I'm really about when it comes right down to the bare bones, everything stripped away. I'm fueled by creating make-believe, letting my imagination take me to wonderful worlds filled with characters who speak to my inner muse.

So join me here on my small corner of the internet (a bit of an upgrade to the underside of a playground). I want to share my creativity with you.

Reviews

[Capri’sBookIsland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this after I read TJ Young and the Orishas book it’s funny to see where it all started. I love any book that is focused on Gods. And it’s nice to see other cultures join the mix that aren’t solely Greek Mythology. Really enjoyed the Audiobook for this one.

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out my full review here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZzNj...

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was adorable

[Semi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not one to read short stories because I often find them to feel incomplete after reading. But this story was sufficient in a way that didn't drown you in world-building but had you wanting to learn more about the characters after reading. Also, can we talk about the audiobook? I read along while listening to the audiobook and I really enjoyed it. I love the traditional Yoruba song in the beginning and the minimal sound effects. It really made the reading experience atmospheric. Shout out to the narrator because he captured the enunciations of the characters so well! I also love how Yoruba the story is. Besides the orishas and the song in the beginning, there were other elements like ayoayo (though i've never played it) and the Oyo Empire/kingdom that I enjoyed and appreciated.

I'm Yoruba-Nigerian (period!) but I'm Christian so I know absolutely nothing about the orishas. I only know of Osun and Shango because they are pretty popular from what I gather. I've only been introduced to them vaguely through Children of Blood and Bone (which is a favorite of mine!). We get to know only two orishas in this short story: Eshu and Obatala.

Eshu's personality jumps right off the page. His statements, mannerism, and conversations with Obatala just shows that he's the "annoying one" loll. He seems like the one to most likely be tolerated by the other orisha deities- I may be wrong but that's the vibe I get. Even though he seems like a nuisance, he's very engaging and definitely not a throw-a-way character. So that made me like him even more and I get Stiles from Teen Wolf vibes from him as of now. I love Stile characters. I couldn't gauge Obatala as well as I did Eshu. But from this story alone, I know that he has a history, both emotionally and one with the other orishas. He seems very cautious and wary of making more mistakes. There are other mentions of the other orishas so I would like to see how everyone interacts. There is a clear indication that there is history between everyone.

Halfway through the short story, I found myself intrigued but also annoyed by Eshu. He definitely came to Obatala with an agenda and seemed to go to great lengths, much at the expense of Obatala, to make sure that his agenda was met. How do you call someone your "old friend" but are willing to use their weakness against them for your own gain?! I was really about to come for Eshu! I guess that's what you'd expect from someone who's coined as the "trickster diety" right? But I was wrong! He's still a trickster but he did it in a way that was beneficial to both him and Obatala. Is this reverse psychology? I'd have to look it up to be sure but either way, Eshu surprised me in the end.

Speaking of the end...I know that this is an introduction to the world of Tj Young so I was desperately trying to look for potential easter eggs in this story loll. I think I found two or three so I'm keeping track of the information to confirm whether or not I was right.

This is a pretty long review for a pretty short short story buut I'm a rambler so yeah. I gave this a 4.5 star rating and not a 5 because I hold onto to those very tightly lol. Really enjoyed this and can't wait for Tj's book!

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but enjoyable tale following the antics of Eshu the mischief-maker.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook - excellent narrator

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much to enjoy about the will of the mischief-maker!

For a start I deeply appreciate how this short story shows the very human relationships between the Orisha's themselves, as well as the very relatable human desires and challenges that exist within the Orisha's despite their tremendous power and importance.

I also really appreciate some of the surprising aspects that come about in the relationship between the Orisha's and all the questions that I am left with about the world and the coming story.

One thing I am struck by is beautiful balance of ancient mythological subject matter mingled masterfully with modern human experience, and challenges.

I also have never seen a creator god or a trickster portrayed in these ways and I thoroughly appreciate the perspective Bandele brings to these characters and the world he's creating!

I was struck by how many plot hooks, vibrant details, rich themes fit so nicely into one short story that literally had me begging for more by the time I finished. Rarely does one short story provide such a crystal clear image for me to visualize, while also leaving tremendously wide negative space for me to explore as a reader. The will of the mischief-maker has done precisely that and so much more! Bandele found the perfect balance for me as a prequel to get me totally hooked on the story.

I am aching for more!

[Starr]

This was an e-arc that was given to me by the author. All opinions are my own.


It is a prequel to The Gatekeeper's Staff. This is a short story, super short. It's only 29 pages long and while I would love to give a very detailed review. My honest opinion is that the writing is fine, it does make me want to read more by the author. But there's nothing remarkable about the story itself, it's too short to get a grasp on the characters. And it starts in the middle of something and the beginning of something else, it's a piece that doesn't make sense out of context. It does make me want to get to the next book asap.

[Trinita Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This prequel was a delight. I was immediately pulled in by the nuanced world-building and detailed characterizations. I found myself smiling right along with Eshu as he plotted and planned his way to obtaining a human body, fashioned by his old friend, Obatala. I could literally feel Obatala's apprehension regarding, helping him. I've fallen in love with both characters and look forward to meeting the rest of the Orishas. I'm looking forward to seeing how this story continues to unfold.

[Bookish Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review


"What happens when a deity needs a human body? They go to the source of course."

Eshu, the deity of mischief and trickery journeys in this short prequel story, to find his old friend Obatala, the deity that once moulded and breathed life into humans from his clay and hands

After his failure in creation that caused the birth of sickness, deformities and disabilities in humans, Obatala locks himself away in his domain hoping to persuade his remaining followers to become more sensitive to his will he presents to them through dreams.

He doesn't expect what happens when Eshu persuades him into a game of ayoayo with the wager of him creating a new human vessel body for him.

Will Obatala realize he is greater than his previous failure and will he see the trick Eshu is willing to play to get his way?

Well you just have to read to find out.


I absolutely love this short prequel. The amazing fact was getting to see the myth you read through history books and classes becoming real through well written characters and relatable words.

As a Nigerian and Yoruba I'm super excited to enjoy more of my culture and heritage coming to life through Antoine Bandele's words.

[Ini Ubong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a fantastic time reading this short story. The detail of Orishas lives and powers immediately drew me in, and I loved Eshu’s characterization as almost chaotic good! I really thought Eshu was tricking Obatala into drinking but I was glad that wasn’t the case. This is a great story, and I’m always on the lookout for work like this. I love that there was so much history created and it sent my imagination whirling. The Orishas were amusing, the mischief maker is an apt title, and they were a great mix of humanity and divinity. Would absolutely recommend for anyone looking for black/African science fiction

[L.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to read this book. Excited for the Orishas especially. The author did a fantastic job bringing these two to life. It makes me eager to read more of his book. I can't wait to see what the god of mischief is trying to get up to but his relationship with his friends and his clever way of going about it, makes me positive this could be an enjoyable book for myself and my sons. I really appreciated the pronunciations and the explanations of who these iconic deities are. It gives you a starting point of conversation. All around great story.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a trickster god comes with both benefits and challenges. Returning to the Sky Realm for the first time in a while, Eshu shakes the limitations of the Mortal Realm and goes in search of his old friend Obatala. The two Orishas reconnect over a game of ayoayo and a jug of palm wine, despite Obatala’s initial resistance to the drink. Several rounds later, Eshu begins to enact his sneaky plan to convince his old friend to revitalize skills that have long gone untouched.

This short story is the prequel to the series T.J. Young and the Orishas and introduces the characters of Eshu and Obatala in rich detail. Written for an advanced middle grade or young adult audience, the beautiful descriptions place readers squarely in the Sky Realm, where everything is a bit less predictable than the Mortal Realm. Using his Ashe, or power, Eshu is able to easily traverse the space, searching for Obatala and floating at times among his ethereal surroundings. Each carefully crafted, detailed paragraph defines this world and creates a palpable backdrop for the story.

Occasional words are used that are not in English, and these are italicized to stand out from the rest of the text. A glossary is included at the end of the story to help define the potentially unfamiliar vocabulary, but the general meaning of each word is also able to be deduced by context. References to mortal colloquial words and phrases add an element of reality even as these characters are interacting in a superhuman, immortal space.

Whether or not readers are familiar with the mythology of the Orishas, this book serves as an accessible and memorable depiction of Eshu the trickster god. This fast-paced, short story gives readers a taste of what to expect from the remainder of the series and encourages further reading as the tale draws to a close. Fans of the Tristan Strong series will excitedly dive into this similar collection of stories featuring characters from West African folklore. This is a well-written, captivating addition to libraries for teen readers.

I received a copy of this book from Reedsy and I chose to leave this review.

[Rowena Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a weakness for trickster Gods. I like the unpredictability and mischief, and the fact that there is usually a core thread of something more serious running through them, even if it is hard to see at times. Eshu our main character is a perfect example of that, and even though this is a short read, we are given glimpses of both his mischievous side – as well as teasing hints that there is more going on (I really want to know why he wants to go down among the mortals) – and his more sincere nature in his interactions with his old friend.

This is a short story, and easy to devour and yet Bandele achieves a lot in a small number of words. It is a wonderfully atmospheric read, and it felt very much as though you could be sat around a campfire being told this tale and the author captured that feeling of mythology and the hint of whimsy, but something more perfectly. There’s enough worldbuilding to ground you in the world of the tale and to set your imagination soaring, without getting bogged down in the details and I just loved the imagery of Obatala’s study.

We also get such a strong sense of character within a short space of time, and while Eshu is certainly our main gateway to the story – and has a tone of personality, in the way that makes you want to get to know him rather than being irritating – I also liked what we got to see of Obatala, although he was certainly harder to get a grasp of. There was a sense of history – both between them and as individuals, and it was great to see their interactions, and how Eshu’s trickster nature played into that – and there was one moment where I truly thought Eshu had gone too far and thought I was about to come to hate my favourite of the two only to be caught completely by surprise in a twist that was absolutely perfect.

This was a fun read, and I’m looking forward to checking out more of this series soon. I’ve also seen lots of praise for the audiobook version of this one, and I’m keen to give that a go because as I said this is very much a tale that lends itself to oral storytelling. All in all, a great short read and a tantalising teaser for the main series.

[Kamau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Esu was on a mission. A mission to get a new body from his friend Obatala, without causing any havoc or starting a new wave of disabled, and deformed beings. Of course seeing as Esu is the god of tricksters, that might be easier said than done.

Esu would never leave the realm of the mortals unless he really, really, really, needed to… And right now He really, really, really, needed to. You see Esu was in need of a body, preferably sometime soon, (but if need be he could wait), And the only person capable of crafting a body for him had sworn off the making of any more bodies after he had unleashed the deformed and unusual beings upon the mortal world.


Of course, if it was easy, everyone would be the god of tricksters. But everyone’s not the god of tricksters are they? Esu has a few tricks up his sleeves, and when he fancies something enough, he’ll eventually get it, no matter what. Esu obviously is ready to get what he wants, so you better be ready for just a little trickery…

The book Will Of The Mischief Maker has a plot that helps introduce the story in a really great way by getting you used to Antoine Bandele’s writing style. The actual story set up was well developed in how the gods were portrayed, because you could definitely see the story becoming a legend to us mortals. Esu was portrayed properly if you think about the way tricksters are made to look like in the legends. Antoine Bandele also depicted how the gods think very well, because you can tell that they are old entities that still make mistakes, and still get things wrong, albeit not many times. Now some things I would change would be to make the gods seem just a little more ancient, and act like they are older than time itself because they are.

I would recommend this book for anyone wanting a book that is different and yet very satisfying for a short story. The book is definitely a fantasy, and mythology story, with a bit of humor added.

[Debra Crowder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will of the Mischief Maker is a beautifully written and imaginative prequel that introduces readers to the Orishas with clarity, warmth, and depth. Centered on Eshu the Trickster, the story explores what happens when a deity needs a human body, and the careful planning, persuasion, and risk that follow.

Eshu’s journey back to the Sky Realm after centuries away is handled with grace and humour. His reunion with Obatala, the Original Architect, feels layered and meaningful, especially as their shared history unfolds over a game of ayoayo and a jug of palm wine. The dialogue between them is engaging and purposeful, revealing both character and conflict without ever feeling heavy-handed.

The worldbuilding is one of the story’s strongest elements. The Sky Realm feels vivid and alive, with beautifully detailed descriptions that make the setting easy to picture. The use of non-English terms is thoughtful and accessible, supported by context and a helpful glossary, allowing readers unfamiliar with the Orishas to feel welcomed rather than overwhelmed.

What truly stands out is how much heart and intention is packed into a short story. Beyond the cleverness and mischief, there are clear themes of responsibility, trust, and the consequences of using power without care. Eshu is charming and flawed, making him a compelling figure whose actions carry real weight.

This prequel does exactly what it should: it introduces key characters, establishes tone and mythology, and leaves readers eager to continue with The Gatekeeper’s Staff and the rest of the series. Whether or not you are already familiar with West African mythology, Will of the Mischief Maker is an engaging, accessible, and memorable entry point into a richly imagined world.

A strong recommendation for young adult fantasy readers and anyone interested in mythology-based storytelling done with respect and creativity.

[Deeandrea Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute little story

This isn't A book, but a long excerpt from the novel, The Gatekeeper's Staff.

I like that this tiny excerpt reads like a short story. It had a satisfying end that left me wanting to read TGS.

We start with Orisha, Eshu, climbing up the Orisha mountain. He hates it and quite loves all of the trapping of the modern human world. He is going to see the Orisha, Obatala, to get him to fashion a human body.

I just read about the Orisha Obatala in another book. Obatala is known as the father of other Orisha (sky father) and the creator of human bodies in the Yoruba and Caribbean cosmology\ mythology.

In Yoruba cosmology, Eshu is the messenger to the supreme creator. Only Eshu may speak directly to Olodumare (Supreme creator). Eshu is the middle man, delivering messages from Olodumare to the humans and other Orisha.

Back to the review. This is review is slightly educational. 😆

Eshu tricks Obatala into creating a human body for him by pretending to get Obatala drunk. When Eshu gets the body, he takes it for a test drive, with the intentions of teaching someone a lesson. We don't know who he is planning vengeance upon or what happens next because the story ends there. This is a short story. Well, It's the first chapter of the book, The Gatekeeper's staff, which serves as a prologue for the book.

Lately, there has been an influx of books with African mythology, folklore, and cosmology, and I love it. Normally, I see an abundance of European folklore, and that's fine. I like all stories about magic and Supreme beings, but it's nice to see more representation. This book provides a good learning opportunity for anyone looking to learn about other cultures.

Honestly, I liked it. It's short and sweet. Unlike, this shoddy review but that's my thing. I do shoddy reviews lol. I should start a channel or something.

[Rashad Matthews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, the book was well written if you want to get your feet wet with Yoruba lore. One thing I appreciated most about this short story was Antoine’s ability to accurately translate the nature of the Trickster using Harry Potter styled banter (although some of the interactions and dialog between Eshu and Obatala were clunky and outlines of obvious seeds for character development are front-loaded). It also felt like the author was more focused on executing Harry Potter styled dialog and ticking off “African-Lore-checkboxes” than finding this stories own unique voice. At times, it felt more creative than original, which could be detrimental to the story if themes are not idiosyncratic. It’s one thing to lead me to follow character arcs, it’s another thing to make me WANT to follow the character arc.

Despite this, Antoine exemplified the Tricker in a believable way using accurate translations of phrases in realistic scenarios, not just retroactively crafted dialog to illustrate that the story is authentic. Also, the Author does a good job throughout the book illustrating Eshu’s knowledge of mortals, given that he is literally the messenger between the gods and mortals, his thoughts make sense. All in all, I enjoyed reading this book and was able to read it again for a second time and reach the same conclusion.

[Thea Corbette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the reading the author's characterization of the Orisa. The story is very short. But it was just enough to draw me into the world and get me invested in some of the characters. I'm really curious to know what plans Esu has on Earth in a mortal form.

It's clear that the author has a familiarity with Orisa religion with the interlacing of taboo and stories from verses of Odu. It was really fun to read his perspective of Obatala. I could envision the realm of the Orisa. And Obatala's personality really made me chuckle. While, personally, I don't agree that Esu is a trickster, the author also prefaces the story explaining it's a fictional portrayal. But this is why we have fiction, to explore our existence in new ways. And I believe Antoine Bandele does that well. I also enjoyed the index of vocabulary and terminology. As I'm learning it, the Orisa religion is lineage-specific so there are little differences in Orisa and definitions based on the tradition you practice. So including the appendix showed the lens the author is approaching the story and it helped to provide context so any reader can jump in the story and not be lost.

I'm excited to read another author who is interweaving African Traditional Religion into modern stories!


*I received this from the author in exchange for an honest review.*

[Audrey S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will of the Mischief Maker is a short story, sort of prequel to The Gatekeeper’s Staff - a new YA series based on the West African mythology of the Orishas.

I think this prequel is excellent to read before reading The Gatekeeper’s Staff. It introduces several Orishas, most specifically Eshu, the Mischief Maker, and paints the vivid and colourful world that we see expanded in The Gatekeeper’s Staff.

Eshu wants a mortal body made so that he can meddle in the mortal realm and there is only one person who can do it for him: Original Architect. But the Architect is retired and doubts his abilities, so Eshu must maneuver carefully in order to get what he wants. You can expect trickery from Eshu, but you’re never quite sure what he’ll do to get his way.

The audiobook, narrated by John Rogers, was very well produced and super atmospheric. I was absorbed in every moment and I genuinely look forward to more audiobook productions from AB Book Services.

CW: mentions of alcoholism & ableism (challenged on page)

**I received an audiobook ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review**

[Ashley Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining and wonderful a prologue that makes you eager to experience "TJ Young and the Orishas".

"Will of the Mischief Maker" is a story I could enjoy time and time again. I was drawn into the world of the Orishas, as deities that have existed and seen many things in the mortal world. This is not a perspective I've experienced thus far. I got the feeling that Eshu had his own motives quite early, which made me eager to continue. That’s the kind of hook I like. The imagery paints a scene that became more beautiful and rich as the story continued.

Often we read stories that depict Gods as these infallible beings that do the things they do on purpose and with enigmatic lessons embedded in them. Showing Obatala as a remorseful and pitiful creature was a nice change and very relatable. It also, to me, sent a message that the Orishas were more closely connected to mortals than other all-knowing beings. I have to admit, I'm new to a knowledge of Yoruba. This a telling I enjoyed very much and look forward to delving into more of Mr. Bandele's work.

[LaShawn Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eshu wants what he wants and he knows how to get it. Eshu is in search of a way to commune and interact with the mortals, and he needs a body to do it. He goes to his friend, Obatala, to get what he wants, using a little of his tricky nature to ensure his success. Eshu finds his friend changed from the last time they were together, and still reluctant to give Eshu what he came to the God Realm for.

The story started off a bit slow for me, but I found myself getting into it when Obatala finally made an appearance. For him to be portrayed as a flawed being who is now tasked with oversee the flawed mortals was a nice portrayal of showing how we are all made in God's image.

Eshu's trickster nature at first seems a bit cruel, until the final 'twist' is revealed. In his ability to coerce his friend into doing what he wants, Eshu gifts Obatala with a clearer picture of his own abilities, reminding him of his own greatness.

The lesson in the story is a valued one, as well as it is entertaining. I can't wait to get into "The Gatekeeper's Staff" to see how it ties in.

[S.E. Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perfect prologue to the Orishas series!

It's incredible how much worldbuilding can shine through such a short story. The characters are so vivid, they draw you in right away. And as a person who only has the vaguest knowledge of the Orishas, it was a perfect introduction to who they are, their motivations, and their link to humanity, along with the rules of magic on this author's world. Eshu's point of view was a delight to read, introducing us to the other deities as peers (and sometimes downright boring ones at that, ha) with wit, sarcasm, and a peek into millenia of personal history.

Most prequel stories fall into the trap of only existing for the purpose of expanding the main series, which is fine, but this one stands out by being its own self contained tale, one of a Mischief maker using their tricks to get what they want - while also being a good friend? It's the perfect campfire story that can stand on its own two legs.

I'm excited to see where this goes, and I can't wait to start The Gatekeeper's Staff!

[B. McClain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh where do I truly begin when talking about this book?! I'm absolutely blown away at Antoine's prose. His way with words is impeccable and flows smoother than silk itself with each passing line. His comedy, his sadness, his anger, all translate so well and coupled with his world-building, create a wonderful scene in one's mind. The protagonist, Eshu, is a delight to read from. His perspective is lovely and I love his very quirky personality and his ability to get whatever he wants. The other character that shines is Obatala. He's a reserved Orisha who's guilt anchors him after a previous mistake. Both of them have incredible chemistry together, and if this says anything about the rest of the series, we're in for a treat!

I fit the demographic of this book, so that definitely enhanced my reading experience greatly. I believe we need more books like this with the complexity and depth of African stories with the light and joy Antoine infuses into this story. I have complete faith that TJ Young and the Orishas is going to be one of the best series to come out of this decade.

[Becky Brook · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was different from what I am used to … and I think that is great! I like to read a variety of settings in my books and enjoy learning new things. As an introduction to the Orishas and the larger story, this is a good start and quite entertaining. It took me a minute to get into the story, but I was then hooked, enjoying the friendship and the godly perspective of Obatala’s regret and endlessly trying to help. The story shows the cleverness of the Trickster, Eshu, but also his kind side as he chats to his old friend Obatala to make a mutually beneficial arrangement. The end leads you to want to keep reading The Gatekeeper’s Staff (TJ Young & The Orishas Book 1) so you can find out where Eshu goes next and what his real motivation was. I would recommend, especially to anyone not familiar with Antoine Bandele’s work – a nice length taster to see if you like the story 😊

[ReadLoveListen · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received this from the author in exchange for an honest review.*

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and I can't wait to read more books by this author. Eshu is the Messenger Orisha, the Gatekeeper and he also is a trickster. The story dives right into the lore, there is great worldbuilding and we are emerged into setting as the story begins. Eshu is such an animated and enigmatic character. I love when Eshu complains, it’s so funny. It’s reminiscent of that grumpy old man that grumbles about everything. I really enjoyed this prequel. This was my first time reading about Orishas and my first time reading about a “trickster". I definitely wanted to know more about the Orisha world, Obatala and I can’t wait to find out what Eshu’s true intentions are.

[Rell Erwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really happy to have read this.

I have been wanting to read more stories about the Orisha's themselves. I want to be able to pick up a book and read a great adventure that transports me into different worlds. Even though this was a shorter piece, it was packed with enough story, that it made you want to dive more into the world to see what else there is.

There was enough details that made you wonder, but not too much that you had to slog through. I really liked the balance of the story. You are able to learn about the mythological aspect but you also see the human aspect so you don't feel lost.

Once again I'm really happy to have read this and I look forward to reading many more stories from this author.

[Eros Lovess rosethebookgriot · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story is a pretty good teaser to discover Antoine’s universe and style. It is a story well developed and that gives a clear peek into the universe in which TJ Young will evolve in the “TJ Young and the Orishas” series. It surely made me want to read book 1.

The story does not start in media res but instead gives us a clear portrait of Eshu and what he thinks of his peers, as well as humans. It took me a minute to get into it but once he gets to his friend Obatala, the story reads very quickly. I am a very slow reader and it took me one setting. To me that is praise enough.

The writing is accurate and allows you to picture the scenes and scenery clearly. There were fun bits that got me laughing. Most importantly, the story focuses on Eshu’s doing. In a few pages, we could see that he is not a flat character. The twists in the plot show his abilities as a trickster but also his more “human” side. We clearly get that he desperately needs a human body to be able to do his deeds on earth. He could have just tricked his friend into getting one but instead he chose to also restore Obatala’s faith in his own ability as a maker. Now the question of what Eshu will do with this human body is what I can’t wait to find out in The Gatekeeper’s staff.

[Micayah_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a truly wonderful prequel surrounding Yoruba lore. You can tell that the author did a lot of research. I liked that I could see the Orisha's view on the human realm. I don't think too much of bikes, planes, or cars but Eshu seemed to be in awe, almost, at how humans got around. The story was a lot of fun and I felt myself smiling as Eshu planned and schemed. I don't know much about Yoruba lore. But, I do know more about norse and greek gods. I could see Ate, the greek goddess of mischief, doing something of the same fashion. Mr. Antoine Bandele does a great job of both entertaining and educating the reader. I would definitely recommend. 10/10.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, great listen. Looking forward to starting the series. I was a little worried at first that I would lose interest and slowly stop paying attention, which I won't lie, I did a bit lol. It quickly pulled me back in and gripped my ant sized attention span. I was able to still continue without losing vital information and being completely lost. A+ to the author on making the story easy to follow, many details but not overwhelming character development. Its given to you slowly to absorb and understand. For me it is perfect..listening again as I write this to grab my missing tidbits.
Overall great book, good story so far. Looking forward to getting into the novel now.