The Hero's Equinox: An Old Gods Story

TJ Young & The Orishas #3

by Antoine Bandele, Arthur Bowling (illustrator)

How do you break a god out of a cosmic prison?

You bring a crew and a whole lot of magic. TJ Young never asked to be a hero. He’d much rather hang out with his friends, go to school, and maybe finally work up the courage to tell his best friend Manny how he feels. But life as a sixteen-year-old diviner doesn’t come with a handbook.

After last year’s disaster—tidal waves, fallen skyscrapers, and scars he’ll carry forever—TJ just wants a break. But the chaos he helped unleash has caught the attention of the Court of All, a council of gods from across the realms. They’ve accused TJ and Shango of causing the death of the Norse god Thor.

Now, TJ has no choice but to step up. With a heist to pull off and the fate of the world’s magical Ashe on the line, he gathers a crew of new and old allies—including the terrifying new headmistress and a sharp-shooting Orisha. But as TJ navigates the Frost Realm and even the dreams of gods, he realizes that saving Shango—and himself—might come at a price too high to pay.

Can TJ pull off the rescue of a lifetime, or will he and his friends be trapped in a prison where no mortal—or god—has ever escaped?

Find out in this young adult fantasy based on the mythology of West Africa, where TJ will encounter cosmic trials, unbreakable prisons, and the ancient secrets of the Orishas.

Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Mythology, Middle Grade

732 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 25, 2025

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

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will have to look into the other adventures in the ‘Old Gods’ series, because – although this novel works proudly as a standalone in itself – the characters are so well drawn and so energised that I could certainly stand more of them in my reading life!
Nekia Renee Martin brings Antoine Bandele’s world (or should I say worlds) to life in dazzling technicolour. Her performance was perhaps the most enjoyable part of ‘The Hero's Equinox’ for me. That’s saying something, because I really can’t flaw this as a YA Fantasy Adventure. Bandele writes true-to-life friendship dynamics with startling skill, and that serves to carry much of this epic-ally lengthy teen escapade’s duration.
Thanks to Bandele Books for the chance to listen, via NetGalley!

[Lucia · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the events of An Axe and a Hammer, TJ Young takes on new responsibilities. With help from his closest friends and new allies, he once again finds himself tasked with saving the world.

The stakes are higher than ever, and with the Orishas, gods, and other deities in the mix, the world feels expansive. Multiple mythologies are woven seamlessly into the story, creating a rich and immersive setting.

The characters are growing up, facing new challenges, and overcoming the obstacles set in their paths. Intense events are balanced with humorous and tender moments between characters—making new friends, deepening relationships, and enjoying their time as teens.

While the pacing dragged in a few places, overall it was still an enjoyable read with plenty of action and surprises. I enjoyed the plot of this installment and I’m excited to read the sequel when it’s published.

I’d recommend this book (and the series) to anyone looking for an adventurous story filled with mythology, close friendships, a magical school setting, and godly quests.

[Luna Gerrits · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third book in the TJ Young series is so thrilling. We follow TJ as he grows up and gains even more responsibilities. Apparently, TJ is responsible for saving the entire world and their gods? Along the way, there are many challenges, even bigger challenges than in the last books? Can TJ and his friends overcome them this time? The characters are still their fun selves, though they keep gaining more depth during the series as they grow up.
Antoine Bandele knows how to write beautifully, and this world he built is awesome. This is perfect for fans of Harry Potter or percy jackson, and i think it was high time for a world like this that is not Western-focused.

I would like to thank Antoine Bandele for letting me read his first version of this story as a BETA reader. I cannot wait to see how the final version turns out!

[Jada Jade]

ALC 🎧 Book Review 🤍

So I happen to request this not knowing it was the third book 😬
*I’ve listened to his three-story collection, which is like, small prequels— So I kinda got the gist of what’s going on, but not a full scope. So I am unable to fairly critique this, but I’ve enjoyed them!!

Antoine’s stories are full of all kinds of mythology, but richly revolves around Orishas— Which in my opinion is so intriguing!! It’s on the Teens & YA side of things, packed with a lot of action & adventure through different realms.

Definitely pick this up if you’re into:

• Heists
• Gods & Goddesses
• Realms
• Ancient Secrets
• Cosmic Trials

[Marie Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really can't put into words just how much I've loved this series so far. I think one of the things that really sets this series apart is the depth of the characters' grief and the real stakes that come with everything they've gone through. TJ started this series losing his sister, and now, after what happened in the last book, he and his friends have some serious injuries. These aren't just kids playing around with magic tricks. There are real consequences, and everyone is allowed to feel and express them instead of immediately moving on or magically being healed at the start of the next story arc.

I also really love the tie-in with the other mythologies. I've read a few of the connected books by other authors and I'm really excited to see what they come up with as Bandele continues to build up TJ's storyline, and the final battle that will change everything for everyone.

[Susanna Bullmam · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

I am so glad that there are books like this available for young adults today and lament a little that as a teen and young adult I did not have access to books likes this.

This is the 4th book of Antoine Bandele's I have read in this world and have loved seeing the world and the characters grow.

This was a long book over 700 pages, and while don't feel it dragged, there was a bit of repetition. X needed to be done the young people want to do it this way the adults don't think it is a good ides try to stop them the young people go ahead, this pattern continued until the final climax where the adults just capitulated and went along with the young peoples plan. Instead of this repeated pattern I would have like to seen some page time given to real conversation and understanding developing between the young people and their parents and other adults.,

Being mixed race I was particularly drawn to Freya and how she combined elements of both Celtic and Nigerian elements in her staff to gain its full strength. I still as an adult struggle with combing both my cultural heritages.

I really hope that this book series will gain the wide attention it deserve and take its place along side other popular magical school and mythology book. I I will be doing my small part to champion it.

I came to The Hero's Equinox thinking it was the finally book in a trilogy, and while finishing series always gives me a dopamine boost, I am not mad that there will be more books in the series, as this just means I will be rereading the series so far and will be able to join TJ and friends in further adventures.

Thank you NetGalley for providing this audiobook of The Hero's Equinox I enjoyed the narration and often as is my preferred method of reading read it along with the eBook copy I purchased. I would have liked to have the glossary included in the audio book for those who might access this series purely through audiobooks

[Cyndr · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review

"If it isn't the young diviner who thinks he can meddle in the affairs of spirits, deities, and gods."

After the tragic events of Eko Atlantic the weight of being a hero weighs heavy on TJ, and he has to face the reality that being a normal teenager is no longer on the table. Now, he must confront an even greater, more sinister threat. One he's not yet prepared to face.

This novel hooked me from the very first chapter. TJ barely gets a chance to catch his breath before he's pulled back into the world of diviners and gods. Everything is so fast paced and there's never a wasted moment. I really enjoyed how expansive this book felt, and how the major events were woven into the larger plot, making every moment feel really important. Also, while there are really heavy moments that happen throughout the novel, I'm glad there are also many moments where the characters get to laugh, cry and have time to rest as well. We get to witness Manny and TJ's relationship grow, along with more behind the scenes glimpses into the dynamics of their family.

The Orishas and Gods play a much bigger role in this book, and it was fascinating to explore their abilities and power structures. I also didn't expect to encounter Gods I'd heard about from other stories. We travel to unknown realms, fight against literal God Eaters and struggle to know who to truly trust. There were so many twists and turns that I found myself just as confused as TJ about how it would all come to an end. This is by far the strongest book in the series and I can only hope for more.

[Simon Says Hellooo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have only read this book so far but I am hooked on this series! Upon finishing this book I immediately went and found the 1st & 2nd in the series! This book has creatures 🧜🏿‍♀️ gods and goddesses ✨ and action 🥳! Such a fun adventure! You would like this if you liked skin of the sea or kwame crashes the underworld! My only negative was how long the book is, but it's worth it for the great story!

Thank you Netgalley for providing this book! The opinions are my own.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the whole heist premise and the introduction of Greek gods and other deities into the storyline! I highly recommend reading "An Axe for a Hammer" prior to diving into The Hero's Equinox, as the prequel novella provides additional context that will enrich your reading experience.

The Hero's Equinox is full of action and adventure, magical battles with real stakes. I loved how the heist team introduces new allies and brings back characters from the previous novels, creating tension as they try to work together. The inclusion of Asgardian gods and other deities further fleshed out the magical world beyond the Diviner community. TJ's unique abilities, while necessary for the success of the mission, continue to challenge him as he attends Ifa Academy.

We get to see even more of Manny and Ayo, and I love how the teens continue to grow and change throughout the story. While the characters all deal with loss and grief in some way, the story is well balanced with humor and moments of joy. This book was an excellent addition to the TJ Young series and the ending left me reeling!! I'm beyond excited to see what's next for the trio!

I received a free copy of this book from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Margaret Adelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Look, if I had to break a god out of prison, I would also make a to-do list.

A bit of transparency here, I remembered very little from the story before now. It was over two years ago that I posted the review for book two and a year before that for the review of book one. I did remember some vague things. Ayo went from bully to friend, Manny and TJ had a nice will-they-wont-they, and there were various travels to the other realms that neither of TJ's friends could remember fully. Bits and pieces did come back to me as I read, but there were other moments that I just had to take it that a thing had happened from previous books based on what character's said. All that to say, this is probably a series best read close together.

As for this story in itself, it was a long one. My copy was just over 700 pages and I felt it. While magic schools are usually a hard sell for me, there were other reasons it felt like it was dragging, like obstacles that felt put in place just for the sake of being obstacles. For example, there were multiple adults that refused to help in the big plan because of previous familial trauma. That motivations makes sense, of course, but it was never really resolved in a way that made sense. They stubbornly refused to help for long stretches, leaving the kids completely on their own, until it was time to Do The Thing. Suddenly the flip is switched and they're here to help, with no real reason for their suddenly change of heart other than "you're going to do it anyway so I might as well help." In a book dedicated to ancestors, it would have been so gratifying to have a subplot around breaking trauma cycles. Have the kids actually talking through their relatives' reluctance until the two come to an understanding, rather than busting forward on their own until the grownups suddenly decide to come along.

All that being said, there were some cute moments thrown into the mix. I can finally stop internally screaming at Manny and TJ. But the real kicker for the plot was the last 200 pages or so. No spoilers, obviously, but I loved getting a switch in POV and watching someone that wasn't TJ having to make all the plans to solve the issue. The general ramp up in tension to the new big bad was particularly enjoyable.

I also enjoyed the greater focus on other pantheons. Our Nigerian/Scottish friend Freya was a welcome addition (lesbians let's gooooooo) as well as TJ's focus on more magical cultures than just Nigerian. I appreciated that some levels of creepy other worldliness were maintained, particularly in the way they actually got into the cells for the big prison break. The gods still felt Other enough, and not just particularly souped up humans. Hard to know how that'll keep up in future installments with where a lot of them ended up, but I'm prepared for the weirdness to return.

The biggest kicker of the entire book is the last couple paragraphs and the big (metaphorical) bomb drop. Again, no spoilers, but it was one of those reveals I had to reread a couple times because I swore I couldn't be understanding it correctly. There were plenty of hints for it, of course, but I doubt any reader saw this one coming. And I love guessing twists. It's one of those "changes how you view the character" reveals and I hope we'll get more in depth exploration of it in the future.

All in all, if you've enjoyed the series so far, this will be even more of what you like!

[K.C. Norton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oooooohhhh I have such mixed feelings about that ending. Here's the thing: will I read book 4? Okay yes probably.

This was in the vicinity of 3.5 stars for me. I had the same issue with this one that I had with book 2... large parts of this book dragged (in this case, several hundred pages) but then the end went almost hard enough to make up for it. I say "almost," because I spent a lot of this book feeling confused about what the plan was. I understood the goal, and we get TJ's checklist throughout, but a lot of the time I did not understand what the characters thought they were going to achieve by taking their specific actions. I think if this had been tightened up a little, both in terms of cutting the repetition and trimming some of the side quests, I would have had an easier time following it, because there were times when my brain glazed over a bit.

So, for me, this plot wasn't fully effective. I am invested in the characters, though, and as long as I love the characters I can forgive a lot. Given the level of worldbuilding and background and thought that Bandele has clearly put into this world, I didn't feel like the plot was sloppy or ill-thought-out, I just didn't feel like I, the reader, had a clear handle on it at all times, and a bit of clarity in some places would have eased the way for me.

Ayo remains my favorite character, though Manny is pretty great, too. One thing I appreciate in this series is how the actions have consequences. Ayo develops a speech impediment, and TJ has a physical disability that he can compensate for with magic, but magic doesn't completely fix the problem. This compounds over the course of the novel, and Bandele has set up some really interesting conflicts for book 4 that are unique enough that I don't think I've read anything quite like it before. A large chunk of the book discusses the balance between tradition vs. social adaptation. There are some emotional consequences for TJ's parents, took, which is something many YA books in this genre skip over. (Or avoid entirely by featuring magical orphans.)

I read about a 3rd of this book in digital form, and then picked up the audio ARC from NetGalley to finish it out. Having started the series on audio, I was having a difficult time transitioning into print. I enjoy the narrator, and her range is great, though her Irish accent made me laugh every time. Bandele is really testing the audiobook narrators by tying in all these different pantheons!

I just read "Blood at the Root" and its sequel, and I saw a lot of folks complaining that those books center Black trauma. Given the similarities in the magic systems and the cultural traditions/faiths both books draw from, there's a bit of overlap, but I think it's worth noting here that while Bandele challenges these characters, the TJ Young books are abundant with Black joy, and racial trauma is absent from this series as far as I can recall. I can't help but compare these books to the Percy Jackson series and another certain boy-wizard, and I think they strike a similar tone and would appeal to an overlapping readership.

Thank you to Antoine Bandele and NetGalley for the ARC of this audiobook. While I wait for book 4 and/or the film adaptation (???), I'll have to delve into his books for adult readers. "The Hero's Equinox" also features some cameos from the tie-in series...es that are being released in the same expanded universe. The Bandeleverse? Yes, that's what I'm going with.

[Edgar Duran · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I want to start this review by saying that I received a free Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book to provide an honest review. This book was a fun ride. It took me a little over a month to read because life got crazy, but I enjoyed my slow burn read of the story.

Now for the review part. This book was amazing. It was long, longer than the previous books, but I think it delivered. I laughed (not just chuckled). I cried a little. I found myself being immersed in the world and with the characters. Some of the dialogue did have cheesy moments, but I think that was intentional (they are still teenagers). Though, the adult characters annoyed me. They keep putting so much on TJ, more than he should have to deal with. The previous books established lasting damage to his body and a whole lot of trauma, and yet now he has to save the world and the Orisha. Yes, he is the main character, but still, in the context of the world, I felt bad for him. He just wants to be a regular teenager.

Even with my annoyance at all the adults, there were so many great moments. Familial moments with each of our characters, good moments that show their friendship, moments of them just getting to be teens, and interesting moments of reflection. It wasn’t too much and every scene felt needed as they advanced one part of the plot or another. This story continues to be very character driven, even with all the larger than life, “save-the-world” style plot elements that TJ and his friends must deal with.

This book had so much more worldbuilding than the previous ones. We met more of the Orisha and the gods of other pantheons which put a lot of the cosmic elements of the story into perspective. The stakes are then much higher than in previous books and the ending continues to set up for the rest of the series in a way that feels organic and scary at the same time. I fear for what the future holds for TJ and his friends (but especially TJ because, again, that boy has been through it). They’ve already been through so much and the cosmic elements are sure to make things that much harder.

Final note: Upon receiving the ARC, I was informed there was a plot-twist at the end, but not what it was. At first, when I got to the ending, I thought it was regarding TJ and his powers, but it wasn’t that. Before that, though, the information we gained about TJ didn’t feel new, but rather a confirmation on something we already were aware of. That was still great and a pretty easy thing to establish while keeping things moving forward. But the ACTUAL plot twist made me rethink some of the contexts of this book and the previous books. I won’t spoil anything here because, if you’re like me, you like to skim reviews to get a sense of if it'll work for you, but it’s definitely a twist that is surprising, makes sense, and I didn’t see coming and wonder if I was just not paying attention to the details that would have given it away.

I definitely recommend reading this book if you haven’t already.

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hero’s Equinox picks up right after the tidal wave disaster that TJ helped stop in the previous book. Now things are more complex, though. The Court of All, which is made up of gods from a bunch of different pantheons, are investigating TJ and Shango. They’re accused of being behind the death of Thor, and that sets the whole tone and backdrop for the story. It connects really well with Orishas Among Mortals and builds directly off the events from there.

What I’ve really come to enjoy with this series is how Antoine Bandele blends mythologies in a way that feels innovative to me. It’s creative and fun, and the liberties he takes with god lore, character dynamics, and worldbuilding make it something unique. Some people might not like how freely the mythos mix together or how it pulls from familiar figures and reworks them, but I think that’s part of the charm. The way these gods interact, and the story grows beyond the boundaries of one belief system, that’s what makes it feel big and interesting.

There’s definitely some wildness to it, especially in the YA parts. The romance and emotions sometimes felt a bit cliche or like something I’ve seen before, but the bigger moments still hit. There are scenes in this book that had real emotional weight, especially toward the end. And even through all the drama and massive power clashes, I liked how there were still moments, like TJ getting called 'honey bunny' by his mom, that made me grin. That contrasts works well for me.

The narration by Nekia Renee Martin was really well done. She gave a lot of variety in voice, whether switching between genders or accents, and even some characters doing impressions of others. That kind of range is what made the audiobook work so well for me. Some familiar voices came back, too, and if you’ve followed the series, those little returns feel like Easter eggs. Also, the music and sound between chapters adds depth to the setting and feel for the next chapter.

This book pushes the bigger mystery forward and sets up the next chapter in TJ and his friends' journey. I liked the blending of cultures and divinity here, and the ending leaves you on a cliffhanger. I’m definitely looking forward to what comes next and would recommend this series to anyone who is a fan of a YA hero's epic based in a cultural mythology.
Thank you to Bandele Books and NetGalley for the audiobook ARC!.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of "The Hero's Equinox" through NetGalley, and I'll admit upfront that I didn't realize this was book 3 in a series when I started reading. That may have colored my experience somewhat, but I'll try to be fair in my assessment.

Bandele is undeniably ambitious here, weaving together characters and deities from multiple pantheons in what promises to be an epic heist story. However, while the book bills itself as a heist, it reads much more like a straightforward adventure—which isn't necessarily a bad thing and didn't detract from my overall enjoyment.

The book's main weakness lies in its tendency to overexplain. There's a lot of exposition that bogs down the pacing and sometimes kills the sense of mystery and discovery that keeps readers turning pages. Additionally, some of the magical solutions and plot devices feel a bit too convenient or contrived when they appear.

That said, once I settled into the story's rhythm, I found myself genuinely engaged. There are definitely standout moments scattered throughout that showcase Bandele's storytelling abilities. The world-building is rich, and when the action flows naturally, it's quite entertaining.

While "The Hero's Equinox" didn't quite reach the magical heights I was hoping for, it's still a solid, entertaining read. Fans of the series will likely find more to love here than newcomers jumping in mid-stream, but there's enough good storytelling to make it worthwhile regardless.

Recommended for: Fantasy readers who enjoy mythology-based adventures and don't mind some pacing issues in exchange for ambitious world-building.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite his best efforts, TJ Young is still hard pressed to be a normal sixteen-year-old. Because of the unusually powerful magic he possesses, TJ is often summoned to help solve problems that arise between the mortal realm and that of the gods. But now, TJ is being accused of a crime he did not commit, and gods from across the pantheon of global deities are being held prisoner. Together with a collection of complementary companions, TJ must attempt to rebalance the divine forces without becoming a prisoner himself. This third in the TJ Young and the Orishas series begins shortly after the second book ends, connecting readers to the next challenge standing in TJ’s way. Familiar characters and situations appear quickly within the narrative, and readers will appreciate the character development that occurs even as the plot unfolds. Strong writing and an engaging premise make this book appealing to readers who enjoy magic realism, and the complexity of the plot and TJ’s responsibilities are commensurate with his age. While the West African pantheon is a primary focus of TJ’s adventures, this installment involves a wider collection of deities from around the globe, offering a unique and compelling take on how these otherwise disparate mythologies may be connected. Some strong language, light romance, and high intensity make this book best suited to mature readers. Fast-paced and action-packed, this book fits well into the TJ Young series, and it is primed for a sequel.

[The Word Eater · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not yet disentangled from the traumas of Eko Atlantic, TJ's unique abilities earn him the attention of the multi-pantheon Court of All. He is thrust forward into a plot to save the Orisha Shango, finding new and uneasy alliances along the way. Their only hope may lie along the lines of connection with their ancestors, which they discover to be fraught with family secrets. And casting a shadow over it all, the ever encroaching threat of the God Eaters.

The novel is ambitious in scope, introducing characters and deities from across pantheons. I think the book was more a heist on paper than it was in spirit. I think it read more as an adventure, but in no way that detracted from the enjoyment. But I do think the book overexplains itself at times, to the detriment of curiosity and flow. And a plan, piece of magic or solution can sometimes feel contrived. I don't think this book as a whole is in contention for the best of the series but there are moments and characters that are individually. There is a lot to love here. In my experience the interpersonal moments, whether charged with tension or fuzzy with levity, are the best written and most effective.

Amidst this fantastical world there is an uncomfortably real thread of tragedy exploring the flip side of being the hero and the toll it has taken on TJ that I found thought provoking.

[Thelatebooker · Rating 5 out of 5]

HAPPY RELEASE DAY!!!!!

I. NEED. MORE. I can’t even put into words how much I love and enjoy this series. It truly just gets better and better with each book and I feel that nowadays, that’s so rare!

I love how grief is often mentioned in books 1-3 and how everyone goes through, survives it differently. And I also love the use of YSL (Yoruba Sign Language) throughout book 3.

TJ is faced with even more difficult challenges this time. Half of those challenges being from Orishas and Gods from other Pantheons (eek! MY FAVORITE in books) and the other half is figuring out how to express his emotions for my girl, Manny 💗

One of my favorite parts was Hawai‘i (my home) being in this story because of the albizia tree, one of the most notorious invasive trees here! It grows up to 15 ft. per year — thanks for that lesson Antoine Bandele! 🌸

If you haven’t gotten your foot in the TJ Young & the Orishas universe, this is your sign to start! Nothing about it is confusing; you don’t have to have prior knowledge of the Orishas or West African mythology. I promise you’ll be entertained every second. If you love Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, Children of Blood and Bone, you’ll love this. And the audiobooks?!?!? Play the sample and thank me later 🤗

[Jordan Fortuin · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is always a treat to revisit the world of TJ Young. This time around, the stakes have reached an all-time high as TJ is thrown into cosmic crises involving deities from a multitude of pantheons, while still navigating the daily struggles of everyday teenage life.
I took a while to warm up to this one, but once I did I found myself enjoying the story beats it presented. There are certainly stand-out moments sprinkled throughout the story, but I feel that 'The Hero's Equinox' didn't quite hit the magical levels of its preceding novels. I didn't find myself resonating with the characters this time around and I missed the sense of wonder that usually comes with these stories. I think of this book as the "awkward teenager" of this series, much like its characters at this point of their journey. It has a more mature tone, but keeps its light-heartedness with moments of comedy, teenage-cringe, and touching interactions between its characters.
'The Hero’s Equinox' has its highs and lows, but all in all, was an entertaining experience, and I always appreciate that these books provide a much-needed platform for African mythology.

Thank you to Antoine Bandele for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[Alina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still struggling to overcome the trauma of Eko Atlantic, TJ just wants some peace and quiet. To pretend to be a normal teenager. But when have the orishas ever left him alone? Thrust into the task of freeing Shango from The Court of All, TJ finds himself in situations that might just change his whole world.

I loved getting back into this world. These characters and the setting are among some of my favorites. TJ has grown so much over the last couple of books, especially after the events of Eko Atlantic, making his character feel the trauma all the while struggling with the expectations everyone had of him.

We get to see new places like The Court of All, which I found to be the most intriguing part of the story personally, and meet more orishas. And although the stakes were now higher than ever, I didn’t always feel the urgency and fear I should have felt. That being said, it also had moments we'd all been waiting for, confirming things we've always suspected all the while adding more stuff to the lore.

Overall, a solid entry in the series. Can’t wait to see how the plot moves forward.

*Thank you Antoine Bandele for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

[Noriboo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rather enjoyed this instalment. Where I could binge the previous books, I noticed that I had to take a break around every 150 pages. Primarily because there was so much new information I needed to process. So in a way I definitely felt connected to TJ as he was also trying to make sense of all he experiences and learns throughout this book while simultaneously trying to enjoy the things that regular teenagers get to experience such as school life and dating.

This book properly introduces us to the deities of other belief systems and how they work in this world. This book confirmed a few suspicions I've had about TJ's magic since book 1. I appreciated that TJ got more time to just be and that we see him spending time with his family. One of my favourite themes of this book (besides the magic) is family, whether it's by blood or found and the manner in which people do stand up for each other.

To avoid spoiling, I won't divulge any further. But I honestly believe that more people should start reading this wonderful series!

[Francesca McMahon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honoured to recieve an ARC copy from the author for an honest review.

I remember when I started the TJ Young series all those years ago. A story about a kid dealing with grief and new-found responsibilities in something he'd never experienced before as he was sent to a camp to learn and hone his magic---and then all chaos breaks loose.

Now, here we are, third novel in, with two shorts stories and a novella before, and the world has grown so much further.

This time, we follow TJ, Manny and Ayo as TJ is put on trial by the Court of All, a powerful court where Gods and deities from all Pantheons come together for order. With everything that came before and the aftermath of the trauma of Ekko Atlantics destruction, TJ and team are really going through it, and now this?

Add in a heist story, a growing romance, and all the family and magical drama you could imagine and The Hero's Equinox is an incredible addition to an already standout series. And that ending? WOAH. That's all I can say.

Book 3 may have only just come out but I already need Book 4 in my hands.

[Tracy D · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

This was an action packed YA fantasy. I continue to be endured to the three main characters. I especially love the mix of trying to be regular teenagers with having to deal with extraordinary events.

I didn’t rate this third book as high as the first two because of a few things that didn’t land for me. The plot got a bit muddled at the end. The pure obsession of Ayo’s dad was icky and the ending didn’t have him really address it in his ‘redemption’. I also didn’t love the way Ayo’s stutter was always handled such as saying he was ‘returned to full form’ when it was gone and the magical cure of it.

I am interesting in where the story goes after this in the next book.

Content warnings include Ableism, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Violence, Blood, Xenophobia, Death, Murder, Grief, and Body Horror.

I received an eARC from the author

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantasy series audiobooks for teenage listeners. If you can listen in order, the audiobooks are fun and well worth spending time in. TJ Young is back dealing with the Orishas, which ain’t easy as some of them are worse than squabbling three year olds except with a lot more power. Then there are the Keepers with their dark and dangerous ideas about things should be with the Deities and the human world. What a mess.
Of the three books so far, the narrative at the beginning, setting things up in this book, is not quite as much fun as when the action with TJ and his friends begins. However you learn things that are going to shock you. If you’ve been listening to the series you, like me, are going to want book 4!

(Also there is Orishas Among Mortals collection 1, three novellas - the third story helps set the scene for this book. The others add to books 1 and 2.)

Thank you to Bandele Books and NetGalley for the audio ARC. The views expressed are all mind, freely given.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook: I enjoyed book three as much as the first two in the series. There were times when I felt like I was riding a wave as the story moved from moments in the lives of the teenagers to times of extreme action with some devastating consequences. I liked TJ Young and appreciated the strength in his character. I felt for his friends as they dealt with their own difficulties. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I thought Nekia Renee Martin's narration was fabulous, and her performance was easy to follow. I enjoyed the segments of music between each chapter. I was given an advanced listener's copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a vibe happy series to read. It gave me all the feels I had as a teen reading the HP series but brought in mythology in such a compelling and engaging way. The character build up and slow increase of gods emerging in the world created made it so easy to follow the story (I was kind of worried I would get overwhelmed but that was not the case at all).

🎧 Audiobook Narration - fantastic (will note, in nearly 24 hours of recording, there were only a few moments of glitch). There are some sound effects at the beginning of chapters, not usually my thing, but for this genre it works.

I've really enjoyed what feels like Phase 1 of TJ's story and am excited to continue to Phase 2.

[Rune · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an advanced reader copy of this work in audiobook format from Netgalley free of charge in return for an honest review.

The narration for this book is amazing and really does bring the world of the story and its characters to life.

I have followed this story from book one and all the mini short stories that link one book to the next. They are just pure perfection.

I didnt know much about Yurba traditions or their folklore and mythology before finding these stories . They have opened up a new world for me as a reader. I throughly have enjoyed these stories start to finish and can not wait for next one.

The heart and soul of this story is just boundless. Amazing.

[Jess & Tiff · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hero’s Equinox: An Old Gods Story is a great middle-grade adventure that weaves magical elements from cultures all over the world. I loved how the United Council of Magical Peoples brings together characters who can sense and use magic, crossing borders and backgrounds to create something bigger than themselves.

I listened to the audiobook, and the narration really brought the story to life. The book highlights the bonds of friendship and reminds us of the beauty in imperfections. The author does a wonderful job showing the strength that comes from embracing differences and working together.

Thank you, Netgalley, for the opportunity to listen to this charming story in exchange for an honest review.

[Yolanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Story

This book was truly remarkable. TJ demonstrated incredible resilience in overcoming numerous challenges and fears, ultimately discovering that success often lies just beyond them. I was captivated by the author's eloquent use of crossover deities and gods to enrich the narrative and highlight their significance. The ending was quite unexpected, and it seems there is much more to explore. I wholeheartedly recommend this book, especially to those interested in learning more about African folklore, there aren't enough out there that can tell a story someone well as Antoine.

[Meagan Krumrine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hero's Equinox completely blew me away. The entire book was phenomenal but the last third was a game changer. I loved that Bandele introduced characters with different religions such as the druids from Scotland in this book. He incorporated different POVs so organically. I feel like when different POVs are introduced later in a series they don't flow like they should, but this was not the case. The character growth, and eye opening motivations from different characters are just a hint of what makes this book so good. Seeing this group of friends go from camp mates to battling great forces is an inspiration for every underdog out there.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Fadoja · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was the last installment...It ain't 😁. My babies stay getting themselves into stuff though. I love how Oshosi is written in this book and in the Novella before this (An Axe for a Hammer). This is a fantasy book, if you are fantasy reader you know the first half of the book is alot of foundation laying, but important stuff is still happening. Honey once Baba Ogun entered the chat, I had to sit up and put on my seatbelt. My eyes wasn't reading fast enough. Now I wait like a addict for my next hit. Iba Egun. Iba Orisha.