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The Boisdepin Chronicles: Legacy of Bois
Legacy of Book One of the Boisdepin Chronicles
A Caribbean dark fantasy of folklore, legacy, and the cost of power.
When Atiba Fletcher returns from New York to the quiet coastal village of Boisdepin in Trinidad and Tobago for his grandfather’s funeral, he expects grief, paperwork, and a quick departure. Instead, he finds a village mourning a man they thought they knew and a forest holding its breath.
His grandfather, Wilberforce DuBois, was more than a beloved elder, though no one knew it. He was Papa Bois, the ancient protector of the forest, part man and part legend. Now the spirit of the land has chosen its next heir.
Atiba.
He does not understand the power. He is not sure he wants it. And something waiting in the dark means to seize the moment.
From the shadows returns Esme, whose machinations caused the Day of Darkness, when the boundary between worlds first ruptured and sightings of creatures once dismissed as myth surged across the island. Desperate to rewrite the past, she hunts the new heir to Papa Bois and a way into the Jumbie World, a haunting reflection of reality where spirits roam, forgotten gods linger, and grief takes form.
To protect the village his grandfather spent a lifetime guarding, Atiba must decide whether to accept the legacy he never asked for. Alongside Prak, his fierce and loyal cousin, he faces the fallout from the Day of Darkness, ancient curses, family secrets, and spirits clawing their way between worlds. And somewhere beneath the silk cotton trees, a smiling stranger watches as everything unfolds according to plan.
Set against the lush rhythms of Trinidadian folklore, this is a story of ancestral memory, love born in chaos, and finding home in a world both wondrous and wicked.
The forest is calling. Some will answer. Some will run.
No one will leave unchanged.
Perfect for readers who Mythology rooted in Afro-Caribbean and Indigenous folkloreStudio Ghibli nature spirits meets Anansi Boys by Neil GaimanDark fantasy with emotional depth and haunted family legaciesStories about grief, belonging, and finding power you never wanted
When Atiba Fletcher returns from New York to the quiet coastal village of Boisdepin in Trinidad and Tobago for his grandfather’s funeral, he expects grief, paperwork, and a quick departure. Instead, he finds a village mourning a man they thought they knew and a forest holding its breath.
His grandfather, Wilberforce DuBois, was more than a beloved elder, though no one knew it. He was Papa Bois, the ancient protector of the forest, part man and part legend. Now the spirit of the land has chosen its next heir.
Atiba.
He does not understand the power. He is not sure he wants it. And something waiting in the dark means to seize the moment.
From the shadows returns Esme, whose machinations caused the Day of Darkness, when the boundary between worlds first ruptured and sightings of creatures once dismissed as myth surged across the island. Desperate to rewrite the past, she hunts the new heir to Papa Bois and a way into the Jumbie World, a haunting reflection of reality where spirits roam, forgotten gods linger, and grief takes form.
To protect the village his grandfather spent a lifetime guarding, Atiba must decide whether to accept the legacy he never asked for. Alongside Prak, his fierce and loyal cousin, he faces the fallout from the Day of Darkness, ancient curses, family secrets, and spirits clawing their way between worlds. And somewhere beneath the silk cotton trees, a smiling stranger watches as everything unfolds according to plan.
Set against the lush rhythms of Trinidadian folklore, this is a story of ancestral memory, love born in chaos, and finding home in a world both wondrous and wicked.
The forest is calling. Some will answer. Some will run.
No one will leave unchanged.
Perfect for readers who Mythology rooted in Afro-Caribbean and Indigenous folkloreStudio Ghibli nature spirits meets Anansi Boys by Neil GaimanDark fantasy with emotional depth and haunted family legaciesStories about grief, belonging, and finding power you never wanted
197 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 10, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 8, 2025
Okay, imagine flying to Trinidad for your grandpa’s funeral and accidentally walking into a supernatural fever dream. That’s basically Atiba’s life right now.
The man just wanted to survive some family drama, but instead? Creatures from folklore start popping out of the shadows, and suddenly, he’s knee-deep in mysteries he didn’t see coming.
Boisdepin, the village, feels like it’s got a heartbeat of its own. It’s tropical, eerie, and buzzing with secrets. Atiba’s cousin Prak is all charm and chaos, but there’s more to him than good vibes and Carib beer.
And when Esme enters the story? Whew. She’s got trauma, temper, powers that literally chill the air. Let’s just say, this woman is not your average island girl.
Between Atiba’s family secrets, Esme’s dark mission, and creatures straight out of Caribbean legends (hello, Douens 👀), the story turns into this insane ride where folklore meets real life.
Justin C. Charles writes like he’s shooting a movie in your head, vivid, dramatic, and dripping with island energy. You’ll smell the ocean, feel the drumbeats, and swear you saw something move in the corner of your eye.
If you’re into fantasy with cultural soul, eerie twists, and characters that actually feel real, welcome to Boisdepin. Just, maybe don’t wander into the forest alone.
The man just wanted to survive some family drama, but instead? Creatures from folklore start popping out of the shadows, and suddenly, he’s knee-deep in mysteries he didn’t see coming.
Boisdepin, the village, feels like it’s got a heartbeat of its own. It’s tropical, eerie, and buzzing with secrets. Atiba’s cousin Prak is all charm and chaos, but there’s more to him than good vibes and Carib beer.
And when Esme enters the story? Whew. She’s got trauma, temper, powers that literally chill the air. Let’s just say, this woman is not your average island girl.
Between Atiba’s family secrets, Esme’s dark mission, and creatures straight out of Caribbean legends (hello, Douens 👀), the story turns into this insane ride where folklore meets real life.
Justin C. Charles writes like he’s shooting a movie in your head, vivid, dramatic, and dripping with island energy. You’ll smell the ocean, feel the drumbeats, and swear you saw something move in the corner of your eye.
If you’re into fantasy with cultural soul, eerie twists, and characters that actually feel real, welcome to Boisdepin. Just, maybe don’t wander into the forest alone.
December 19, 2025
I have read or heard a few Papa Bois stories, growing up, and have heard of many characters of the night that we were meant to fear, as children. This fear was meant to get us back home before dark.
But my interest in these characters remains, as an adult. The unfinished stories and cliffhangers, "What did they do after? Where did they go? Why?" And Justin C. Charles gave depth to these characters for me. Whether he's pulling at the thread of truth in each character, or not, the way he weaves these characters with relateable personas in our own lives, as Caribbean folks, I am here, and waiting for the rest of the story.
Enjoy reading this one, and any of the emotions it awakens within.
But my interest in these characters remains, as an adult. The unfinished stories and cliffhangers, "What did they do after? Where did they go? Why?" And Justin C. Charles gave depth to these characters for me. Whether he's pulling at the thread of truth in each character, or not, the way he weaves these characters with relateable personas in our own lives, as Caribbean folks, I am here, and waiting for the rest of the story.
Enjoy reading this one, and any of the emotions it awakens within.
November 19, 2025
Charles creates a rich, immersive world with characters full of feeling and depth. The stakes are high and the ones who can save humanity are a disparate lot that somehow form a found family despite their differences and desires. Book 1 wonderfully sets up Atiba, Prak, and Esme’s narratives and the foes they must face to keep the darkness at bay. Will they succeed? I can’t wait to find out and return to Boisdepin in book 2!
P.S. If you appreciate the written word, you will not only be taken by Charles‘ story, but also by how deftly he tells it.
P.S. If you appreciate the written word, you will not only be taken by Charles‘ story, but also by how deftly he tells it.
December 10, 2025
Legacy of Bois (Papa Bois) was a meaningful read; a brilliant attempt at shaping the narrative of Trinidadian/Caribbean folklore characters who have been alive in the minds of natives who believe or have had some experience with such.
The very structure of the drama in the narrative replicated a dream where all the characters come alive in "the darkness- thick, engulfing." In this place, Jumbies, Douens, Mama D'leau all exist away from the naked (waking) eye. During the daytime, there is enjoyment, parties, food, games in the neighbourhood, a juxtaposition to what occurs in the darkness.
The novel felt like a typical day in the life of a Trinidadian. From mixed heritage, to food, to partying/alcohol consumption, to family interwovenness, friends to foes and back to friends, unity despite differences against a common evil.
Justin C. Charles has recollected distinct memories of his life on the island to craft this one installation of a masterpiece. The presentation of diminishing folklore characters with human consciousness gave a new life to the island's dying oral tradition.
A suitable read for school-aged children.
The very structure of the drama in the narrative replicated a dream where all the characters come alive in "the darkness- thick, engulfing." In this place, Jumbies, Douens, Mama D'leau all exist away from the naked (waking) eye. During the daytime, there is enjoyment, parties, food, games in the neighbourhood, a juxtaposition to what occurs in the darkness.
The novel felt like a typical day in the life of a Trinidadian. From mixed heritage, to food, to partying/alcohol consumption, to family interwovenness, friends to foes and back to friends, unity despite differences against a common evil.
Justin C. Charles has recollected distinct memories of his life on the island to craft this one installation of a masterpiece. The presentation of diminishing folklore characters with human consciousness gave a new life to the island's dying oral tradition.
A suitable read for school-aged children.
November 23, 2025
The Legacy of Bois grabbed me right from the start. I love how Justin C. Charles brings together Trinidadian folklore and real life without it ever feeling forced — all the cultural pieces line up so cleanly and make the world feel alive.
The part that hit me the most was Atiba’s journey. Watching him refind his roots in Trinidad really resonated with me. The way he tries to reconnect with where he comes from, while still trying to figure out who he is now, felt real and familiar. It’s not often you read a character and actually feel seen like that.
Overall, this book was a great experience. I’m honestly excited to see where the story goes next because I feel like everything is just getting started. If the next part builds on the energy and culture of this one, it’s going to be something special.
The part that hit me the most was Atiba’s journey. Watching him refind his roots in Trinidad really resonated with me. The way he tries to reconnect with where he comes from, while still trying to figure out who he is now, felt real and familiar. It’s not often you read a character and actually feel seen like that.
Overall, this book was a great experience. I’m honestly excited to see where the story goes next because I feel like everything is just getting started. If the next part builds on the energy and culture of this one, it’s going to be something special.
November 15, 2025
If you are from the Caribbean and grew up with folklore, this is the book for you.
Legacy of Bois is a richly imagined Caribbean dark fantasy that blends folklore, grief, and ancestral power into a gripping narrative.
The novel masterfully intertwines Trinidadian folklore with modern emotional depth, exploring the weight of legacy, the pull of home, and the fear of becoming something you never asked to be. It is a haunting and captivating start to a series that promises wonder, danger, and unforgettable magic.
I won't give any spoilers.
Legacy of Bois is a richly imagined Caribbean dark fantasy that blends folklore, grief, and ancestral power into a gripping narrative.
The novel masterfully intertwines Trinidadian folklore with modern emotional depth, exploring the weight of legacy, the pull of home, and the fear of becoming something you never asked to be. It is a haunting and captivating start to a series that promises wonder, danger, and unforgettable magic.
I won't give any spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews