Tales from Esowon

""I really enjoyed this book, and in truth, was hooked from the first page. Mr. Bandele, that first chapter was simply amazing!!
The books main character, Amana, was easily likable, and very human and as the story unfolds you really feel the push and pull of who he is develop. You experience his struggle as it’s woven quite seamlessly into the fabric of the plot and its rewarding when everything comes to a head. The secondary characters are also well thought out and feel so utterly genuine, and I hope that they appear in future books. I am still having a hard time deciding between NYA or UZOMA for my favorite character.

I truly admired the tenacity in both of them.

The world building of Golah was refreshing and layered though drawn from true African folklore. From the various language(s), theology, philosophy, and history of the world imagined in a fantasy setting wonderfully, developed and detailed. And of course, then there are the KISHI, my new favorite kind of shapeshifter. Let’s just say that the kishi were deliciously described, and I am glad that the author was not afraid to hold back on the sheer level of their brutality – or their intellect.

The book had great action scenes and a touch of romance that I did not expect, nor did the romance, when it developed, over power the core of the story – all very enjoyable. All in all, THE KISHI was a fantastic read, that I simply could not put down until I turned the last page. I look forward to the next book from Mr. Bandele in the Tales From Esowon series."

"The Kishi blew my mind! Incredible action, mixed with humor, intrigue, and vivid culture puts this book among the top of my all time favorite reads. Mr Bandele's has an uncanny character development skills grabbed me and before I knew it I was fully vested in each character's fate. All I can say is that if this debut book is evidence of the author's storytelling skills, we are looking at one of the future's great writers!"

"This is a rich character and plot-driven story that had me invested, as a reader, from cover to cover. The book introduces readers to a sci-fi fantasy world that heavily draws from the African-griot diaspora centric genre. Amana, the protagonist, is a guy with a troubled past that overcomes his inner demons in order to contend with a serious threat to the Bajok Comunity, the fictional African village in which the story takes place. There are plot twists that leave, even the most seasoned reader, breathless.

What makes a successful story is not the protagonist or the challenges that s/he overcomes; its the antagonist. This book is brimming with mystique much of it surrounding the villain. The writer, Antoine Bandele, deftly transports readers to and through this fictional world that he has created. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for adventure, romance (although this is not a romance novel), mystery, and fun."