THE BOY WHO BEAT THE GODS by Ashley Thorpe
Author: Ashley Thorpe
Brimming with magic, myth, and heart-pounding action, THE BOY WHO BEAT THE GODS is a bold fantasy adventure rooted in West African and Caribbean folklore. Ashley Thorpe weaves timeless legends into an unforgettable story of love, loyalty, and the fight for freedom. With humour, danger, and breathtaking twists, this is a tale that proves real power lies not in standing alone, but in standing together.
When the mighty Orishas descend upon his village demanding offerings and dragging away his beloved sister Temi, twelve-year-old Kayode realises that living in fear can no longer be an option. In a desperate bid to save her, he seizes a forbidden fruit from the sacred Baobab tree, biting into its magic and discovering it grants him the astonishing strength of the gods themselves. But the gift is unstable, dangerous, and fleeting - power that could vanish just when he needs it most.
Thrust into a perilous quest, Kayode soon learns that he cannot fight the gods alone. He is joined by two unlikely allies: a sly, shape-shifting trickster god with his own hidden motives, and a fearless princess determined to reclaim justice for her people. Together they must navigate enchanted forests, face monstrous creatures, and unravel the secrets of the Orishas’ reign. At every turn, Kayode’s borrowed power is tested, forcing him to rely on something greater than brute strength: his courage, his wits, and the bonds of trust he forms along the way.
Perfect for readers aged 9 to 13, this is an electrifying new voice in children’s fantasy - ideal for fans of myth-inspired adventures, epic quests, and stories where courage can topple even the most powerful of gods.