A MYTHIC WINTER PORTAL FANTASY
Home of
the real Saint Nicholas
Imagine discovering that Saint Nicholas — the real Saint Nicholas — operates a hidden, magical community in Antarctica. Not the commercialized North Pole of greeting cards, but a deeply rooted, Afrocentric civilization built by three ancient lineages (Pygmy, Afro-Dominican, and Afro-Turks) whose sole mission is "to help humanity find the courage to rise through uncertain times."
Now imagine being a 16-year-old with anxiety, low self-esteem, and no idea that this world exists — until your mother brings you home to it for the first time.
That's the world of Keepers of Mahali-theluji.
This is a story about belonging, legacy, family wounds, and discovering that the thing you've been searching for was always inside you. It's also a holiday story with heart, action, and a mythology entirely its own.
The Story Promises
The portal opens on December 21st, the winter solstice. We invite you to witness the return of a stolen bloodline and the sacred order of Mahali-theluji.
01. The Portal
A kidnapping attempt exposes the truth: Kato’s family carries a stolen Mahalian bloodline. To reclaim his heritage, he must journey beyond Antarctica into a hidden winter world.
02. The Challenge
The monster who destroyed his family is waiting. If he finishes what he started, miracles will vanish from our world forever. The Festival of Light is the only chance to stop them.
03. The Journey
A journey of found family, the road it takes to get there, and a choice at the Keep Giving Festival. The light has been entrusted. Will you enter?
The Hidden Realm
When a kidnapping attempt exposes his family's stolen Mahalian bloodline, sixteen-year-old Kato must journey beyond the ice to reclaim his heritage and stand with Saint Nicholas at the Keep Giving Festival.
A kidnapping attempt exposes the truth sixteen-year-old Kato never knew: his family carries a stolen Mahalian bloodline. To reclaim his heritage, he must journey beneath Antarctica into a hidden winter world and decide whether to stand with Saint Nicholas at the Festival of Light.
But the monster who destroyed his family is waiting—and if he finishes what he started, miracles will vanish from our world forever. This is a mythic winter portal fantasy from Essence bestselling author Tajuana TJ Butler.
Essence Bestselling Author Tajuana TJ Butler
The Ice Bunny
Universally, rabbits represent joy, new life and incoming blessings. They remind us to trust our intuition and embrace a fresh start. As spirit animals, rabbits represent quick reflexes, sharp awareness, and trusting your gut instincts when navigating unknown or tricky situations. Because they also embody gentleness, quietness, and caution, they are a reminder to not allow anxious or fearful thoughts grow out of control. While working on this book, my daddy and I saw a rabbit at the beach in Martha’s Vineyard. Is it a coincidence? Perhaps.
Discover the ice rabbit in Keepers of Mahali-theluji: Home Is Where the Light Is.
The Baobab Tree
The baobab tree is a deeply revered spiritual symbol in African folklore and tradition symbolizing strength, perseverance, and faith. It lives for hundreds or thousands of years. It serves as a “living elder” known as the "Tree of Life" because it has the ability to sustain life, for extended periods of time, in harsh environments. Many traditions view the baobab as a sacred conduit between the living and the spirit realm. Its hollow trunks are often considered dwelling places for spirits. These trees act as natural gathering places for storytelling, traditional court meetings, and healing ceremonies.
Find out the significance of the baobab tree to the Mahalians.
The Amethyst Riverbed
Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz widely celebrated as a stone of spirituality, protection, mental clarity and an energy shield. Spiritually, amethyst connects strongly to the third eye chakra of intuition and inner vision. Also, to the crown chakra of higher consciousness and spiritual connection. It helps raise frequency and deepen spiritual awareness. Historically and metaphysically, it is believed to promote a clear, level-headed mind, protect against overindulgence, and clear emotional or mental clutter. It transforms lower, negative vibrations into positive, loving energy.
See how the Mahalians us Amathyst as keepers of the light.
Mahali-theluji
Promises
Identify with the world's most enduring myths and the reader-fit tropes that define your journey.
Portal Fantasy
A gateway to a hidden world beyond the ice.
Found Family
Choosing to stand with the keepers of the light.
Grand Quest
A journey to reclaim a legacy of stolen bloodline.
Point of No Return
A choice that defines the fate of the world.
Winter Lore
Mythic traditions from the world's forgotten solstice.
Mythic Holiday
Where the light is the only thing that can be kept.
The Raconteurs of Mahali
Essence bestselling author TJ Butler-Jackson. The Storyworld of Tajuana TJ Butler is a mythic winter portal fantasy from a world where the light is entrusted and the cold is a language.
TJ Butler-Jackson
Storyworld Architect & Raconteur
The Keeper’s Invitation
A portal fantasy experience designed for those who want a sneak peak into the realm of Mahali-theluji.
Pre-order Bonus
Upon pre-ordering your copy, you will receive a physical invitation to The Mahali Family. This includes a map fragment, a world glossary, and a candle reflection prompt.
DEADLINE: DECEMBER 20, 2026
DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS
Once your pre-order is confirmed, your physical invitation will be sent to the address on file. Please allow 10-14 business days for processing and delivery.
THE RACONTEUR’S GATE
Common inquiries regarding the portal fantasy world and its lore.
WHAT FORMATS ARE AVAILABLE?
We offer the novel in both hardcover and e-book formats. The hardcover edition is printed on premium, textured paper with a gold-embossed cover to honor the sacred order of the Mahali-theluji.
IS THIS A CHILDREN’S STORY?
No. While the world is steeped in winter folklore, the narrative is designed for adult crossover readers. Themes of heritage, loss, and the weight of legacy are explored with a mature, mythic tone.
WHERE CAN I ORDER INTERNATIONALLY?
The book is available through major international retailers and digital platforms. We recommend checking with your local bookstore or visiting our official site for the most up-to-date global distribution information.
ARE THERE CONTENT WARNINGS?
The story contains mature themes including supernatural violence, complex family trauma, and dark holiday lore. It is intended for readers who appreciate literary depth and mythic complexity.
WHAT IS THE RELEASE DATE?
The novel will be released on the winter solstice, December 21, 2026. Pre-orders will be available starting on November 1, 2026, to ensure your place at the Mahali Family.