Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy

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In a set of gleefully ingenious riffs on African and African American folklore, from "The People Could Fly" to Wakanda, Thomas pitches 12-year-old Nic into a whirl of stunning discoveries about her background as she struggles to understand her own magical gifts. It's the first book in a new contemporary fantasy series that draws inspiration from African American history and folklore. I still don't think it works, but if this ends up being a series, hopefully a freshly conceived story will work better for the sequel. The world-building was a bit of a let down though as I wanted to know so much more, however, with this being the first in a planned series hopefully those answers will come in further books. It was an ok middle grade fantasy adventure — with some interesting Black culture / myths incorporated — but it felt fairly disposable all the same.

And so begins a thrilling adventure involving shapeshifters, wizards, the devil’s daughter and even a dragon. I wouldn't read a horror novel and give it a low rating because it was 'too scary', and similarly I don't judge MG/YA for feeling 'immature'. Some African lore, the Black history and its backgrounds and specially how it shapes the person that the characters had become. Eto, pan maen nhw’n cyfarfod eu hoff awdur, mae popeth y mae Nic yn meddwl ei bod yn gwybod yn troi ben i waered, ac mae’n rhaid i’r ffrindiau frwydro i achub tad Nic.

Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy is Angie Thomas' ( The Hate U Give, On The Come Up) middle-grade debut.

As a white, UK-based reader, I liked both the fantasy plot and the weaving into it of important topics. Although I enjoyed this first fantasy novel by Angie Thomas, for me personally my favourite is still the contemporary fiction book, The Hate U Give. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for kids receiving the opportunity to learn more about experiences that aren't their own; however, in this case, the "tid-bits" of information weren't woven in seamlessly. Thomas skillfully incorporates folktales from the African Diaspora and infuses her story with the energy and emotional nuance of a pre-teen in this tale of intrigue, loyalty, identity, and courage--the first book in a projected trilogy. Her father hasn't yet taught her how to use her Gift, but she's aware of the Remarkable world, creatures, traditions and is desperate to start using her powers.Angie is already working on the second story with a deeper exploration of the twist that we read about towards the end of this book. For example in the first part of the book (don't worry no spoilers), the main character says JP is her best friend.

A page-turning plot, pitch-perfect characters, heart and substance, and real stakes that real kids will care about—plus magic! Not just because it didn't feel particularly new or unique, but each night when I dove back in to read a few chapters, it took me a long time to catch up on what was happening. This is an absorbing, fast-paced fantasy adventure full of humour and heart, with plenty of action and inventive moments to keep readers racing through the pages. Then again, Nic’s father earns a living by capturing horrid beasts like ‘ haints, demons and ghouls‘ and disposing of them, although he’s officially a handyman. And the story-within-a-story also worked very well and could be useful to the characters in forthcoming books.You guys were so fab and Dawn was such a lovely presence in the schools - I will absolutely be in touch next time I'm in your neck of the woods. Furthermore, this will prove a very difficult task with every ‘ haint, demon, vampire‘ and ghastly apparition out to get in her way. Film rights have been optioned by Fox 2000 with George Tillman attached to direct and Hunger Games actress Amandla Stenberg set to star. I loved the parts based on history (like the Underground Railroad) mixed in with the mythical, especially learning more about African lore. The Manifestor Prophecy is a remarkable (pun intended), superbly written book with a wonderfully nuanced, diverse, and developed cast of characters.