Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy (Nic Blake and the Remarkables #1) by Angie Thomas
Published by Balzer + Bray on April 4, 2023
ISBN: 0063225131
Pages: 354
Genres: Adventure, Cultural / African American, Fantasy, Folklore, Humor, Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

A super fun trilogy-kicking-off novel that draws from African American history and folklore, classic fantasy adventure stories and current issues seamlessly, all while subversively riffing on modern fantasy tropes. Nic Blake has been raised by her single Black father outside of the magical community where most other Remarkables live. On her twelfth birthday, she asks – again – to be taught how to use the Gift, but as has happened every year, he puts it off. However, a chance encounter with her favorite author cracks open her world, and it turns out her dad was keeping more than just magical instruction from her – he was keeping her hidden from her whole large, powerful family and the world they inhabit. Worse, he’s accused of a crime she knows he did not commit, and it’s up to her, her newly discovered Remarkable brother, and her best friend PJ (an Unremarkable) to figure out how to save him – before it’s too late.

This book was nonstop enjoyment, full of action, suspense, tension, magic, sci-fi, silliness, and plot twists. At the same time there is a grounding in reality: the entire cast is Black, and readers confront real issues of racism, as seen through Nic’s brother, Alex’s, eyes. Having grown up in the Remarkable society, Alex has no concept of why Black people are treated differently in her world, while for Nic and her friend PJ, they have learned how to navigate that reality, and the resulting commentary is both critical and sobering. Supporting cast are well defined and likeably flawed, which provides depth to the primary storyline.

This is an easy book to highly recommend. It’s a unique, engaging and clever adventure that will keep the reader hooked, all with Thomas’ trademark wit and fierce, character-driven writing. For patrons who love audiobooks, the recorded version is excellent.

Reviewed by: Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library, Augusta