Review: Nic Blake and the Remarkables Manifestor Prophecy

Nic Blake got a hellhound for her twelfth birthday. She really would rather have received a dragon and lessons on using the Gift. As a Remarkable, Nic is pretty sure that she should be learning to use her powers by now, but her dad puts her off, in part citing the fact that they live as exiles in the Unremarkable world. After Nic sneaks out of the house to meet up with her best friend JP and his mom to see their favorite author, Nic begins to learn the secrets of her past and unwittingly sets off a chain of events that lead her on a quest to prove her dad’s innocence of a crime she knows he didn’t commit, before it’s too late. 

Angie Thomas’ “Nic Blake and the Remarkables Manifestor Prophecy” is a winner. Though it’s geared toward middle grade readers, the story is so well-crafted that anyone who enjoys adventure stories will surely love it. Nic is a delight. Though headstrong, she is also thoughtful and introspective enough to know that, at twelve, she still has things to learn about life. All of Thomas’ characters are delightful, each with their own hopes and dreams. The world building is efficient, but gives the reader a clear sense of how the Remarkable and Unremarkable worlds work. This is a coming of age story about finding your Power. Thomas expertly weaves African American history and folklore into this first in a trilogy adventure. I am looking forward to what’s next for Nic!

This book is great for students who like adventure or fantasy stories. 

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children’s Books for an advance reader copy in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are my own.