Nic Blake and the Remarkables by Angie Thomas

Twelve-year-old Nic Blake is a Remarkable living in the Unremarkable world—meaning she and her dad have magic, but they have to blend in among people who don’t. Nic longs to wield the Gift like her father, but he insists she’s not ready.

Before she can convince him otherwise, everything falls apart. A terrifying revelation, a shocking accusation, and a desperate race to clear her father’s name launch Nic, her best friend JP, and new friend Alex into a magical quest. Their mission? Locate a powerful artifact Nic has never heard of, uncover the truth about her family, and face dangers no preteen should ever have to face alone.

Action-packed, funny, heartfelt, and deeply rooted in history, The Manifestor Prophecy is the start of a trilogy that shines with purpose and imagination.

What Worked

• A world that feels both familiar and brand-new – Fans of Percy Jackson or early Harry Potter will feel right at home with the chosen-one energy and magical world-building. Angie Thomas’s storytelling feels entirely fresh. She blends fantasy with African American history, folklore, and ancestral power in a way that is original, meaningful, and exciting.
• Unforgettable characters (JP stole my heart!) – Nic is brave, funny, determined, and so easy to root for. Alex is steady and brilliant. But JP… he’s the best friend every kid deserves. His humor, loyalty, and chaos make every scene better. He elevates the book to a whole new level of wonderfulness.
• History woven into fantasy – Thomas threads in themes of racism, the Underground Railroad, and civil rights in ways that are age-appropriate, powerful, and thought-provoking. Kids will learn without ever feeling lectured.
• Representation that matters – Seeing Black kids at the center of a sweeping fantasy adventure is long overdue. Nic, JP, and Alex are layered, lovable, and relatable characters middle graders will see themselves in and cheer for.

What Didn’t Work

Honestly? Very little. The only thing that makes me frustrated is how juvenile the cover is. I feel this misrepresents how awesome this book is.

Final Thoughts

Nic Blake and the Remarkables is one of the best middle grade fantasies of the last several years. Angie Thomas brings heart, humor, history, and magic together in a way that feels alive on every page.

My Rating: 5/5 stars. A must-read and I cannot wait for book two, The Book of Anansi.