Angie Thomas should have had no qualms about her debut middle grade. The voice is distinctly hers, but through Nichole and a wonderful cast of characters, Angie has entered into middle grade market with a bang. What a fantastic start to a new series. Kids will fall in love with the core trio of Nic, JP and Alex. JP especially is a hilarious, loveably earnest character that resonated strongly with my younger self.
Angie has been very inventive yet informative by weaving in African American history and folklore. Hopefully this can be a catalyst for readers young and old to learn more themselves. With that in mind, I'd recommend some author's historical notes on certain things in future editions/future books in the series.
Once the story really got going, with Ty's introduction, I was hooked in and found it to be a well-paced and balanced adventure. I look forward to reading the adventures to come and sharing with my nephew and niece.

Before I started this book I'd seen some of the twitter reviews by bloggers (I didn't read the full blog posts). Could it really be as good as they suggested? Also was I really going to be able to read 331 pages in two days, because it would disappear off NetGalley if I didn't!
BUT this book is everything that has already been said about it. I had no problem losing myself in Nic's story, reading 200+ pages today.
Nic Blake is a manifestor, a Remarkable person who has a golden Glow around her. However, they are exiles from Uhuru and she lives with her dad in the Unremarkable town of Jackson, Mississippi. She chose this town but she has no idea why. Her father works as a handyman.
There are other Remarkables in the town and they are able to be themselves at Ms Lena's Today she is 12, her dad buys her a hellhound puppy. She is homeschooled but the lesson on how to use the Gift is again sidestepped by Dad as he tells her she is too young. Instead she gets a lesson on the Wallinzi, African ancestors of the Manifestors who were taken as slaves to America.
But today is also the day she get to go with JP (her best friend and neighbour) to meet TJ Retro their favourite author,. He writes stories about three children who live in a magical world, and fight evil. Only something happens when she holds Ms Lena's hands and her Dad gets freaked out and says she can't go. After a fight Dad goes to get pizza, and Nic sneaks out. She and JP see the author as he arrives, he has an aura - he's a Manifestor too! Dad arrives at the bookshop, he's not happy! It's then that TJ Retro greets her father, turns out they were best friends as children and TJ Retro (or Tyran J Porter) is her Godfather. However, Dad doesn't seem all that happy to see him.
This chance meeting leads to a birthday present from Tyran which leads to a whole other life of which Nic knew nothing. It leads her and JP and another Manifestor boy into an adventure straight out of TJ Retro's books.
This is a stunning story of a magical world. It has magical creatures, spells and curses.
It also shows black characters in the title role of a magical adventure and brings in black history to build a story of a kinder world. Nic is strong, resourceful and determined: fighting injustice, proving herself to be a good daughter (finally listening to her father's words about the strength inside her), friend and ....
I will be getting this book for school!

OMG, yes! I need more of Nic Blake in my life, please!!!! I wish we could have had a bit more details re world building. We can clearly see some of the inspiration based on other types of magic books. Either way, I loved the reading experience and loved that the author is taking a different path. Don't take me wrong I loved all her books, but fantasy hits differently. Highly recommend this one!

The Hate U Give was one of the few books I have never finished (in fact i didn’t get very far with it at all). Angie Thomas’s books do go out well in my library, so when I saw this I thought I should give her another try.
Overall I enjoyed it, It is similar to a number of books that have been published recently but does manage to stand out by tackling issues of racism and Black history though out the story. I did like the style of writing too; I could see the first couple of pages being great to read aloud to get our students interested. The interactions between the three main characters worked really well, but sometimes the action was a bit too quickly dealt with before moving on to the next thing.

This novel is Angie Thomas’s first middle grade novel, and the first book in a new series. Nic Blake lives with her Dad. She is homeschooled and, due to their regular moves, they have a close bond. They are Remarkables, part of a magical community. Whilst some Remarkables live in magical cities, others, like Nic and her dad are living in plain sight. The story opens on Nic’s 12th birthday. A visit to a bookstore reveals secrets and a birthday gift starts a chain of events-soon Nic realises her life is not what she thought it was…
Clearly inspired by African American culture and also likely to appeal to younger Harry Potter fans, the series does fill a gap in the market. I enjoyed the story, but for me it did not live up to Thomas’s YA novels.

Wow! I’d heard good things about this book and it didn’t disappoint. An original and inventive tale that breathes new life into a real mash-up of MG genres. Having never read any of the authors previous young adult titles, I was surprised to hear that this was her first foray into MG fiction for the younger reader but Angie Thomas has certainly hit the ground running with a brilliantly relatable set of protagonists that many young readers will get a lot out of, in this book, and I hope in the sequels to follow! It is brilliant that she has been able to offer so many young people mirrors to view themselves in this book, the themes that are carefully woven through the storyline are superbly and carefully crafted to offer insight and representation and hopefully open the eyes of some readers to the injustices of the past and the present. In Nic Blake, Alex and JP, she has curated a tremendous trio who are all very different and unique but are also very similar in so many ways. I absolutely loved the misfit cast of exiled Remarkables living in the unremarkable world with a special shout out to Ms Lena! Readers will go wild for the Giftech goodies and the magical capital of Uhuru that has been realised with intricate detail and is most definitely a city that needs exploring in more detail (fingers crossed!) in future stories. An absolute marvel of a magical melee with a fantastical cast of characters set across two parallel lands. Stunning and quite brilliant.

This was a fun, mythical adventure. I really enjoyed. Huge thanks to the publisher for letting me read this ARC. I really think it belongs on the big screen.

Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy is Angie Thomas' (The Hate U Give, On The Come Up) middle-grade debut. It's the first book in a new contemporary fantasy series that draws inspiration from African American history and folklore.

The Manifestor Prophecy follows Nic Blake, the story's main character and narrator, a Remarkable in an Unremarkable world. Nic's greatest wish is to be a powerful Manifestor, like her father. However, before she gets the chance to convince her dad to teach her about the Gift, a series of terrifying events and shocking revelations launch Nic and her friends on a quest to find a powerful magical item.

The Manifestor Prophecy is a remarkable (pun intended), superbly written book with a wonderfully nuanced, diverse, and developed cast of characters. The book celebrates African American culture, history, and heritage while exploring complex themes and interpersonal relationships in an approachable manner. The book's brisk pace never hinders the exploration of complex themes (injustice, racism, representation, interpersonal relationships) Thomas chose to cover or character development.

"Accurate representation matters when it comes to real folks."

The astonishing cast of characters portrayed in The Manifestor Prophecy is one of the book's highlights that show Thomas' writing skills. Each character is nuanced and multi-dimensional. Even the characters who are (supposed to be) antagonists are well-developed, and their (back)story is layered enough to make the reader think about them and the choices that led them to that path. Character development will encourage questions from middle-grade readers and will be a topic of discussion.

Representation is another important aspect; Nic, Alex, and JP are wonderful, charming, and relatable characters, and it's such a joy to see POC characters that middle-graders (and other readers) can see themselves in and relate to. I am sure these characters, but especially Nic, will become fan favourites.

Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy is a magnificent read. It's one of those important, but approachable books I could endlessly reread, analyze and write essays about. In addition, it is an enjoyable read for readers of all ages. I wholeheartedly recommend reading it and getting a copy for any person in your life.

Exposition-heavy but a great magical adventure with cultural/historical references a-plenty.

Thomas's YA books have been lauded and already become modern classics. As a series starter for younger readers, she's taken the core theme of these and entwined it into a younger genre - the fantasy story, for a Harry Potter reader who may (or may not) want a dose of Black History and related contemporary issues.

As a white, UK-based reader, I liked both the fantasy plot and the weaving into it of important topics. And the story-within-a-story also worked very well and could be useful to the characters in forthcoming books.

Nichole lives in the Unremarkable world, the Muggle world for Potter fans. 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. But even on her 12th birthday, her single dad is refusing. Well, at least she got given a Hellhound!

Sneaking out on her birthday to meet her and best (Unremarkable) friend JP's author hero at a book signing, Nic is about to learn some shocking news about her family, her heritage and about herself.

What follows is a road-movie done magic-style, with shades of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, with magical creatures and cultural references that readers may or may not know (George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery) as well as talk of underground railroads and slavery, interlaced into important Black locations and history (New Orleans, Uhuru).

There is a little too much exposition at times, though this of course is necessary to understand this Remarkable world. But Nic, her best friend JP and later addition Alex are a threesome with strengths, foibles, great interaction and both history and a future together as the plot moves towards the first of many denouements that spell 'coming soon' for future chapters.

A new world is created. And I'm betting it'll make it to the screen too. While firmly of its genre, it's also a stand-out in terms of its cast and setting. Those outside of America may find references go over their head but don't lose anything of the plot if so.

Great adventure, exciting and fills a gap in the market.

For ages 8-13.

With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.

Solid world building, great pacing, and some clever writing integrating some Black American History into this Middle Grade Fantasy plot. Some things were predictable but I liked that while there was a prophecy and a chosen one, there were not quite what you expect them to be. I also loved that there was quite a lot of humour sprinkled throughout the story.

I didn't quite connect with the characters enough to truly love it (with the exception of JP) but there was a really touching reunion scene toward the end and overall a really fun read.

This was such a wholesome, fun adventure! It was gripping, engaging and action on every page. I flew through this. Even though I’m obviously not the target audience, I still got a lot from this, and it made me feel like a kid again. I can’t wait to continue the series.

With Angie Thomas being one of my favourite authors after reading 'The Hate You Give' I was highly anticipating her jump into middle grade. I loved escaping into this magical world filled with family, friendships, prophecies and my favourite, mythical creatures. The way this magic is weaved into real historical events that black people have faced in the US is such a gentle way to share the atrocities that have happened.

You may think that this could be a simple chosen one story but get ready to sit back and enjoy the twists and turn this book takes you. I look forward to seeing what next adventures Nic, JP and Alex take.

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I instantly fell in love with Nic Blake and the world of the Remarkables from page 1. I hope this series continues for a long, long time! Angie Thomas' writing is pure artistry and so many children are going to be thrilled to recognise themselves in the lovingly crafted characters of Nic, JP & Alex. I cannot wait to read more!

I read this book as I saw the film ‘the hate u give’ which I thought was excellent. I was not expecting a YA fantasy that had parallels with the first Harry Potter book. A young person comes to the realisation that she is especially gifted and embarks on an epic journey fighting battles to save her community. I love the narrative and the dry sense of humour and the profile it gives to black life in USA. Firstly it promotes black culture as distinctive and vital. Secondly it pays reference to the injustices that black people have had to face down the years, slavery, lynchings, segregation, the death of people like Emmett Till. It was an excellent read. Here’s looking for the sequel.

Angie Thomas has smashed it out of the park with her middle grade debut! This book has it all: friendship, family, adventure, villains, magic, characters you love and really get behind, mythical pets and creatures… the list could go on! Aside from being a fantastic read and epic adventure in a new world, this book provides such an education that is so valuable and needed about the lives of Black people in such a seamless way. This is definitely a book that will raise questions and provoke thinking amongst readers of all ages. There will be young readers who read this book and it will be the first time they see themselves represented in fantasy books and that is going to mean so much. I LOVED this book and will be eagerly anticipating the next instalment as there is definitely more to come for Nic, Alex, JP and family!

Nichole turns 11 and discovers her whole life has been based on a lie. Her mother didn’t leave her and her father kidnapped her. Her favourite author is her godfather and all his stories of magic are based on truth.
With the help of her newfound twin brother, Alex, and best friend JP they need to find something her parents are accused of stealing to clear their names and to give her a chance at the family life she’s always wished for.
With fantasy characters aplenty, Nic and her friends face a magical adventure.
Angie Thomas couldn’t have written a more different book to her previous ones. Still championing black history and rights, but as part of the story rather than the underlying cause.
Definitely aimed at younger readers (10-13) this will also widen her appeal.
There is likely to be a follow-up to this. It stands alone but feels like the start of Nic, Alex and JP’s adventures together (and Uncle Ty’s series is at least 3 books long so the seed has been planted and precedent set!).

This book gripped me from start to finish.

It was really well written and I found myself having a soft spot for Nic Blake quite early on.

Angie Thomas successfully manages to tap in to the middle grade market and I absolutely think my students would enjoy seeing this in their Library.

It is current, fun and tells a marvellous tale. Look forward to reading more.

I really enjoyed a The Hate U Give by this author previously so was delighted to see this book and an opportunity for my youngest daughter to enjoy Angie Thomas writing and enjoy she did! She loved this Thomas has written a brilliant protagonist in Nic Blake., she is relatable and lovely and my daughter cannot wait to read more.
All of the characters are well developed making it easy to know who is who and this was a well paced vivid read, a page turner in the best sense of the world. Nic learns lessons on her journey and this is a strong first book of a proposed trilogy ( I think?:) My daughter thinks there is huge scope in where these books could go and she cannot wait to read more about the Remarkables.
A huge five stars from her, she will reread this when waiting for the second installment.

This book was perfection. A middle grade début novel from an absolutely fantastic author, I couldn’t believe it was her first of this genre as it was done so effortlessly well.

Even though I’m not perhaps the normal demographic for this book (an adult who outgrew her middle grade years what feels like a long while ago), I have such a soft spot for these kinds of books and the worlds they create. They welcome you in and offer you a safe place to go when you want to disappear from the world for a bit, and this is exactly what this book did.

Meeting Nic Blake was a delight and I loved her character from the get go, along with every other character in this book! Alex, Nic & JP were such a lovable trio and I loved following them on their adventures. Despite reading this book for the first time, it still gave me strong nostalgia vibes of being back in an adventure book, as with all those of my childhood.

The world the author created was stunning and I loved her bookverse. I can’t wait to get stuck into more and read them with the absolute relish that I read this one. It was so easy and enjoyable to read and I loved every page. There’s nothing (absolutely nothing) that I could critique about this book as it was just a delight from start to finish.

Absolutely fantastic. I adored everything about this. I don't often read middle grade, but this exceeded my expectations. Great characters, lovely world building. This series is definitely one I would recommend to everyone who is looking for a little escape.