Nic Blake

Angie Thomas joins the middle grade fantasy genre with a bang in this fast-paced, funny adventure. Nic Blake has grown up knowing she’s a Remarkable, someone with inherit magic-like abilities. But her dad has yet to teach her how to use them. On her 12th birthday, things start to get complicated when Nic discovers what she’s always been told may not be accurate. As Nic searches for answers, she meets many memorable characters and creatures, woven together with folktales and history. 

The characters are what drew me in to this book. Nic is written like a 12 year old, in the best way. She is funny and strong-willed. Her annoyance, but overall love for her dad was so palpable from the easy teasing banter they had. JP, Nic’s best friend,  was so lovable and unapologetically himself, a nerdy pastors kid and fierce friend. 

Thomas was also able to discuss a lot of important social topics throughout the book without it feeling too heavy for a middle grade. The way that history affected the Remarkable world and vice versa was very powerful, yet subtle. I think as the series continues, the author will add even more layers to that by continuing to open up the minds of readers, and challenge their ideals while empowering them too. 

It would be a spoiler to talk about something else I really appreciated since it happened at the end. But I will say, I like how a trope was explored and expanded in the last part of this book. It makes me so so excited for the series to continue. 

If you loved Percy Jackson, Amari and the Night Brothers, or Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun, please run to your favorite book website and preorder this! I am eagerly waiting for the sequel. Nic Blake will stick with me for a long, long time. 

(Thank you to the publisher for a ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.’)