The Manifestor Prophecy (Nic Blake and the Remarkables #1)

Readers will eagerly await the unearthing of more secrets in the next installment. 

In Jackson, Miss., homeschooled Nichole Blake is hoping that her single father will finally train her in her Gift as a Manifestor--the most powerful tier of the supernaturally gifted Remarkables, whose innate abilities originate with Africa's Wallinzi tribe. After another Remarkable summons a vision for Nic's 12th birthday--one that turns quickly terrifying--Nic's deeply wary dad forbids her from attending a high-profile book signing. But when Nic goes against his wishes, she discovers something extraordinary: world-famous children's book author TJ Retro is not only also a Manifestor, he's her godfather, and the books she's obsessed with are based in truth. As Nic's developing Gift begins to wreak havoc, and the family secrets her father has kept catch up with them, Nic encounters a prophecy that promises the destruction of the Remarkable world unless a Chosen One can intervene. Thomas (Concrete Rose) brings her trademark voice to an action-packed series kickoff rooted in a mixture of African diasporic myth, biblical references, and U.S. history. Imbuing characters both brave and sweetly vulnerable with unflappable senses of humor amid harrowing circumstances, Thomas creates an elaborate supernatural mythology that boldly confronts fantasy tropes and questions of forgiveness. B&w art by Fiadzigbey (Bunheads) appears throughout. Protagonists are Black. Ages 8-12. Agent: Molly Ker Hawn, Bent Agency. (Apr.)

Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

While leading up to a melodramatic climax, the author folds in both an ominous prophecy and at least two surprise villains to juice up interest in sequels.

Thomas skillfully incorporates folktales from the African Diaspora and infuses her story with the energy and emotional nuance of a pre-teen in this tale of intrigue, loyalty, identity, and courage--the first book in a projected trilogy.

"Magnificent, hilarious and captivating. It can be challenging to satiate the appetites of readers who devour beloved middle grade fantasy series. Those readers will inhale Nic Blake and the Remarkables—and then begin counting down the days to its sequel." — BookPage (starred review)

"All the brilliance you'd expect from Angie Thomas: a page-turning plot, pitch-perfect characters, heart and substance, and real stakes that real kids will care about—plus magic! This is one of those rare books that will instantly become the best friend you didn't know you needed. Nic Blake and the Remarkables is nothing short of a triumph. When's the next installment, please?" — Rick Riordan, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series

"Packed with humor and bursting with heart and imagination, Nic's story will enchant readers of all ages!" — B.B. Alston, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Amari and the Night Brothers

"Thomas creates a new Afro-future world that feels steeped in history and lived in by generations of real flesh-and-blood families. The gravity of Thomas's world never weighs down the story, which zips along with wit, humor, and sparkling dialogue. The Manifestor Prophecy is a tantalizing first installment in what is sure to be a blockbuster series, and a remarkable achievement for a master author in a thrilling new arena." — Soman Chainani, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The School for Good and Evil series

"Exploding with heart, humor, and all things Black Girl Magic, Nic Blake and the Remarkables is a triumph of friendship and Black Southern folklore and history." — Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times bestselling author of The Marvellers

"This book is no-holds-barred, fly by the seat of your pants (and other methods) trip to the corner of Thrill Street and Wonder Avenue. Nic Blake is amazing!" — Kwame Mbalia, author of the Tristan Strong series