e-Audio, 09:36:19
Narrated by: Joniece Abbott-Pratt
Release Date: April 4, 2023
Published by: Balzer + Bray
Read from: April 3-6, 2023
Nic Blake and the Remarkables, #1
Source: Library’s Libby
TW: Racism, Violence, Fire, Mention of Slavery
For Readers Interested In: Middle Grade, Quests, Fantasy, African American mythsInternationally bestselling superstar author Angie Thomas makes her middle grade debut with the launch of an inventive, hilarious, and suspenseful new contemporary fantasy trilogy inspired by African American history and folklore.
It’s not easy being a Remarkable in the Unremarkable world. Some things are cool—like getting a pet hellhound for your twelfth birthday. Others, not so much—like not being trusted to learn magic because you might use it to take revenge on an annoying neighbor.
All Nic Blake wants is to be a powerful Manifestor like her dad. But before she has a chance to convince him to teach her the gift, a series of shocking revelations and terrifying events launch Nic and two friends on a hunt for a powerful magic tool she’s never heard of…to save her father from imprisonment for a crime she refuses to believe he committed.
*MY THOUGHTS*
I already knew going into this that this was going to be a favorite of mine. I have been a fan of Angie Thomas since the beginning. I remember getting an ARC of her first YA, so imagine my surprise when I saw she was coming out with a MG. But seeing her passion and how bad she’s wanted to give the culture a book filled with magic, I should have known it was only a matter of time.
Ok so the best part of this was the characters. Angie definitely knows how to write some characters. I really enjoyed being in Nic’s head. I did wish she wasn’t so quick to do things without thinking them through, but she was also a tween, and they’re all like that. Then there was her bestie who balanced her out. He seemed to be so naiive lol But he ended up being super smart and a hidden gem to the story. And the other person that comes in is likeeeee, man I don’t even know. He seemed too old for his character, but I guess based on the circumstances, it made sense. Together they made a really good team. They all had something that they needed on this quest, so it was interesting to see how they interacted together.
The other thing about this that I liked was the fact that it was Blackity Black Black. From the myths to the gods they interacted with, to just everything. It just had some of everything. And I ate it up. And let me just say, the way the Underground Railroad is shown really took my breath away. Still being used for good. It really made me happy to see. And the gods and mythical creatures that showed up really impressed me too. I learned a lot with this book and those creatures. (I.E. Please don’t call them fairies lol)
I DID wish the magic system was more explained tho. But I’m not sure where I think it should have gone? I don’t know how to explain it? I just think it needed more explanation. I had some questions, so if I did I know there had to be some with the actual age group. But then again, they might have just been reading it without looking too into it like me lol I don’t want to ask specific questions without going too into detail, but I did have questions. It wasn’t enough for me to be confused about, but I just wanted some clarification.
This was a super cute MG book that was full of twists and turns and was Blackity Black Black. I thought it was written really well, with some funny but smart characters. Including the actual villain! And the other one. Yes, there’s layers to this lol I really hope y’all read it! Then let me know what you think!
Overall, I give this
