Internationally bestselling author Angie Thomas, known for her contemporary young adult novels, has created something entirely different with her debut middle grade fantasy. It is set in a world where there are Remarkables (those with magical power) and Unremarkables (ordinary humans). The story begins with Nic and her dad, African Americans who live amongst humans but are actually Remarkables. Nic and her father move frequently to remain hidden from the authorities, although she’s not exactly sure why. Nic soon discovers she has a twin brother she knew nothing about, and a mother who misses her very much. When her mother suddenly appears, both her mother and father are arrested by the Remarkable authorities, and her father is blamed for stealing a magical weapon.

Nic and her newly discovered twin brother are left alone. Along with Nic’s next-door neighbour, JP – an Unremarkable who can see magical beings – they must find the weapon that was stolen in order to clear Nic’s father’s name. And perhaps this will help the twins figure out why their family split up in the first place.

Action packed, with brilliant characters and drawing on African American folklore, this is an engrossing read for fantasy lovers aged 10+.