The Manifestor Prophecy

Starred review from March 6, 2023
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.