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Relic Hamilton

Relic Hamilton, Genie Hunter

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"A witty, fast-paced adventure." Guardian

Relic Hamilton is just your average 12-year-old, living a quiet life with his grandfather above their old antiques shop in Chinatown in London.

Until one day, while polishing some mysterious brass lamps in the basement, something extraordinary happens. Relic feels spine-chillingly cold. Breathless. Scared. And suddenly, a real, live genie stands before him!

But this is no kind, benevolent genie. This genie is evil ... and it feeds on hope.

Relic finds himself catapulted to the centre of a fast-paced underground community of genie hunters, led by the excitable Professor Latimer and the tech-savvy Doctor Raphaela. Together, they travel in their one-of-a-kind jet, the Aladdin, secretly chasing rogue genies before they can wreak havoc on the world…

A thrilling new adventure series from the former Waterstones Children’s Laureate and winner of the Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing, perfect for fans of Skandar and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

"Part Indiana Jones, part Ghostbusters, part Pokémon, but all very much its own. Brilliant." Netgalley

"A brilliant tangle of high tech, magical and historical adventure that ranges through time and geography at a cracking pace. There’s a great cast of fantastic and fantastical characters - genies, genie hunters, pirates, school children and some wonderfully told history as Relic goes backwards and forwards in time." Books for Keeps

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 3, 2024

7 people are currently reading
2673 people want to read

About the author

Joseph Coelho

83 books83 followers
Joseph Coelho is a British poet and children's book author who was elected Children's Laureate in 2022.

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5 stars
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4 stars
22 (38%)
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19 (33%)
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
1,549 reviews24 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
January 9, 2026
What worked:
What an imaginative story! The prologue sets the stage, warning readers of the overlooked dangers of genies. Evil genies are imprisoned in lamps, and rules must be followed when they’re summoned. Wishes have consequences. The book relies on the familiarity of three genie wishes, but adds a twist to how they get power. Relic encounters a powerful genie named Ravenna in the second chapter, and his grandfather takes the brunt of its energy. This leads Relic to discover the Hermitic Sodality of Genie Hunters. Somehow, Relic connects with six smaller lamps containing sprites, and they make him this generation’s most powerful warrior. However, he doesn’t know how to uncover his full potential, and the genie sends him 350 years into the past!
It turns out the genie inadvertently released by Relic may be the worst one possible. Ravenna can manipulate wishes to accomplish his own goals. An unsuspecting wisher will be slowly drained of hope and willpower, and the genie will become even more formidable. A 7th grader named Taya is that person, but the genie hunters don’t know her identity. The author periodically includes chapters featuring Taya that show her slowly losing control as Ravenna’s strength grows. The genie can’t force her to make wishes, but his growing influence is difficult to fight. Their connection is an important complication to the plot’s conflict, as Relic doesn’t want to harm Taya.
The plot is fast-paced, as Relic is thrust into the world of genies. Accidentally releasing Ravenna is the first thing that happens, and his goal is to release all genies in the world and rule over humans. Relic’s first priority is to save his grandfather, but recapturing Ravenna is a close second. Action lovers will enjoy the fight scenes while Relic learns to master his new abilities. The six lamps orbiting his waist hold a different spirit, and each of them wields a unique power. Gamber is the guardian of the lamps, Lakshmi is blue, translucent, and brandishes swords in each of his four arms, and Bubbledon protects Relic from magical attacks. The author slips in moments of humor, including a talking, high-tech bicycle. The illustrations are sketch-like and create mystery and intrigue while depicting key moments in the plot.
What didn’t work as well:
Each chapter begins with the narrative in verse, but the reason for this is unclear. Most of them can be read as part of the narrative, so they’re only a minor distraction.
The final verdict:
The plot has elements that will be familiar to young readers, but Relic’s abilities come through his connection to six sprites. The story moves at a quick pace, and there is a wonderful blend of action, levity, and suspense. I recommend this book to middle-grade readers who enjoy characters discovering new superpowers.
3,117 reviews7 followers
November 26, 2024
Would you like to find a magic lamp, rub it, and have a genie pop out and grant you three wishes? Well, think again as not all genie’s are nice and kind, some suck the hope out of your body. Plus, what happens to other people and the world when you make your wish?

Twelve-year-old Relic Hamilton is just discovering that not only are genies real but they are not all lovely either when he opens a box hidden in his grandfather’s antiques shop that contains numerous lamps and a genie pops out of one. He is only saved from the bad genie by his grandfather who takes the brunt of the genie’s anger and is now in a coma.

It’s not the only thing Relic learns, though, as he is whisked away to the headquarters of a top-secret group called The Genie Hunters, which it turns out his grandfather was a member of.

Relic Hamilton, Genie Hunter is a fast-paced middle-grade action book that is very clever and imaginative. I can’t say I’ve ever given genie’s a second thought or what happens when someone makes a wish but armed with the knowledge from this book I’ll think I’ll pass if I ever come across one!!

The story is shrouded in mystery and has plenty of twists. It is such good fun and will keep children engaged the whole way through. Relic is an easily likeable character, and you can fully get behind him in his quest. The other characters, including wacky Professor Latimer and half-genie Doctor Raphaela, are amazing, too.

Overall, this is a book any middle-grade adventure reader would love. It is hard to put down once you begin and with more books to follow, this is one series not to be missed.
Profile Image for Tonja Drecker.
Author 3 books236 followers
January 19, 2026
Action fans are going to enjoy the dangerous scenes, and the evil genie adds a lovely twist.

Relic enjoys life and lives with his grandfather above their antique shop in London. He has some usual 12-year-old problems (like bullying) but nothing which causes huge waves. He also doesn't mind helping his grandfather out in the shop, which leads to him accidentally running across a genie bottle. Instead of three wishes, this genie drains people of their hopes and dreams. When Relic is attacked, his grandfather is seriously injured and both wake-up to find themselves in the hands of a band of architects with the secret mission to stop the evil genies.

This is a quick-paced read with quite a few unexpected twists, family goodness, and friendship, too. Relic has a lot to learn as he grows into his role as a genie hunter, especially when it comes to his new found powers. He has a hero's heart and is fun to root for the entire way through. But he's not the only highlight in this story as the sub-characters offer personality, unique twists, and more. The group is one of a kind, and their mission is fresh, too. Action is key, which keeps this tale rolling until the end. There are lovely illustrations dabbled in to give that extra touch. The text and story depth and writing fits nicely to the middle and lower end of the middle grade age group and makes a nice beginning to what is sure to be an exciting series.
Profile Image for Markita_Reads.
626 reviews25 followers
February 6, 2026
Title: Relic Hamilton, Genie Hunter
Author: Joseph Coelho
Genre: Children's Fantasy | Mystery
Format: Audiobook
Narrated by: Joseph Coelho
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐️✨️ (4.5)

Genies grant wishes! But everyone forgets they’re imprisoned in those lamps for a reason.

This was a fun and exciting read for elementary/middle school-aged children. I think the mystery behind the genies and the world-building will easily keep you entertained. This is also book 1 in the series. Can't wait to see how this series is going to play out. Also, main points to the illustrations inside the book! They're amazing and give the book depth.

The audiobook is narrated by the author, Joseph Coelho. He did a good job narrating his own book. He was easy to listen to and understand. I listened at 2.5x speed.

The Ending: Cliffhanger
Would I Recommend: Yes
Days Read: 2 Day

Thank you, NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Bookread2day.
2,573 reviews63 followers
January 27, 2025
I love reading all books by this wonderful author

Relic Hamilton lives with his grandfather above their antique shop in Soho London. Relic’s grandfather’s health is falling, and his grandfather is adamant he won’t sell their antique shop as it’s their home. Relic Hamilton’s mother’s used to own the shop, now Relic’s grandfather wants their antique shop to remain in the family for generations to come. one day Relic will run the antique shop. In the basement Relic unlocks a wooden box, he finds a lamp, that looks like a genie lamp, when he touches, the lamp, strange things start to happen to Relic. Genies grant wishes don’t they? This is the reason why genies are magically hiding inside. But are the genies good in Relic Hamilton’s world? Relic Hamilton Genie Hunter by Joseph Coelho, is the best fantasy novel for 9-12 year olds. Hope there are more Relic Hamilton books!

About
Profile Image for Zamora.
80 reviews
February 15, 2026
Some stories take a familiar shape and then tilt it just enough to make you blink twice. Relic Hamilton, Genie Hunter plays with the classic “three wishes” we all know—but Joseph Coelho asks the question most tales skip: what happens to the world, to other people, to the very fabric of magic when you make your wish?

It’s a clever twist, one that gives this middle‑grade adventure a spark of moral curiosity beneath all the action.

Relic is thrust headfirst into the world of genies, and the plot moves with the speed of a bottle uncorking—fast, bright, and a little chaotic in the best way. There’s even a dash of time travel, sending readers slipping into the past as Relic tries to understand the power he’s stumbled into.

One of the book’s most playful choices is the way each chapter opens in verse. The reason for this isn’t entirely clear, but it adds a rhythmic, creative flourish that feels like a wink to readers—an invitation to step sideways into magic before the action kicks off again.

Overall, Relic Hamilton, Genie Hunter is a fast‑paced middle‑grade action story with a familiar magical premise turned on its head, perfect for young readers who love adventure with a twist.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this listen.
Profile Image for Farah G.
2,088 reviews44 followers
September 9, 2024
This is a fun middle grade read, in which a 12 year old boy discovers unexpected adventures when he accidentally stumbles across a magical artifact.

Relic is an engaging MC, supported by an interesting cast of quirky characters in the form of the secret society of genie hunters he is comes into contact with after his own encounter with an evil genie.

I especially liked the multicultural aspect of this story, and I think it will have great appeal for readers of the target age group. It gets 3.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Bex.
316 reviews9 followers
October 13, 2024
This was a fun, adventurous, exciting read for children. I think they would enjoy the sense of mystery and excitement the genies create.

I enjoyed the diverse and engaging characters. Relic is a strong MC and the other characters complimented him with their quirks.

It was fast paced, engaging and easy to follow despite descriptions of genie worlds and time travel.

I look forward to finding out what the next steps are for Relic and the genie hunters in the sequel.

I think children in KS2 would find this an enjoyable action packed read.
Profile Image for Haleigh Gravgaard.
237 reviews4 followers
January 26, 2026
Relic Hamilton, Genie Hunter is a fun, fast-paced middle grade adventure with a cool genie-hunting twist. Relic’s discovery of an evil genie pulls him into a secret world of gadgets, underground organizations, and globe-trotting missions, and the whole concept feels like a mix of Ghostbusters and Indiana Jones for younger readers.

I really enjoyed the action, quirky characters, and imaginative worldbuilding, though some character development felt a bit rushed. Overall, this is an exciting start to a trilogy and a great pick for readers who love magical adventures and secret societies.
Profile Image for Adams Andi.
32 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 2, 2026
I read this with my 10 year old and he really loved Relic and can't wait to continue the series.
Relic is a 12 year old living with his grandfather in London. His family owns an antique shop and he's bullied for being poor. One day Relic accidentally unleashes a powerful genie while cleaning the storage room of the antique shop and is introduced to a band of genie hunters.
This book was perfect for a 10 year old and would also be great for lower middle school students.

Thank you to Netgalley and Candlewick Press for the ARC of this ebook
Profile Image for Critter.
1,076 reviews43 followers
February 13, 2026
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an audio ARC.

This was a fun start to a series. The narrator was really good. He is engaging and has a good variety of voices. It was a fun and fast paced adventure. I liked that this included themes around friendship and family. The characters are all pretty great to follow along with. They are well developed and the main character did some growing as he learned to be a genie hunter. I'm interested to see where this series goes in the future.
Profile Image for Emm Woodworth.
78 reviews
April 14, 2025
I didn't vibe with this at all. I thought the concept with the evil genies and a genie hunter group was great but it just didn't really go anywhere. I know the plan for this is for a sequel but the ending was just so abrupt, as was any action in the story. "oh no there's many dangerous genies on the loose...oh no its ok we got them..."
I also really wasn't into the weird poetry type bits at the beginning of each chapter.
Disappointed with this one
Profile Image for The Page Ladies Book Club.
1,864 reviews118 followers
February 14, 2026
Relic Hamilton, Genie Hunter took a sharp turn into eerie, edge-of-your-seat territory. This is not your wish-granting, sparkly genie story. The genies here are dark, dangerous, and absolutely chilling. Relic’s bond with his grandfather and the antique shop setting grounded the magic, while the stakes kept rising in a way that made this feel perfect for readers who like their adventures with a serious bite.
Profile Image for Mrs Walsh.
869 reviews6 followers
October 11, 2024
This had so many moments that I thoroughly enjoyed. I loved how we got introduced to the genie world. I loved how it became more apparent how important relic really is. I enjoyed going back in time and seeing the connections to how the future will unfold. I just found that when he returned it was just rushed and not what I expected. Still interested to see how the second one goes.
Profile Image for Debra.
568 reviews3 followers
October 12, 2025
Rather disappointed with this book. Given it’s by Joseph Coelho, it didn’t flow like his poetry does. I didn’t connect with the characters or the settings. It was very much told and not shown. Sorry.
Profile Image for Ms. Yingling.
4,098 reviews614 followers
January 26, 2026
E ARC Provided by Edelweiss Plus

Relic Hamilton enjoys hanging out with his grandfather in his London, England antique shop, Anansi's Antiques, and "mudlarking" in the Thames with him, picking up small treasures. When he is organizing some of the inventory, he finds a case of lamps, and causes an explosion that releases a shadowy figure after rubbing one of them. He ends up with Raphaela and the Professor on a jet. The two explain that they need to get his grandfather to the secure facility of the Hermetic Sodality of Genie Hunters to make sure he is well. Relic didn't know that his grandfather was part of this secret group, and is alarmed to discover that genies don't just grant wishes; they feed off the hope of people. That's why Relic was knocked out, and his grandfather is in a coma. We also meet Taya, who find the lamp while she is on a field trip from school. The two intersect and have to work with the Sodality to make sure the genies are not unleashing harm on the world.

This felt particularly British, which I enjoy but which has been increasing unpopular with my students, who now (rightly) feel that Harry Potter is an "old" book. Genies are an even harder sell, although I still love Kerr's The Ahkenaten Adventure and Whitesides' The Wishmakers. I know that Coelho is a very highly regarded children's author in the UK, so this is a fast paced fantasy novel that would be great for readers who enjoyed Crowl's Eden's Wish and Eden's Escape, Lough's Fire Wish, or Speakman and Galvin's Rebels of the Lamp.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews

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