The highly anticipated sequel to the instant #1 New York Times bestseller Nic Blake and the The Manifestor Prophecy—a boldly original and suspenseful fantasy adventure by one of the most popular and imaginative voices of this generation, Angie Thomas.
All of Nic’s dreams have come true. After years of living in hiding as a Remarkable in the Unremarkable world, she now has everything she’d ever certified hero status, a big family and a real home in the hidden city of Uhuru, and a chance to develop her Gift at a school for young Manifestors like her.
So life is perfect, right?
Not quite. Her-favorite-author-turned-vengeful-outcast wants to destroy her. Then there’s the terrifying secret prophecy that still threatens Nic’s future, and the dangerous new power she seems to have—one she cannot control. And that’s all before she encounters a cult of mysterious Manifestors who threaten to reveal the truth about her power and prophecy unless Nic delivers to them a legendary artifact, the Book of Anansi. There’s just one small No one knows if it still exists, or where it could be hidden.
Nic now has only her twin brother, Alex, and her best friend, JP, to rely on as she makes a desperate attempt to uncover one of the Remarkable world’s oldest mysteries—and hold on to the home and family she has been searching for her entire life.
Angie Thomas was born, raised, and still resides in Jackson, Mississippi as indicated by her accent. She is a former teen rapper whose greatest accomplishment was an article about her in Right-On Magazine with a picture included. She holds a BFA in Creative Writing from Belhaven University and an unofficial degree in Hip Hop. She can also still rap if needed. She is an inaugural winner of the Walter Dean Meyers Grant 2015, awarded by We Need Diverse Books. Her debut novel, The Hate U Give, was acquired by Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins in a 13-house auction and will be published in spring 2017. Film rights have been optioned by Fox 2000 with George Tillman attached to direct and Hunger Games actress Amandla Stenberg set to star.
Thank you, NetGalley (and Angie Thomas), for an advanced copy of the wonderful Nic Blake and the Remarkables: Book of Anansi. Angie Thomas continues Nic Blake’s story in this exciting sequel to The Manifestor Prophecy. Nic is now training at school (very cool setting location with school subjects/equipment most would love to experience). Thomas expands her fantasy universe, with much of the story taking place full of new places and discoveries. And maybe a giant, vampire, or fairy in the mix too. Nic Blake is trying to lead a normal life—starting school, making friends, and trying not to hurt others with her powers 😮 — but she and her friends (my favorite is still JP) are quickly swept into new adventures, full of new locations and dangers. As Nic learns more about herself, she also uncovers secrets about her gift that may change her understanding of who she is and where she came from. Nic must face challenges that test her courage, loyalty, and determination.
This book is full of action, humor, and heart. Thomas weaves in African folklore while telling a story about friendship, bravery, and believing in yourself. Fans of the first book, and readers who enjoy fast-paced adventures, will be eager to follow Nic on this magical, middle school journey.
A worthy second instalment to the series. I personally felt it was too long but I suspect the target audience would find it just right and I’m just being middle aged.
This sequel to Nic Blake and the Remarkables continues to charm with its blend of mythology and middle-grade adventure. Thomas does an excellent job weaving West African folklore into a contemporary setting, creating a world that feels both magical and grounded.
The plot moves at a delightfully brisk pace, following Nic as she navigates both supernatural dangers and the very real challenges of being a young person caught between worlds. What makes this book particularly engaging is how Thomas captures the unique intensity of childhood where every conflict feels dramatic and every friendship carries the weight of the world. The stakes feel appropriately high for Nic's age group without being overwhelming.
Character development shines throughout, especially in Nic's growing confidence and her relationships with her friends and family. Thomas has a gift for writing authentic young perspectives, though some of the dialogue occasionally feels a bit childish and stilted.
The pacing keeps you turning pages while it balances serious themes with moments of genuine warmth and humor. There's something endearing about watching these young characters tackle problems that are both fantastical and deeply relatable.
Overall, while the dialogue has its rough patches, this is a strong continuation that successfully captures the drama, stress and wonder of childhood while delivering an engaging mythological adventure. Thomas continues to prove her skill at writing stories that respect young readers' intelligence and emotional complexity.
The second book is better than the first. Funny one-liners, a deeper dive into Nics new normal in Uhuru, Nic and Alex's school is like an HBCU Hogwarts, and lots of magical action all wrapped up with a FANTASTICALLY awful cliffhanger 😵💫when is book 3 coming?
this book is so good. I love how she weaves history into the story line excitement and fantasy. you will be not be able to put it down. when is next one coming out???
Angie Thomas is kinda the best. I’ve gone to a couple of her book signings, seen her live twice, and read both of the Nic Blake books. And she’s delightful and interesting! So if you ever can, try to meet her or listen to her!
I first read The Manifestor Prophecy (the first Nic Blake book) in 2021 or 2022 (whenever it first came out) and I loved it! It was a really well written Middle Grade fantasy with aspects of mythology mixed in. When I started this book, I didn’t remember much from the first book but it was easy to pick this one up and get caught up pretty quickly!
The characters are great and not at all two dimensional like some Middle Grade characters can be AND I love Angie Thomas’ writing. Something about her narration is just super satisfying and delightful to read. The book was a little young for me but still a good read!
The second book in the series I ended up getting an ARC for and waiting a little too long to get to it but it's a good follow up (as Thomas notes that any second book is notoriously hard). This one definitely has the qualities of a second book in a series because it's a *little* long and a *few* too many things actually happen to give it solid action, however it gives us a closer look into Nic and her friends as they get a hold of the Book of Anansi. Nic's world is a little different-- she's part of a prophesy that puts her in an awkward position because people want her dead.
Entertaining, it reminds me of Bayron's middle grade series with a great cast of characters and a solid fantasy world.
This series is right up there Percy Jackson, Amari and the Night Brothers and the Cane Chronicles. Angie Thomas is amazing. Her storytelling keeps you hooked until the last moment. Nic Blake is well written and the weave of African culture and folk tale a phenomenal. I can’t wait for the next book. Ummm but can we talk about JP and his mom. Talk about a cliff hanger. And who Mr. Lincoln really is???? Didn’t see that coming. What about Doc Blake there is a change of character. Grandma President humph serious side eye.
Definitely a worthy second book in the series. I love that it is a complete story in itself, but the ending leaves enough suspense to remain interested in the next book. This one includes a lot of African lore, which is really enjoyable. Those who enjoy this one will enjoy the Tristan Strong series, and vice versa.
Bright, witty, and steeped in Anansi lore. Nic juggles the Gift, Manifestor classes in Uhuru, and a prophecy that endangers her family. The favourite author twist is delicious, and the last chapters land with real heart.
Similar to the first, there was a lot going on and some world building holes. I liked Anansi and some of the school stuff and visiting other creatures and their cities. I wasn't a fan of the poor theology of the Christian characters...NAR influenced.
This was a really good second installment in the series. I think that Nic had a lot of character development in this one and we as readers got to know a lot more information about the world and all the different kinds of beings there are.
This is a wonderful follow-up to 2023's The Manifestor Prophecy. Nic is now in a new place, attending a new school, complete with five different kinships that the students are sorted into (think the houses in Harry Potter). And while her brother Alex and best friend JP have returned for more adventures, there are still plenty of new characters to get to know, as well as a few new villains. Plus, readers get a look into the wider world of the Remarkables, which includes fairies, mermaids, werewolves, shapeshifters, even giants who are known for their ability in a sport closely resembling basketball. The story is complicated, but not overly so, and deals with identity, as well as what it means to protect those you love.