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Relic Hamilton
Relic Hamilton, Genie Hunter
"A trilogy opener that will grant readers’ wishes for an accessible, enchanting, action-packed fantasy." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Genies grant wishes! But everyone forgets they’re imprisoned in those lamps for a reason . . . A gripping new adventure series from a Carnegie Medalist and former UK Children’s Laureate.
Relic Hamilton is just your average twelve-year-old, living a quiet life with his grandfather above their old antique shop in Chinatown in London. Until, that is, the day he’s polishing some mysterious brass lamps in the basement and something extraordinary happens. He feels spine-chillingly cold. Breathless. Scared. And there it is—a real live genie standing before him. But this is no kind, benevolent genie. This one is evil . . . and it feeds on hope.
Ghostbusters meets Raiders of the Lost Ark meets Pokémon (with a genie twist) as award-winning author Joseph Coelho follows Relic to the heart of a fast-paced underground community of dedicated genie hunters. Led by the excitable Professor Latimer and the über-cool Doctor Raphaela, they will travel together in their one-of-a-kind jet, the Aladdin, on a secret mission to chase down rogue genies before they wreak havoc on the world. Vividly and imaginatively written, with a humorous cast of cool characters, this first in a trilogy is brought to life in twenty black-and-white illustrations by Korean artist Hyun Song We.
Genies grant wishes! But everyone forgets they’re imprisoned in those lamps for a reason . . . A gripping new adventure series from a Carnegie Medalist and former UK Children’s Laureate.
Relic Hamilton is just your average twelve-year-old, living a quiet life with his grandfather above their old antique shop in Chinatown in London. Until, that is, the day he’s polishing some mysterious brass lamps in the basement and something extraordinary happens. He feels spine-chillingly cold. Breathless. Scared. And there it is—a real live genie standing before him. But this is no kind, benevolent genie. This one is evil . . . and it feeds on hope.
Ghostbusters meets Raiders of the Lost Ark meets Pokémon (with a genie twist) as award-winning author Joseph Coelho follows Relic to the heart of a fast-paced underground community of dedicated genie hunters. Led by the excitable Professor Latimer and the über-cool Doctor Raphaela, they will travel together in their one-of-a-kind jet, the Aladdin, on a secret mission to chase down rogue genies before they wreak havoc on the world. Vividly and imaginatively written, with a humorous cast of cool characters, this first in a trilogy is brought to life in twenty black-and-white illustrations by Korean artist Hyun Song We.
288 pages, Paperback
Published February 3, 2026
6 people are currently reading
2655 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Coelho
85 books83 followersJoseph Coelho is a British poet and children's book author who was elected Children's Laureate in 2022.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
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.
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.
February 18, 2026
The prologue to Relic Hamilton suggests that there is more to a genie than just granting wishes. Wishes create chaos and can carry consequences. And there's an unsettling question lingering beneath it all. What does a genie gain from granting them?
One year before the events of the prologue, Relic and his grandfather are scouring the banks of the Thames for treasure. Relic uncovers a brass coin etched with the initials RH. Later, back at the family's antique shop, he begins organizing a box of oil lamps. When he rubs one of them, the air turns icy and a towering, shadowed figure materializes pressing Relic to make a wish, almost forcing him to say the words. Only his grandfather's sudden intervention stops the genie from gathering a hold on Relic.
The story then shifts to Taya, who is on a school trip with her Spanish language class. She spots the lamp near Relic's antique shop and slips it into her backpack, telling herself it isn't really stealing. Not long after Relic's accident, he wakes aboard Dr. Raphaela Gillan and Professor Latimer's jet. They reveal that his grandfather belonged to a secret organization of archaeologists known as the Hermetic Sodality of Genie Hunters. He also discovers that genie's "feast on a person's hope energy" by granting their wishes, draining them until they fall into despair.
Relic and Taya's paths cross when Relic tracks down the genie unleashed by Taya's first wish. She only wanted to escape her bully's taunts, but the genie's constant pressure for her to make a wish pushes her into a dangerous situation, one where she's slowly losing herself.
Relic Hamilton Genie Hunter is a fantasy pitched as Ghostbusters meets Raider of the Lost Ark meets Pokémon (with a genie twist). Relic is a typical twelve-year-old boy who loves helping his grandfather run their musty, treasure-filled antique shop. But everything changes when he is thrust into a hidden world of genies, including one particularly evil one who is desperate to escape the confines of his lamp.
The plot moves along quickly, balancing levity with high-energy action and alternating between Taya and Relic's points of view. Relic is determined to save his grandfather while working with his new team to uncover who is controlling the lamp. Along the way, he discovers he has new powers tied to the other lamps he found in the case. In total six smaller lamps housing a sprite, creatures capable of granting him unique abilities. As the Wielder of the Lamp, Relic has already unleashed three of these guardians of the lamps, but he still has much to learn, leaving plenty of room for growth across the planned series as each new sprite emerges. The illustrations by Hyun Song We add depth and charm to the world, with the antique shop sketch standing out as my favorite.
One year before the events of the prologue, Relic and his grandfather are scouring the banks of the Thames for treasure. Relic uncovers a brass coin etched with the initials RH. Later, back at the family's antique shop, he begins organizing a box of oil lamps. When he rubs one of them, the air turns icy and a towering, shadowed figure materializes pressing Relic to make a wish, almost forcing him to say the words. Only his grandfather's sudden intervention stops the genie from gathering a hold on Relic.
The story then shifts to Taya, who is on a school trip with her Spanish language class. She spots the lamp near Relic's antique shop and slips it into her backpack, telling herself it isn't really stealing. Not long after Relic's accident, he wakes aboard Dr. Raphaela Gillan and Professor Latimer's jet. They reveal that his grandfather belonged to a secret organization of archaeologists known as the Hermetic Sodality of Genie Hunters. He also discovers that genie's "feast on a person's hope energy" by granting their wishes, draining them until they fall into despair.
Relic and Taya's paths cross when Relic tracks down the genie unleashed by Taya's first wish. She only wanted to escape her bully's taunts, but the genie's constant pressure for her to make a wish pushes her into a dangerous situation, one where she's slowly losing herself.
Relic Hamilton Genie Hunter is a fantasy pitched as Ghostbusters meets Raider of the Lost Ark meets Pokémon (with a genie twist). Relic is a typical twelve-year-old boy who loves helping his grandfather run their musty, treasure-filled antique shop. But everything changes when he is thrust into a hidden world of genies, including one particularly evil one who is desperate to escape the confines of his lamp.
The plot moves along quickly, balancing levity with high-energy action and alternating between Taya and Relic's points of view. Relic is determined to save his grandfather while working with his new team to uncover who is controlling the lamp. Along the way, he discovers he has new powers tied to the other lamps he found in the case. In total six smaller lamps housing a sprite, creatures capable of granting him unique abilities. As the Wielder of the Lamp, Relic has already unleashed three of these guardians of the lamps, but he still has much to learn, leaving plenty of room for growth across the planned series as each new sprite emerges. The illustrations by Hyun Song We add depth and charm to the world, with the antique shop sketch standing out as my favorite.
February 16, 2026
If you wished for a compelling middle-grade sci-fi adventure story, then Relic Hamilton Genie Hunter has that in spades. Author Joseph Coelho has crafted the tale of a young boy tasked with bringing the baddest of these beings to justice. With the help of a team of experts and some supernatural lamp dwellers, turn these pages to find out if Relic and his pals can put this genie back in his bottle.
Relic Hamilton is a twelve-year-old that lives with his grandfather in London above the old antique shop they own. When Relic begins polishing some lamps in the basement, he unknowingly releases a very powerful genie that feeds on hope. Relic’s grandfather is able to protect him, but sadly winds up in a magic bound coma for his efforts. Thankfully, a duo of archaeologists (Professor Latimer and his compatriot Raphaela) charged with protecting the world from genies and their magic step in to help Relic and his grandfather and also aid in bringing this rogue bad guy to justice. Complicating matters though is a teenage girl, Taya, who is now in possession of that genie’s lamp and under his spell to keep making wishes.
Coehlho weaves a fascinating adventure through time and space. The best part of the book, to me, was Relic’s life on the pirate ship. I don’t want to give too much away; however, I will say that the relationship between Captain Claw and Relic becomes very special. The book is also beautifully illustrated by Hyun Song We. Interestingly, at the beginning of the tale there are drawings of Professor Latimer, Raphaela, Rania (the professor’s young doctor daughter) and Relic, but not Taya. It would have been nice to have been able get a visual on her as well.
I am excited that there are future Relic Hamilton adventures to come! I’m sure that the world is full of genie magic in need of taming - world wide - so, be ware that The Hermetic Sodality of Genie Hunters and their one-of-a-kind jet, the Aladdin, remains on call. Plus, I think Relic and Taya could make a good team - if they can put their genie issues behind them. The world needs more hope energy and I think Relic Hamilton is just the kid to inspire it.
Relic Hamilton is a twelve-year-old that lives with his grandfather in London above the old antique shop they own. When Relic begins polishing some lamps in the basement, he unknowingly releases a very powerful genie that feeds on hope. Relic’s grandfather is able to protect him, but sadly winds up in a magic bound coma for his efforts. Thankfully, a duo of archaeologists (Professor Latimer and his compatriot Raphaela) charged with protecting the world from genies and their magic step in to help Relic and his grandfather and also aid in bringing this rogue bad guy to justice. Complicating matters though is a teenage girl, Taya, who is now in possession of that genie’s lamp and under his spell to keep making wishes.
Coehlho weaves a fascinating adventure through time and space. The best part of the book, to me, was Relic’s life on the pirate ship. I don’t want to give too much away; however, I will say that the relationship between Captain Claw and Relic becomes very special. The book is also beautifully illustrated by Hyun Song We. Interestingly, at the beginning of the tale there are drawings of Professor Latimer, Raphaela, Rania (the professor’s young doctor daughter) and Relic, but not Taya. It would have been nice to have been able get a visual on her as well.
I am excited that there are future Relic Hamilton adventures to come! I’m sure that the world is full of genie magic in need of taming - world wide - so, be ware that The Hermetic Sodality of Genie Hunters and their one-of-a-kind jet, the Aladdin, remains on call. Plus, I think Relic and Taya could make a good team - if they can put their genie issues behind them. The world needs more hope energy and I think Relic Hamilton is just the kid to inspire it.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
March 4, 2026
I think kids will really enjoy this series. It was a fast paced action and fantasy adventure. The author did a nice job explaining the genie world and the job of genie hunters while still leaving a little mystery to what’s coming in the next book. The author never said what happened to Relic’s parents (maybe that is also something for the next book.) I’d also like to learn more about the society of genie hunters. I liked when he traveled back in time to the pirates and how that became connected to his time. It was fun to watch Relic learn about the different sprites and how they work. Looking forward to the next book.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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
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
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.
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.
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
I also really wasn't into the weird poetry type bits at the beginning of each chapter.
Disappointed with this one
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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