posted on 29 Oct 2024

Relic Hamilton: Genie Hunter by Joseph Coelho

Former Children’s Laureate, Joseph Coelho has returned with the first book in what promises to be an exciting new series featuring the teenager, Relic Hamilton. And, with a first name like Relic, you won’t be surprised to discover that his background involves mudlarking for long lost treasures and a house that’s also an antique hunters haven called Anansi Antiques.

Relic lives with his now aging grandfather and seems to be something of a target for school bullies - but his life is about to change forever when he starts to tidy the shop’s basement. He pulls out a long forgotten box of old lamps and finds another seemingly hidden from view which he decides to give a bit of a dust. And suddenly the world turns upside down.

Relic is about to find out that genies in lamps are not just part of exciting fairytales or legends but very real - and very dangerous. After all, have you ever stopped to think what’s in it for the genie when it’s granting those wishes? Have you ever wondered whether genies are all fundamentally benign?

Well, this story might give you the answer to those questions and, in finding out, you’re in for quite a ride. Unwittingly Relic has released a genie that’s more powerful than you can imagine and getting it back under control is going to take more than one book!

Prepare to discover that Relic’s grandfather is more than he appeared to be and you’ll also be inducted into a secret society of genie-hunters who are constantly trying to keep on top of the potential menace some genies represent. But have they met their match in the supremely evil Ravenna - the genie that has an agenda to rule the world?

Relic will turn out to be a crucial part of the hunt to recapture this malign force but it will not only lead him into terrible danger but into the past and on to a pirate ship! Fortunately, he also becomes something of a genie master and is the custodian of a belt of protective lamp genies that he can call on to help him in his fight against Ravenna.

I’m not saying any more about the story because it will spoil the thrill for those of you who want to read it yourselves. It’s a helter-skelter, action-packed book that will keep you turning the page until late into the night.

Available now from Walker Books and you will be able to get a copy from your local independent bookshop - who will be happy to order it for you if they don’t have it on the shelf.

 

Terry Potter

October 2024