Relic Hamilton, Genie Hunter

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.