By: Jamie Steinberg
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 hope 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, The Hermetic Sodality of Genie Hunters and their one-of-a-kind jet, the Aladdin, should remain 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.