Relic Hamilton, Genie Hunter

numerous other prizes. He is a novelist, a poet, a playwright, a picture book author and Relic Hamilton is his latest creation bringing together magic, archaeology, history, and wild and wonderful adventures in Joe’s inimitable style.

Relic lives happily in an antique shop in London with his grandfather. Anansi Antiques, like the whole book, is filled with memories, artefacts and undiscovered treasures. They spend their days mudlarking and looking for antiques that will be attractive to their tourist clientele – until Relic discovers something that will change both their lives forever.

What follows is a brilliant tangle of high tech, magical and historical adventure that ranges through time and geography at a cracking pace. Relic comes to realise that he and his family are part of an ancient and secret organisation of archaeologists, and he also discovers that there are many more secrets and treasures hidden in plain sight – and that he himself has a power which he will need to learn to wield and control if he is to save his own grandfather – and the world.

There’s a great cast of fantastic and fantastical characters – genies, genie hunters, pirates, school children and some wonderfully told history as Relic goes backwards and forwards in time. Joseph’s own love and study of history and archaeology comes through in the careful and exciting telling of stories about artefacts and historical timelines and the themes of bravery, selflessness and the dangers of seeking wish fulfilment are all there as they should be in the best fantasy quest stories.

There is so much in this magical world that it is impossible to discover it all in just one novel and the characters are so engaging that you really want to continue meeting them. I was delighted to find out that this is the first book in the series and like many readers I am sure, I can’t wait for the further adventures of Relic Hamilton.