Relic Hamilton: Genie Hunter

12-year-old history-obsessed Relic Hamilton lives with his grandad above Anansi Antiques, a treasure-trove of a shop that has been in their family for generations. When he finds a particularly curious oil lamp in the basement, he unwittingly releases a genie – only to discover that their benevolent reputation as wish-granters is far from the truth... 

This fateful encounter thrusts Relic into the heart of a secret, underground society of genie hunters who fly around the world in their jet, the Aladdin, protecting the world from malicious genies who feed on the hope of humanity.  

The incredibly likeable Relic is joined by an exciting cast of characters including Taya, a girl who is being slowly taken over by an evil genie; the wonderfully eccentric sword-swishing professor Latimer; tech-savvy, cyber-punk Dr Raphaela; and Rania, a 13-year-old half human, half genie. 

Joseph Coelho has written an unputdownable adventure story that rattles along at great pace. There is something for everyone here, including fantasy elements, magic, time travel, pirates, technology, gadgets, humour, and lots of exhilarating action. 

Relic is a resilient hero and a true historian - think of a modern-day Indiana Jones. His adventure is brought vividly to life by Coelho’s excellent writing – including snappy dialogue, poetry, and accurate contemporary references.