Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy Summary, Characters and Themes

Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy by Angie Thomas is a 2023 middle-grade fantasy novel, marking the first installment in The Nic Blake and the Remarkables series. 

The story follows 12-year-old Nichole “Nic” Blake, who discovers her true identity as a Manifestor, a magical being with the power to cast spells. As Nic embarks on a quest to clear her father’s name, she confronts long-held secrets about her family and herself. With themes of magic, friendship, family, and destiny, this adventure blends African American folklore with a rich fantasy world.

Summary

Nic Blake has always known she’s different. As a Manifestor, she possesses a magical ability called the Gift, which allows her to cast spells and interact with the Remarkable world—populated by beings like Vampires, Azizas, and Visionaries. 

On her 12th birthday, a Visionary named Ms. Lena gives Nic a troubling vision of her future, sparking concern in her father, Calvin. 

He warns her to stay away from regular humans, the Unremarkables, but Nic disobeys, sneaking out to meet her favorite fantasy author, TJ Retro, at a book signing.

To Nic’s surprise, her father shows up at the event, revealing that TJ Retro is actually her godfather, Ty Porter. Ty’s books, which Nic has always adored, are based on real events involving her parents and their battle against an evil Manifestor named Roho. 

This revelation is only the beginning of Nic’s discovery of her family’s dangerous past.

The following day, Ty and Calvin take Nic and her best friend, JP, to the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. 

While there, Ty explains the Manifestor Prophecy, which claims that a powerful figure called the Manowari will rise and either destroy or save the Remarkable world. Ty believes he is the Chosen One destined to stop this destruction. Suddenly, Nic’s mother, Zoe, whom she barely remembers, appears. 

She reveals a shocking truth: Nic has a twin brother, Alex, and Calvin has kept Nic hidden from their world, fearing the Remarkables’ judgment. The powerful weapon, Msaidizi, disappeared the night Calvin fled with Nic, making him a prime suspect in its theft.

Soon after, their world spirals into chaos. LORE, the governing body of the Remarkables, arrests Calvin, Ty, and Zoe. Nic, Alex, and JP are forced to flee. Under Ms. Lena’s guidance, the children begin a quest to find the Msaidizi, hoping to clear Calvin’s name. 

Their search takes them on a journey through the Remarkable Underground Railroad, filled with perilous traps and magical creatures.

In New Orleans, they encounter a woman named Dee Dee, who offers help but betrays them. Narrowly escaping her, they learn that the Msaidizi is hidden in Roho’s lair beneath a volcano. 

With the help of Hairy Man Junior, a shapeshifter, the trio navigates deadly traps in the lair and recovers the Msaidizi, a dragon that recognizes Nic as its rightful master.

Returning to Uhuru just in time for Calvin’s trial, the children present their findings to the Council of Elders. The Msaidizi confirms Calvin’s innocence, but the revelation shocks Nic: she is destined to become the Manowari, the very figure prophesied to destroy the Remarkables. 

Ty, who feels betrayed by Nic’s parents for hiding this truth, turns against her, forcing Nic to unleash her true power to stop him.

Though Ty escapes, Nic manages to save her family. Calvin is spared harsh punishment and is placed under house arrest. 

As Nic begins to adjust to life in Uhuru, a new threat emerges—a message from Roho’s apprentice, signaling that her challenges are far from over.

Characters

Nichole “Nic” Blake

Nic is a twelve-year-old Manifestor with a remarkable destiny that unfolds throughout the novel. As the protagonist, she is depicted as brave, curious, and loyal, particularly to her father, Calvin, and her best friend, JP.

Nic’s journey of self-discovery and growth drives the plot. Initially, Nic struggles with understanding her role in the Remarkable world and feels disconnected from her family’s past, but her journey brings her closer to understanding her own powers, heritage, and responsibilities.

The revelation that she is the prophesied Manowari—a figure destined to destroy the Remarkable world—forces her to confront her fears and challenges her sense of identity. Nic’s evolving relationship with her twin brother, Alex, highlights her ability to reconcile conflicting emotions.

She moves from feelings of jealousy and abandonment to understanding and familial love. By the end of the story, Nic’s maturity and her determination to protect her loved ones, despite being thrust into an overwhelming prophecy, make her a complex and compelling character.

Calvin Blake

Calvin, Nic’s father, is portrayed as a deeply protective and secretive figure. His love for Nic drives him to kidnap her from Uhuru when she was a child, a decision that haunts both of their lives.

Calvin’s primary concern is keeping Nic safe from the prophecy that foretells her as the Manowari. This leads him to make difficult and morally questionable decisions.

Throughout the novel, Calvin’s loyalty to his daughter and his attempts to shield her from the truth create tension. However, they also reveal the depth of his paternal love.

His imprisonment by LORE puts his integrity into question, though he is ultimately vindicated when it is revealed that he did not steal the Msaidizi. His complicated relationship with Zoe, Nic’s mother, and his struggle to balance his love for his family with the larger responsibilities of the Remarkable world make him a tragic, multi-dimensional character.

Zoe

Zoe, Nic’s mother, is introduced as a powerful and enigmatic figure. She has been estranged from Nic for most of the girl’s life due to Calvin’s actions.

Zoe’s powers as a Manifestor are impressive, and her role within the Remarkable world is one of authority and mystery. Her sudden appearance in the museum and her decision to knock out her husband and JP suggests a complex, possibly conflicting relationship between her personal desires and her duties.

Zoe’s loyalty to her children, particularly to her son Alex, demonstrates her maternal side. Her calm, authoritative demeanor highlights her strategic mind.

As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that Zoe is not a villain, but a mother trying to protect her children in a world where danger lurks at every corner. Her support for Nic during Calvin’s trial and her attempt to secure leniency for him reveal her deep commitment to her family, despite the difficult history she shares with Calvin.

Alex Blake

Alex, Nic’s twin brother, represents both a mirror and a contrast to Nic. Raised in the Remarkable city of Uhuru, Alex is more familiar with the workings of the magical world and has a close relationship with their mother, Zoe.

His initial resentment toward Nic, stemming from her perceived abandonment of him, drives much of the tension between the siblings. However, as they embark on their shared adventure, Alex’s guarded nature gives way to a deeper understanding and appreciation of his sister.

His intelligence and insight into Remarkable history and politics provide crucial help during their quest. His own growing powers reflect the latent potential that runs in their family.

Despite his resentment toward their father, Alex shows immense loyalty to his family. He and Nic reconcile and work together to retrieve the Msaidizi.

His character arc is defined by his struggle to understand his place in a family marked by prophecy, betrayal, and secrecy.

JP Williams

JP is Nic’s best friend and an Unremarkable, a non-magical person, yet he plays a significant role in the story. His loyalty, optimism, and determination make him a steadfast companion to Nic and Alex, even though he lacks their magical abilities.

JP’s belief in Nic and his excitement about the Remarkable world bring a sense of wonder and levity to the story, counterbalancing the darker, more serious themes. His faith in Nic and his determination to stand by her side, even when facing incredible dangers, demonstrate his bravery and deep friendship.

Although he lacks the magical Gift that Nic and Alex possess, JP proves his worth through his cleverness and unwavering support. He shows that even Unremarkables have a crucial role to play in this fantastical world.

Ty Porter (TJ Retro)

Ty, known to the world as TJ Retro, is a celebrated fantasy author and Nic’s godfather. He serves as a bridge between Nic’s past and present, revealing hidden truths about her family’s history.

His belief that he is the Chosen One destined to stop the Manowari shapes his actions and motivations throughout the novel. Ty’s character is defined by a sense of duty and a desperate need to fulfill the Manifestor Prophecy, which ultimately leads to his betrayal of Nic.

His resentment toward Calvin and Zoe for keeping secrets from him drives his antagonism in the climax. While he is not an outright villain, Ty’s obsession with the prophecy and his desire for recognition blind him to the consequences of his actions.

Ty’s journey from trusted godfather to antagonist adds layers to the novel’s exploration of trust, destiny, and betrayal.

Ms. Lena

Ms. Lena, a Visionary with the ability to see the future, serves as a mentor figure to Nic. Her initial warning about Nic’s dangerous future sets the story in motion.

She continues to provide guidance throughout the novel. Ms. Lena’s calm wisdom and her willingness to protect Nic and the other children make her a key ally in their quest.

Her knowledge of the Remarkable world and her insights into the prophecy demonstrate her importance within the larger magical community. Though her role in the story is primarily supportive, Ms. Lena’s actions drive crucial parts of the plot.

She helps the children escape danger and guides them toward the answers they seek.

Hairy Man Junior

Hairy Man Junior is a Shapeshifter and an unexpected ally in Nic’s journey. His initial appearance as an antagonist—someone who tries to use the children to reclaim his conjure root—evolves into a more complex role as he becomes a reluctant guide and protector.

His comedic and somewhat chaotic nature contrasts with the seriousness of Nic’s mission, adding an element of unpredictability to the narrative. Despite his flaws and self-interest, Hairy Man Junior’s knowledge of Roho’s lair and his eventual decision to help Nic rescue Alex and JP make him an important figure in the story.

His character highlights the blurred lines between ally and enemy in the Remarkable world. His evolving relationship with Nic underscores the novel’s themes of trust and cooperation.

Roho (Mentioned)

Though Roho does not physically appear in the novel, his presence looms large as the story’s central antagonist. As the Manowari who once threatened the Remarkable world, Roho’s legacy impacts every character, particularly Ty and Nic.

Roho’s lair becomes a crucial setting for the climax of the novel. His past actions shape the entire conflict surrounding the Msaidizi and the prophecy.

The revelation that Roho’s apprentice is still active and threatening Nic at the end of the novel suggests that Roho’s influence will continue to play a role in future installments of the series. Roho represents the darkness that Nic must confront both in the world and within herself as she grapples with the prophecy.

Themes

The Complexity of Familial Bonds and Secrets as Both Strength and Burden

In Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy, familial relationships are deeply woven into the narrative. They represent both sources of strength and profound burdens.

Nic’s relationship with her father, Calvin, serves as a central thread in the story. However, it is marked by the weight of hidden truths.

Calvin’s decision to kidnap Nic as an infant to protect her from a potentially fatal prophecy reveals the tension between paternal love and the consequences of withholding knowledge. The novel explores the complexities of familial love, where the desire to shield loved ones often leads to profound emotional consequences.

Calvin’s protective actions, while rooted in care, also lead to estrangement and confusion for Nic. This is especially true when she learns that her twin brother Alex has been left behind, fostering feelings of betrayal and abandonment.

The theme illustrates that family can be both a sanctuary and a source of conflict. Nic and Alex struggle to reconcile their feelings of loyalty, resentment, and ultimately, acceptance.

The complexity extends to other family relationships as well. Zoe’s reappearance in Nic’s life, after years of absence, complicates Nic’s understanding of her mother’s intentions.

Zoe’s decision to join LORE, knowing the consequences it would have on her family, brings to light how conflicting allegiances can test the boundaries of familial duty. Additionally, Ty’s sense of betrayal when he discovers that Zoe and Calvin kept Nic’s prophecy from him adds another layer to the theme.

It emphasizes how even found families, like godfathers or mentors, can experience the strains of secrets and mistrust. The resolution of these familial tensions is never fully tidy, underlining that while family can be a source of love, it is also inherently complicated by hidden motives and past choices that cannot easily be undone.

The Burden of Prophecy and the Struggle with Predestined Identity

The prophecy of the Manowari, which looms over the entire narrative, brings into sharp focus the tension between free will and destiny. Throughout the novel, Nic grapples with the knowledge that she might be the prophesied destroyer of the Remarkable world.

This revelation thrusts her into an identity crisis. The weight of a predestined role challenges Nic’s sense of autonomy.

She is forced to confront whether she can shape her own future or whether she is doomed to fulfill a role laid out for her at birth. This theme complicates the traditional “Chosen One” trope by imbuing it with moral ambiguity—Nic is not simply the hero destined to save the world, but potentially the villain prophesied to destroy it.

Her journey becomes a battle not only against external threats but against the expectations imposed on her by prophecy and the fear of her own potential. The prophecy also raises questions about how society responds to those marked by destiny.

Calvin’s decision to hide Nic from LORE reflects the lengths to which people will go to prevent a prophecy from coming true, even at the cost of ethical behavior. On the flip side, Ty’s fervent belief that he is the Chosen One highlights the dangers of self-righteousness and how the belief in one’s own destiny can cloud judgment.

The novel thus uses the burden of prophecy to explore how individuals respond to the pressures of predestined identity. It questions whether one can ever truly escape the roles assigned to them or if they are bound by fate.

The Interplay Between Power, Responsibility, and Moral Ambiguity in the Manifestor World

Power in Nic Blake and the Remarkables is multifaceted, extending beyond simple magical abilities to encompass moral responsibility and the ethical implications of wielding such power. Nic’s discovery of her Gift, her connection to the Msaidizi, and the prophecy of her becoming the Manowari all serve to examine the complex relationship between power and responsibility.

From the outset, Nic and her peers are introduced to a world where power is not just a tool for achieving goals but a force that must be carefully managed, as misuse can lead to catastrophic outcomes. Nic’s struggle to control her Gift, especially as it ties into the Msaidizi, reflects the broader theme of power’s corruptibility.

The Msaidizi itself, a powerful weapon that can take the form of a dragon, represents the ambiguous nature of power. It can be a force for protection or destruction, depending on how it is wielded.

The theme is further explored through the character of Roho, the supposed Manowari, whose actions in the past are seen by some as a warning of what happens when Manifestors abuse their power. The ambiguity surrounding Roho’s true nature, whether he was truly evil or simply misunderstood, deepens the moral complexity of the novel.

Similarly, Ty’s obsession with the Manifestor Prophecy, his belief that he is destined to stop the Manowari, and his eventual betrayal of Nic reveal the dangers of unchecked ambition. They also show the ways in which power can corrupt even those with good intentions.

Through these characters, the novel delves into the tension between the possession of power and the responsibility to use it ethically. It emphasizes that power, in all its forms, is never neutral and must be handled with care and reflection.

The Legacy of History, Race, and Resistance in the Remarkable and Unremarkable Worlds

Angie Thomas weaves a rich tale of historical and cultural context into the Remarkable world. The novel explores race, resistance, and history in both the Remarkable and Unremarkable worlds.

The inclusion of a visit to the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum grounds the fantasy world in the real historical struggles of marginalized communities. This intersection of fantasy and real-world history reflects the theme of historical legacy—how the past shapes both the Remarkable and Unremarkable worlds.

The history of the Remarkables is marked by their efforts to remain hidden from the Unremarkables. But it also mirrors real-world struggles for civil rights, as Manifestors and other Remarkables grapple with issues of oppression, fear of persecution, and the need for resistance.

Moreover, the Underground Railroad as a literal transportation system for the Remarkable children draws direct parallels to the historical Underground Railroad. It underscores the novel’s deep engagement with themes of escape from oppression and the fight for freedom.

The theme of resistance is also embodied in Nic’s journey as she navigates both the Remarkable and Unremarkable worlds. She comes to understand that the fight for justice is not just a magical one but is deeply rooted in historical narratives of struggle and liberation.

The setting of New Orleans and other historically significant locations reinforces this. It emphasizes that the Remarkable world is not separate from the legacy of racial history but intertwined with it, suggesting that magic and history cannot be disentangled from one another.

The Fluid Boundaries Between Good and Evil, and the Quest for Identity

The novel challenges simplistic binaries of good and evil through its exploration of the characters’ motivations, choices, and moral struggles. The revelation that Nic may be the Manowari, a figure traditionally seen as evil, complicates the reader’s understanding of what it means to be a villain.

The novel suggests that good and evil are not inherent traits but are shaped by circumstances, choices, and perspectives. Nic’s internal conflict about whether she is destined to destroy the world forces her to question whether she can truly be defined by a prophecy or whether she has the agency to carve out her own identity.

Similarly, Ty’s fall from mentor to antagonist illustrates how even those who start with noble intentions can be led astray by their obsession with destiny and power. Roho’s legacy further blurs the line between good and evil, as the novel leaves open the question of whether he was truly the malevolent force that the Remarkable world believes him to be.

This uncertainty forces the characters—and the reader—to reconsider their assumptions about morality. The novel uses these ambiguities to explore the theme of identity, asking whether individuals can transcend the roles assigned to them or if they are inevitably shaped by the expectations of others.

Nic’s eventual decision to embrace her power, not as a villain but as someone with the potential to do good, suggests that identity is fluid and can be redefined, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. This theme underscores the novel’s message that the boundaries between good and evil are never fixed, and that the quest for identity is a deeply personal and ongoing journey.