Felix has always known he was different, and his ability to predict the future completely freaks people out at school, so when he is invited to join a secret society full of people with similar skills to his own, he jumps at the chance. But a dark spectre may be out to ruin the day.
Having met Rachel last Saturday at the Simon and Schuster middle grade event, and having listened to her talk about the real-life inspiration for the book, Felix And The Future Agency completely by-passed my reading pile. I began reading it last Sunday evening, and it's been a book I've been unable to put down since (including sneaking in pages whilst eating my lunch!)
Felix is a wonderful character who has had a really tough time of things. Following the death of his parents in a car crash a year earlier, he is living with his gran who will do anything for him. School is no picnic either, with his unique ability to predict the future causing him no end of trouble (well, if you knew one of your classmates was about to get hurt and have their bag stolen, you'd warn them, wouldn't you?). Constantly in front of the headmaster, he can't see a way forward until Lydia turns up out of the blue and takes him to somewhere completely different: a top secret government department called The Future Agency. Here is ability to communicate with his dead grandfather and predict the future are seen as assets and, in an instant, Felix's life changes completely. He fits in immediately, makes friends, and learns how to hone his skills. His dyslexia is catered for (I love of Rachel approaches this in the book - it's a superpower, not a hindrance) and he quickly settles into a host of lessons I'd love to learn!
Nothing is ever plain sailing of course - that would be boring! - and there are bullies and characters you'll enjoy sneering at, and some rather well-known ghosts who make an appearance!
My son always laughs when I talk about world building in my reviews, but how could I not mention the most amazing place that Rachel has created under London? All centred around The Buckingham Palace Line on the London Underground, the Magic Mile is a delicious mix of magic, ghosts, celestaurs and a host of shops and eateries I'd love to explore, all hidden behind the façade of the Federation of Teacup Collectors (I really wish this was a real place: I'd love to try the array of teas!). Then you have the Future Agency itself which is a world away from any school I've ever been to!
But there is darkness afoot and premonitions that Felix can't make sense of. It soon becomes apparent that all is not right and a dark and terrifying spectre threatens both the magical and non-magical world. They say when things get dark, that's when we see people's true colours and we certainly see Felix's resilience, his fierce loyalty to his friends and his bravery come to the fore in his determination to get to the bottom of what is going on. Without realising it, he's a real hero.
From the start, Felix and The Future Agency is a captivating book that is guaranteed to draw readers in and enchant them (I promise, you'll never look at the London Underground in the same way again!). It's a gloriously gripping read with twists that will definitely keep you on your toes and will ensure you get the urge to read just one more chapter!
Publishing on the 22nd May, Felix And The Future Agency is a book that will enthral and excite readers, but be warned ... the end will leave you desperate for more (seriously ... how could you leave it there?!)
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