Review: Felix and the Future Agency

Felix and the Future Agency is a marvellously magical, mesmerising contemporary fantasy adventure, set in a brilliantly realised world, that held me enthralled throughout.

Not only can twelve-year-old Felix Green predict the future, he does so through his ability to see ghosts – including that of his Grandad Jim. This supernatural ability does not help him fit in at school as he finds himself accused of perpetrating the events that he has predicted. But, when his abilities come to the attention of a top-secret magical government department, his life changes forever …

Felix meets Lydia, a Finder who seeks to recruit those with special magical abilities. She takes him to a secret world hidden in the London Underground to become part of the Future Agency where he will be trained to harness his ability as a Spirit Speaker, someone who can take messages from the spirit world to help avert predicted natural disasters.

But when a dark spectre from one of his premonitions materialises, he finds himself in a terrifying battle against a shadow monster intent on destruction. Can he discover the identity, and motive, of the monster’s master? Can he save his new friends from the spectre’s clutches? And, what will he discover about himself as he learns more about his magical abilities?

What an absolutely thrilling read! An action-packed adventure, brimming with danger, discovery and daring that kept me eagerly turning pages as I was swept into this incredible hidden world beneath the streets of London. This adventure absolutely kept me guessing, and gasping aloud at the twists and turns, and the incredible revelations that made it an unputdownable read. Whilst this a contemporary fantasy adventure, I really enjoyed discovering the historical inspiration in the author’s afterword.

The world-building is incredible and I really felt immersed in this secret world where those found to have special magical abilities are trained in a re-imagined London Underground. I really enjoyed meeting both the celestaurs, who are creatures made of stardust from animal constellations, and the ghosts, including some historical figures. I adored the Enchantment Embankment on the Magic Mile where the most amazing shops are created using dream magic. I would absolutely love to visit the Glittering Teapot and catch a fairy cake with a net!I also loved the magic system with its three branches of magic: Dream Weaving, Spirit Speaking and Astrology. Whilst most of the children are adept in one branch of this magic, a rare few can harness all three branches.

Felix is an incredibly sympathetic and likeable young boy. He is grieving the loss of his parents whilst also dealing with feelings of guilt, something that is dealt with in a sensitive manner. His magical ability has made school life difficult as accusations and disbelief lead to him becoming frustrated and to outbursts of anger. I love the sense of belonging and growing self-belief and confidence that Felix feels within the Future Agency and the strong friendships, and trust, he develops as he meets others with magical abilities. I also really liked the positive representation of neurodivergence, something that I think will speak to many readers.

I love middle-grade books that include illustrations. Each of the partial-page illustrations throughout really complements the magic and action of this adventure, especially those with the brilliant celestaurs.

An exciting, magical adventure, brimming with friendship and heart, perfect for readers of 9+ who I have no doubt will devour this, and be eager to return to the Future Agency in Felix’s next adventure, Sky Riders.

Thank you to the Publishers, Simon & Schuster for providing me with a paperback copy in exchange for my honest opinion.