Men In Black meets Harry Potter!
I absolutely loved this, such a fantastic story and it's going to be a series, which is always a bonus.
A brilliant mix of adventure, humour and moral dilemmas. There are some great characters and the whole supernatural element is done beautifully.. I loved Amari, she is strong and although she's had a difficult life she's still positive and radiates goodness.
I think this is going to be a massive hit.

Amari and the Night Brothers was, simply put, brilliant! I would have loved this book as a teen, and luckily enjoyed it just as much as an adult. It was magical and fun whilst still bringing to light some social commentary but in a way it relates to it’s target audience and it was that good, I read it in one sitting.

If Amari Peters knows one thing it’s that her brother Quentin is still alive, despite what the police are saying. So when a random package appears and she gets an invitation to the summer camp her brother Quentin went too, Amari has questions. Questions that triple when she realises that the summer camp is actually a training academy for the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs and not only has her brother nominated her for the programme, but he was their golden boy. Amari knows that if she is ever to find out the truth of what has happened to Quentin she has to join this programme and investigate from the inside. But she is a fish out of water, she is competing against kids who have known about the supernatural world all their lives, and she finds that the prejudices she had to deal with in the outside world are just as prevalent here. She will have to overcome a multitude of difficulties, and make sure she puts her trust in the right people if she is to find her brother, and leave the programme alive.

Amari is such a brilliantly written character. She is unbelievably resilient, even in the face of the police telling her that Quentin must have been involved with illegal activities and that’s why he’s disappeared. She is loyal to her family, and anyone she classes as a friend and she is fierce and unbelievably strong for someone who has been bullied and told she is lesser most of her life. She finds it hard to believe she is special, that she is made for something more, but her time at the Bureau shows her that maybe there is somewhere out there for her, somewhere were she can excel and live up to the legacy of her brother. What makes this extra special is the author talks about how long it took him to be able to write Amari’s story and how once he gave himself the chance it just flew from him. It’s amazing seeing more and more books out there with POC main characters, dealing with the issues they deal with in day to day life and exploring their culture.

As well as Amari we are treated to a wealth of well built side characters, my favourites being Elsie, Amari’s roommate and best friend at the Bureau and Agent Magnus, one of her supervisors at the Bureau. It was such a treat seeing Amari building relationships throughout the book, we have Elsie and Dylan, her two friends. They are very different relationships with Elsie and Amari both knowing what it’s like to be an outcast, whereas Dylan is the golden boy with a secret that he feels only Amari can understand. And then there is the relationship between Amari and Agent Magnus, he fears for her, not wanting her to get hurt looking for her brother, but seeing the same drive in her he saw in Quentin and knowing that there is very little he can do to stop her.

There will be the usual comparisons to the likes of Harry Potter, and whilst there are some similarities, Amari and the Night Brothers is completely its own. The mix of the mundane and the magical is brilliantly done, and boy would I have killed to get a spot at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs. There is everything from a wide variety of magical beings, to talking elevators and its all gets wondrously brought to life as we visit all the different sections alongside Amari. It may not be worldbuilding as we have come to know it, but the author creates an almost ‘mini world’ inside the Bureau and I got absolutely swept away learning about all the different divisions and seeing how they mix the magical creatures and beings into a world that doesn’t know they exist.

Amari and the Night Brothers is action packed to the max. It pretty much sets off from the word go and it isn’t hard to get completely swept away by the story. Amari entering the Bureau sets off a chain of events that no body saw coming and made the magical community start asking questions of itself. I really liked how the author made Amari different, magic wise, and used that to show how archaic the Bureau is. She is the face of change, and though the book doesn’t end on a traditional cliff hanger, it does hint at more potential drama in the next book.

Filled with a wide breadth of characters, plenty of twists and turns and one hell of an ending, you need to get this book for any teen in your life. I can guarantee you and they wont be disappointed. One of the easiest 5* I’ve given all year and a new firm favourite, I am incredibly excited to see where Amari’s story goes next.

Amari and the Night Brothers presents a reality where supernatural beings live among us, but the regular person cannot see them. In this story, you follow Amari Peters, a young black girl from the 'hood, as she says, whose brother, Quinton, goes missing. While police believe he's involved in illegal activities, Amari receives a briefcase that allows her to enter the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs. This is the institution where her brother worked and is considered a hero missed in action. Amari makes it her mission to find out what happened to her brother while discovering more about the supernatural world and taking her place within the Bureau.

Middle-grade books are a hit or miss for me, but the story setting is so magical and atmospheric you’ll be immersed right from the start. It’s a mix of Harry Potter’s Ministry of Magic and Percy Jackson’s Camp Half-Blood but taken to an interesting extreme. There are underwater departments, a whole jungle of supernatural creatures, a CIA-like task force, and other exciting concepts. You’ll just want to know more and more about the Bureau.

From the get-go, you’re dropped into the mystery of what happened to Quinton. Although he isn’t there physically, you can feel the shadow of his achievements and how good of a guy he is through what everyone says about him and his missing partner, Maria Van Helsing (I know, right? Van Helsing! Dope!).

But back to our main character, Amari Peters is the bravest girl there is. She’s driven, smart, witty, and so courageous. Even when she’s afraid, she still moves forward and overcomes bullying and people putting her aside because she doesn’t look like she fits in. Amari’s a joy to follow, like all the side characters. There’s Dylan Van Helsing, Amari’s partner and a box full of surprises, Elsie, her best friend / artificer (that would totally be her Dungeons & Dragons class) / weredragon!, and Lara Van Helsing, the resident mean girl filled with prejudices.

This story delivers a mind-bending plot twist at the end. I did not see it coming, it left me speechless, I’m still not sure it makes 100% sense, but I loved it! It brings more depth to the characters, and I need to know where it goes. I’m containing myself to not say anything else.

Amari and the Night Brothers is a new middle-grade fantasy that will lift you off your feet and take you to a magical, enthralling world that you won’t want to escape from. It’s a story filled with action, an interesting setting, characters you’ll care about, and it will give a good time. And that’s all that matters.

The novel, Amari and the Night Brothers, has accomplished something that no other book has been able to do. This story made me fall in love from the first paragraph. My love for this book is so great that it rivals my love of Harry Potter. Harry has been in the number one position since I finished the first book. There has been no other story since that has me ready to stand in line for hours to get my hands on the sequel.

Amari is like no heroine I have ever seen. She is strong and capable, but her life has not been kind, which causes her to doubt herself. When she opens up and decides that she is good enough, the magic flows. I have never been more enamored with a character as I am with Amari.

I did guess who the baddie was very early on, but I kept wishing that I was wrong. And, the truth is, I still think that said baddie can and will redeem themselves. With the love and friendship surrounding this person, I think they will turn out okay in the end.

The world that B. B. Alston has built with Amari is one where I want to visit. The magic is strong, and the Bureau is a place I truly want to see. The mischievous elevator alone would be worth the trip. I can see myself living in this world and want to be part of it very much. I cannot wait to see how the next book goes.

With great enthusiasm, I award Amari and the Night Brothers a full 5 out of 5 stars. If you are looking for a magical world that feels as real as breathing, you need to read this novel. I can’t recommend it enough.

B.B Alston has taken the age old classic of main character is the chosen one, gets thrown into a magical world, and has to train to become part of that world and they have made it unique! New and absolutely phenomenal!

So Amari Peters is trying to find her missing brother Quinton, when suddenly she finds herself nominated to train at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, where her own brother worked and went missing because of this place.

Amari is determined to find her brother but to do that she needs to find a place in this strange world of the supernatural that lives among the human world. Soon, she is competing amongst others to earn places to train and eventually work in this Bureau.

I found the challenges amongst trainees to be so fun but also a great way to learn things about this world. How to use gadgets like flying shoes, or learn about different departments in the Bureau like the Department of Half Truths and Cover-Ups. Along with meeting different characters in this world like Elise, Amari's newfound friend who's also a weredragon or Magicians or Bigfoot.

The story is where its at though, this book will keep kids and adults alike on their toes throughout the entire novel. I love novels where you keep guessing and wondering but somehow manages to throw you off to give such jaw dropping plot twists that will make you yell at the book a lot... But it also keeps you reading and wanting more, even when you finish the book and realise its the end which is devastating but it will keep you anxiously waiting for the sequel needing to know what will happen next!

Amari and the Night Brothers is really something special and I cannot wait for it to be released because this is THE book. The book thats going to take the world by storm. The next big thing and I can see all the kids loving this and I will be recommending this at the Library because every child deserves to read a book as brilliant as this! To know that this is becoming a movie too is so great because it will work so well on the screen!

Absolutely loved reading this book and I cannot wait for the sequel!! I will be hand-selling this have no doubt about that. This feels much more relevant an adventure into fantasy than big titles in this genre still doing the rounds with today's youngsters - mostly foisted upon them by their parents or teachers albeit.

Amari spring boards into the supernatural from the reality of today's politics/culture/society/education system. I love her attitude and the bond with her brother, her relationship with her mother and her new found friends at the Bureau. This is a voyage of discovery, a massive journey into self-belief and good vs evil. What a way to start 2021 it will be!!

My thoughts






Narrative and Plot







Before I say anything about the book, December has been quite a busy month for me and I don’t even celebrate Christmas. This is the first review I am posting this month. That’s because it is part of my commitment to the Ultimate Blog Tour. I kept pushing reading Amari thinking I had enough time until the last two days. I was afraid, I won’t finish it in time but as soon as I started the book, I flew through it.

Amari and the Night Brothers has everything that an adventurous , well-paced and heartfelt middle grade fantasy requires. Of course this is not the first time a book features into a secret society like Hogwarts or Narnia. But to pull it off in such a gripping manner is definitely a feat. Amari and the Night Brothers is an unputdownable tale from start to finish.





Characters and Conflicts









In the midst of all that fantasy and fanfare, there is this simple girl of color who comes from the poorer side of the town. She has to work harder than her peers to prove herself and to achieve the things she deserve. It is on this point that Amari and her conflicts speak to you as a reader. Basically, the idea itself is quite relatable to most.

This basic conflict is integrated beautifully in a world full of mysteries and wonders. It is easy to root for Amari. Not because she is flawless, but because she feels real. She has moments of weakness and self doubt. No one is rooting for her to be the chosen one. She decides to choose herself. She chose to be good and peaceful despite the ugliness she experienced. That’s the kind of holdiay cheer I was looking for and the story gave me exactly that.

Not to mention the ensemble of casts and crew that aide and abet Amari’s adventures.







Conclusion





Amari and the Night Brothers is your perfect holiday read or holiday gift for that little niece or nephew who needs something to cheer them up. I am sure there’s more to Amari’s story and I will definitely follow this series. It is a story of self-belief and hope which you can remind yourself as an adult in case you forgot. As for a child, Amari is the energy that makes you want to explore your full potential and be whoever you want to be.

I am always on board with a bit of book hype and it’s lovely to see Amari and the Night Brothers by B. B. Alston EVERYWHERE. Absolutely. Everywhere. YAY for a bit of book buzz. There is no doubt that Amari is going to be huge and it’s already in the works for a film and I can tell you I will be lining up to watch it.

Anyway, back to the book because the book was good. It was certainly one of the best middle-grade books I’ve read this year and as soon as I finished it I went and pre-ordered an audible audiobook for my seven years old who I am sure will love Amari and her adventures.

Book Blurb:

Amari Peters knows three things.

Her big brother Quinton has gone missing.

No one will talk about it.


His mysterious job holds the secret . . .

So when Amari gets an invitation to the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, she’s certain this is her chance to find Quinton. But first she has to get her head around the new world of the Bureau, where mermaids, aliens and magicians are real, and her roommate is a weredragon.

Amari must compete against kids who’ve known about the supernatural world their whole lives, and when each trainee is awarded a special supernatural talent, Amari is given an illegal talent – one that the Bureau views as dangerous.

With an evil magician threatening the whole supernatural world, and her own classmates thinking she is the enemy, Amari has never felt more alone. But if she doesn’t pass the three tryouts, she may never find out what happened to Quinton . . .

An epic middle grade supernatural adventure series, soon to be a major movie starring Marsai Martin. Perfect for readers aged 8+ and fans of Percy Jackson, Nevermoor and Men in Black!

An amazing book blurb, right!?!? And I loved the cover design as soon as I saw it but after reading the book I loved it even more! To tell you why would be a spoiler – so I suggest you go and read the book for yourself.

Admittedly, I’m not the target audience age, but I thoroughly enjoyed the story and I read it in just a few sittings. There was never a dull moment. NEVER. The book was littered and filled to the brim with fun little details and characters that made me want to read MORE. And the story had an important message for kids, it was a story that touches upon learning who you are and what you are capable of, as well as picking yourself up when people try to knock you down. It’s a book that is relevant, even if it had witchy neighbours and flying saucers with aliens all thrown in.

The writing was great, the pacing was spot on and I loved the shortish chapters that could easily make this an ideal bedtime read with little people. It was one great big adventure of a story and I loved the setting and imagination that B. B. Alston clearly has. I am purposefully staying away from mentioning the plot or some of my favourite characters and nuances of the world-building for fear of giving away spoilers, but I doubt any child reading it won’t be entirely caught up. I spotted a few of the twists and turns along the way but I still couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. It was good. Very, very, VERY good.

Great blurb, fun cover and an amazing story within it’s pages – Amari and the Night Brothers was an all-round fantastic read.

I will be recommending it to anyone in need of a bit of adventure in their life for months and months to come.

I received a copy of the book for review from the publisher, which was all arranged by the blog tour organiser – Thank you!

Release date: 21st January 2021
Genre: Middle grade fantasy
Pages: 416 (UK kindle edition)

Another @TheWriteReads blog tour, this time its for the wonderful Amari and the Night Brothers. This middlegrade novel follows the story of Amari whos grown up in a disadvantaged neighbourhood in a single parent family, she is also singled out at school for being the only black student. When Amaris brother Quinton goes missing Amari receives a mysterious briefcase with instructions to attend an interview at the elusive Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, Amaris world is turned upside down when she finds out that theres supernatural beings living amongst regular humans.

Amari is thrust into the world of supernatural affairs which is disguised as a summer leadership camp. She must pick a speciality and go through 3 trials in order to determine her eligibility for that role within the organisation. Her main goal is to get far enough to get enough information to try and find her missing brother.

The friendships she makes along the way with Elsie her weredragon roommate and Dylan Van Hesling were heartwarming to read about. Elsie is such a kind and understanding friend and she always had Amaris back. Amari's relationship with her brother Quinton was so lovely, a real highlight in the book for me! There are a few trigger warnings for bullying and micro aggressions but nothing too major. Amari as a character is so easy to root for, you immediatley are on her side as shes constantly picked on and has a general hard time of it. I loved how she handled the trials with honesty and integrity- this alone will send such a positive message to younger readers. The trials in general were really fun and fast paced to read, i couldnt put this book down. I dont read too much middle grade but this book really reminded me how wholesome reading it is. Another thing i really enjoyed (amongst the other million things) was how well thought out and imaginative the Bureau was, all the departments were so clever and the social media and tech elements were really well done.

I wont say too much about the twist as i want to keep this review as spoiler free as possible but i did not see it coming and was so shocked! Brilliant writing and misdirection Mr Alston!

This book is very reminiscent of the Nevermoor series and also Keepers of the Lost Cities which i loved both of but its also great in its own right. 13 year old Amari is the exact character i would have loved to have read at that age, shes fearless, brave and never gives up. This book is a beautiful story of family, friends and finding where you belong. A massive thank you as always to Dave (@TheWriteReads, netgalley, the publishers Egmont and to the lovely author B.B. Alston who has been so engaging and lovely to his readers on Twitter, the book is a triumph and i am so glad everyone has been enjoying it as much as i did. It truly deserves the hype. The world building was really wonderful, cant wait to see where the next book takes us!

Amari and the Night Brothers is an amazing middle grade fantasy novel filled with complex characters, adventure, and a whole lot of magic. It succeeded in grabbing my attention right off the bat. The story does not shy away from being absolutely bonkers from the get-go, and it had me laughing as early as the second chapter. While I did think the pacing in the middle was a bit slow, the action-packed ending definitely made up for it. There are also a surprising amount of twists that make it a hard book to put down.

My favorite part of this novel would have to be the complexity of the characters. Each person is so beautifully flawed that you can’t help but identify with not only Amari, but everyone around her as well. B.B. Alston has a real talent for writing characters and I’d be curious to see what a YA/Adult novel from him would look like.

As some of you might know, there is a planned film adaptation for this book, and I already know that it’s going to be amazing. I am so so excited for the impact these stories will have on the new generation. I hope you are too.

Amari and the Night Brothers is a book I won't be forgetting anytime soon. B.B. Alston introduces us to an amazing new world filled with supernatural beings and talented children training to be all that they can be. This book is amazing and so much more than an adventure and has all of the elements I love in a middle grade series.

I'm a big fan of books that take place in a school setting and I have to say this magic school summer camp set in a government facility had a really nice twist. Our main character Amari is really worried about her brother, Quinton, who has gone missing. When she receives a suitcase left for her from hum she never expects to find what she does. She finds out there is a whole supernatural world she has no idea exists and has a chance to explore this and maybe find her brother.

Okay, I got a little sidetracked there, but I needed to add those bits of information. In this government facility agents are working as they always do while the students are being trained. I loved the descriptions of this building and all the little special details. I really wish all elevators were like they are in here. Taking them would become an adventure all on its own. So many elements in this setting had me laughing out loud and wishing I could go to camp as well.

Then there's Amari. People look at her differently because of where she's from and what she looks like and that isn't always easy. Amari has days where she doesn't know if she can do what's possible to become an agent and fit in, but I love that she doesn't give up. She's determined to help her brother and become the best she can be in this strange new world with the talents and abilities she just learned she has. Amari is strong, caring, loving, creative and a fighter. Nothing will stop her from reaching her goal. Even the kids that aren't that nice.

Besides Amari finding her place in this new world we learn about different supernatural creatures, learn about the trials Amari and fellow trainees must past and like all middle grade books the lessons intertwined with this story. Amari and the Night Brothers is filled with themes of family, friendship, fighting for what you believe in, believing in yourself, good vs evil, loyalty and so much more. I've read quite a few fantasy books in a school setting, but Amari is definitely unique and one I won't be forgetting anytime soon.

What I also loved is that besides the adventures our main character goes on and the friendships she develops (I love Elsie and hope we see a lot more of her) there are also a lot of twists I wasn't expecting. I could go on and on about this amazing book, but I think you just need to pick it up in January and experience it for yourself!

I read this book as part of the ultimate blog tour hosted by TheWriteReads. Special thanks to Netgalley and Egmont Books for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review. 5 fantastical stars!

I had to give myself a few days to calm down after reading this book because I enjoyed it so much that all I could think to say after finishing it was: omg omg omg, everyone needs to read this I don't care who you are 😂 Not the best review but that's definitely how I felt! I knew I was going to enjoy Amari's story but I didn't expect to fall so completely into this world full of wonderfully wild imaginings that I'd never want to leave! From the worldbuilding, the complex characters, and the intriguing plot (and a great twist!), this was an amazing start to what I have no doubt will be a fantastic new middle-grade fantasy series!

Sorry if this review is a bit of a ramble but it's hard to not gush about it! The story follows Amari as she is introduced to this supernatural world and has to pass a series of tests to join the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs. At the same time, her personal mission is to learn about what happened to her brother Quinton, who was one of the most famous bureau agents, and who went missing months ago. I'm definitely a fan of the MG fantasies that have the 'training and trials' theme and this one was so much fun and jam packed full of action and intrigue! I changed my mind about what I thought I knew was happening throughout the read and in the end I was still managed to be shocked by that delightfully cunning twist! Thought I loved pretty much all of it, I did feel that the climax/ending was a bit rushed and a little *too easy* considering how terrifying the villain was built up to be; however, it didn't lessen my enjoyment of this story at all.

Learning about the supernatural world and about magic alongside Amari felt so natural and I thought that the world building was incredibly well done. It’s set partially in the real world but mostly in a supernatural world that exists in parallel to our own, and Alston manages to breathe such life into the place that it wasn’t all that hard to imagine. In fact, I could so easily picture the scenes playing out before me it was almost as if I was there myself! The Bureau of Supernatural Affairs building gave me strong Men in Black vibes, and the supernatural world gave me some Nevermoor vibes, although it is equally as magical and wonderful on its own without comparison. I loved how the elevators in the bureau had their own names and personalities! I was also really curious about the different departments in the bureau and I’m glad that we get to see more of certain parts by the end, although the Department of Creature Control was absolutely AMAZING and obviously my favorite!

While the world building was top notch, it was the characters that helped me to connect with the story the most as Alston created complex yet relatable characters who were easy to love, but also easy to hate. Amari was a wonderful heroine and I loved her so much! She’s smart, feisty, and courageous, but the problem is she doesn’t believe in herself. She has grown up in her brothers’ shadow and in her eyes, no one could be better than him--definitely not her! She also faced a lot of hatred and prejudice for who she is, where she comes from and her abilities in both the real and supernatural worlds that contributed to her feelings of ‘otherness’, and oh my heart, it broke for her so many times! That said, the growth that Amari experiences throughout the course of the story as she learns to not fear standing up for herself, and learning to believe in herself, was absolutely empowering! I thought Alston did a really great job in handling these sensitive but important topics for a younger audience. I was so ready to take up arms for Amari though LOL I think I'm still ready to fight 😂

Aside from Amari, I also loved many of the side characters. Elsie, Amari's weredragon roommate and best friend, was such a fantastic supporting character! Their friendship was everything I love about MG stories because it was so wholesome and heartwarming. Although they were complete opposites in many ways, they encouraged each other to be their best selves and were definitely here for it! I was also a huge fan of Agents Fiona and Magnus and I can't wait to see more of them in the upcoming books.

Honestly, I could just keep rambling on about all the things I loved about this book because I truly enjoyed it that much. I'm so glad that this was put on my radar thanks to this blog tour and I'm so looking forward to January when the world can experience the amazing black girl magic that is Amari's story. If this book doesn't get the recognition and hype it 1000% deserves, I'm coming for somebody! 😂 (Kidding, or am I?) Bottom line: READ THIS BOOK, you won't regret it!

At first, there seems to be a lot of parallels to other magical worlds – especially one in which a young child who knows nothing about magic is thrown into a magical world (one that operates alongside the non-magical one) and has to interact with other children who have known about magic their whole lives. But honestly, this story is so fresh and different that you’ll forget about the similarities as you’re drawn into Amari’s world.

And while this magical world is full of incredible inventions and fantastical beasts, one thing that it does have in common with the non-magical world is racism and prejudices, where people are judged (and feared) based on the colour of their skin and their magical abilities.

We follow our protagonist, Amari, into this newly-discovered world where we learn all about magic and the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs and meet some wonderful (and wonderfully evil) creatures. Alston has laid the foundations for a beautiful, magical universe and it will be a pleasure to learn more about this universe in future books.

One of my favourite things about this book is the main character, Amari. She is truly one of the most likeable characters I have come across. Amari is smart and determined and written with a wonderful sense of realism.

What Amari goes through during the course of this book, both in terms of learning about magic, meeting new friends (and enemies), finding her brother and dealing with racism, makes her an easy protagonist to root for. Following Amari’s journey of growth and discovery is a treat and I’m looking forward to more books in this series.

Overall, the book is well-written and action packed. I think it’s a great choice for Middle Graders (and honestly, any age group) who enjoy adventure, magic and fantasy stories. The lessons contained in the story about racism and prejudice are very timely and, while done with a light and subtle hand, are still meaningful and impactful.

*** Thank you to The Write Reads blog tour organiser, for providing me with an advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alson is my new standard for magical-realm fiction. B.B. Alston has taken the middle-grade and up fan-base by storm. A storm named Amari!

Join Amari as she enters a magical land of supernatural beings while searching for her missing brother. It turns out he was an agent working for the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs. He & his partner (a Van Helsing) vanish while pursuing the Night Brothers, dastardly magicians bent on evil-doing.

Amari appeals to every misfit that ever tried to fit in with a crowd. She struggles with acceptance because of her skin color, economic status, and general awkwardness. The author deals with all these issues without letting them become the focus of the story. Adventure is the key to this book.

If you or someone you purchase books for is looking for the next Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, or Tristan Strong, Amari Peters is your new hero. I found her refreshingly real and so easy to cheer for. Whether she’s losing her temper and suffering the consequences or showing her vulnerability, she will steal your heart. I can’t wait to read more Amari stories from this author.

The book has been optioned for a Universal Studios movie. Details are sparse at the moment, but I am hearing exciting whispers about the cast.

What an amazing book, I strongly strongly recommend that so many people should give this story a try.
Especially if you loved Jessica Townsend's Nevermoor, I think you will enjoy B B Alston's Amari and the Night Brothers even more!

A fantastic start to a new middle grade fantasy series. We follow our main character Amari, who is full of courage, loyalty and of course a little sass. Her character is so well formed, even from this first instalment. You can see her motivations and her love for her family so vividly. It made her a truly great POV to read from.

I enjoyed the slight twist on the chosen one trope used here, where Amari's brother is the one to nominate her and introduce her to this magical world.
As many people, I really enjoy the "under dog triumphs" plot line. B B Alson writes a really engaging and intriguing under dog story here.
Filled with so many magical and wonderous world building aspects and memorable characters. Also adding in a little mystery as Amari tries to discover what happens to her brother, while fighting tooth and nail for the spot she deserves as Junior agent.

I'm so invested to see what unfolds in the next book and to see what else we'll learn about the world Amari has found herself thrust in.
This book would be suitable for so many different age ranges. From middle grade to adult, in my opinion.
It touches on so many important topics and to see more representation in middle grade fantasy especially is so great to see.

Where do I even start!!! I absolutely loved this book. I binge read it over one weekend. I could have easily read it one sitting but had to spread my reading over two days due to other commitments. I was hooked from the start and let me tell you every time I put this book down all I wanted to do was pick it right up. In fact, I couldn’t put it down long enough and it went with me almost to every part of the house, as every spare moment I tried to sneak a page in in here and there.

I loved everything about this book, from the mix of the real world and the magical world that definitely reminded me of some of my favourite movies and books Men in Black and Harry potter to name a couple. The mix of the two worlds was done so well and a big hit for me.

Another favourite of mine were the characters. They were brilliantly done, you never quite know who to trust. I found all the character brilliantly done, but I did have my favourite. Obviously that favourite character was Amari. I instantly found her likeable, and liked her honesty and how she was so strong and resilient when she is told she isn’t capable of doing things.

Seriously I loved this book so much and I just can’t get it all down into words, but just in case you missed my point I LOVED this book!!!!

I can’t wait to read the next book, so please Mr Alston can we have it as fast as possible as I can’t wait!!! Also hope we don’t have to wait too long for the movie either.

This is definitely the next action packed middle grade fantasy series to keep your eyes out for!!! So, don’t forget to buy your copy in January!!!

Oh what a lovely gem of a book!

Already the author’s letter to the reader at the beginning made me fall in love with the book and my expectations rose. And what should I say, the book exceeded my high expectations.

Amari is a girl trying to find her place in the world. She always had her older brother, Quinton, look out for her and support her. Now that brother simply disappeared and no one knows where he is this role is somehow reversed and she needs to look out for Quinton. Although no one knows where he went, Amari still does not give up hope and tries to find him. On that search she also needs to figure out where her own place in this world is and how and where she fits in. She has a huge character development in the course of the book. So at the beginning of the book she simply accepts that she gets thrown out of the fancy private school she goes to but then at some point she decides to stand her ground and not simply accept all that unfair treatment anymore.

She continues to be the odd one out in the supernatural world too. But for the first time in her life she finds a real friend: Elsie.

Elsie is one of my most favorite characters and I expect great things to happen with/to her in the upcoming books. I love the idea of people being able to turn into fire-breathing dragons. And Elsie is simply adorable. She really is a good friend to Amari, in contrast to all the other people surrounding her, of who the reader never really knows which side they are on and what they are hiding.

Unravelling all those secrets is Amari’s main goal as she wants to find her brother Quinton and his partner Maria. And she really does that very well. I always expected that someone will betray Amary, but the ending really surprised me and I did not really expect what happened.

I have read some book reviews in which this book is compared to Harry Potter. Of course this comparison seems obvious as Amari and Harry are both wizards aka magicians and there is a super villain in each book but the deeper you delve into Amari and the Night brothers the less plausible this comparison gets. Harry Potter has a lot of friends and kind people surrounding him and it is very obvious that Voldemort is the supervillain, so there is only black and white and very little grey. In contrast to that Amari only has one real friend and only a few people who support and trust her, preceded by Quinton. She experiences rejection and aversion of the people around her. So her life stays the same in that respect, wherever she goes. Simply being in the supernatural world does not change that as it does for Harry Potter. She meets way more resistance and rejection and has to be a lot tougher and braver.

I really enjoyed reading Amari and the Night Brothers and I am really looking forward to the following volumes in this series.

Thank you #TheWriteReads and egmontbooksuk for letting me participate in this tour and letting me read the book in exchange for an honest review.

As I have two boys -aged ten and seven- I have already preordered it in German and I will put a review in German further down on this page.

Thank you to @The_WriteReads, Egmont Books, and Netgalley, for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

If you were a reader as a kid, do you remember that feeling of picking up a book featuring a character around your age going on magical adventures and instantly falling in love? I remember that feeling and I still chase it as an adult. And, I’m happy to report, Amari and the Night Brothers gave me that exact feeling as soon as I started reading!

In this book, we’re following a young Black girl named Amari Peters. Amari is a girl that has a lot on her mind as the story opens. She’s just gotten into a fight that ends in her scholarship to a fancy school being revoked, she’s dealing with bullying from the rich kids who thought she never belonged there in the first place, and, worst of all, her big brother, Quinton, has been missing for the last six months. People keep saying that Quinton probably got mixed up in the usual things that catch young Black men in the projects, but Amari knows that the brother she adored would never get caught up in stuff like that. And Amari gets her proof when a mysterious package arrives from her missing brother. Soon, she is thrust into a world where all the supernatural creatures we think don’t exist are real and she’s been invited to join the same organization her brother worked for. Amari sees this as her chance to finally get some answers and to find her brother.

Y’all, I loved this book! This was an absolute delight to read! I immediately fell into the story from page one and found incredibly easy to immerse myself in the world. It was just so much wonderful! Like a quick, delectable snack that just makes your whole day brighter!

Let’s talk about the characters, first and foremost. I can’t tell you how happy it makes me to see more and more middle grade books with young Black kids front and center. Little Amari made me want to hug her and fight literally everyone that kept being mean to her. Seriously, I was ready to throw some hands at some completely fictional characters 😤 B.B. Alston does an incredible job of creating a character that is instantly relatable, who you want to root for from the get-go, and who’s future you find yourself so thoroughly invested in so quickly. Amari is such a beautiful character who goes through some incredible growth throughout the book. And I adored quite a few of the side characters, as well, especially Elsie! I was worried about these characters like they were legitimately my own children, lol. I love when I can connect to characters so completely!

I also really enjoyed the world of Amari and the Night Brothers. It was a lot of fun learning about the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs and I loved all the different departments. I would definitely want to work for the Department of Creature Control. It’s easy to forget about the world around you when you’re discovering the depth and breadth of the supernatural world along with Amari. And, as a person that absolutely loves a competition aspect to a book, I was super pumped to read about Amari’s trials to try and keep her spot in the super secretive Bureau. Like, yes, girl, show them how amazing you are! Honestly, the pages flew by and I was a little sad when the story was over. Thank goodness this is just the first book in a series!

Final thoughts: Do you like your middle grade fantasy to have secrets, magic, danger, and strong Black girl coming into her own? Then you are gonna love Amari and the Night Brothers! It is a perfect blend of captivating characters, an incredibly fun world, and a dash of mystery to keep you flying through the pages. I thoroughly enjoyed myself the entire time I was reading this and I cannot wait for the next book!

4.5

Book source ~ Tour

13-year-old Amari Peters has an older genius brother, Quinton, who goes missing. Police aren’t trying too hard to find him, and six months later Amari discovers a ticking briefcase in his closet. When Amari opens it, everything she thought about the world changes and now she has a chance to find her brother her own damn self. Go bring him home, Amari!

I’m not usually a fan of saying, “If you like X book then you will like this one.” But I’m going to say it now. If you like Harry Potter then you will like Amari and the Night Brothers. They are very similar and yet very different, but they both involve magic and a whole other world than the mundane. There’s also a scary villain and his followers (not quite as scary, but definitely thorns in the sides of the good guys), but I’ll let you read about him and them.

I love Amari. She’s smart, independent, and plucky as hell. She’s been living in her brother’s shadow, but really it’s all in her head because she’s pretty clever on her own right. However, when you have talented older siblings it’s hard to see your own strengths. And she has plenty of those. She’s also in for a surprise when she joins the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs. Ok, she’s in for MANY surprises when she goes there, but one in particular is an albatross around her neck. She needs to study hard and pass the three tryouts because she will never have a better opportunity to find her brother. Making friends and enemies, Amari navigates the treacherous waters of the BSA with will, skill, and sometimes just by the seat of her pants. But will any of this help her find her beloved brother? You’ll have to read to find out and I highly recommend that you do! Amari and the Night Brothers will sweep you into a magical world that’s not always as fun or cool as you might think. Fast-moving with characters you’ll love or love to hate this is one Middle-Grade Fantasy intertwined with a Mystery you won’t want to miss!

This book is Magical! I have struggled writing this review as I know I am just going to gush. I can completely see why this book already has a movie deal. I just flew through it. It’s one of those books that pulls you into a fantastically detailed magical world that its so full of wonder and mystery. I loved the combination of the magical school trope with the men in black secret government agency. It made the reveal of the background supernatural world feel fresh and interesting. I can see everyone that reads this choosing there own favourite department that they would want to be a part of. Everything we learn is also integral to the plot. It is such a beautifully constructed plot that leads us through the mystery of Quinton’s disappearance perfectly, revealing bits of information, foreshadowing and twists all come at the most impactful moments to keep you turning the pages. There is nothing in the world building just thrown in for fun we get to explore all the elements, and I can’t wait to discover even more as the series continues. There were also some amazing plot twists that totally caught me off guard!

Amari is a kick ass main character, so strong and confident but also is allowed to have moments where she needs to ask for help, where she is allowed to be unsure of her self but also showing her working through that self doubt. The supporting cast was great. Even the villains were complex and interesting. Also finally a character named Fiona! I might be bias but I really did love Agent Fiona’s character. In fact I really loved all the characters, there was so much going on with all of them and I am looking forward learning more and more as the books go on.

This book also really highlights how much representation matters and it does an amazing job of it. What is particularly poignant is how Amari is treated at her school in the real world vs the supernatural and how she has had to build defences for that. How her brother is perceived by the police investigating his disappearance all because of the colour of his skin and the area in which he grew up. It made me pause and think, as someone who will never experience those prejudices, they are woven into to story so expertly and we need more of these voices breaking through.

All in all this book is a fresh take on the thrown into a brand new magical world, that all fantasy fans love. It has a solid and well constructed plot with pliantly of action, loveable characters, excellent villains and enough room for the stories to spiral out into a completely magical universe, not just from B.B Alston himself but form the fans that find a new place to fit in. Its truly magical.

There is a tradition in my household that in mid January when Christmas is a distant memory but the weather is still dark and cold, work is back in full swing and the January blues are kicking in, that we buy small gifts to lift those blues. This book is released that week, do yourself a favour and pre-order, escape into this beautifully magical world that all ages can explore. It is worth it. I see this being a big highlight of next year for most people. I loved every moment and can see myself re-reading it very shortly.