This past month has been a time of silence on the review front which means I missed my slot on this blog tour, ran by Dave from Write Reads Tours. My lack of review is not a negative reflection of this book, in fact it’s the opposite.. I wanted to write this review when I had some time to put it together, not while rushing around trying to do 100 things. I wanted to attempt to give this book the review it deserves.
Synopsis – Quinton Peters was the golden boy of the Rosewood low-income housing projects, receiving full scholarship offers to two different Ivy League schools. When he mysteriously goes missing, his little sister, 13-year-old Amari Peters, can’t understand why it’s not a bigger deal. Why isn’t his story all over the news? And why do the police automatically assume he was into something illegal?
Then Amari discovers a ticking briefcase in her brother’s old closet. A briefcase meant for her eyes only. There was far more to Quinton, it seems, than she ever knew. He’s left her a nomination for a summer tryout at the secretive Bureau of Supernatural Affairs. Amari is certain the answer to finding out what happened to him lies somewhere inside, if only she can get her head around the idea of mermaids, dwarves, yetis and magicians all being real things, something she has to instantly confront when she is given a weredragon as a roommate.
With an evil magican threatening the whole supernatural world, and her own classmates thinking she is an 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.
Amari and the Night Brothers is a richly woven tale of familial love, bravery and self acceptance. This wonderful story has the power to wrap you in it’s world, keeping you reading for much longer than you meant to.
Amari is a driven character that has lived much of her life in her brothers shadow so she really has no idea just how exceptional she is. We get to watch her grow, learn and be brave. I think the wonderful thing about Amari is that although she faces all of these hurdles she still finds the wonder and excitement in the world. She forms deep connections with those willing to give her the benefit of the doubt, she doesn’t let the hatred she faces stop her from making hard choices and getting to the bottom of the mystery. Her friendships were the absolute highlight.
Full of monsters and magic B.B. Alston brings this alternate world to life, the city is vibrant, the academy is full of wonder and delight. I loved being in Amari’s world with her. I was blown away by the depth of the world and the academy. The history was wonderful and written into the story in such an organic way that it never felt like a slog.
There are lots of twists and turns and while I think an experienced reader will pick most from a mile away, it didn’t take away from the enjoyment. Sometimes the dialogue was a little clunky, but again I still enjoyed the read.
I have to comment on this cover. It is possibly my favourite cover of 2020, even though technically it isn’t released until 2021. On a side note it has been picked up and the movie is getting ready to be made. The actress Marsai Martin is such an awesome pick to play Amari.
I can’t do this book justice, it is an absolute treat and I hope you enjoy it with your kids.
Title: Amari and the Night Brothers – Author: B.B. Alston – Amazon
Maxine's Obsessions 
Amazing review, I am so glad you enjoyed this book, I adored it!
LikeLiked by 1 person