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joanna_banana's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I started reading this together with my 11 year old daughter. We were enjoying it and then got COVID so I picked it up today and finished it while she got her hair done. It’s a very quick read with lots of twists and turns. I thought it would end with a cliffhanger there were so few pages left to resolve everything. You will see! Some parts were predicable but a lot kept me guessing. I enjoyed The relationships — siblings, friends, mother-daughter. Little to no romance. Placed a hold on the next one in the series the moment I finished!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Blood, Deportation, and Grief
Moderate: Violence and Injury/Injury detail
mandaraffe's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Classism
Moderate: Death, Racism, and Medical content
readingwithtemperance's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book gave me the same feelings I had reading my childhood favorites growing up. I was so swept up and captivated by Amari and the world she was thrust into. The magic, the adventure, the FRIENDSHIP. Ugh it fueled my heart so good.
The world itself was so incredible. I loved getting insight on all of the different departments. And I'm so excited to see more in book two! Personally I would want to work in the department of good fortune and bad omens.
The love Amari feels for her big brother had me over come with emotion so many times. Especially whenshe was speaking to him in his coma. "Hey Chicken Little" TEARS EVERY WHERE. And every time she doubted herself he was lifting her right back up internally. The bond they share is so beautiful. Quinton truly is a beacon.
Amari is so so brave and constantly proving others wrong. People doubt her because of where she comes from, for being black, and for being a magician. Whether it's the mundane or supernatural world people are always forming opinions about her before she even opens her mouth or acts. Her existence is a "threat" no matter where she is.
She's always being told she doesn't belong or doesn't deserve her spot. First in private school and then again at summer camp. Amari is bullied so fiercely by her peers. And the adults the grand majority of the time are just complicent in that and it was utterly disgusting to watch.
Ffs she wasdemoted simply because Van Helsing had a personal vendetta against her. It ended up working in her favor but that was SUCH a low blow and entirely unfair. SHE EARNED THAT FUCKING BADGE. That's okay though because the call was coming from inside the house wasn't it?
At the end of the day she's Amari Amazing and there's nothing they can do about it.Especially now that they need HER help. Funny how that works.
Elsie is such an incredible friend. I love how much she and Amari balance eachother while simultaneously getting eachother out of their comfort zones. She is definitely my 2nd favorite character (Amari is number 1 obviously). I hope we get to see more science magic and maybe a transformation in book 2.
Now onto some major spoiler territory because this guy REALLY pissed me off and I just need to get it out. You have been warned. Do not pass go if you haven't read this book, okay? Okay.
WHAT THE FUCK DYLAN ARE YOU SERIOUS!? I LOVED AND TRUSTED YOU. AMARI LOVED AND TRUSTED YOU. AND YOU JUST HAD TO BE AN EVIL COCKROACH!? FUCK ALL THE WAY OFF. I had suspicios for like 5 seconds with your dark magic bullshit, but I wanted to give you the benefit of the doubt because kids are curious. Jokes on me you're actually just a 12 year old henchman to the bad guy.
Anyways
Read this book. Read THIS book. READ THIS BOOK. REEEEEEAD THIS BOOOOOK.
If you don't I'm coming for your knee caps (jk, unless?)
The world itself was so incredible. I loved getting insight on all of the different departments. And I'm so excited to see more in book two! Personally I would want to work in the department of good fortune and bad omens.
The love Amari feels for her big brother had me over come with emotion so many times. Especially when
Amari is so so brave and constantly proving others wrong. People doubt her because of where she comes from, for being black, and for being a magician. Whether it's the mundane or supernatural world people are always forming opinions about her before she even opens her mouth or acts. Her existence is a "threat" no matter where she is.
She's always being told she doesn't belong or doesn't deserve her spot. First in private school and then again at summer camp. Amari is bullied so fiercely by her peers. And the adults the grand majority of the time are just complicent in that and it was utterly disgusting to watch.
Ffs she was
At the end of the day she's Amari Amazing and there's nothing they can do about it.
Elsie is such an incredible friend. I love how much she and Amari balance eachother while simultaneously getting eachother out of their comfort zones. She is definitely my 2nd favorite character (Amari is number 1 obviously). I hope we get to see more science magic and maybe a transformation in book 2.
Now onto some major spoiler territory because this guy REALLY pissed me off and I just need to get it out. You have been warned. Do not pass go if you haven't read this book, okay? Okay.
Anyways
Read this book. Read THIS book. READ THIS BOOK. REEEEEEAD THIS BOOOOOK.
If you don't I'm coming for your knee caps (jk, unless?)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Racism, and Bullying
Moderate: Kidnapping and Grief
Minor: Violence
jennifervenia's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
“Folk har tendens til at frygte det, de ikke forstår. Og frygt bliver alt for let til had.”
I really enjoyed reading Amari and the night brothers. The story is full of secrets, magic and mystery.
The book has some very good and unexpected plottwists I did not see coming. The story kept me wanting to read more and find out what would happend next. The flow of the story is well written and smooth.
It will always be strange to me when a book mentions people have to pay to attend school.
The only reason Amari and the night brothers gets four stars is because of how commanding the adults in the book behaves a lot if the time, it was often - the adult give a order without any explanation and the child would immediately do what they adult commanded. It was very much right in front of me all the time.
I look forward to read the rest of the series.
I really enjoyed reading Amari and the night brothers. The story is full of secrets, magic and mystery.
The book has some very good and unexpected plottwists I did not see coming. The story kept me wanting to read more and find out what would happend next. The flow of the story is well written and smooth.
It will always be strange to me when a book mentions people have to pay to attend school.
The only reason Amari and the night brothers gets four stars is because of how commanding the adults in the book behaves a lot if the time, it was often - the adult give a order without any explanation and the child would immediately do what they adult commanded. It was very much right in front of me all the time.
I look forward to read the rest of the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Bullying, Classism, and Hate crime
Racisme, mobning, hadeforbrydelse, klasseforskel der bruges til had og mobning.thekissballad's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
I really enjoyed this and can't wait to continue the series.
I enjoyed the worldbuilding and how the supernatural world is hidden. I liked that a large variety of creatures, myths, etc were used instead of just a select few.
And while I enjoyed the mystery surrounding Quinton and the Night Brothers, that's also where I had some issues.
The first being how often it was repeated that Amari was there to find out what happened to her brother. It's evident through her actions that the constant repetition verbally got on my nerves.
The second being that the Night Brothers didn't have as much of a role as I expected considering they're in the title. I'd explain further, but SPOILERS.
The ending was actually a bit surprising for me. There were many routes that could have been taken, and I honestly thought it would be a different one. It's refreshing to be surprised.
I enjoyed the worldbuilding and how the supernatural world is hidden. I liked that a large variety of creatures, myths, etc were used instead of just a select few.
And while I enjoyed the mystery surrounding Quinton and the Night Brothers, that's also where I had some issues.
The first being how often it was repeated that Amari was there to find out what happened to her brother. It's evident through her actions that the constant repetition verbally got on my nerves.
The second being that the Night Brothers didn't have as much of a role as I expected considering they're in the title. I'd explain further, but SPOILERS.
The ending was actually a bit surprising for me. There were many routes that could have been taken, and I honestly thought it would be a different one. It's refreshing to be surprised.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime
Moderate: Bullying, Xenophobia, Classism, and Violence
queer_bookwyrm's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
4 ⭐ CW: bullying
Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston is book one in the Supernatural Investigations series. This was such a good middle grade book! Another book I wish had been around when I was a kid, cause it definitely would have taken the place of HP. This was sort of like Artemis Fowl meets Men in Black.
We follow Amari Peters, a black girl from a not great neighborhood, who constantly feels less than for things she can't control. Her brother has also been missing and can't be found. Then one day she gets a mysterious invitation for an interview for a supernatural summer camp where she discovers she's a magician. The one problem is that magicians are illegal, and she faces the same kinds of stigma in the supernatural world as she does in the real world.
This was such a fun story! There are lots of themes on believing in yourself despite what everyone around you thinks, including the adults, and living up to your potential. I absolutely loved Amari's genius inventor roommate and best friend, Elsie, who is a weredragon. Amari is whip smart, but struggles to believe in herself, because she feels like she pales in comparison to her brother's awesome achievements, until she realizes being second to the number one supernatural agent isn't a bad thing.
I want so badly to learn about all the supernatural beings and all the cool abilities everyone gets. I will definitely be reading the next book. Middle grade books are so underrated!
Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston is book one in the Supernatural Investigations series. This was such a good middle grade book! Another book I wish had been around when I was a kid, cause it definitely would have taken the place of HP. This was sort of like Artemis Fowl meets Men in Black.
We follow Amari Peters, a black girl from a not great neighborhood, who constantly feels less than for things she can't control. Her brother has also been missing and can't be found. Then one day she gets a mysterious invitation for an interview for a supernatural summer camp where she discovers she's a magician. The one problem is that magicians are illegal, and she faces the same kinds of stigma in the supernatural world as she does in the real world.
This was such a fun story! There are lots of themes on believing in yourself despite what everyone around you thinks, including the adults, and living up to your potential. I absolutely loved Amari's genius inventor roommate and best friend, Elsie, who is a weredragon. Amari is whip smart, but struggles to believe in herself, because she feels like she pales in comparison to her brother's awesome achievements, until she realizes being second to the number one supernatural agent isn't a bad thing.
I want so badly to learn about all the supernatural beings and all the cool abilities everyone gets. I will definitely be reading the next book. Middle grade books are so underrated!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying
emzhay's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
The writing and editing were a bit clunky, but I really loved the story and characters. I would have loved to read a book about someone like Amari when I was a kid.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Racism
bexdubyah's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
beautyandthebookworms's review against another edition
4.0
4+ stars ⭐️
~
💙first lemme say I cannot wait for this to be adapted to the screens! I know it’ll be a big hit & hopefully get more people talking about this series because it deserves it!
✨magic
✨Men-In-Black vibes
✨middle grade — enjoyable for all ages
~
💙the book starts out with Amari (our FMC) really struggling—the kids at her school are bullying her & her brother has been missing for months. everyone is writing this off as “he just got mixed up with the wrong people” because of the neighborhood they come from
💙Amari knows better & never stops believing that her brother is out there & something is wrong. she is willing to (and does) everything it takes to get some answers & find him
💙Amari ends up discovering a suitcase that was left to her from her brother. the inside introduces that there is a magical world around her that she isn’t aware of—which her brother was very much a part of
💙the suitcase extends an invitation for Amari to attend a tryout for the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs where she can learn all about her brothers secret job, what sort of skills & magic others have, & what type of skills & magic she possesses herself. it also sets up an opportunity for her future & what roles she could be a part of with the Bureau herself
💙Amari comes to find out her brother was a member of the heroic, big-deal duo VanQuish—both of who went missing at the same time
💙Amari gets to investigate & unveil clues as to where her brother could be & what happened—she also learns the threats of the magical realm as a whole
💙throughout the whole book Amari deals with people trying to say she doesn’t belong in different settings, because of the color of her skin, because of where she comes from, & because of her magical abilities she was born with—but Amari is so resilient & won’t let anything stop her from finding her favorite person (her brother)
💙Amari makes some friendships & allies along the way—while also connecting with some mentors
💙Amari is such a strong, intelligent, & brave girl—I’m very happy I read her story
~
💙I really don’t want to give too much away, but this is packed with mystery, adventure, exciting magic, & is so unique & fun.
💙it also demonstrates racism in the real & magical world, classism, bullying, etc.
💙I highly recommend this book & am so happy the author created such a knockout book series with diverse representation 💘
🎧PS—listened as an audiobook & highly recommend. the narrator was perfect.
~
quotes::
~
💙first lemme say I cannot wait for this to be adapted to the screens! I know it’ll be a big hit & hopefully get more people talking about this series because it deserves it!
✨magic
✨Men-In-Black vibes
✨middle grade — enjoyable for all ages
~
💙the book starts out with Amari (our FMC) really struggling—the kids at her school are bullying her & her brother has been missing for months. everyone is writing this off as “he just got mixed up with the wrong people” because of the neighborhood they come from
💙Amari knows better & never stops believing that her brother is out there & something is wrong. she is willing to (and does) everything it takes to get some answers & find him
💙Amari ends up discovering a suitcase that was left to her from her brother. the inside introduces that there is a magical world around her that she isn’t aware of—which her brother was very much a part of
💙the suitcase extends an invitation for Amari to attend a tryout for the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs where she can learn all about her brothers secret job, what sort of skills & magic others have, & what type of skills & magic she possesses herself. it also sets up an opportunity for her future & what roles she could be a part of with the Bureau herself
💙Amari comes to find out her brother was a member of the heroic, big-deal duo VanQuish—both of who went missing at the same time
💙Amari gets to investigate & unveil clues as to where her brother could be & what happened—she also learns the threats of the magical realm as a whole
💙throughout the whole book Amari deals with people trying to say she doesn’t belong in different settings, because of the color of her skin, because of where she comes from, & because of her magical abilities she was born with—but Amari is so resilient & won’t let anything stop her from finding her favorite person (her brother)
💙Amari makes some friendships & allies along the way—while also connecting with some mentors
💙Amari is such a strong, intelligent, & brave girl—I’m very happy I read her story
~
💙I really don’t want to give too much away, but this is packed with mystery, adventure, exciting magic, & is so unique & fun.
💙it also demonstrates racism in the real & magical world, classism, bullying, etc.
💙I highly recommend this book & am so happy the author created such a knockout book series with diverse representation 💘
🎧PS—listened as an audiobook & highly recommend. the narrator was perfect.
~
quotes::
‘people assume stuff about you based on things you can’t change about yourself. so I just do my best to prove them wrong. to be the person they’re not expecting. Amari Peters, changing minds one person at a time.’
“keep that wild fire burning inside ye lass, and let all of their doubts become kerosene.”
“everyone wants to feel like they belong somewhere.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Bullying
Moderate: Classism
abookwormspov's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Racism