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readingwithtemperance's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
5.0
Excuse you B.B. Alston but August is REALLY far away and I need this book right now please and thank you.
Okay but seriously WHAT A SEQUEL! I love Amari and this works so so much. I'm so happy that there will be more to come.
The ending perfectly set up for book three. And by the way LETS TALK ABOUT THAT ENDING.When Dillon had his evil memories taken away and he looked at Amari with so much love and clarity only for it to be RIPPED AWAY. I might never recover.
And mind you I was CRYING MY ASS OFF ATQUINTON. Oh my goodness am I happy that Anari has her big brother back. I'm so excited to see more from him in book three.
Okay but seriously WHAT A SEQUEL! I love Amari and this works so so much. I'm so happy that there will be more to come.
The ending perfectly set up for book three. And by the way LETS TALK ABOUT THAT ENDING.
And mind you I was CRYING MY ASS OFF AT
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Racism, and Bullying
Moderate: Confinement, Fire/Fire injury, and Deportation
Minor: War
gattolinos_nerdy_nook's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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? It's complicated
4.0
I love this series. It is a fun and easy to get into this book. I found that the plot did a really good job of tackling serious topics in a way that a younger audience can understand and relate to. This book in particular the topics racism, having friends move away and feeling alone in the world.
I think these topics are handled well in such a vibrant and exciting universe without taking away from the topics.
Beyond the topic of the book I found the overall story to feel like it has middle book syndrome as it does a lot of setup for the next book's plot. Whilst this is not bac it did feel like there was nothing that was really accomplished in this book. The loses out weighed the wins in this book.
In saying this I am super excited to read the next book in the series when it comes out.
I think these topics are handled well in such a vibrant and exciting universe without taking away from the topics.
Beyond the topic of the book I found the overall story to feel like it has middle book syndrome as it does a lot of setup for the next book's plot. Whilst this is not bac it did feel like there was nothing that was really accomplished in this book. The loses out weighed the wins in this book.
In saying this I am super excited to read the next book in the series when it comes out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Bullying, and Racism
Moderate: Deportation
jennifervenia's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
5.0
“At være god er et valg, Amari. Og det er et, du skal træffe igen og igen. Uanset hvor svært det bliver. Uanset hvor fristende det er at lade mørket vinde.”
I had a hard time putting the book down, I was captured by the story and wanted to know what would happend next. I liked the political elements that were added to the story. The story was full of unexpected plottwists I did not see come, and I look forward to read the next book in the series.
Warning: deportation, racism, bullying, police brutallty, manipulation, hate crime, disown, war, death, torture.
Advarsel: tvunget udsmidning, racisme, mobning, politi brutalitet, manipulation, hadforbrydelse, slået af hånden, krig, død, tortur.
I had a hard time putting the book down, I was captured by the story and wanted to know what would happend next. I liked the political elements that were added to the story. The story was full of unexpected plottwists I did not see come, and I look forward to read the next book in the series.
Warning: deportation, racism, bullying, police brutallty, manipulation, hate crime, disown, war, death, torture.
Advarsel: tvunget udsmidning, racisme, mobning, politi brutalitet, manipulation, hadforbrydelse, slået af hånden, krig, død, tortur.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Police brutality, Hate crime, Torture, Racism, Deportation, Bullying, War, and Death
tvunget udsmidning, racisme, mobning, politi brutalitet, manipulation, hadforbrydelse, slået af hånden, krig, død, tortur.emzhay's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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
4.0
I devoured this book in about two days. I just couldn’t put it down. The story was exciting and suspenseful. There were a lot of moving parts and I was invested in each one of them. Though I do wish more time was spent on the games. Those scenes went by in a flash.
I found myself getting frustrated with the characters at some points, but reminded myself that this is written for a younger audience. Their decisions aren’t meant to match my expectations.
There were a lot of ending left open here. I’m highly anticipating the next book, but I’m a bit anxious about how everything will wrap up.
I found myself getting frustrated with the characters at some points, but reminded myself that this is written for a younger audience. Their decisions aren’t meant to match my expectations.
There were a lot of ending left open here. I’m highly anticipating the next book, but I’m a bit anxious about how everything will wrap up.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Racism
Moderate: Deportation
Minor: Confinement
bexi's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia
Moderate: Confinement, Fire/Fire injury, Bullying, Deportation, and Violence
Minor: Toxic friendship and War
aformeracceleratedreader's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
This is an excellent sequel and I'm so excited for whenever the 3rd one comes out! I really enjoy Amari and all the other characters (even the ones I don't like). A great middle grade read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Xenophobia, and Bullying
Moderate: Deportation, Violence, Confinement, and Death
Minor: War
erebus53's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Amari is starting back at school after having passed her first junior challenge, and all of a sudden there is a new person in charge of the magical world. At a meeting of the ruling council, something or someone has stopped time. Now limited to the room on which the disturbance was centred, the only people halted are the people who were in charge, leaving a power vacuum that is filled by the Deputy Prime Minister and his chief spindoctor.
The person who has taken over has some extreme bigoted views and starts deporting the Unwanted - anyone whose ancestors were on the wrong side of the centuries old war against the Night Brothers. The talking points, and the fact that he himself is technically considered one of those Unwanted, bring to mind a certain dark haired little man with a toothbrush moustache. As the media and the politicians sow a climate of fear, he gains more and more popularity and power, and one of the types of people that he is prejudiced against is Magicians, like Amari. As she proves unwilling to be a pawn in his publicity stunts, the powers that be try to separate her more and more from her friends, She is forced to wear a badge that singles her out as dangerous. (All rather familiar - but an interesting way of encountering these ideas if you are a younger reader and don't recognise them.)
Just as all this is happening, Amari's once friend come nemesis, Dylan, escapes from his prison, and as the only two people who are the Born Magicians of their generation they are pitted against each other to vie for Vladimir's Crown, the symbol and vessel of power that would allow them to rule over he League of Magicians... and it looks like they are gearing up for a war.
This is the second book of the series and I'll admit that I had forgotten much of the plot of the first one before I got back into it. As far as audiobooks go, it's recorded a little slower than regular speaking pace so it can probably bear being listened to on a faster speed.
One thing I do love about this series is that the cast is racially diverse. It wasn't until the dedication at the end of the book that I realised the author was a man (one of those things about having a main character who is a girl, and having the audiobook narrated by a woman) and a Christian, which may be one reason why there isn't any form of romance in the story. This does make it an ideal choice for many looking for a good middle-school read. The age-group for these books (using the rule of thumb "main character's age minus 3 years") is probably 10+
The trials and puzzles in this and the mystery that the friends investigate make this quite a fun read, even for older people. There are a couple of cute sidekick/pets and some flashy powers and things to keep younger audiences interested and a couple of prophetic visions and big reveals that are really satisfying.
All in all it's good.. not super great.. but entertaining. I hear there's a third book?
The person who has taken over has some extreme bigoted views and starts deporting the Unwanted - anyone whose ancestors were on the wrong side of the centuries old war against the Night Brothers. The talking points, and the fact that he himself is technically considered one of those Unwanted, bring to mind a certain dark haired little man with a toothbrush moustache. As the media and the politicians sow a climate of fear, he gains more and more popularity and power, and one of the types of people that he is prejudiced against is Magicians, like Amari. As she proves unwilling to be a pawn in his publicity stunts, the powers that be try to separate her more and more from her friends, She is forced to wear a badge that singles her out as dangerous. (All rather familiar - but an interesting way of encountering these ideas if you are a younger reader and don't recognise them.)
Just as all this is happening, Amari's once friend come nemesis, Dylan, escapes from his prison, and as the only two people who are the Born Magicians of their generation they are pitted against each other to vie for Vladimir's Crown, the symbol and vessel of power that would allow them to rule over he League of Magicians... and it looks like they are gearing up for a war.
This is the second book of the series and I'll admit that I had forgotten much of the plot of the first one before I got back into it. As far as audiobooks go, it's recorded a little slower than regular speaking pace so it can probably bear being listened to on a faster speed.
One thing I do love about this series is that the cast is racially diverse. It wasn't until the dedication at the end of the book that I realised the author was a man (one of those things about having a main character who is a girl, and having the audiobook narrated by a woman) and a Christian, which may be one reason why there isn't any form of romance in the story. This does make it an ideal choice for many looking for a good middle-school read. The age-group for these books (using the rule of thumb "main character's age minus 3 years") is probably 10+
The trials and puzzles in this and the mystery that the friends investigate make this quite a fun read, even for older people. There are a couple of cute sidekick/pets and some flashy powers and things to keep younger audiences interested and a couple of prophetic visions and big reveals that are really satisfying.
All in all it's good.. not super great.. but entertaining. I hear there's a third book?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deportation, Racial slurs, Forced institutionalization, Racism, and Violence
chaoticnostalgia's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Bullying
Moderate: Hate crime, Death, Medical content, Deportation, Confinement, and Fire/Fire injury
emily_mh's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
This was such a solid sequel! It had two major plot threads - a mystery and a competition - which meant I was engaged from the start and always looked forward to picking the book back up. It also meant the narrative was pacey, furthering my engagement. The mystery plot line was fantastic as it had lots of investigation involved. The solution was satisfying and contained elements I had not predicted, which was an added bonus! On the other hand, I did want more from the Great Game (competition) plot line. I felt like we didn’t end up spending much time with it.
I loved that we got to see more of the supernatural world, like the cafe in the beginning of the book with the fortune cookies. The devil is in the detail, and Alston consistently finds ways to include these that really enrich the narrative. But we also get to see bigger elements of world-building, like finding out more about the League and visiting departments like the Department of the Dead and the Department of Dreams.
Amari was once again a fantastic MC to follow. She’s resolute, she tries to do what’s right, she loves her family and friends and tries to protect them at all costs, but at the same time she’s just 12 years old, trying to figure out all the usual problems that strike at that age and trying to find a place in the world she loves that doesn’t love her back. And she still remains determined, and is able to be silly and kind through it all. I also loved how much she learned about her magic and friendship in this instalment.
Finally, I enjoyed seeing the friendship group itself develop. Amari gains such a wholesome little team and the interactions between the characters involved were one of my favourite parts of the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Deportation, Car accident, and Violence
Minor: Excrement, Misogyny, Murder, Sexism, Ableism, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, War, Death, and Sexual harassment
Major: bigotry, sick loved one Moderate: blackmail, imprisonmentchamaeleontis's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
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
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, War, Deportation, Gaslighting, Medical content, Chronic illness, Hate crime, Blood, Confinement, Racism, Abandonment, Bullying, Fire/Fire injury, and Gore