I received an audio ARC from Hachette Audio through NetGalley.
Ahmed introduces a sister and brother team who are chosen by an old prophecy to save the worlds. Of course, this ties to a rare moon event and a family evening to view this from a museum. Hamza starts the events by taking an artifact out of its display case. When the box opens, their hero quest begins. Their adventures in the worlds of Qaf feel disjointed at times and the other characters are less developed than preferred. Amira and Hamza are typical siblings but the squabbling (though realistic) interrupts the flow of the overall story. This may be the author's choice to set the stage for the rest of the series on their adventures but it felt contrived at times. In the end, the two find their inner strength, conquer their fears and face down the one planning to destroy the worlds for vengeance. Ahmed's theme of good triumphing over evil no matter the cost comes through clearly.

This was such a fun adventure story that is perfect for young readers! I love that it features BIPOC characters and gives insight into non-European folklore!

I received an eARC of this title through NetGalley in return for an honest review.

I think this book is a fun ride. Amira and Hamza are well written siblings where they love each other but constantly bicker. I think this is a good middle grade book for those who like to read books like the Percy Jackson series or Tristan Strong series. The only thing I will say is I was a little disappointed by the BBEG (big bad evil guy). I mean, the whole book is building up to them fighting the BBEG, and then it just kind of petters out with the finale of how they defeat him. Maybe that is just me, but I felt kind of taken a back by how easily these two kids defeated him. I also think some of the writing, while cool for me who is a seasoned nerd, may go over some childrens' heads. There were a lot of geek culture references that I am not sure most twelve year olds would know them all. Some for sure! Just not all of them.

As for the narrator, as I listened to the audiobook, I think they did a phenomenal job. To me, middle grade and children's audiobooks should have narrators that intrigue the listener, not just tell the story to them. I think this narrator did a fantastic job of not only giving the narration voice, but also keeping all of the character voices different inflections.

A fun story, although the final villain felt a bit to easy.
But I liked the siblings and all the creatures they meet.
The narrator is not my favorite she did the different voices well but I was yelled at a bit too often for my taste.

I unfortunately got authorised too late to review this as it archived :( I was so excited about it so I’ll be buying the book!

A fun random adventure that kids would love. With two Muslim American Children as our MC we follow then on an adventure to save the world. With random hurtles and challenges these two unlikely heroes. This give me Percy Jackson vibes but with out the myths part of it. Now this is a fun story I was hooked into the story for the randomness that was going on so I giving this book 3 stars it good and for the right person they will love this story.

Unfortunately the publishers took this book down before I could read it. I was really looking forward to it because it sounds really cute and right up my alley.

A good mix of magic, mythology and adventure. Amira and Hamza are cute, a good mix of curious, intelligent and naughty. I enjoyed the story.

Amira is twelve and loves science. Her ten year old brother is more likely to take things apart. They are normal siblings who do their share of bickering. When they discover the moon is falling apart and the world is about to be destroyed, they have to work with jinns, face their fears, and use logic and science to win. I love that Amira is a budding feminist.

The audiobook is a blast! I love the sound effects. Soneela Nankani did a stellar job. Her voice is an instrument that can play every emotion in every key. The pacing is perfect and kept me listening this book is a great addition to the modern retellings of ancient myths and legends.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to listen to this alc in exchange for an honest review.

Oh my God! I've never been a fan of middle grade books but this book changed my perspective ENTIRELY. This book contains drama, comedy, fight scenes, full on nerd scenes. Basically checks all the boxes in my entertainment category. The entire book was from Amira's POV who is a bit of an overthinker and realistically pessimistic (very very relatable) who manages to get sucked in the world with with brother and has to save all the realms from an evil person. Hamza is her younger brother who actually has no notion of seriousness or maturity (something I wish to have) and rolls in life based on everything superhero. I loved his references and super bad puns. I also enjoyed the other characters as well (though one dies and it killed me and I went online for a spoiler that they were alive). The author left no moment where she could add a hilarious quip which had me on ground. I also loved the narrator Soneela Nankani with her awesome narration and keeping me hooked till the very end! However I would have loved some chapters from Hamza's POV. His brain would be really funny in my opinion
Why should you read this book?
- best brother sister dynamic (enemies to siblings aka regular life)
- friendships formed with different beautiful creatures
- indian rep
- race against time element
- constant nerdy quips which are absolutely adorable

This book is highly recommended for people who want to blow off steam and laugh and appreciate superheroes and Zendaya. Grab your favourite biryani with chaas (buttermilk) and get on with this video. I dare you to keep the book down.

Thank you Netgalley and Hachette audio for providing this book for review

Thank you to Little, Brown Young Readers and NetGalley for providing me with the audiobook for review.

Amira & Hamza: The War to Save the Worlds is a very fun middle grade with a lot of Rick Riordan Present vibes (I'm slightly surprised it isn't). Amira and Hamza are such fun characters. Their sibling dynamic reads very nice. Hamza's MCU references gave me life.

The siblings get in a bit of trouble one evening when stargazing. When the moon starts to break and time stops, they come face-to-face with jinn. The jinn reveal that the siblings have a role to play in an ancient prophecy. Together, they must journey to the mystical land of Qaf, battle a great evil, and end a civil war to prevent the moon—the stopper between realms—from breaking apart and unleashing terrifying jinn, devs, and ghuls onto earth. Or they might have to say goodbye to their parents and life as they know it, forever.

I recommend Amira & Hamza: The War to Save the Worlds to anyone who enjoys the Rick Riordan Presents books.

Amira and Hamza are like any other siblings. They constantly bicker amongst themselves but also have an unbreakable bond and would do anything to protect the other. This is put to the test when they discover they are the only duo who can fulfil an ancient prophecy protect their planet in the process.

Whilst my three-star review does reflect my personal enjoyment, I also understand I am not the intended audience and that the younger readers this is aimed towards will probably find much enjoyment in this story. The humour and sarcasm were not to my personal taste, as I prefer more whimsy in my MG fantasy stories, but I appreciated the diversity and am glad little readers have the chance to devour a tale like this one.

Fantasy, humor, adventure and coming of age. This brother and sister must save the world but how?

Wonderful fantasy world building I am enjoying the legends and myths especially since I don’t know enough about the countries old stories, whether they be Indian, Arabic or Islamic or other countries and cultures.

This adventure starts immediately and you better hang on because it is a full on adventure, I love the mixture of science, fantasy, legend and humor. When they end up in the world of the Jinn things get really interesting, I also enjoyed how the siblings interact with each other. I feel like this left a chance of more books with these 2. I love how Amira melds the science with the fantasy!

Soneela Nankani’s narration is so well done everyone has their own voice and so many fantasy characters to give voice to! Excellent job!

Highly recommend this one for readers who have enjoyed the Rick Riordan Presents books.

Get this one for your library collection.

4 stars

I received this audiobook from the publisher Hachette Audio and NetGalley.