I loved Amari and the Night Brothers, but this sequel fell a little short for me.

Some of that disappointment comes from the fact that the title and blurb make it seem like this book is some TriWizard Tournament-type adventure. (And, yes...there are even more Harry Potter parallels in this one. And, no...it doesn't bother me.) But the Great Game and the reason behind it--the League of Magicians wants a leader to lead them against the rest of the supernatural world who has discriminated against them and exiled them for centuries--is a VERY small part of the book.

Most of the story focuses on the treatment Amari receives when she returns to school for summer camp, along with a mysterious Time Freeze that has frozen most of the government and allowed a few horrible anti-magician people to step up and start trouble. (I might dislike Harlowe more than any other character.)

There are a few exciting events and tense moments, but it just didn't have the same magic (no pun intended) as the first one.

I was so happy to return to Amari's world and her fight to show others that magicians can be good. The book started off a bit slow for me with the introduction of new characters and setting up the new current problem of time stopping and a new Minister taking over that seemed pretty similar to the main conflict in the first book. But, about 1/3 of the way in, I found myself remembering why I liked these characters and enjoyed trying to predict who might double cross who and who would remain loyal to Amari....all in all, I recommend fans of Book 1 to keep reading this series!!!

This second book in the Amari series kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. It was so action-packed it felt more like a movie than a book. If you don't know Amari, in the first book of the series, she found out there is a secret world with people who have abilities, but her ability, the power to use magic, is forbidden. Amari spent the first book proving that not all magicians are evil but here in the second book, she has to do it all over again. An excellent series for lovers of high-stakes fantasy. I wish the next one was already out!

Amari Amazing Again!!!
BB Alston has done the impossible, writing a sequel to match the incredible first volume in this trilogy. Amari Peters continues to dazzle with her problem solving and determination. In the sequel to Amari and the Night Brothers, Amari is faced with another set of challenges including who to trust... This fast paced, complex novel kept my daughters, 7 and 10 riveted as they called on their understanding of the characters from book 1, and developed a deeper sense of Amari's friendships and conflicts in this second book. Amari continues to be a strong character with depth and dimension while her friends get to shine in this book as well. The world building continues to be outstanding and we get to see engaging trials that Amari must overcome using what she knows about people and the world(s) around her. This book did not disappoint, and we can't wait to read book 3!!!

Thank you NetGalley, HarperCollins Children's Books, and B. B. Alston for the opportunity to read this e-ARC!

This is book #2 in the series and it did not disappoint! Of course, it ended on the biggest cliffhanger and now I cannot wait for book #3!

Amari is back for another summer at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, but this time she's a Junior Agent. She's got a tough summer ahead because she starts another investigation with her best friend, Elsie after a life-changing event gives a new Prime Minister the chance to wield power...and he's got an anti-magician agenda that he wants to enforce. The Great Game is just another challenge Amari steps up to face, going head-to-head with a rival magician, fighting for the chance to save the League of Magicians.

I am excited to add this book to my classroom library and recommend this book to my 6th graders!

Supernatural Investigations is an exciting fantasy series by author B.B. Alston, a great addition to the “magic school” genre. In addition to offering a magical adventure, the books also touch upon important themes, including race and class prejudice. The first book, Amari and the Night Brothers, is currently available in paperback and the second book, Amari and the Great Game, will be released on Aug. 30. A third book is expected in 2023.

5 stars

I can say I loved this as much as the first book, which is wonderful because I really hate it when I find an amazing first book in a series only to be let down by the second book. It's been 8 months since I read the first book and I was a little worried I wouldn't remember enough of the details to get the most out of this book. I needn't have worried! Apparently, enough of the first book made it into my long-term memory, plus there were enough references to what happened in the first book that I never felt like I was scrambling to figure out what was going on.

I took my time with this story, but I felt the pacing was perfect. Without spoiling the first book for those of you who haven't read it, at the end of the first book, Amari ended up in a great battle and she is dealing with the fallout (both good and bad) from all of that. Something else happens before camp starts that results in Amari not being looked at kindly by those in charge. So although she may have ended last summer as a hero of sorts, she is back to being the person who many folks look down on.

This book could have ended up with her doing everything on her own and fighting to keep her friends far away to keep them safe. I've read many books like that and they've mostly ended up annoying me for most of the book. I like that Alston did not choose to play it this way. Yes, she does initially try to keep things from them (whether by choice or not), but she eventually lets them in without making us wait for the majority of the book. Because I think one of the messages here is that Amari is a strong magician, but what makes her great is not her powers, but who she is as a person, and her willingness to give others a chance and lean on their strengths. As an aside, I love Jayden's superpower and Shadow is adorable, if somewhat destructive, ha!

I loved so much about this book and liked some of the surprises discovered at the end. The evil folks are definitely evil, but they're not caricatures, and I know we'll see more of them in the next book. The ending made the bottom drop out, but I love her declaration to not give up and to know she has friends by her side to continue the fight. The next book can not come soon enough, and whenever it comes out, I will be waiting in line. I just hope I won't have to wait too long!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This book will be published on August 30th.

Mind blowingly fantastic second story. The way Mr. Alston writes simply sucks the reader in and doesn’t let go, ever. I’m still thinking of Amari and what an amazing character she is.

Wow! This Amari series is amazing. Gripping cannot put down until the end. And this cliffhanger, fantastic. Cannot wait for the next book.

Ok so firstly, the book did a great job at filling me in and the pacing was very good. I loved reading this book and the action was balanced by the emotional inner world of the main character. I loved Amari. She was so brave but not w/o her flaws. I think there were some plot holes tho. And the ending left many loose ends. I get doing it on purpose but this series seems like it needs a third book.

SPOILERSSSSS

I loved Amari's friendship with Elsie. I wish that I got to see more of Jayden and Amari. Not for romantic reasons but bc of their friendship and him not being a big part of the last book. Although Lara Van Helsing redemption did help to move the plot I'd have chosen Jayden over her as a side character any day. Also, I was confused why Merlin would be scared of wraiths, enough to freeze time, sense he's so powerful. Also Elsie mused Abt the grenade b4 right in the beginning of the book. So why did they chase the Dylan lead for so long?? Also isn't Dreamcatcher foul Magick? It paid off as well, Amari doing that bc Dylan lifted the curse. Which kinda goes against the lesson of be "good" no matter what as it goes against ethics to wipe someones memories w/o their permission. Also the ending was a cliffhanger there's still more I wanna know Abt Dylan. So much more. And what will become the world. I can hardly believe this is the last book in the series.

B.B. Alston has done it again. If you were a fan of the first book, you will love this one. It is hard for me to compare but... Dare I say this one might even be better? I was once again plunged into the magical world of Amari and her friends as they learn to master their magical abilities all the while learning from and working with each other. Amari's friendship with Elsie (a weredragon) was especially heartwarming as they go through some trying times together. Elsie is considering enrolling at a different academy where she and Amari won't get to room together or see each other as often. At the same time, Jayden, a minor character in the first book, really starts to come into his own in this sequel. It was truly a delight to see him and Amari on page together utilizing some of what they had to navigate in the real world to solve problems in the magical world. Books like this really give a voice to inner city kids while not making it seem like growing up in poorer urban neighborhoods is something to be avoided or ashamed of.

If I have any real critique, it is only to question once again why Alston's editors allowed the inclusion of Agent Fiona's Scottish accent which is truly appalling. There is absolutely no need reason or purpose to it and the inclusion adds nothing to the story. Rather, it just adds a completely stereotypical character to the book. Luckily Fiona got a little more of her own story in this sequel, but I still have to ask myself "why???" everytime Fiona addresses anyone as "ye" (read: you) which is the only manifestation of her "Scottishness." I'm just glad I didn't have to suffer through it on audiobook again. That was truly harrowing.

B.B. Alston does not disappoint with the second book in his middle grade Supernatural Investigation series staring Amari. I was engaged from beginning to end as we follow her on another action-packed summer at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs. I love the world that Alston has created and the lessons he weaves through the lives of his characters. It is full of magic, adventures, mystery, and choosing to do the right thing. While designed for middle schoolers, reading this book as an adult was a delight. It was just as good if not better than Amari and the Night Brothers and I was so happy that the end left it wide open for another book! This series is one that I will definitely be reading with my children!

Check out my full review on YouTube below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6CJ_RQwTVw

This is a fantastic follow-up to the first book in the series, and while it does end on a bit of a cliffhanger, it's a great set up for the next book, and doesn't feel like an unsatisfying 2nd/middle book in the least. Amari continues to stun.

Amari is back as a junior agent for the Summer program. After finding her brother but was given the news of his curse, Amari is determined to find a way to help him at the League of Magicians. Once back, Amari then begins to face many obstacles beforehand: from her best friend entering a new campus soon, a sudden freeze that changed her interaction at the League, to entering a unique game for the sake of everyone's safety.

This second book from the Amari And The Night Brothers is packed with full of adventures, team work, and perseverance from Amari that makes this such a great read for middle school readers and those that love this type of reading. Amari shows what it takes for the love of his friends and most of all: for the love of her brother whom she admires.

This was a great second book in the Amari series! The opening chapters caught readers up without giving away Book 1, and quickly set the scene for the rest of this tale. I hope to see more of Amari in the future.

Fans of Amari Peters will NOT be disappointed with BB Alston’s sequel to Amari and the Night Brothers. It continued its perfect pace in this second volume and included cleverly woven themes of social justice, friendship and right vs wrong. Young readers are lucky to have Alston creating contemporary diverse reads full of adventure! Mom approved!

Amari and the Great Game is the perfect sequel. The second I was approved for this eARC, I slammed the book I was reading down to pick up my Kindle. I'm so glad for the urgency because it is a must-read.

Following Dylan's defeat by Amari, the magical world is in disarray. Some folx celebrate Amari while others are fearful of her status as a magician. Magicians have had a nefarious reputation for going dark and causing havoc in the magical and human world. Amari is fighting to be recognized for her accomplishments and not judged by the actions of people she didn't know existed until last summer. That doesn't stop the anti-magician rhetoric and discrimination that she experiences at the Bureau. In order to save the magical world, clear her name and defeat a returned rival, Amari must win three magician games and win the loyalty of her fellow magicians.

I was on the edge of my seat the whole read, fussing on Amari's behalf. This book is perfect for all ages, but best for middle grades.

After basically saving the world last summer, Amari really ought to have collected some goodwill from the supernatural community, despite being one of those terrifying magicians. Instead, a prejudiced new regime tries to banish her, and keeps making her life miserable any way they can all summer. On top of unraveling that whole mess, the rest of the magicians try to make Amari become their leader, even though she's only thirteen. Old friends and new allies stand by her side as the dangers mount against Amari personally and society as a whole. Another fast-paced fantasy adventure, but that cliffhanger is rough. Thanks, Netgalley.

Just finished Amari and the Great Game and my heart is still pounding… B.B. Alston brilliantly wove his good vs evil plot in a most original way, keeping me guessing at every turn.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy in return for an honest review.

An exciting sequel to Amari and the Night Brothers. This story has mystery, intrigue, adventure, and lots of action. There is a time freeze in the supernatural world and Amari is being blamed. Can she solve the mystery of who is behind the time freeze before she has to take the consequences for what has happened.

Note: If you have a reader, or you are a ready, who really doesn't like cliffhangers, you might want to wait to read this until book 3 is also available!