I recieved a free eARC of this book. Thank you for the opportunity to read it.

One of the best things about the Percy Jackson series is the number of books that have come out since, with a group of chosen kids with different abilities exploring a specific mythological world.

Billions to Burn is another book in this genre, but with a twist-the world the kids are exploring is the world of Black History and the Harlem Renaissance. They are the descendants of the four families responsible for Burn! magazine, a collection of Black writing, art, and culture, which was burned before the first issue made it to newsstands, leaving behind four families and a mystery to solve…but everyone who has tried has died or disappeared.

This is an amazing book in so many ways. The action moves quickly, the kids are relatable and their skills required, the Butler. Will. is a support without being an impediment-and also solves one of the standard problems in such a book (as in), how does a character get from point A to B, get a hotel room, etc).

This is going to be a popular book among adventure loving kids-and hopefully lead them to look into Black history beyond what is covered in school. Notice, I don’t say just for Black kids. The representation. The history, the culture will be SO valuable for them….but I think many, many more children will benefit from this book, too.

And, the good news is that there is a sequel hook-so hopefully this will be the first of a long series!

A good scavenger hunt story overall and the ending was a surprise. Will be enjoyed by readers of this type of mystery.