I loved this book. I thought it was a great middle grade read. I don’t think I will be continuing on with the series because I don’t believe I am the target audience, but I will be recommending to my students and friends with middle grade aged children.

This was an amazing story. I loved Amari and I can't wait to share this with my students! Great world building.

This may be middle grade fiction, and I am definitely not a plucky young girl, but I was all in for Amari. I absolutely loved the world building in this urban fantasy, and how truly urban it is- this is not Hogwarts, but a realistic feeling school (ok, summer program) that happens to deal with magic. I loved the turning of tropes on their head- this is no orphan, and her mom is important. Her missing brother is the impetus for the story, but she is just as special as he is. She's no blonde farm boy, but a character who lives and breathes and deals with prejudice head-on. I couldn't get enough of this and handed it straight to my son after reading it. He hates reading anything I recommend but agreed "Mommy, this book is pretty great." So how could I not give five delightful stars to this? I can't wait for the next book in the series- I am dying to know more about Amari and her roommate and her brother. Sign me up for more about the Night Brothers and this secret magical world, which is pretty much the HP-antithesis I have been looking for.

This book has all the attributes of a terrific read. The Supernatural is always fun and this one can't miss with such vibrant characters as magicians, aliens, ghosts and fairies populating the pages.
There are also messages throughout this book and important messages. Good and evil permeate the book..
Racism, and cruelty is tackled as is love of family and loyalty.
It's a suspenseful read and the visual images a reader can conjure up will be most fun. Can't wait to read the sequel!

I really enjoyed Amari and the Night Brothers! Hopeful sequels interrogate the policing system more, but I can't wait to see what else Amari gets up to.

Amari and the Night Brothers is a great read! The adventure, mystery, and supernatural ties together nicely. Face paced with twists and turns at every corner. A sure winner for middle grade. Excited to see the film production.

I really enjoyed this. I liked the world-building and the imagination. It reminded me of The Trials of Morrigan Crow which I loved. I hope that it doesn't take me too long to get my hands on the second book!

This was one of the best books I've ever read. B.B, Alston's way with words is as magical as the world Amari is introduced to. The characters are all unique and the word is unique. I wait in anticipation for book 2.

Absolutely loved this one and recommend it to everyone I can! Love the world building and great pace/action. Reminiscent of Harry Potter. Eagerly awaiting book 2.

This wonderful, action-packed fantasy stars a strong African American heroine who discovers a hidden world of magic on her quest to find her older brother who has disappeared. It's Harry Potter meets Men in Black and will please readers who love magical fantasy.

This book was perfect! Great pace, great story....I could go on. This is a great MG read and I found it interesting too! Amari is searching for her brother, who has gone missing. Through her magical journey, Amari also finds herself. I love the magic system used here...this is really just a gem. I can't wait for Book 2!

I love this book so much! All of the different elements of storytelling came together perfectly, crafting an intriguing and captivating narrative that I could not put down! Hands down, one of my new favorite middle grades!

Firstly, the characters were fantastic. Amari is the best protagonist we could ask for! I also loved the introduction of all the different side characters. I am excited to see how the characters grow as the series continues. Secondly, the world-building was also executed well. It meshed the world as we know it with the magical world seamlessly. The intrigue was high the entire book, with twists and turns that kept me on my toes the entirety of the 400+pages. I enjoyed every moment, and need to get my hands on book 2 ASAP. I can not wait to be immersed in the atmosphere of Amari's world yet again.

One con was the ending seemed a bit rushed. I wish there was a bit more in those scenes to fully embody the high stakes of those moments.

Overall, one of my favorite books of the year so far!

Amari and the Night Brothers is a fantastic, thrilling read! I enjoyed it thoroughly and I'm positive my middle school students will do the same.

Amari finds herself suspended for school…on the last day of school, which puts her at risk for losing a scholarship. But she has bigger things on her mind: the whereabouts of her missing brother. Amari receives a mysterious package and nomination for a program her brother was in, which opens the world of the supernatural bringing a new meaning to “gifted programs.” Unfortunately, Amari finds herself in similar situations of entitles classmates, cliques, and feeling left out. Ultimately, her goal is to enter the program and find out what happened to her brother.

Written from Amari’s POV, this is Harry Potter but with actual diverse characters. This is a fun/suspenseful/action-packed middle grade novel for young readers who’ve enjoyed the HP series (but maybe didn’t see themselves reflected in the books…) as Amari enters the world of the supernatural and magic in her quest to uncover the mystery of her missing brother. There was so much character and world building that is difficult for a first book in a series, but was so enthralling with endearing characters. Amari is tough, unapologetic, and laser-focused even in the face of social stigma. Looking forward to see where her magic and adventures takes us!

This would be a really great intro to middle grade fantasy! Ultimately, it wasn't for me, but I can see why kids love it so much! It's fun, fast-paced, and equal parts mysterious and magical.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Alston is giving us MIB (Men in Black), Hogwarts, and everything in between. This book was beyond amazing, I enjoyed this so much I bought a copy for both my son and I! At 13, he poured over this book and loved every minute, every 30 min he would come and say "Mom, did you see what just happened? Where are you, did Amari do this yet?" 100% engaging to a 13 year old boy who is strong reader and dead set on only reading YA novels as he is a "Young Adult" now, this Juv novel stole the show in such away that he is still asking me when the next book come out. We now have Alston on our watchlist and can't wait for more! Gorgeous world building, beautiful characters and development, excellent choice for Middle grade readers!

I love this book! I could have done without the first chapter but I understand why it is there, plus I am an adult not a kid. I loved the action and the storyline.

Great characters and cool world! More info on the fashion in the next books would be greatly appreciated! The author didn't quite go with the expected ending so that is nice to see. I am definitely looking forward to what else this author has in store for us!

This is a middle grade series to keep an eye on!
Amari's love for her brother shines through the pages of the book right from the start as well as her determination to find her brother. I found myself anxious and invested from the very beginning.
This book isn't just a fantasy but a grant adventure perfect for kids and adults of all ages. Amari is a hugely likeable protagonist who pushes against whatever challenges come her way, so she jumps at the opportunity to discover what happened to her brother.

I love Amari, the world, the magic, and I look forward to more.

LOVED this book!! I am so excited to see where this story goes! Amari is a strong willed girl who feels like she lives in the shadow of her perfect brother. Very relatable!! Mixing in ALL supernatural aspects and then adding magic makes this novel perfect. Fast paced, action packed, and a first novel that has done a wonderful job of world building. I can’t wait to see what Amari’s next adventure will be!

How far will a sister go to find her brother? As far as it takes, is the obvious answer. I enjoyed the family connection and the growth Amari went through.