This is one of the best books I have ever read. I loved the first one and was so excited for the second one. I am kinda upset with B.B. Alston for leaving it hanging at such a crucial moment. This book is funny, insightful, beautifully written and the author has an amazing way with characters. I get totally immersed in these books and feel with the characters. I highly recommend this book to all ages. Adults read it with your kids you will not regret it, 100 Stars.

The follow up to Amari and the Night Brothers does not hold back on the plot twists! Amari never imagined that her second year would be more difficult than the first, but when a new headmaster takes over, he is out to get rid of her for good. You won't be able to put this one down!

Amari. Is. Back.

AMARI AND THE GREAT GAME is full of twists and turns with almost every chapter ending on a cliffhanger. Amari continues to be a brilliant protagonist–smart, empathetic, passionate, vulnerable, and brave. She stands her ground and pushes back against racism, prejudice, and discrimination, especially now as it comes from the very top of the Supernatural government.

In this book, we see once again how strong of a magician Amari is. But it’s not her magical powers that make her great and strong. It’s who she is a person: her willingness and desire to never give up, to give others a chance (and a second chance), and to lean on the strengths of her friends.

Readers are shown a battle between good and evil. But when lines blur, motives are hidden, and hope is ignited...it isn’t always easy telling the difference between the two.

The ending made me gasp and sets the stage for what will surely be a dramatic third installment in the Supernatural Investigations series.

We read Amari and the Night Brothers as our first class novel this year and it was complete magic. To say my students were devastated to leave her world when we finished the book in December is an understatement. Now, I have a long list of new 5th graders who plan on coming back to my classroom to visit and borrow this much anticipated sequel 🧡

(Thank you so much NetGalley for the e-arc!)

4.5 ⭐️ rounded up. If you liked book 1 this one is pretty much equally as good. My main complaint is this story doesn’t feel like a complete book, the major conflict isn’t resolved in this one and is left in a huge cliff hanger. This is one of those ones I might be tempted to come back and bump it up based on the next book, but as it stands it was so fun and exciting and yet also slightly unsatisfying with where it leaves off. 👀

B.B. Alston does a great job of piecing the mystery together very slowly over the book to truly feel you in.
The overall theme of acceptance is beautifully written and exciting to see in a fantasy setting but still so applicable to us all. The characters are growing and developing from Elsie, Lara, Dylan, and even Amari herself, all characters are learning more about themselves and are growing. I cried several tears over this book, and I highly recommend anyone pick it up!

It's hard when there is a space between books in a series. I was afraid at first that I wouldn't remember what had happened in the first book but the sequel did a good job of reminding the reader of previous plot points without over doing it (for those readers who were reading the books back-to-back). I loved the interactions between Amari and Elsie as well as with Lara. My one criticism is that I thought that the characters should have been more suspicious of one of the villains since it stated no one knew what her power was. I am excited to find out what happens in the next installment in the series and hope I don't have to wait too long for it to come out.

Thank you to HarperCollins Children's Books, Balzer + Bray, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of Amari and the Great Game.

We all know that sequels often pale in comparison to the original story. That is not the case with Amari and the Great Game. Readers who fell in love with Amari in Amari and the Knight Brothers will continue rooting for her as she faces more challenges. She's still trying to help her brother return to his old life and she's still fighting evil in the supernatural world. Amari is Black girl magic personified!

Alston's follow up to Amari and the Night Brothers furthers the overall narrative while also providing readers with some new content. By including non-magical side drama, like the inclusion of Elsie moving away at the end of the Summer, readers are able to connect with Amari's anxieties. She also deals with the Great Game and trying to decide if she even wants the Crown of Count Vladimir while she's already fighting for it, investigating a time freeze, and trying to change people's opinions of magicians (again). The magical elements are expertly intertwined with real-world elements and readers' investment in the characters and their challenges will guide them through any slow patches.

Every middle school who likes fantasy should read this series! Amari is relatable and the adventures she embarks on are one of a kind. This is a great follow up novel!

I enjoyed the first book so I was eager to see what Amari does next. As an adult, I found myself constantly being reminded of (and comparing to) Harry Potter. There are a lot of similarities but the characters are what set this one apart. This is a must have for schools and libraries.

This is a fun second novel in the world of Amari! B.B Alston commands the page! I love everything that is going on in this story and I enjoy the way Alston does not speak down to their audience. Magnificent work and I can't wait to read more! Magical girls forever and ever, please!

Another fantastic installment in the Amari series by BB Alston. The book takes readers through many twists and turns sure to keep them on the edge of their seats. Amari's summer camp is not going at all the way she expected. If she is to have any future in the organization. Amari is pitted against an unexpected foe and receives help from an unlikely source..

One thing is clear, Amari must figure out her next move in the Great Game or it might be her last.

I absolutely devoured this, even faster than the first one! I love the complexities shown with Dylan and Lara and how it shows that people are not simply all good or all bad. I loved seeing Amari's real world blend in with her magical one via Jayden and I loved finally getting to see Elsie blossom! All in all it was a great continuation and I am more than excited for the third installment and to see how Amari grows and matures even more with her overwhelming abilities.

Quick Summary: Action, drama, adventure, and more!

My Review: Amari and the Great Game by B.B. Alston is brilliant! What I don't understand is why this story hasn't been picked up as a movie or at the very least why it hasn't been picked up for a television series. Come on!!!

The Supernatural Investigations books are top-notch winners. Book One - Amari and the Night Brothers - started out with a bang. Book Two picked up the story and exploded onto the pages of my mind. It was dynamic and riveting.

This middle grade sci-fi/fantasy novel is a must read! Amari is the kind of hero that all readers should want to meet. She has heart. She has grit. She has drive. She has compassion. She has courage. She has purpose. She has power, and it's this power that lights her way through the darkness...even when it does not seem obvious.

My Final Say: Amari Peters strikes me as a phoenix. I cannot wait to witness her total transformation. Bring it on!

Special Note: My family and I absolutely love this series. In fact, we are currently re-reading the first book again, as it was chosen as a selection for their reading bowl competition. The second book is the icing on the cake, to be sure.

Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: YA to A
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Series: Yes
Status: PG
Level: Bomb (meaning fan-magical-tastic in all the ways that matter)💣💥💎✨
Extra Extra!: As a reader, what I know is that this book sent me to my happy place. Thank you very much! 🤓📚🍬

Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher, and to NetGalley, who provided access to this title in exchange for an honest review. The words I have very happily and most excitedly shared are my own and have not been influenced in any way by the aforementioned.

* A Goodreads review has been posted.

B.B. Alston does it again! I loved following Amari in this sequel and I need more. After the twist ending of Amari and the Night Brothers, I wasn't sure what to expect for book two but I was entranced. This story kept me on my toes and I am rooting for Amari!

I love Amari. I think it's a great option for the kids of Harry Potter fans and even the Harry Potter fans themselves. Magic, schools, spies, and a kick ass female protagonist? Honestly what more can you ask for?

A continuation to Amari and the Night Brothers, Amari faces additional challenges as she is faced with magical games, about which she is not allowed to talk, against her magical nemesis. Join Amari as she continues to learn more about her magical powers and continues to fight for good.

This is a great book for middle grade students who are fans of Rick Riordan or Harry Potter. The fate of the world rests in the hands of a young magician, Amari, in a world where magicians are feared. The text is engaging, the characters are diverse, and the resolution is fabulous. I highly recommend this for middle grade collections. Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy.

I was skeptical about this book because the first one was so amazing, but I have to say that this one kept me hooked and I can't wait for the next one! I really enjoyed delving deeper into characters from the first book and the individual rounds in the games. Overall, if you like magical worlds do yourself a favor and pick up this series!

Amari is back in action as she heads back to the supernatural world where she has qualified to be a Junior Agent. There is one big problem though- following a time-freeze attack, the new Head Minister has enacted an anti-magician agenda that could keep Amari from being an agent and, more importantly, from helping her brother wake up.

Alston has created a magical world that is enthralling from the word go. I was deeply engaged throughout the entire novel- always ready to see what would happen next. The characters are lovable (unless written to be despised!) and the story is full of action and fun.

I highly recommend this to readers who love fantasy and supernatural tales!