Amari and the Great Game: Amari #2

(Paperback, First Edition, Paperback)

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Description

Twelve-year-old Amari is a Junior Agent at the Bureau of Supernatural Investigations, whereshe deals with all kinds of weird and wonderful creatures and has aweredragonas a roommate.But thats nothing compared to her biggest challenge: being accepted for who she is. For Amariis a magician, and magicians are the sworn enemies of the supernatural world.

After finding her missing brother and saving the entire supernatural world, Amari Peters is convinced her first full summer as a Junior Agent will be a breeze.

But between the fearsome new Head Ministers strict anti-magician agenda, fierce Junior Agent rivalries, and her brother Quintons curse steadily worsening, Amaris plate is full. So when the secretive League of Magicians offers her a chance to stand up for magiciankind as its new leader, she declines. Shes got enough to worry about!

But her refusal allows someone else to step forward a magician with dangerous plans for the League. This challenge sparks the start of the Great Game, a competition to decide who will determine the future of magiciankind.

The Great Game is both mysterious and deadly, but among the winners magical rewards is Amaris last hope for lifting Quintons curse so how can she refuse

An electrifying sequel to the award-winningAmari and the Night Brothers, this captivatingfantasy novel is ideal for readers who love magic and mystery.

• Amari and the Night Brothers was on theNew York Times bestseller list for 31 weeks!

Reviews

Praise for Amari and the Night Brothers, the first book in this smash-hit series:
'Sharp, funny and brightly imaginative a big adventure filled with magic and heart.' Jessica Townsend, New York Times bestselling author of the Nevermoor series

'An enchanting fantasy adventure filled with heart and soul. Amari is magical!' Angie Thomas, New York Timesbestselling author of The Hate U Give.

'As a former black girl misfit who wanted nothing more in the world than to be magical, this book is a song to my soul. Amari is the heroine we all need.' Nic Stone,New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin

'Amari and the Night Brothers gives an electrifying jolt to middle-grade fantasy, that takes the ingredients we know and love strong-willed, relatable protagonist, a worthy quest, and a thrilling magical portal and makes them fresh and new. From the first pages, Amari is at once self-possessed and an underdog, battling racism, bias and poverty, all later mirrored in her efforts to find her brother inside the fantastical labyrinth of the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs.Funny, fast-paced, and ultimately moving, B.B. Alston's debut is a rousing successand kicks off a series that will truly stand out from the rest!' Soman Chainani, author of the bestselling The School for Good and Evilseries

'The surprises and story never slow down for a minute in this magical, astonishing world, with a heroine whos like Buffy meets Meg Murry multiplied by Shuri to the power of awesome. I want to live in Amaris world and watch her save it (or have her come here and save ours!)!' Tui T. Sutherland, bestselling author of the Wings of Fire series

'Clever, imaginative, and filled with heart. I loved every magical page.' J.C. Cervantes, New York Times bestselling author of The Storm Runner

'Fast-paced adventure and cutthroat pre-adolescent contempt make for a delightfully challenging journey here, particularly considering the ways that Alston frames Amaris racial and economic experiences as a Black girl as the root of her strong-willed nature and spirit of integrity. Its a good thing this book is the first of a series, because readers will be sorely disappointed when it ends.'Booklist,starred review

'This series debut is sure to be a hit with late elementary students and middle-graders who are fans ofHarry Potter,Percy Jackson,and theMen in Blackmovies. There are a lot of diverse characters who will be relatable to all kids. Amari is tough, smart, kind, and very likeable. The plot doesnt shy away from depictions of racism and discrimination, which may provide necessary, thoughtful discussion topics for classrooms and families ...This story is action-packed with no fluff; a magical world readers will want to visit, blended with contemporary themes. An excellent middle-grade fantasy that will attract an immediate fan base and leave kids eager for more.'School Library Journal,starred review

'Alstons middle-grade debut is a breath of fresh air in the normal-kid-finds-out-theyre-magic genre, with Amaris snappy, no-nonsense narration, a mix of new, bizarre supernatural creatures and classic vampires and witches, and rich world-building that reads as both familiar and fantastic. ... Her feelings of inadequacy from living in her brilliant brothers shadow will ring true for any younger sibling or legacy kid, making later realizations of her own worth and abilities all the sweeter. While the book concludes with a satisfyingly unknotted dnouement, theres a wealth of material for possible sequels, and readers will no doubt cross their fingers for more of Amaris adventures.'Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

'The author weaves magical whimsy with honest, realistically portrayed circumstances, allowing Amaris literal #BlackGirlMagic to shine even when she doesnt believe in herself. This timely, energetic, first-person narrative moves quickly with clear descriptions, a thrilling buildup, and strong messages about profiling. An impressive debut series opener.' Kirkus Reviews, starred review

'In this thrilling debut, Alston thrusts his intrepid heroine into a setting packed with magic, mythical creatures, and danger. Amari, a Black girl with limited means, confronts privilege and prejudice even while delving into a world of wonder, humour, and adventure, making this a sure-to-please winner.' Publishers Weekly, starred review

'Plunged into a parallel magical world, Amari must do her best to learn and succeed in this new reality ... The story introduces a world of enchantment, danger, excitement, and humour ... Readers will root for Amari's own unique determination and wit.' The Horn Book

'Exhilarating ... The definitive hook of this narrative is Alstons exceptional skill for world-building ... Fans of the Harry Potter series will likely find much to enjoy in Alstons imaginary Bureau, which features significantly more authentic diversity than Rowling's Hogwarts. Amari stumbles into one capricious adventure after another en route to a stunning conclusion that also lays the track for a sequel to this breakout debut.' Shelf Awareness

'"Book of the fair" at the Bologna Childrens Book Fair in 2019, Alstons debut has so far garnered 25 publishing deals, and film rights have been optioned by Universal. Happily, it more than lives up to the hype. The vibe is Men in Blackmeets Nevermoor, a brilliantly realised magical world of supernatural creatures, magical gadgets, rip-roaring action and humour. Alston says he never read a fantasy book with a black protagonist when he was growing up, and Amari is a triumphant riposte to that: a smart, courageous heroine whose identity as a poor blackgirl is integral to the narrative.' Fiona Noble, The Bookseller, Book of the Month

Author Bio

B. B. Alstonlives in Lexington, South Carolina. His debut novel,Amari and the Night Brothers, is a #1 Kids Indie Next pick and the winner of Barnes & Nobles inaugural Childrens and YA Book Award as well as aNew York Timesand indie bestseller. When not writing, he can be found eating too many sweets and exploring country roads to see where they lead. Visit him online at www.bbalston.com