Amari and the Night Brothers: Amari #1

(Paperback, First Edition, Paperback)

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The most extraordinary and enchanting book of the year is here!Amari and the Night Brothers the first in a magical new series for all ages from breakout author B.B. Alston.

Amari Peters has never stopped believing her missing older brother, Quinton, is alive. Not even when the police told her otherwise, or when she got in trouble for standing up to bullies who said he was gone for good.

So when she discovers a ticking briefcase in his closet containing a nomination for a summer tryout at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, shes certain the secretive organisation holds the key to locating Quinton if only she can wrap her head around the idea of magicians, fairies, aliens, and other supernatural creatures all being real.

Now she must compete for a spot against kids whove known about magic their whole lives. No matter how hard she tries, Amari cant seem to escape their intense scrutiny and doubt especially once her own supernaturally enhanced talent is deemed illegal.

With an evil magician threatening the supernatural world, and her own classmates thinking shes an enemy, Amari has never felt more alone. But if she doesnt stick it out and pass the tryouts, she may never find out what happened to Quinton ...

Praise forAmari and the Night Brothers:

'Sharp, funny and brightly imaginative a big adventure filled with magic and heart.' Jessica Townsend,New York Timesbestselling author of the Nevermoor series

'An enchanting fantasy adventure filled with heart and soul. Amari is magical!'Angie Thomas,New York Timesbestselling author ofThe 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 Timesbestselling author ofDear Martin

Reviews

'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. Alston lives in South Carolina, USA.Amari and the Night Brothersis his debut middle-grade novel,which he pitched on a whim via #DVPit on Twitter. After a whirlwind international auction for rights to the book, Universal Pictures secured film rights.When not writing, Alston can be found eating too many sweets and exploring country roads to see where they lead.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bb_alston