Amari and the Night Brothers Book Review: A Must-Read!

Have you ever found a book that just pulls you in and takes you on an unforgettable ride? Let me tell you about Amari and the Night Brothers, a book that does just that!

This debut middle school book by B.B. Alston is anything but ordinary. It's packed with adventure and surprising twists that keep you turning the pages. Amari's journey is full of excitement and wonder.

Picture a world where what you think you know gets turned upside down. Amari's adventure at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs is filled with mysteries, interesting characters, and many challenges. If you love a good mystery and adventure, you'll want to read this book.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab "Amari and the Night Brothers" and dive into this amazing story. Please stick with me as we explore more about the world that B.B. Alston has brought to life!

Amari and The Night Brothers

Check Price on Amazon

Book Details and Content

For information on how I rate the content in books, click here.

What is the Amari and the Night Brothers About?

Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston is an exciting fantasy book aimed at middle-grade readers. The story is about a girl named Amari Peters who stumbles upon a secret, extraordinary world that's been right under her nose. When her brother vanishes under mysterious circumstances, Amari gets a mysterious invitation to join the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, a special organization that keeps all things extraordinary under wraps from regular folks.

As she dives deeper into this new world, Amari finds out her brother was part of the Bureau. Determined to find him, she sets off on a thrilling adventure, discovering her special abilities along the way. She faces all sorts of challenges, from dealing with prejudices to handling rivalries. The tale is packed with themes like bravery, friendship, and self-discovery, making it a fun and uplifting read for both kids and adults.

My Spoiler-Free Review

I don't read too many middle grade books nowadays. The last time I read anything in this genre was when Percy Jackson came out, and I didn't even finish the series. I lean more into young adult books if I'm not reading adult books. However, the reviews are why I decided to give this one a shot.

I read Amari and the Night Brothers back in March of 2024, and it hooked me from the start. Amari is a lead character you can instantly relate to.

What makes this book so special is its creative world and a new take on classic fantasy characters. Alston mixes supernatural elements with the modern day, creating a universe that's both familiar and amazing. Every page is packed with excitement, from cool creatures to hidden societies.

The loveable characters were my favorite part. Amari is someone you can't help but root for because she's so determined and brave. And her sidekick, Elsie, is hilarious, adding just the right touch of humor that keeps you smiling.

The story itself? Even for a middle-grade book, it kept me glued almost the whole time. And the ending? Surprising!

All in all, Amari and the Night Brothers is a must-read for fans of books like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. It's a story about courage, friendship, and believing in yourself.

I'm looking forward to the live-action movie starring Don Cheadle and Marsai Martin. Also, finishing the rest of this middle grade series.

My Overall Thoughts

Amari and the Night Brothers is a thrilling read that effortlessly blends the ordinary with the extraordinary. It follows Amari Peters, a 13-year-old girl, searching for her missing brother, Quinton. Her quest leads her into a hidden world filled with the supernatural and mystery, revealing things she never imagined could exist.

What I Liked:

The world-building is fantastic, with the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs offering a vibrant, imaginative backdrop. It's a blend of magical creatures, secret societies, and clever inventions, all intertwined with a modern-day setting.

Amari is a strong and determined protagonist who you can't help but root for. Her journey from feeling like an outsider to embracing her strengths is engaging and uplifting. Her friend Elsie would have to be my favourite character. She is part dragon and full of humor, adding a fun, light-hearted touch to the story.

The storyline is packed with action and adventure. It's a real page-turner with plenty of unexpected twists, especially when Amari takes on Dylan Van Helsing in the end.

The book also delivers on important themes like courage and self-belief, woven throughout Amari's journey as she learns to trust in herself.

What I Disliked:

At times, the story moves a bit too quickly. Some scenes could have used more detail to capture the richness of the supernatural world.

Also, while Amari and Elsie are well-developed, some of the side characters felt a bit flat. A bit more background could have added depth to the story.

Amari and the Night Brothers is an exciting adventure with lots of heart. It's perfect for anyone who enjoys a otherworldly storyline reminiscent of Harry Potter or Percy Jackson. Even with a few pacing issues and underdeveloped side characters, it's a captivating read that keeps you wanting more.

Would I recommend it as a Christian?

Yes, I would recommend it. It talks about friendship, courage, and discovering who you are, which matches well with Christian values like being honest and pushing through tough times.

The story explores ideas about fitting in and understanding others without going against Christian beliefs. Amari is a strong character who grows and learns about her strengths and the importance of having friends.

The book is suitable for young readers, with easy-to-understand language and a celebration of different backgrounds. It's a story that's both enjoyable and inspiring.

However, it's good to keep in mind that the book does include supernatural elements. If you're comfortable with these fantasy themes, it's a really enjoyable and rewarding read.

Summary

The story begins with 13-year-old Amari Peters, who attends Jefferson Academy. She's different from everyone there because she's the only Black girl from the projects, attending on a scholarship, which makes her a target for bullies. Her older brother, Quinton, who was very smart, also went to the school but disappeared after taking a mysterious job, leaving their family worried.

Amari later discovers that Quinton Peters worked for the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, a group that keeps extraordinary things hidden from regular people. It turns out the idea of mermaids and other supernatural creatures from fairy tales is real! Quinton even recommended Amari for a summer camp at this secret organization, giving her a chance to enter their world. Eager to find her brother, she jumps at the chance when she is offered a chance to become a junior agent.

In this new world, Amari learns her brother was known for capturing an evil magican named Moreau, along with his partner, Vladimir. These dangerous people, called the Night Brothers, caused problems. Because of them, people at the Bureau don't trust those who have supernatural talents. Now, both Quinton and Maria are missing, and no one knows where they are.

Amari stands out because she has a rare and illegal talent like Moreau, which makes some people uneasy. Despite resistance, especially from Director Van Helsing, who prefers she leave, Amari gets support from her brother’s friends and decides to stay and prove herself.

As she trains to become a Junior Agent, Amari faces challenges. She's often compared to Quinton and deals with prejudice for having an illegal ability and not coming from a wealthy Bureau family, making her feel out of place, like at her old school.

She meets the Van Helsing twins, Dylan and Lara, during training. Lara isn't friendly, but Dylan becomes a good friend. Amari finds out that Dylan secretly has a special ability like hers too, bringing them closer as they work together to find out what happened to Quinton.

The situation gets more serious when someone called "Moreau’s apprentice" starts causing trouble by letting loose human monsters. Even though Moreau is locked up, he's silent. Amari hoped he might talk to her since they both had abilities on supernatural levels. She learns about a mysterious Black Book full of dark secrets and a Black Key needed to open it. Moreau tells her Quinton and Maria were close to finding the Key’s keeper when they vanished.

As Amari and Dylan do well in the tryouts, things get intense during a final test when the Great Vault is breached by a masked person—it turns out to be Maria! But here's the twist—the Moreau they caught isn't the real Moreau, and now the real Moreau has the Black Book because of Maria's actions.

In a shocking twist, Dylan betrays Amari, revealing he’s been working for Moreau. He's been using tricks to hide his actions. Moreau is using Quinton and Maria's life energy to bring back his dead partner. Dylan, upset about how people with special abilities are treated, tries to get Amari to join him, but she refuses.

In an epic showdown, Amari, with newfound courage, defeats Dylan. Dylan is jailed, and Maria wakes up from Moreau’s spell. Sadly, Quinton is still in a coma.

Now, as a Junior Agent, Amari is determined to help her brother recover. She meets a secret group of people with special abilities and decides to use her new confidence to help others discover their abilities, too.

Conclusion

Amari and the Night Brothers by B. B. Alston ends with Amari feeling confident and ready to take on new challenges as a Junior Agent. Her journey shows that being different is a strength and facing challenges bravely is important.

If you're searching for a book about friendship filled with supernatural creatures, mystery, adventure, and a message about believing in yourself, this is a good choice. Amari's story is exciting and inspiring, with lots of surprises to keep you interested. It reminds us all to see our potential and the difference we can make.

So, why not pick up a copy and dive into Amari's world? Let her journey inspire you to embrace your unique self and face your challenges head-on.