Review Detail

What worked:
Amari is an underdog character, as the book opens with her being kicked out of a private school. Her scholarship is revoked when the parents of more-privileged bullies complain about her not belonging. Then, at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, she discovers her body possesses 100% magical power, and that much magic in one person is illegal. She manages to avoid staying out of prison, but most of the other characters think she’s dangerous and expect her to become evil. She’s the only student not allowed to practice and improve her enhanced talent, although an anonymous person offers her help.
The main conflict, and Amari’s sole motivation, is uncovering the mystery of what happened to her brother, Quinton. He’s a hero to everyone at the bureau since along with his partner, Maria, they captured one of the evil-magician Night Brothers. The bureau isn’t sharing information about their disappearances, so rumors abound. Amari investigates, and readers collect clues along with her. Even so, the climax will probably surprise you, and the resolution leads into the sequel, Amari and the Great Game, set to publish in August 2022.
The story includes the importance and value of friendship. Amari’s roommate Elsie is her closest friend and has the ability to see emotions through colors. Elsie is a weredragon, although she hasn’t been able to transform yet, and her creativity is enhanced to make her a super-inventor. She immediately trusts Amari and offers her support toward uncovering the truth about Quinton. Not being able to transform into a dragon is an issue for Elsie, but her intelligence and research skills are helpful to Amari. Their faith and support for each other grow throughout the book.
What didn’t work as well:
The format of the story is similar to many other middle-grade books. An outcast character discovers she possesses immense power and is determined to save someone else. However, the author’s development of Amari’s character and the mystery surrounding her brother make this book special. The selflessness in her resolve to find her brother establishes Amari as a praiseworthy character.
The Final Verdict: This book is a finalist for the 2021 Cybils Award in Elementary and Middle-Grade Speculative Fiction and a finalist for a Goodreads book of the year. Amari’s character and the captivating mystery surrounding her brother make this book a must-read. I highly recommend you give it a shot.