“You have to stop being afraid of what could go wrong and start believing in what could go right.”- B.B Alston, Amari and The Night Brothers
Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston is a thrilling middle-grade fantasy novel that blends magic, mystery, and heart in a way that has captivated readers of all ages. It’s the first book in the Supernatural Investigations series and introduces us to a powerful new hero—Amari Peters.
This book is more than just a magical adventure. It tackles important topics like racism, classism, self-worth, and resilience while keeping you hooked with a fast-moving plot and a world filled with magic and monsters.
Whether you’re a fan of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, or Men in Black, this book offers a fresh spin that’s perfect for both kids and adults.
Plot Summary
“I refuse to let someone else’s idea of what I can and can’t be define me.”- B.B. Alston, Amari And The Night Brothers
Amari Peters is a 13-year-old girl living in the Rosewood low-income housing project. Her world is turned upside down when her older brother Quinton, a talented scholar, mysteriously disappears. Despite his academic success, the police dismissed his disappearance as suspicious but not criminal, leaving Amari desperate for answers.
One day, she discovers a briefcase in Quinton’s closet containing a nomination for her to join the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs—a secret organization where Quinton was an elite agent. Determined to find out what happened to him, Amari accepts and enters a hidden world filled with magic, danger, and people who aren’t all that welcoming.
At the Bureau, Amari learns she’s a magician, the most feared supernatural being of all. This causes immediate suspicion from many, especially because magicians are believed to be evil. Despite this, Amari decides to compete for a spot in the Bureau’s elite training program, the Junior Agent Program, hoping to clear her brother’s name and find the truth.
Characters and Character Arc
- Amari Peters: Strong, smart, and deeply loyal. She struggles with feeling like an outsider but grows into her confidence and power.
- Quinton Peters: Amari’s missing older brother and an inspiration for her. His disappearance sets the plot in motion.
- Elsie: Amari’s roommate and new best friend at the Bureau. She’s kind, brilliant, and supportive—a genius Weredragon.
- Dylan Van Helsing: One of Amari’s rivals. His character goes through unexpected twists that shift the story dramatically.
- Magical Bureau Members: These include powerful agents, trainers, and magical beings that Amari must impress or defeat to succeed.
Amari’s arc is inspiring. She starts as a girl who doubts her place in the world and ends as a confident young woman ready to embrace who she is—flaws, magic, and all.
Themes and Plotline
- Identity and Self-Acceptance: Amari’s journey centers around embracing her power—even when others fear it.
- Prejudice and Inequality: Through the treatment Amari faces, the book mirrors real-world issues of racism and social inequality.
- Courage and Family Loyalty: Amari’s love for her brother fuels her bravery, even in the face of danger.
- Magic and Mystery: From flying elevators to illusions, magical trials to villainous plots, the fantasy elements are vibrant and exciting.
This book perfectly balances action with emotional growth, making it more than just a fantasy—it’s a coming-of-age story for the modern reader.
What Genre Do Amari and the Night Brothers Focus On?
Amari and the Night Brothers is a middle-grade urban fantasy novel. Its school-like setting, magical training, and hidden supernatural worlds comfortably place it in the realm of books like Harry Potter and Nevermoor.
It also leans into mystery—with secret identities, surprising twists, and the core question: what happened to Quinton?
What to Expect
- A fast-paced plot that’s easy to follow but rich in detail
- A magical world layered into our everyday reality
- Quests, trials, and magical tests
- Friendships that are tested and strengthened
- Characters who are more than they first appear
There’s no romance in this story, as it’s centered on personal growth and adventure, making it a perfect fit for younger readers and anyone who enjoys a clean, thrilling fantasy tale.
Ratings and Reviews
“Being scared doesn’t make you weak. It makes you smart.” B.B. Alston, Amari and The Night Brothers
Goodreads Rating: 4.39 out of 5 stars (rated by over 35,000 readers)
Goodreads and Amazon Reviews
- “Amari is the hero we didn’t know we needed. Strong, fierce, relatable.”
- “A brilliant and magical debut. The pacing is great, and the world-building is fantastic.”
- “So many themes handled with care: prejudice, poverty, strength, and hope.”
- “Couldn’t put it down. My 11-year-old read it three times and made me read it too.”
- “Magic, action, friendship, and heart. This book is everything a kid (or adult) could want.”
- “If you love Harry Potter but want something more modern and inclusive, this is the book.”
Amari and the Night Brothers breaks the mold by placing a Black girl from a working-class background at the center of a magical adventure. It tackles bias and belonging without losing the fun, fast pace of a great fantasy. It feels both fresh and familiar—mixing classic magical school vibes with powerful messages that today’s readers need.
Who Should Read Amari and the Night Brothers?
This book is ideal for ages 9 and up, though readers in their teens (and even adults) will enjoy it too. It has no inappropriate content, but it does touch on emotional themes like discrimination and loss. There’s action, but it’s never graphic.
People Who Liked These Books Will Enjoy This One:
- Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
- Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend
- Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan
- Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger
- Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
If you enjoyed any of those, Amari and the Night Brothers will feel like both a return to the magic you love and a fresh step into something new.
Book Recommendations if You Liked Amari and the Night Brothers
- Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia – African mythology, humor, and a brave hero.
- The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera – A mix of sci-fi, storytelling, and cultural memory.
- Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor – Nigerian magic and a young heroine discovering her power.
- Wings of Fire by Tui T. Sutherland – Fantasy world told through dragons with adventure and heart.
- Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez – Latinx sci-fi with fun and emotional depth.
Conclusion
Amari and the Night Brothers is a must-read. It has all the things we love about fantasy—magic, mystery, secret organizations—but also speaks to real-world struggles and personal growth.
It tells kids (and adults) that it’s okay to be different. That strength isn’t just about power, but about kindness, determination, and believing in yourself when others doubt you.
The story is exciting, the characters are strong, and the lessons are deep without being heavy-handed. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to cheer, cry, and jump right into the next one.
More from the Author
B.B. Alston is an American author whose love for fantasy and magic started early. Amari and the Night Brothers is his debut novel and quickly became a hit, leading to a major book deal and even a film option from Universal Pictures.
He writes full-time and is already working on the next books in the series.
Other Books by B.B. Alston
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Amari and the Great Game (Book 2 of the Supernatural Investigations series)
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(Upcoming) Book 3 of the series – anticipated but not yet released
B.B. Alston brings diversity and heart to fantasy, making stories that are magical, meaningful, and full of hope.
