I had no idea who Amari should trust even when they presented themselves as an ally! I was left guessing right to the very end and I even remember thinking at one stage ‘well played, BB Alston… well played…’

What I also liked about the characters was how unreliable they were. Each character had a clear purpose for being in the story and part of the world (or Bureau) we read. The supporting characters we meet along the way are also very interesting and a lot fun. Amari demonstrated what it can be like for those who have had to be strong for too long.

There were times Amari doubted herself and her lack confidence was a little frustrating but it drew a parallel to real life and demonstrated that no matter how strong and focused we are in life, we are human and have weak moments too. I admired her strength and determination in not just finding her brother but to overcome obstacles that others through in front of her-she was not about to let others put her down. To an extent, I was able to relate to her in how she overcomes prejudice and stereotypes. “People assume stuff about you based on things you can’t change about yourself…”Īmari is a great character as she is truly likeable and someone I could imagine being friends with. Amari is quick to jump to any opportunity that will help her find her brother and lead to bigger and better things-even if the journey spins her off into another supernatural world where the challenges she faces are very similar to what she has already endured back home: dealing with judgement, ridicule, and prejudice simply because she is different from others. Amari has been subject to oppression and prejudice her entire life being from the projects and attending an elite school on a scholarship however she does not let these challenges define her.

A clever story about a young Black girl from the projects whom, despite constant ridicule due to her lower socio-economic background, retains strength and determination to find her missing brother. The underlying messages throughout the book are what I truly admire in addition to the intriguing plot and unique balance of fantasy and contemporary world building. Pitched as Harry Potter or Nevermoor meets Men In Black, this book was a lot of fun, clever, and included very important messaging to dispel stereotypes, judgement, and endorse acceptance and hope. This is a fantastic middle grade adventure story that I highly recommend. No portion of this site may be reproduced without the express written permission of the Las Vegas Raiders.“The next step, then, is not to project our own prejudices onto the mystery, but rather to allow the mystery to reveal itself to us in its own time…”

Amari and the night