For young adventurers grappling with unfair expectations and finding their voice, this thrilling fantasy explores courage, friendship, and challenging the status quo.
A parent might reach for this book when their child feels underestimated or is struggling against rules that seem fundamentally unfair. It's for the kid who feels like they have to work twice as hard to get half as far, whether in the classroom or on the playground. In this thrilling sequel to "Amari and the Night Brothers," Amari is a magical celebrity but faces intense prejudice for her abilities. She enters a high-stakes competition to determine the future leader of the supernatural world, fighting not just monsters and rivals, but a biased system. For ages 9-13, this fantasy adventure is perfect for starting conversations about justice, media perception, and believing in yourself when others don't.
A central theme is systemic prejudice against people with certain magical abilities.
Sensitive Topics
The book's central conflict revolves around systemic prejudice and discrimination. This is handled directly but through the fantasy allegory of magicians being a feared and oppressed minority. The approach is secular and frames the issue in terms of social justice and fairness. The resolution is hopeful, with Amari achieving a significant victory, but it realistically portrays the fight for equality as an ongoing battle, not a single win.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is a 10- to 13-year-old who loves high-stakes fantasy and is beginning to grapple with concepts of social justice. They enjoy stories about underdogs who challenge authority and fight for what's right. This child might be feeling the pressures of expectations or feeling misjudged by their peers.
Parent Prep
Reading the first book, "Amari and the Night Brothers," is essential for understanding the characters and world. Parents should be ready for conversations about prejudice, fairness in rules and systems, and how the media can shape public perception. The themes are significant but presented in an age-appropriate, action-oriented context. A parent might notice their child expressing frustration with unfairness, saying things like, "They always get away with it," or, "No one listens to me because I'm just a kid." The child is feeling powerless against a person or a system they perceive as biased.
Age Experience
A younger reader (9-10) will be captivated by the magical competition, the creative creatures, and the thrilling adventure. An older reader (11-13) will more deeply appreciate the social commentary on prejudice, the political maneuvering, and the complex moral choices Amari must make about who to trust and how to lead.
What Makes It Special
While many fantasy books feature a "chosen one," this series stands out by embedding a powerful and clear allegory for real-world systemic discrimination. Amari's fight isn't just against a single villain but against a prejudiced society and its institutions. This blend of exhilarating adventure with sophisticated social commentary makes it a uniquely compelling and relevant read.
Read plot summary
In this sequel, Junior Agent Amari Peters grapples with her newfound fame and the intense prejudice against magicians like her. When a mysterious force freezes time and incapacitates the magical world's leaders, a competition called the Great Game is initiated to choose a successor. Amari enters the dangerous game, hoping to win the throne for her still-missing brother, Quinton. She navigates treacherous trials, shifting alliances, and a sinister conspiracy, all while fighting a system that is rigged against her from the start.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Amari faces a lot of prejudice because she is a magician. How does the way the public and the Council treat her affect the choices she makes in the Great Game?
2
The Great Game has many rules, but some of them seem designed to be unfair from the start. What makes a rule or a law fair? Can you think of a time a rule felt unfair to you?
3
Amari has to decide who to trust among the other contestants, like Caspian and a new rival. What qualities does she look for in an ally, and how are those choices tested?
4
Public opinion, shaped by reporters like Harlowe, turns against Amari. Why is it so hard for her to change what people think, even when they're wrong? How is this similar to news or social media today?
