Amari And The Great Game

Just finished the audiobook, and my take is that the core of 'Amari and the Great Game' is a magical competition framed within a much darker political conspiracy. Amari Peters enters this Bureau of Supernatural Affairs tournament hoping to clear her brother Quinton's name, but the 'game' is rigged from the start. It's less about winning challenges and more about uncovering a plot that threatens the entire supernatural world, with the villainous Moreau at the center.

What hooked me was the shift from the first book's 'prove myself' quest to this more complex 'uncover the truth' narrative. Amari's competing in events like the Icebox Trials, but she's also piecing together clues about a mind-control serum and a shadowy group called the League. The plot cleverly uses the tournament structure to explore themes of corruption and institutional prejudice—the Bureau itself is part of the problem.

The ending sets up a huge conflict for book three, with the stakes moving far beyond any game.

Diving straight in: the real heart of this sequel is the duo of Amari Peters and her older brother Quinton. Everything orbits them, but especially Amari’s own journey from being the new kid with a wild magic to someone who has to carry real weight. She’s not just discovering the Bureau anymore; she’s fighting for her place in it while the world literally starts freezing over. Quinton’s memory, his past work, and his absence are this huge driving force for her—it’s less about solving a mystery for him now and more about living up to the legacy he left behind.

Then you’ve got the new crop, like the Supernatural Ambassador’s son, Jayden. He’s got that polished, political vibe that clashes perfectly with Amari’s more direct, outsider energy. Their dynamic is a big part of the 'Great Game' theme, all alliances and hidden motives. You can't forget Director Van Helsing either, who’s this massive, intimidating figure trying to hold the Bureau together while the world falls apart. And the villain this time, Moreau, is so much more present and terrifying than the shadowy threat in book one; he’s actively dismantling reality, which raises the stakes for everyone.

Honestly, what stuck with me was how the side characters, like Elsie and even some of the older agents, get pushed into harder choices. They’re not just cheering Amari on from the sidelines anymore; they’re getting their own corners of the crisis to manage, which makes the whole cast feel more vital.

The ending of 'Amari and the Great Game' wraps up Amari's journey in a way that feels both satisfying and thrilling. After facing countless challenges in the magical tournament, Amari finally confronts the corrupt officials who've been manipulating the game. She uses her unique abilities—especially her gift for seeing through illusions—to expose their schemes live during the final match. The crowd turns against the villains, leading to their arrest. Amari doesn't win the tournament in the traditional sense, but she earns something better: the respect of her peers and a promise from the magical council to reform the system. The last scene shows her reuniting with her brother, who's finally free from the curse that started her adventure. It's a heartwarming moment that ties back to her original motivation while leaving room for future stories.

I just finished reading 'Amari and the Great Game' and can confirm it's the second book in the 'Supernatural Investigations' series. The first book, 'Amari and the Night Brothers', sets up Amari's incredible journey into the hidden world of magicians and supernatural beings. This sequel picks up right where the first left off, with Amari facing new challenges in the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs. The series has this perfect blend of urban fantasy and mystery that keeps you hooked, with each book expanding the magical universe. I love how consistent the characters develop across both books, making it clear they're meant to be read together. If you enjoyed the first one, this sequel delivers even more magical chaos and character growth.

The main antagonist in 'Amari and the Great Game' is Dylan Van Helsing, a ruthless and cunning figure who heads the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs. Unlike typical villains, Dylan isn’t just power-hungry—he’s ideologically driven, believing supernatural beings are a threat to humanity that must be controlled or eradicated. His cold, calculating nature makes him terrifying; he doesn’t hesitate to manipulate or sacrifice others to achieve his goals. What’s worse, he’s Amari’s former mentor, adding a personal layer of betrayal to their conflict. His obsession with order and control pits him directly against Amari’s belief in coexistence, creating a clash that’s as philosophical as it is physical.

I just grabbed 'Amari and the Great Game' last week and loved the whole experience. You can find it at major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Books-A-Million—both online and in physical stores. If you prefer shopping local, independent bookstores often carry it too, especially if they have a strong fantasy section. The ebook version is available on Kindle, Kobo, and Apple Books if you're into digital reads. I noticed Target sometimes stocks it in their YA aisle, and Walmart’s online store has competitive pricing. For international readers, Book Depository offers free shipping worldwide, which is a huge plus. The audiobook, narrated by Imani Parks, is on Audible and Libro.fm if you want to listen instead.

In 'Amari and the Great Game', Amari's magical abilities are a thrilling mix of supernatural talents that evolve as she grows. Initially, she discovers her rare gift of being an 'enhancer' - someone who can boost the powers of others, making her invaluable in team battles. Her magic isn't flashy at first; it's subtle but game-changing. As she progresses, she develops telekinesis, allowing her to move objects with her mind, which she uses creatively in tight spots. The most jaw-dropping ability is her 'dreamwalking' - entering others' dreams to communicate or gather secrets. This skill becomes pivotal in the Great Game, where information is power. Her magic is deeply tied to her emotions, flaring up when she's passionate or desperate, adding layers to her character development.

as far as I know, there's no movie adaptation yet. The book has all the makings of a fantastic film with its magical world, thrilling plot, and diverse characters, but Hollywood hasn't picked it up so far. The author, B.B. Alston, has mentioned in interviews that he's open to adaptations, but nothing concrete has been announced. Given how successful the book was, it wouldn't surprise me if a studio eventually takes notice. Until then, fans will have to enjoy the rich storytelling and vivid imagination of the novel. If you're looking for something similar, 'The School for Good and Evil' on Netflix captures a bit of that magical school vibe.

The name 'Amari' pops up in fantasy quite a bit, but one standout is the protagonist from 'The Marvellers' by Dhonielle Clayton. She’s a young girl navigating a magical academy where her unique abilities make her both an outcast and a target. What I love about Amari is her resilience—she’s not the typical chosen one with instant mastery. Her struggles feel real, like when she’s dismissed for her 'illegal' magic, which mirrors real-world prejudices. Clayton’s world-building blends African diaspora folklore with classic wizard-school tropes, making it fresh yet familiar.

Another Amari that comes to mind is from the indie game 'Children of Amari,' a dark fantasy RPG where the name refers to a cursed lineage. The lore here is fragmented, pieced together through environmental storytelling, which gives it this eerie, mythic quality. It’s less about a single character and more about the weight of a name tied to tragedy. Both versions of Amari—heroic and haunted—show how flexible fantasy can be with just one name.