ŷ

Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Supernatural Investigations #3

Amari and the Despicable Wonders

Rate this book
War has come to the supernatural world, and Amari’s two worst enemies are leading the charge.

Elaine Harlowe has manipulated her way into becoming prime minister, using her mind control ability to force the Bureau to take up her vicious grudge against magiciankind. Meanwhile, Dylan Van Helsing, the newly crowned leader of the League of Magicians―and Amari’s former partner―is after a destructive new power that would not only ensure the magicians� victory . . . it would make him invincible.

With neither the Bureau nor the League safe for Amari, and her newly returned brother, Quinton, determined to keep her out of the fray, she and her friends decide to find a way to end the war on their own.

So when they learn that the only way to stop Dylan is to find powerful magical inventions known as Wonders, they go after them. But wielding these items comes at a terrible cost, and Amari will have to decide just how much she’s willing to sacrifice . . . because the Despicable Wonders will demand everything

392 pages, Hardcover

First published August 27, 2024

336 people are currently reading
8388 people want to read

About the author

B.B. Alston

6books1,922followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,504 (39%)
4 stars
1,620 (42%)
3 stars
655 (17%)
2 stars
62 (1%)
1 star
8 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 562 reviews
Profile Image for B.B. Alston.
Author6 books1,922 followers
Read
August 18, 2024
Hi guys! Wanted to clear some confusion. The series started off as a trilogy but there will actually be 2 more Amari books. I'm hard at work on book 4 and can't wait to hear what you guys think about this one!
Profile Image for Phøenix13 (Inactive).
65 reviews1 follower
September 23, 2024
Edit 16-09

So I (finally) finished reading this and although it wasn't as good as the others, I'm still a wreck.
It's 10:30 at night and I'm sitting here trying not to cry over the ending of an Amari book. I'm honestly so glad this isn't the last one because OH MY GOODNESS is it nice to feel something again.

Edit 09-02

GUYS WE GOT A COVER AND OH MY GOODNESS IT IS GORGEOUS
Also I was right, it is green and silver!
The Australian edition's gonna look a little different but no complaints here!

ORIGINAL REVIEW

I need this like I need air okay-
Profile Image for Ҳ’s.ǴǰᲹ.
243 reviews5 followers
September 12, 2024
2.5⭐️

I love Amari and The Night Brothers and this installment was my most anticipated release.

The first one was spectacular, the second installment a little forgettable but still an okay read.

But this installment just felt� Rushed.

Don't get me wrong this author can write and I don't want to give up on him just yet. This installment really disappointed me.

My first and most biggest disappointment was Quintin.

The second thing that was a disappointment was the repercussions of fighting in this supposed war.



My third disappointment, well not a disappointment, but it was just mind-boggling.



My last complaint was the ending.



When it came to the first two books I was able to logic what needed to have at least a little bit of logic.

But this book just had too many plot holes and felt so rushed and unexplained. I don’t even know if I want to continue with the next installment he’s talking about coming out with. If it’s anything like this one I’ll sadly have to pass. Respectfully.

Until The Next Read.

Thank You, 💋

Amari and the Night Brothers (Supernatural Investigations, #1) Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Amari and the Great Game (Supernatural Investigations, #2) Amari and the Great Game by B.B. Alston

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Profile Image for mads.
668 reviews557 followers
September 1, 2024
The best installment yet!

B.B. Alston continues to write the most magical, high-stakes, complex middle grade series I have ever had the pleasure of reading. I felt every emotion while reading this book and even ended up crying at the end, which I think may be a first for me (in regards to middle grade.)

This was such a creative book, with so many fun twists and turns and actual dark events that keep the stakes of the story feeling as high as they're meant to. Amari continues to be one of the best characters I've read and I love how we delved a bit into her flaws in this book, even as her strengths grew.

For most of my time reading this, I was leaning towards a 4.5 rating until I started to tear up and realized that most books don't make me feel that heavily. I also really loved how Halloween-y this one felt! It's perfect for this time of the year.

These books means so much to me, especially since reading them has been such a bonding experience for me and my little sisters. I cannot wait to see where the series (and B.B. Alston) goes from here. (I also can't wait for my little sisters to read this installment and see their reactions hehehe)

I really do recommend this series, especially if you have kids in your life - but even if you don't and you just need some childlike whimsy. It's so magical and easy to enjoy, but also has a lot of complex/real-world elements that make the magic even more meaningful.

Overall, a spectacular addition to the series. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Mara.
1,896 reviews4,268 followers
March 2, 2025
3.5 stars - really loved the ending of this one! I believe there are 2 more books to come, but honestly, I like where this ends off and I think this will be the ending I choose for this series
Profile Image for Sasa.
672 reviews168 followers
March 7, 2025
i just finished amari and the despicable wonders and i can't really form words right now, mostly because i'm still sobbing and can barely see my screen 🤣 this is a perfect book. i felt a glorious rotation of angry, happy, scared, funny, magical...i love this series with all of my heart and i love amari & friends SO much. the social commentary always hits. this entry specifically tackles a many number of topics regarding bullying at school and in the family, the via the sightless depths, antiblackness, and more real-world issues. i also absolutely love the chamberlains! there were things that happened that made me think the series was ending but the acknowledgements assured me that amari's story is continuing, thank goodness! i only ask that we please not make amari/jayden a thing because, if we have to have romance, amari/elsie supremacy. they have way better chemistry.

i tandem read this physically with the audiobook and the narrator did a fantastic job until she was doing fiona's voice at the end. i HATED the way she pronounced "ye" like "yee-haw" instead of a mix of "yeh" and "yuh" as it should be (it's not ye olde english). so imani parks (the narrator) as fiona would say, "don't know if they ever told YEE but they saw a lot of themselves in YEE" like omg it drove me up the wall! thankfully it was only a couple of pages so it was brief. it caught me off-guard though because i read this physically only for the first two books. i'd suggest staying away from the audiobook in that case because fiona plays a more active role and hearing "yee" all the time is jarring.

if you haven't picked up this series yet, do yourself a favor and give it a try. it's a warm hug on a cold day, it's a cozy blanket by the fireside, it's a friend's encouragement when you're feeling down. i love it so much and i can't wait for amari's story to continue!

-----

oh my gOD I'M SO EXCITED AAAAAAAH



-----

in my efforts to combat generative AI, i'm going to credit cover artists until goodreads starts crediting them next to author names or at least in the summaries because—let's face it—cover artists do the bulk of the heavy lifting pulling readers so they deserve credit. please to have the feature implemented (you'll have to log in again at the top right). thank you!

us cover artist: (godwin akpan)
int'l cover artist: (brittany jackson)
Profile Image for Ro.
386 reviews445 followers
September 3, 2024
3.5*

Whew! This would’ve been a solid 4 but the ending really confused and frustrated me, I’ll be honest.

This instalment was just as action packed as the previous two, but I didn’t find there to be much character development or even relationship development in this one which was disappointing.

Jayden as a character really adds nothing to the story, and I felt the same when he was first introduced. There seems to be a forced love interest thing happening, which doesn’t have much believability, and he is kind of just…there. I was really hoping the author would lean into an enemies to lovers vibe with Amari and Dylan, as the potential for some real emotion is there. Romance definitely isn’t the genre I know, and it is middle grade so not much can happen, but they’re getting into their teens now and I think it would’ve been better if they were growing up a little more in each book. Percabeth gives me ALL the emotions and that is middle grade, so I don’t see why it can’t be done here too!

The structure also suffered a little - book one had the school year/trials structure, book 2 had the great game battles, and I thought this book would follow a structure of finding the Wonders but it really didn’t. It was more of a wild goose chase where Amari made a lot of hotheaded decisions that led to people dying.

Speaking of people dying - I can appreciate the author attempting to add gravitas to the situation by people being killed, but unfortunately the emotional impact of the deaths just didn’t hit home for me. Events occurred and then were moved on from too quickly, with the characters not really being given a lot of time to react before they moved onto the next thing they were supposed to be doing.

The final “showdown� once again happened in too few pages - I blinked and suddenly it was over. All three books have suffered from this. And the sacrifice made - I won’t spoil what and who it is - made absolutely no sense with the laws of the magic put in place. So there was zero emotional impact for me there as I was just confused and annoyed that it even happened.

I still love the world and I’m glad Amari’s story isn’t over (we get two more books!) but this really suffered middle book syndrome for me. Considering the next two books weren’t requested by the publisher until last year(?), I can only assume this book was originally meant to be the finale and then had to get changed around in order for there to be a continuation.

I’m still looking forward to the next book!
Profile Image for kate.
1,648 reviews969 followers
September 4, 2024
I've said it many times before and I will continue to say it for a long time to come, what B.B. Alston has created with the Supernatural Investigations series is nothing short of phenomenal.

I haven't stopped shouting about this series since book one and thanks to yet another sensational instalment, I won't be stopping anytime soon. This series is one of the most expertly crafted, imaginative, multilayered and superbly written stories I've read. It's unparalleled in its world building, character development, storytelling and limitless imagination.

This is a series I have and will continue to read with excitement again and again. I can't recommend it enough. I’m so happy this was extended to a five book series because I’m already desperate for more.
Profile Image for Frank Chillura (OhYouRead).
1,510 reviews63 followers
September 3, 2024
I’ve been a bookseller for 14 years and early on in my job, I picked up reading middle grade novels so that I’d have good rec’s for the kids (and parents buying for them) that came in to shop. There is nothing better than seeing adventure and excitement in a kid’s eyes when they find their new favorite book or series.

I knew from the moment I picked up the first Amari book that I would fall in love with the world and here we are on book 3 and I can’t get enough. It’s a magical school a la those books that shall not be named, but with a Men in Black twist. (The bureau of investigation part, not the aliens) And even when it feels like the story could be over, there is always another one that can be explored� that is incredible world building.

In Amari and the Despicable Wonders, we find our junior agents battling the evil League of Magicians once again, only this time, our MC has lost her magic to Dylan Van Helsing. (See the end of book 2) The Bureau is under new leadership and Amari is enemy #1! But the best part of the story is her big brother Quinton is back!!! After the spell he was under is finally lifted, he’s here to help save the day. The only problem with that is he’s acting like an over protective brother.

If the Dylan is able to find all of the Wonders, he’ll unlock anti-magic and be unstoppable. So this adventure could be their last.

I got on here to write my review and found out that even though this was originally set to be a trilogy, there are 2 more books in the series. 🥳 I’m so happy it’s not done yet. I get the same giddy feelings reading these books as I do when I pick up a Percy Jackson book. And we know how many spin-offs that’s gotten. So here’s to hoping these are only the beginning!
Profile Image for Eve (were)-Baehr.
18 reviews9 followers
Read
October 6, 2024
So excited for this book. Can’t wait to read it!!!!!!!!!!!!
Profile Image for Ms. Woc Reader.
744 reviews881 followers
November 14, 2024
In book 3 of the series, Amari must take down the acting Prime Minster Elaine Harlowe as well as rogue Magician leader, Dylan.

I liked this installment better than book 2 however there was just too much going on and not every plot beat got the proper attention it needed. This series started off very strong with book 1 but the main plot was stretched too thin across books 2 and 3. It felt like too many new characters were being introduced for the sake of including folklore. On top of that there are existing characters that are important to the series but have little character development. So much was happening but at the same time everything didn't feel like it had impact.

Two books were spent building up Quinton's return only for him to barely be on page and barely have an impact. I wanted to see more of him and Maria. It feels like this series has lost some of it's spark that made book 1 a fun read.
Profile Image for The Garden of Eden✨.
240 reviews62 followers
January 13, 2025
4.75 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟� It’s taken me so long to get through this bc my mental health has been rough, but this was fr what I needed!!


My babies are back!!! I missed my family so bad, y’all don’t understand!

I was right earlier on in my thoughts- Amari didn’t learn a damn thing. While I love that she’s always doing what she thinks is right, she doesn’t always think through those actions either. I kinda wish we could see her really learning that she doesn’t always know best.

I love how she’s always eats these grown ass adults up every time they say something stupid. She really is quick with it and it never fails to get a laugh outta me.

This one was supposed to be the last one but I’m glad we’re getting more. I’m excited to see how the story and characters will change and progress in the next books.

Shoutout to Peek-a-Boo, you were the real MVP of the story!!
Profile Image for Jo Cav Cur.
19 reviews5 followers
Read
March 4, 2024
I NEED THIS BOOK NOW!!!!
*clears thought*
Sorry I’m just very very very much in need of this book.
I don’t mean to rush B. B. Alston buuuut.
FINISH IT SOON PLEASE
Profile Image for Tamaya ₊✩‧₊˚౨ৎ˚₊✩‧₊.
20 reviews2 followers
February 22, 2025
THIS BOOK IS LITERALLY AMAZING. The end made me SOB just like the other 2. WILL 100% READ AGAIN (or not, I may cry again 😔). Man, where do I even start? First of all, Quinton was WRONGGGGG for saying that he didn’t trust Lucas and Hannah because they were magicians but I also can’t really blame him because, he was kinda right because at the end they did turn on them but only because Dylan was threatening them so I can’t really be mad at them fr and Quinton did apologize so it was fine 😌. AMARI WAS A REALLL ONE FOR GOING TO THE VICTORY GALA FOR LARA. No one better EVER question her loyalty to ANYONE. But then again, she’s a Queen and that’s what Queens do😮‍�. Dylan made me mad (as usual) like bro, you can’t be making people mad and also be annoying YOU NEED TO PICK ONE AND STICK TO IT. And the fact that he the BALLS to hit Maria? I WAS READY TO PUNCH HIM THROUGH THE PAGE BROOOO LIKE SHE AINT DO NOTHING FR FR. Idc if he turns out to be the good guy in the end, IM STILL GONNA HATE HIM. ALSO FORGET DYLAN X AMARI, IMMA NEED JAYDEN AND AMARI TO BE DATING BY THE NEXT BOOK. ITS OBVIOUS HE LIKES HER AND THEY WOULD LOOK GREAT TOGETHER AND DYLAN IS WAY TOO ANNOYING FOR MY GIRL AMARI. Book was a 10/10 but what’s different?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Cassandra Hamm.
Author25 books70 followers
September 12, 2024
Devastated. Heartbroken. But in the best ways. I love Amari and her friends and I’m so glad this series exists. It’s quirky and fun and deals with some very real issues in a way that’s easy to understand and not too heavy. Wondering where the series is going to go in the future. Also, can I please be a weredragon?
1 review
October 17, 2022
I've read all the Supernatural investigations so far and without a doubt it's one of my favorite series of all time. I am beyond excited for this next and can't wait to see what B.B. Alston cooked up for us this time.
Profile Image for kat.
25 reviews1 follower
April 20, 2023
how is there a review and rating for a book that is not even out yet?
Profile Image for Beth Anne.
1,417 reviews170 followers
October 1, 2024
Read aloud to my youngest kids (ages 8 & 10).

This is a middle grade fantasy series that is perfect for the whole family. My youngest fell hard for the first book at 6 years old and most of my family has passed these books around as each new titles releases. My kids were constantly begging for one more chapter (or even just a few additional pages) and loved this book just as much as the first two. I found this one to be less fleshed out and with more coincidences, but I think that sells this series so short.

In both books 2 and 3 I’ve had to read with a lumping my throat, and in this third book my kids were so moved emotionally that they needed to come close and sit on my lap. This was not because the book was scary or upsetting, but because they recognized the emotional weight of what was taking place. This is the brilliance of these stories. They mean something. They are about life and loving your friends (and family!) well; they are about second chances and needing to rely on others. They are all the best examples of sacrificial love and teamwork and silly creatures. Could the plot have been tighter? Sure. Could things have been edited to make more sense? Absolutely. But these books set out to capture a true middle grade audience (ages 8-12) and that is exactly what they do. They capture your heart through fun world building, clever magic, and characters you love (and loathe). And then they show you how our world isn’t all that different from this fantasy land. How we need each other, how we to be known and loved and that everything doesn’t always work out in the end.

Don’t read these books looking for high fantasy that takes itself too seriously; read these books with the eyes of a child…and let yourself be swept away.
Profile Image for Jordan.
242 reviews1 follower
August 28, 2024
Wow just wow???? Tbh I wasn’t sure how this book was going to for me after being not as impressed with the second book but this one definitely got me. At times I was mad, frustrated, and even a little sad but I never stopped wondering how Amari was going to get herself out of this situation. I was excited to learn that there are 2 more books to read after this one. Can’t wait to see what Amaris next adventure is.
Profile Image for Christina.
888 reviews35 followers
March 6, 2025
This was another great installment in this delightful series. I love the whimsical sense of adventure that combines legends and magical creatures with tech. It makes this series feel both familiar and fresh.

Amari Peters is a lovely protagonist. She is stubborn and impulsive, but also deeply loyal and kind. I also realised that I can forgive slightly stupid or reckless decisions a lot easier when the characters are actual children. There were a few moments that resolved a little too quickly for my liking but I think it should be fine for younger readers. I was emotionally invested and may have cried a little. I am definitely looking forward to more books in the series.
Profile Image for Nicole.
769 reviews25 followers
August 19, 2024
I loved Amari & the Night Brothers & book 2 took me a little longer to get through.
Despicable Wonders has Amari waking up after the events in The Great Game without her powers.
She's still a magician though so when there's a secret meeting,she's accidentally summoned too so knows about a new weapon in the hands of the enemy & this one is super dangerous.

I loved the friendship & loyalty of the friends, Elsie the clever weredragon is at her side & my favourite.
The creatures in the adventures were terrifying & wonderful & I was upset when I thought it might end up as a trilogy towards the end but never fear, Amari will be back.

This series has huge heart & is exactly what I hoped it would continue to be, magical with the team making the right decisions against all odds, it just gets better and better.

Thank you Farshore & Harperinsider for my early copy. Can't wait to find out where book 4 will take me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for é.
326 reviews
August 28, 2024
Good ending. Sad, but good. Also, good ending to the series.
Profile Image for Rodger’s Reads.
345 reviews131 followers
January 1, 2025
4 stars

I just really love the world of Supernatural Investigations and Amari and crew. Their adventures are always an exciting ride. Overall I really enjoyed the movement we got in the plot, and this felt almost like the end of an arc despite there being 2 more books in the series planned. Amari did grate on me a little on this one with her readiness to lie to her friends to "protect" them while simultaneously putting them in a more precarious position by doing so. That being said, her resilient spirit and the deep friendships she has are really where this series shines. I can't wait to continue on the next phase of her journey with her.
Profile Image for Kate Willis.
Author23 books558 followers
March 18, 2025
I've been (impatiently) waiting to read this one until I could buy a paperback to match the first two, but I finally caved and checked out a library copy. No regrets. 😉

This book was such a fun twist on the things established in the first two books! I loved how much Amari relied on her friends and how strong her values were. I can't say much without spoiling things, but she was *extra* amazing in this book.

I found this book a satisfying enough end to certain arcs, but I'm still excited for the next two books! Amari deserves the world and millions of fans. 💚
Profile Image for Mel.
753 reviews31 followers
April 12, 2025
I don't believe I will ever rate an Amari book less than 5 stars at this point. They just keep getting better and better.

I really enjoyed this one (even though I got the ending spoiled for me - please y'all, mark your reviews appropriately!).

This was entertaining from beginning to end, and even though I tried to stretch it out as long as I could, I couldn't help devouring it.

Super excited to hear that there's more Amari books coming. Top tier middle grade fantasy!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 562 reviews

Join the discussion

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.