Reviews with content warning for War - Amari ja taikureiden peli

This is an excellent sequel and I'm so excited for whenever the 3rd one comes out! I really enjoy Amari and all the other characters (even the ones I don't like). A great middle grade read.

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mackef's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

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emily_mh's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

This was such a solid sequel! It had two major plot threads - a mystery and a competition - which meant I was engaged from the start and always looked forward to picking the book back up. It also meant the narrative was pacey, furthering my engagement. The mystery plot line was fantastic as it had lots of investigation involved. The solution was satisfying and contained elements I had not predicted, which was an added bonus! On the other hand, I did want more from the Great Game (competition) plot line. I felt like we didn’t end up spending much time with it.

I loved that we got to see more of the supernatural world, like the cafe in the beginning of the book with the fortune cookies. The devil is in the detail, and Alston consistently finds ways to include these that really enrich the narrative. But we also get to see bigger elements of world-building, like finding out more about the League and visiting departments like the Department of the Dead and the Department of Dreams.

Amari was once again a fantastic MC to follow. She’s resolute, she tries to do what’s right, she loves her family and friends and tries to protect them at all costs, but at the same time she’s just 12 years old, trying to figure out all the usual problems that strike at that age and trying to find a place in the world she loves that doesn’t love her back. And she still remains determined, and is able to be silly and kind through it all. I also loved how much she learned about her magic and friendship in this instalment.

Finally, I enjoyed seeing the friendship group itself develop. Amari gains such a wholesome little team and the interactions between the characters involved were one of my favourite parts of the book.

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eve81's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

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chamaeleontis's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

This review has been postponed due to the Harper Collins strike.

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liz_liz's review against another edition

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adventurous inspiring mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Spoiler

Brain-Dump of My Thoughts. I cannot believe that the plot line doesn't get resolved in this book, Amari lost her magic, and all the discrimination Amari was put through by Harlowe and everyone else. I'm only slightly frustrated by the cliffhanger because I can't pick up the next book in the series instantly. The reveals at the end weren't quite satisfying, but I did not see them coming (Merlin using the time-stop stone, especially Dylan winning the crown and a war inevitably starting). I was waiting on what Harlowe's supernatural ability was, and I expected it to be much more dangerous

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theirgracegrace's review against another edition

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challenging inspiring tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

An explosive second book that promises an even more powerful third! With the Supernatural Congress frozen in an act of apparent terrorism, Amari blamed and suspected of the attack, and the threat of the League of Magicians going to war if Amari doesn't win the Great Game, the Good Magician has her plate full. An amazing sequel where I can never predict what happens next and where I can find something to admire about every character (yes, even

Spoiler

Dylan and his struggle with choosing evil when he enjoys being good

). Excited for the finale!

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