Amari and the metalwork menace

Gr 5--8--Eighth grader Amari Peters, one of the greatest magicians of all time, is done with magic. She wants to focus on being a normal kid, so she will retire as a Junior Ranger from the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs. This means losing all her memories, which will erase the wracking guilt and grief of having lost a mentor in her last mission, and it will mean giving up on her friends when they need her as a huge crisis looms. "The Menace" is overtaking the supernatural world. In her attempt to save her loved ones, Amari must join with her archnemesis Dylan, break every rule made by The Bureau and Government, and create mass mayhem. When dealing with the newly resurrected First Wizard, evil to his mechanical core, perhaps breaking rules is the only way to save the world; perhaps it will spell disaster. References to past cases and relationships between characters are broadly explained in this fourth installment, so it is recommended to read the books in order. Filled with multidimensional characters who are not all good or all evil, this fantasy features characters who are also varied in their backgrounds. Amari and her brother Quinton are both Black. Action-packed scenes that aren't always predictable in their outcome make this fantasy even stronger and will keep readers turning pages. VERDICT This volume and the series are highly recommended for purchase as it continues to be a strong, exciting fantasy that features true Black girl magic and adventure that will appeal to many readers.--Clare A. Dombrowski