Chapter summaries Amari and the Great Game B.B. Alston

Chapter 15 Summary: The Great Game Begins

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

Amari and Maria are shocked to find Dylan in the League throne room. His eyes are blood-red, and he blames Amari for his year in the Sightless Depths. He announces his intention to claim the Crown of Vladimir and restore magician power. The League, eager for strength, cheers him. Cozmo shatters the Crown’s glass case, and a ghostly illusion of Count Vladimir appears, explaining that the Crown holds his magic for one worthy wearer. Dylan volunteers. Cozmo then asks Amari if she will fight for it. She reluctantly agrees to stop Dylan from starting a war. Cozmo declares the Great Game: a deadly contest where the winner claims the magic of three born magicians. Both accept by putting on Game Rings that vanish. The Game will consist of five duels for Victor’s Rings; the first to win three — or to steal the opponent’s magic — wins the Crown. Afterwards, Maria warns Amari of the mortal danger, but Amari insists she must win to save her brother Quinton and prevent war. She asks Maria to train her, then leaves, feeling the weight of the challenge on her shoulders.

Key Events

  • Amari and Maria discover Dylan in the throne room, transformed with red eyes, holding a grudge.
  • Dylan demands the Crown and the League cheers him.
  • Cozmo shatters the Crown’s case, releasing the illusion of Count Vladimir.
  • Vladimir’s illusion explains the Crown’s purpose and challenges magicians to prove worthy.
  • Dylan and Amari both volunteer; Amari feels forced to compete to stop Dylan.
  • Cozmo announces the Great Game: a series of deadly contests with Game Rings.
  • Amari and Dylan each accept a golden ring, which instantly sparks (fire for Dylan, electricity for Amari) and vanishes on their fingers.
  • Cozmo explains five Victor’s Rings must be claimed; stealing the opponent’s magic ends the Game but destroys the loser.
  • Amari privately vows not to steal Dylan’s magic.
  • A vow of secrecy is sworn; Amari plans to tell Elsie anyway.
  • Dylan threatens Amari and vanishes.
  • In Maria’s office, Maria reveals the Game’s true danger: contestants can die in impossible locations.
  • Amari insists she must win to save Quinton and asks Maria to train her.
  • Chapter ends with Amari riding the elevator, feeling alone: “It’s all on my shoulders.”

Character Development

Amari Peters shows tremendous growth in resolve. She steps forward to accept the Crown not out of ambition but to prevent a war and save her brother. Her internal promise to avoid stealing Dylan’s magic reveals her moral core, even under extreme pressure. She also demonstrates maturity by pushing past Maria’s fear and requesting training, accepting full responsibility for the coming trials.

Dylan Van Buren appears drastically changed. His former blue eyes are now blood-red, and his months in the Sightless Depths have hardened him into a vengeful figure. He openly revels in the League’s support and seems prepared to destroy Amari, showing no remorse for his past betrayal.

Maria Van Buren is torn between protecting Amari and letting her make her own choices. Her tears and admission of fear show deep love for both Amari and Dylan. She ultimately agrees to train Amari, setting aside her protective instincts.

Cozmo acts as a steward of the Game, revealing the League’s desperation. He seems to favor Dylan, dodging Amari’s question about the Game’s nature, and orchestrates the ceremony with theatrical flair.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

  • Sacrifice vs. Destruction: The Great Game embodies a brutal philosophy — Vladimir’s belief that sharing magic caused the Night Brothers’ fall. Amari’s refusal to steal Dylan’s magic contrasts with this win-at-all-costs mindset.
  • Red Eyes as Monstrosity: Dylan’s blood-red eyes signal that he has lost his humanity. The text links his appearance to “a monster,” reinforcing the idea that power can corrupt.
  • The Crown as Catalyst: The shimmering black Crown symbolizes the ultimate magical authority. Its presence turns alliances into rivalries and forces Amari and Dylan into a life-or-death competition.
  • Secrecy and Trust: The forced vow of secrecy isolates the players. Amari’s decision to break it — planning to tell Elsie — highlights her reliance on friendship and her rejection of the Game’s isolating rules.

Why This Chapter Matters

Chapter 15 is the turning point of the novel. It formally introduces the Great Game, which will drive the plot for the rest of the book. Amari’s choice to enter the Game establishes the central conflict: she must compete against a vengeful Dylan while holding onto her principles. The chapter also deepens the stakes — winning can save Quinton and prevent war, but losing means death or the empowerment of a tyrant. Maria’s warning about the impossible locations hints at the dangerous trials ahead. This chapter sets the emotional and narrative framework for Amari’s next challenges.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Amari agree to participate in the Great Game even though she is clearly afraid?
Amari knows that if Dylan wins the Crown, he will start a war that harms countless people and supernaturals. She also believes that winning will allow her to remove the curse on her brother Quinton. Her fear is outweighed by her sense of duty and love for her brother.

2. What does Dylan’s appearance and behavior in this chapter reveal about his character development?
Dylan’s red eyes and pale face indicate he has been physically changed by his time in the Sightless Depths. He is consumed by revenge, openly blaming Amari for his suffering. He shows no hesitation in threatening her, contrasting sharply with the boy Amari knew the previous summer.

3. How does the introduction of the Game Rings set up the conflict for the rest of the story?
The rings act as both transporters and stakes in a deadly competition. They force the two opponents into duels in unknown locations, and the rules allow for the permanent destruction of a magician through magic theft. This creates constant tension and raises the possibility that Amari may have to compromise her morals or face lethal consequences.