"In theory, a quest sounded awesome. But in reality, a whole lot of lives hung in the balance. Maybe that's why superheroes wore capes. Maybe they weren't capes at all, but safety blankets, like the one Aru kept at the bottom of her bed and pulled up under her chin before she went to sleep. Maybe superheroes just tied their blankies around their necks so they'd have a little bit of comfort wherever they went. Because honestly? Saving the world was scary. No harm admitting that."
~Aru, ARU SHAH & THE END OF TIME




Last week, I was fortunate enough to interview Roshani Chokshi for BroadwayWorld. We chatted about world-building,favorite myths, and, of course, working with Rick Riordan. Check it out!


Percy Jackson fans looking for similar authors are going to fall head over heels for Roshani Chokshi's Aru Shah! All the humor, friendships, and, of course, quests make this a perfect debut in the Rick Riordan Presents line!

I have a been a fan of Chokshi since THE STAR-TOUCHED QUEEN debuted. When I heard that there was going to be a Rick Riordan Presents line with publisher Disney Hyperion and that she was one of the three chosen authors, I was SO excited. Especially when I found out that her series would launch first! Granted, I wanted all three books and thought they all sounded great, but I especially wanted ARU SHAH.

The series starter ARU SHAH AND THE END OF TIME came out last week and I'm so happy to say it didn't disappoint! I was enamored with the world-building and the characters and have already been introduced to so much new mythology! It also feels like a great new series to recommend to kids who couldn't get enough of the Percy Jackson series. There's only so much I can give them in the children's department, and I love that ARU SHAH had all the humor, all the emphasis on friendship, and, of course, all the fun real-world questing that the Percy books have. I am so excited to continue Aru's journey as well as read the other books in the line because if they all capture the spirit of Riordan's own books and are as compelling and engaging as Aru Shah has been already, then I need to own each and every single one.

Aru Shah is just an ordinary kid, and readers will easily see themselves in her. She constantly wishes for a different life, and often tells tall tales at school that get her into trouble. When three of her classmates come to the museum her mother owns and see that she didn't go to Paris during break like she'd said, they decide to call her on her bluffs. Aru had told them that the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture was home to the cursed Lamp of Bharata. The trio demands that she do the impossible and touch the lamp. Panicking and not wanting to be in a viral video, Aru lights the lamp, never dreaming that she'll ACTUALLY release the Sleeper and bring about the end of the world. When everyone around her freezes, she realizes there's more at stake than she ever thought possible. She is a reincarnation of one of the Pandava Brothers from the epic Mahabharata poem. She is a demigod. And now, it is up to her and her Pandava sister Mini to save the world and prevent the Sleeper from reaching the Lord of Destruction before Shiva can perform the dance to end Time forever...

One of the main reasons I first fell in love with Rick Riordan's books was because they were overflowing with Greek mythology. Mythology was my favorite course in school, and I loved books influenced by myths. After discovering mythology, and realizing that myths and lore varied from culture to culture, I was always on the look out for tales from all over the world. I loved that Riordan went beyond the Greek mythology that is the most well-known in the United States and explored Roman, Egyptian, and Norse mythology. New tales were introduced and kids grew up enamored. One reason I've been so excited about the Rick Riordan Presents line is because more authors will introduce more myths to kids through fictional series--and they'll be #OwnVoices to boot! The first three series in the line focus on Hindu, Mayan, and Korean mythology. I know very little about these tales and am so excited to add to the vault in my mind where I store all these myths and tales.

Aru Shah has already introduced me to so much, from little things such as Urvashi's outfit "made from the skipped heartbeats of every person who had ever laid eyes" on her, which reveals so much about her personality and makes you want to know more, to the quests and heroism of the Pandava Brothers from the epic poem. Hindu demigods don't come into their heritage the same way as Greek demigods, either. They are related through the soul, not through blood. And their Claiming Ceremony is AWESOME and potentially deadlier than the ones at Camp Half Blood.

Another thing I loved about Riordan's books was the way he could turn something ordinary into something extraordinary. For example, Percy Jackson's weapon Riptide. It's a PEN. Demons and nymphs and monsters walked among humans, often disguised as your local teacher or shop owner. Regular buildings were fronts for something more magical....but only if you knew how to look. I love that all of these traits I loved so much carried over into Aru Shah and hope they do with other authors as well. There is an incredible Night Bazaar hidden in a CostCo--and it's a place for all types of beings, no matter their culture or identity. Percy Jackson and Magnus Chase and Aru Shah could totally walk side by side--and so too could a minotaur or a fury or a dryad! It was such an imaginative place to bring to life, and I loved the characters we met inside who needed to help Aru and Mini on their journey. There are other "hidden" places they stop, too, that I don't want to spoil, but I will say, that visiting the family home of the Pandava Brothers was an especially well-shaped scene I enjoyed. And, of course, items! From weapons hidden in every day objects to special cookies to hairpins, there is so much fun and creativity throughout the journey!

There are so many great things I loved about Aru Shah, but to divulge them all would be to spoil your own discovery. ARU SHAH was fantastic, though, and I'm already eager to get my hands on ARU SHAH AND THE SONG OF DEATH in 2019 and meet more of the reincarnated Pandavas!

Terrific fantasy, with great twist on traditional tale. Definitely recommending this! Thank you for sharing.

I love Chokshi's writing, so I was eager to read this one. And while it wasn't as lovely or as well-crafted as her other novels, it was still a good, solid offering. I did appreciate the journey through some of the Indian mythology, and while I'm familiar with some, I met some new characters. This story should appeal to middle grade readers, and I would recommend it highly to that group, and warmly recommend it to those who like stories that blend myth with the modern.

Roshani has out done herself yet again! Have you ever thought to yourself, "Why aren't there more eastern mythologies being written?" Well, I have. Thank goodness Roshani clearly had the same thought at least once, only hers was much better because she took it a step further and thought, what if I did for Hindu mythology what Rick Riodan did for Greek, Roman, and Norse mythology?

What results is sheer brillance on every page. Aru is a believable middle grade heroine - she's sassy, at times anxious, and braver than she knows. She has a completely ordinary life until she discovers that she is actually a reincarnated Pandava brother from Hindu Legend. What ensues is a wild ride through Hindu mythology, with plenty of friendship, antics, and daring acts to keep you entertained throughout.

This may be the best Middle Grade book I've read in a long time, because it doesn't read too childishly or too young adulty. It's clearly an MG novel but it's fast-paced and complex enough to be enjoyable even for older readers. I was completely swept up in the story, and I cannot wait for the sequel to come out next year. That's the trouble with falling in love with a book and a world within a book - the wait for more makes a year feel like an eternity.

Aru is joining my favorite female heroines - Hermione, Feyre, Clary - and I can't wait to see what she'll be up to next.

I really enjoyed this book! I had no knowledge of Hindu gods and this was an approachable way to learn. Aru was a bit whiney and hopefully she'll get better and more mature as the series progresses. Definitely appealing for fans of the Percy Jackson series. Guys and gals alike!

Thanks to the publisher and net galley for letting read this book.

Twelve-year-old Aru Shah lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her mother, a renowned archaeologist and curator of the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture. In fact, they live in an apartment over the museum, so Aru is pretty familiar with all the valuable artifacts her mothers has acquired over time. Because her mother travels so much, Aru is often left in the care of security guard/babysitter Sherrilyn, who is actually more interested in watching the Real Housewives of Atlanta than she is in Aru, giving Aru a lot of time to fill.

Yet, all Aru would really like is a little more attention from her mother and a more exciting life. To compensate, she finds herself lying about her life to the kids at her snooty private school, a school her mother really can't afford. Which is why, one Monday morning, when she opens the front door, she find three angry classmates determined to prove she's a liar by demanding that she show them a cursed lamp she had bragged about.

Showing them the lamp just isn't good enough, and they demand that Aru light it. Which she does, figuring she can put out the flame immediately after so she doesn't get into trouble with her mom. But, the lamp isn't just any lamp, it's the Diya of Bharata and when it is lit, legends says, it "awakens the Sleeper, a demon who will summon Lord Shiva, the fearsome Lord of Destruction, who will dance upon the world and bring an end to Time."

To Aru's dismay, lighting the lamp seems to cause the three students and her mom to freeze in place. Then, she discovers that she is a descendant of the five Pandava brothers, warriors and heroes who once had great powers and weapons. Now, every generation produces five Pandava successors, but only one who can light the lamp. And now that the lamp has been lit and released the Sleeper, Aru must find a way to stop that demon from reaching the Lord of Destruction. Luckily, Aru will have some help. A guide named Boo, who seems to be a fallen god reincarnated as a pigeon, and Mini, another 12 year old. Mini may be allergy obsessed, but she is also a descendant of the Pandavas and has no choice about helping Aru. As soon as the lamp was lit, her family froze as well.

Accompanied by Boo, Aru and Mini are taken to the Court of the Sky, where they learn that their quest is to awaken the celestial weapons before the Sleeper does it. To do that, Aru and Mini first go to the Kingdom of Death where they will find the Pool of the Past. Looking into the Pool, they will discover how the Sleeper can be defeated once and for all.

So, the first task in their quest is to find the three keys that open the Door of Death so that they don't have to die in order to get into the Kingdom of Death. Easy Peasy, right? And this is just the beginning of Aru and Mini's adventure to stop the end of Time from happening.

Aru Shah and the End of Time is an exciting adventure/quest story based on a mix of Indian mythology and Hindu religion. And though some readers (myself included) may not be as informed about Hinduism or Indian myths as they are about other religions and legends, this is a good place to begin learning about them. Author Roshani Chokshi has woven in a lot of background information into the storyline in such a way that the reader can understand the unfamiliar without a problem. But in case you need more, there is a glossary of terms, gods, and places referred to in the story.

I found that Roshani's writing was clever, funny, and snarky with some seriousness thrown in, making this a fun, fast-paced novel. Interestingly, for all I liked reading Aru Shah and the End of Time, I didn't really much for the characters of Aru and Mini. Aru is to my mind a little too snarky and Mini a little too hypochondriacal. Hopefully, these characteristics will be toned down a little in the next book. I certainly felt sorry for Aru not having her mother around as much as she would have like, but I also didn't like the lying to make up for what she felt was lacking in her life.

Bottom line, though, is that I'm pretty sure kids are going to love Aru and her adventures.

Two things I noted while reading: Roshani was obsessed with and used to write Sailor Moon fan fiction infused with Indian mythology. My Kiddo was also obsessed with Sailor Moon (in fact, I still have her books her), so I understand the connection - Sailor Moon was also charged with the task of saving the world from destruction by Evil.

And Roshani, I owe you a pack of Twizzlers - what I learned reading Aru Shah is well worth it. I love the idea of introducing and exploring other mythologies for young readers.

This book is recommended for readers age 9+

This book is very whimsical. and full of magic. I really enjoyed it. It provided the escape that I needed when I was reading it.

I love that Rick Riordan is making an effort to show case other countries' stories. Roshani is a great author to help him do just that. She highlighted the angst of young (almost teen!) kids so well and the longing to fit in. I loved Aru and her character. Such a great story to learn about and read.

I'll absolutely recommend this book to any kid who loves the Percy Jackson series. I had trouble getting into it, but in the exact same way that I had trouble getting into Percy Jackson. So I know the kids who love that series will love Aru Shah!

Percy Jackson, meet Aru Shah. She's gutsy, a little jaded, and creative with her truths. (Liar? Nah ... ) So maybe she's unleashed the end of the world by lighting the lamp she's never supposed to touch. So maybe everyone is frozen and she has to save the world. She can totally do that, right? With help from Mini, a very cautious, informed, and allergic sister-in-arms, Aru will have to step up and fix the mess she made.

Drawing on Hindu mythology, the story weaves a tale filled with monsters, demons, deities, and magical objects. Some parts of the plot are simply too convenient to sit quite right, and several battles wrap up too neatly, but the overall experience is both fun and true to the drama and angst of tween years. Fans of Rick Riordan's universe will gobble this story up.

As always, Chokshi's writing is beautiful and relatable. Aru is a character that my students can root for. She's flawed and awkward and the epitome of a middle school kid. I can't wait to get a copy for my classroom so my students can enjoy it as much as I did!

ARU SHAH AND THE END OF TIME is the first adventure fantasy in the Pandava quartet.

Aru Shah lives the Museum of Ancient Art and Culture where her mother works as an archeaologist. When Aru accidentally awakens an ancient demon known as the Sleeper, Aru must save her family and friends. Can she find the five legendary Pandava brothers and journey through the Kingdom of Death in time?

Librarians will find the connections to Hindu mythology appealing to middle grade children who enjoy other books featuring mythology such as the Olympians and Magnus Chase books. The female protagonist, fast-paced storyline, and Indian cultural themes will appeal to a broad audience.

Published on March 27, 2018 by Disney-Hyperion. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

This book was a surprising delight. I had thought children's fiction was saturated with books riffing on mythology after the success of the Percy Jackson series, but Chokshi does an excellent job bringing Hindu mythology to life in new ways. My only quibble is that Aru at times felt older than a 12-year-old.

ARU SHAH AND THE END OF TIME BY ROSHANI CHOKSHI

Twelve-year-old Aru Shah is known as a bit of a fibber amongst her classmates. She often will make up grandiose stories to fit in with her classmates. When three classmates show up at the Museum of Ancient Indian Art to catch her in a lie, Aru accidentally lets loose an ancient demon, the Sleeper, who is on a mission to wake the God of Destruction. To stop this from happening, Aru must find the reincarnations of the five Pandava brothers and save the world.

As per usz, Chokshi has the most beautiful writing and I cannot wait to read the three remaining books in this series.

MY RATING: ✰✰✰✰

This book just simply didn’t make much sense to me. It had plenty of action, but I just couldn’t care enough. Aru wasn’t real to me (fortunately, because she was irritating) and Mini wasn’t fleshed-out enough. The author seemed to be trying too hard...but for what? Action, humor, cuteness, adult appreciation, history lesson? This book sorely needed a better editing job. My primary complaint was how many PG-13 and R rated references there were in this story about an 11 year-old protagonist. Game of Thrones, the red or blue pill from the Matrix, “yippee-ki-yay” from Die Hard, just to name a few but the list goes on and on. Is the target reader supposed to understand these references or are they thrown in for parents (if so, that’s cheap). I also agree somewhat with another reviewer who made the distinction between Hinduism being a practiced religion whereas Riordan’s books make light of no longer practiced mythologies. As a middle school librarian in a culturally diverse community I was hoping (and expecting) so much more.

A fast-paced adventure in the vein of Rick Riordan (and bearing his stamp of approval in the foreword! Aru Shah lives with her mother above a Indian History museum. After Aru is caught in a lie by her classmates, she tries to prove one fib about a cursed lamp in the exhibit. But when she lights the lamp, she unwittingly unleashed the Sleeper, bent on destroying the world. There is a lot Hindu mythos but it never feel overwhelming and it's naturally integrated into the story. All in all, a great new series for elementary kids.

Kids who have enjoyed the other Rick Riordan books will absolutely enjoy this new series. It captures the humor, adventure and self-doubt present in all his past characters - while staying true to a mythology he was unfamiliar with. Love hearing from #ownvoices and Riordan's efforts to support them. The characters and their interactions are enjoyable. The plot keeps you turning pages. Kids save the world again.

Rick Riordan fans should appreciate this tale from Roshani Chokshi. Instead of the Greek, Roman, or even Norse mythology most of us are somewhat familiar with, Chokshi's tale is full of Hindu mythology, laced with a good bit of humor. It's a great story, and I look forward to reading the next in the series.

Really enjoyed this dive into Indian mythology with a superhero twist. Aru is the perfect middle grade heroine and perfectly encapsulated a lot of the pressures and feelings of that age. Well written, hilarious voice, and quick packing made this a fun read!

Definitely something to recommend to lovers of Rick Riordan’s books. Ari is feisty and clever. Her interactions with Boo are hilarious.