Great read! Lighthearted humor makes this adventure/fantasy a pleasant story to read. Told through the eyes of a young girl, whose journey leads her to a better understanding of her mother. I recently purchased a copy to place in circulation in the elementary school library. All of my "Percy Jackson" fans are going to love this book as well.

This book was so GOOOD. I'm honestly super impressed by how different this is from her previous works!
Full Review soonish

Aru wanted her life to be as exciting as the children who went to her school, so she made up stories that weren’t true. She never realized that living in a museum with her archeologist mother could be a rich adventure all on its own.

When Aru is challenged by three of her fellow students regarding a cursed lamp, she is prepared to show them the truth of her words, but first she will disregard the warning to never, never light the priceless lamp. Aru never expected to free the Sleeper that lay within and now the ancient demon is on a mission to awaken the God of Destruction and only the reincarnations of five Hindu Pandava brothers can save the world. For a girl who never felt equal to her classmates, Aru will discover she is so much more than anyone could have imagined, but she has still broken a trust…

ARU SHAH AND THE END OF TIME by Roshani Chokshi is a magical tale for middle grade readers about a young girl who felt inferior to her classmates only to find she is very special in the most amazing ways.

Ms. Chokshi has told a marvelous, fantasy tale filled with the angst of an insecure young girl who wants to be accepted by her peers, but first she must accept herself. Moments of humor, excitement and adventure create a rapid-fire tale that will hold younger readers’ interest and peak their curiosity by myths, magic and the mysteries of legends.

I enjoyed this tale, but at times, I felt it was written for adults who enjoy middle grade reading. Many humorous little snippets referred to things one would expect an adult to understand, not a middle grade reader. All in all, this little adventure is both delightful and entertaining with a hidden lesson or two on the way!

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Disney Hyperion

Series: Pandava Quartet - Book 1
Publisher: Disney Hyperion (March 27, 2018)
Genre: Children's Fantasy
Print Length: 368 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

Fantasy is not my favorite genre, but I really enjoyed this one! It includes lots of action and interesting characters. Kids are going to be lined up for this one.

I love Roshani’s work and, though I am hesitant with middle grade novels due to the type of writing presented, I had complete faith in Roshani. Though I have only read The Star-Touched Queen, I absolutely adore Roshani and her writing. I also remember attending an event where she was with S. Jae-Jones and Renee Ahdieh and she actually talked to the crowd about this upcoming novel, careful to keep certain details hidden. Of course I was going to read this.

We’re introduced to little Aru Shah. She is a middle-schooler in Atlanta, living with her mother at the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture. All she wants is to appear “cool” to the popular kids and to fit in. So, when she introduces three popular kids to a relic, she accidentally unleashes a demon named the Sleeper. The world slowly begins to freeze the longer the Sleeper is out and Aru must team up with another girl and a pigeon (yes), uncovering secrets about her heritage along the way.

Details

I had so much fun with this novel! The novel is told from Aru’s point of view and she is incredibly witty. In her shoes (technically Roshani’s words), Aru has such a sense of wit and style when describing her surroundings and what’s going on throughout her journey. Let me tell you that a lot goes on in this novel that is just crazy, but astounding. These kids are flying in the clouds, playing with fire (sort of), battling shadows. It’s like something from a dream. What I really loved was the glossary Roshani included at the end of the book, giving the reader pronunciation guidelines and witty definitions in her own words. The ending itself leads to many more mysteries that will come up in the next novel.

Aru Shah

Aru is such an adorable girl and I hope that doesn’t come off as an insult. She is a lot smarter for her age, but of course she is still a child. What would you do as a twelve year old and you found out that you released a demon into the world? Obviously, Aru is freaked out and doesn’t know what to do when a pigeon comes to her aid and tells her she has a crazy heritage linked to the Pandava brothers. Throughout all of this, she stays in her Spiderman pajamas. That is something to picture in your head. She does come across some moral struggles when it comes to doing the right thing and most of it stems from family matters. However, she has such a strong heart through it all. The ending really tested her “right from wrong” and delivered even more mysteries that I know she’ll have a hard time dealing with as the series progresses. I think she can handle it, though. I’m excited to grow with her in this series!

Mini

Mini is a part of the Pandava family, too. She seems to know more about all of it compared to Aru and it definitely tests Aru’s pride. Mini is definitely a little strange. She’s like a tiny conspiracy theorist, but most of it is about diseases and death. She is a total germaphobe and ends up developing a special high-five with Aru involving elbows instead of hands. She seems to know, though, that her personality is strange and she worries sometimes that Aru will leave her behind. This definitely makes Aru and Mini twins because they are both wanting that kind of closeness: a friendship. Of course, they squabble. However, Mini and Aru are an excellent team and save each other a few times. Mini, regardless of her strange personality, is a wonderful friend and very brave. She was quirky and definitely the perfect role model for a best friend at that age.

Boo

Boo (this is a nickname for a difficult name) is a pigeon. However, he used to be a “villain”. He has since changed his ways and is basically a guardian for Aru and Mini on the journey. He is definitely sassy and has an attitude with an ego to match. He wasn’t present too much, at least not as much to my liking. However, I think he had a sort of epiphany (in the slightest) at the end regarding his attitude and the girls, so it’ll be interesting to see how his character growth plays out in the series. On another note, it’s very hard to keep picturing a pigeon with this much ego. I keep picturing a tiny bird, a big bird, a tiny bird, etc. It’s actually humorous.

The Bottom Line

Along with a beautiful cover, this first installment of Rosh’s middle grade series absolutely astounded me. There is so much adventure and, thankfully, the writing isn’t mediocre. I shouldn’t be surprised considering it is Roshani we’re talking about. The same spirit from her other works shines through in this novel and I can’t wait to read more. Sadly, according to Roshani, that won’t be until April 2019.

Come on, Rosh.

We’re introduced to little Aru Shah. She is a middle-schooler in Atlanta, living with her mother at the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture. All she wants is to appear “cool” to the popular kids and to fit in. So, when she introduces three popular kids to a relic, she accidentally unleashes a demon named the Sleeper. The world slowly begins to freeze the longer the Sleeper is out and Aru must team up with another girl and a pigeon (yes), uncovering secrets about her heritage along the way.

Details

I had so much fun with this novel! The novel is told from Aru’s point of view and she is incredibly witty. In her shoes (technically Roshani’s words), Aru has such a sense of wit and style when describing her surroundings and what’s going on throughout her journey. Let me tell you that a lot goes on in this novel that is just crazy, but astounding. These kids are flying in the clouds, playing with fire (sort of), battling shadows. It’s like something from a dream. What I really loved was the glossary Roshani included at the end of the book, giving the reader pronunciation guidelines and witty definitions in her own words. The ending itself leads to many more mysteries that will come up in the next novel.

Aru Shah

Aru is such an adorable girl and I hope that doesn’t come off as an insult. She is a lot smarter for her age, but of course she is still a child. What would you do as a twelve year old and you found out that you released a demon into the world? Obviously, Aru is freaked out and doesn’t know what to do when a pigeon comes to her aid and tells her she has a crazy heritage linked to the Pandava brothers. Throughout all of this, she stays in her Spiderman pajamas. That is something to picture in your head. She does come across some moral struggles when it comes to doing the right thing and most of it stems from family matters. However, she has such a strong heart through it all. The ending really tested her “right from wrong” and delivered even more mysteries that I know she’ll have a hard time dealing with as the series progresses. I think she can handle it, though. I’m excited to grow with her in this series!

Mini

Mini is a part of the Pandava family, too. She seems to know more about all of it compared to Aru and it definitely tests Aru’s pride. Mini is definitely a little strange. She’s like a tiny conspiracy theorist, but most of it is about diseases and death. She is a total germaphobe and ends up developing a special high-five with Aru involving elbows instead of hands. She seems to know, though, that her personality is strange and she worries sometimes that Aru will leave her behind. This definitely makes Aru and Mini twins because they are both wanting that kind of closeness: a friendship. Of course, they squabble. However, Mini and Aru are an excellent team and save each other a few times. Mini, regardless of her strange personality, is a wonderful friend and very brave. She was quirky and definitely the perfect role model for a best friend at that age.

Boo

Boo (this is a nickname for a difficult name) is a pigeon. However, he used to be a “villain”. He has since changed his ways and is basically a guardian for Aru and Mini on the journey. He is definitely sassy and has an attitude with an ego to match. He wasn’t present too much, at least not as much to my liking. However, I think he had a sort of epiphany (in the slightest) at the end regarding his attitude and the girls, so it’ll be interesting to see how his character growth plays out in the series. On another note, it’s very hard to keep picturing a pigeon with this much ego. I keep picturing a tiny bird, a big bird, a tiny bird, etc. It’s actually humorous.

The Bottom Line

Along with a beautiful cover, this first installment of Rosh’s middle grade series absolutely astounded me. There is so much adventure and, thankfully, the writing isn’t mediocre. I shouldn’t be surprised considering it is Roshani we’re talking about. The same spirit from her other works shines through in this novel and I can’t wait to read more. Sadly, according to Roshani, that won’t be until April 2019.

Come on, Rosh.

*4.5 Stars*
I received an this ARC from Netgalley for an honest review

This book is funny, fast-paced, and exciting. I especially appreciate the diversity of the author using Indian mythology, rather than the usual Greek and Roman stuff that most books rely on. Not that I don't love Greek and Roman but I really enjoyed learning more about Indian mythology. I like that the author included a glossary of terms with pronunciations too.

Aru Shah and the End of Time is going to be one of those books that I go to for summer reading recommendations. I can't wait for the sequel!

Ani and her new friend Mimi learn that they are pandavas (Hindu mythology demi-gods) and must attempt to save the world from the destruction that a demon called the Sleeper will inflict. This is one wild ride with their pigeon guide as they navigate the underworld, steal weapons and contact their mythical helpers in a race against time. Get ready to delve into an untapped new mythology for one exciting ride. This debut is fast paced, the dialogue is witty and the characters and their problems feel real for middle school readers. Of course it is presented by the mythology master himself, Rick Riordan so his fans will love it but so will many others. This would be a great family read! My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.

Percy Jackson fans will love this book. I didn't love it as much as I thought I would, and I'm not sure why. I think I'm just looking for something different in a book right now? Or maybe because it feels so insanely similar in tone to everything Rick Riordan writes, which isn't necessarily a bad thing for sales or for the kids who are fans.

This is everything you would expect from a Rick Riordan imprint. For anyone in book stores or libraries, steer the kiddos to this new series. It won't disappoint them.

Aru is a wonderful, fully fleshed character with flaws and doubts and dreams. She never expected to be the daughter of a God, but that's what she is. She's a bit of a liar and has some "unlikeable" moments that I loved her for. She's figuring things out and gets some stand-out lines, especially at the end when she declares herself a heroine, not a hero. I grinned like an idiot at that.

Her Pandava sister, Mini, is a dork and a bit of germaphobe and has got some anxiety going on and is rather delightful. She's a perfect companion/best friend/sister for Aru as they go on a quest to save the world from the Sleeper.

Also, the author got in a dig at Trump president, which is basically the best thing ever.

It's full of action, perfect for more reluctant readers who need a steady pace of thrills to keep their attention.

The ending was perfect, and, honestly, I'm looking forward to the next installment more than I enjoyed anything in this one because it seems like epic, awesome things are in store for Aru and Mini.

And you don't need to know anything about Hindu mythology to understand what's happening. Everything is explained in the text and there is a handy glossary at the back of the book for readers who wants to know more.

This book has everything you have come to expect from Rosh and Rick. Such a great beginning for a new series, I can't wait to devour the rest of them!

4.5 stars. Thank you to Netgalley and Disney Books for providing me with a digital ARC of this release in exchange for an honest review.

Aru Shah is an Indian girl who lives with her mother in the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture. When she lights the Lamp of Bharata to impress some popular classmates she releases the Sleeper, cursed to live there until set free. Now she has until the new moon to stop the Sleeper before he arrives in the Kingdom of Death to awaken Lord Shiva, God of Destruction, and permanently freeze all of Aru's loved ones and bring destruction to the world.

If I were to describe Aru Shah and the End of Time in three words I would choose: whimsical, hilarious, and adventurous. This book is everything you could want or need in a middle grade fantasy, plus some bits you didn't know you needed! I would highly, highly recommend this book to any Percy Jackson, mythology, or adventure fans out there.

For those reluctant to read middle grade, don't be with this one. There are some great jokes and references that had me laughing out loud that I wouldn't have understood if I read this in middle school. That aside, it's a clean, wholesome book with lots of action and humor. The characters are absolutely sweet and believable. Aru just wants to fit in and she fibs to make it seem like one of the cool kids, but those fibs end up getting her tangled into a web of lies. Mini has anxiety and is always trying to be prepared for everything while also fearing that she's going to die the entire time. I related so hard to Mini and it was wonderful to see someone with anxiety saving the world!! It's possible to do hard things with those types of barriers!!

It is so tough to not compare this book to Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series, especially considering this is his first publication in own his imprint. While there is no black-haired, sassy Percy in this book, Choski took all the things about that fabulous series that irked me or was left kind of plot-holey (so they just ate air on their 4 day quest?? Sounds legit) and fixed them up all nice and pretty in her own series. Ever wondered what your favorite heroes did about food on their quests, or when they used the bathroom, or how they felt about wearing the same exact outfit for the entire book like a Disney movie? We delve deep into Aru's thoughts and concerns and see exactly what it would feel like to be on the quest with them, with everything from the pre-fight jitters down to the aching feet. It felt real and detailed and that is exactly what I love in books.

Another aspect of this book that I adored is the ending! I thought I knew the ending from page 10 and while I did predict one small aspect of it, the rest of the ending blew me away. Instead of ending shortly after the heroes are thanked/dismissed for saving the gods and the whole world, usually the book will end with a semi-cliffhanger and we'll have to wait to book two to see how they are brought back into this fantasy world hidden from the eyes of normal people. BUT Aru's story is different! There's still several chapters at the end where we explore more of Aru's tale and how the rest of the series will take off. Choski nicely sets up interesting plot points for the rest of the quartet that I'm really looking forward to and the ending didn't feel dismissive in one bit. The fantasy world feels just as permanently real and present as it would in a high or epic fantasy. All the stars for that refreshing way to conclude a novel.

The Hindu mythology may seem intimidating going into this, but I understood every aspect of it clearly and felt like I came away with a solid education in the basics of Hindu mythology (and without the price of college tuition too!). The glossary in the beginning is even full of more in-depth explanations and stories if more clarification is needed. This book would be a great readalong for reluctant readers or for a bedtime story for young or middle school age children! Pick this release up when it comes out in a few weeks and then prepare yourself for the long wait to book two. It's going to be a fun one!!

Wonderful middle grade book that introduces kids to Indian mythology in an action-packed adventure story. With a pigeon named Boo as her side kick, Aru Shah must race against time to save the world. This book will make you laugh out loud and have you rooting for our heroine all along the way! Great book for reluctant readers and girls who might not normally gravitate towards mythology, fantasy type books. Highly recommend and can't wait to share it with my students in the library!

I don't generally read much middle grade fiction these days. I requested this book because I have enjoyed Roshani Chokshi's YA novels, and because I'm really excited by what Disney and Rick Riordan are doing with this new imprint. For those who haven't read about the "Rick Riordan Presents" line yet, Riordan is using his considerable influence in the world of middle grade fantasy to promote authors from other cultures who are writing stories based in those mythologies. Aru Shah is the first of these books, and takes its setting from Hindu myths and legends.

Aru Shah is a twelve year old girl who lives with her mother in a museum of Indian antiquities. One day in a bid to impress some snobby classmates, Aru lights an ancient lamp, one that she has been warned by her mother could unleash a demon bent on world destruction. It is up to Aru and some new friends to venture all the way into the lands of the dead to stop the demon. Along the way they encounter Gods, demons, a very strange Costco, and en emotionally needy house.

This book was really fun to read. It has a self contained story that also leaves plenty of room for future volumes. Aru is a realistically flawed adolescent character, practical and self-sufficient while also feeling like she's suddenly in way over her head. The style is quite different from Chokshi's YA books, but fitting for this character and setting. Aru Shah is a fun read for fans of middle grade fantasy and mythology.

Aru is a seventh grader that lives in the Indian Art Museum with her mother. Aru is always hearing about all the statues that are in the museum when her mom gives the tours. Her mom is gone a lot with the museum on archaeological trips. Aru misses her mom being there for her when she is gone so she makes up lies about everything and tells her classmates.

One day these classmates, which have been bullying Aru, come to the museum and try to bust her in her lies. When they start questioning Aru about things, she tries to curb all the lies she has told them by showing them things in the museum. They dare Aru to light the magic lamp that she has always been told not to by her mom. Aru does not know why she is not supposed to light the magic lamp, but she is willing to try it to show out in front of her friends.

When Aru light the lamp she frees an ancient demon whose job it is to awaken the God of Destruction. Now Aru has nine days to defeat him or watch the world end. Aru has a guide, a pigeon named Boo. Aru learns that she is the reincarnation of one of the ancient Pandava brothers who were heroes of the Mahabharata poem.

Aru also meets up with another Pandava, Mini. Mini and Aru go to the Otherworld together to try and defeat the God of Destruction before he ends the world. The knowledge about the Hindu mythology in this story was nice to read about and educated me as well. I loved the adventures that Aru and Mini go on while trying to defeat the gods. Rick Riordan and Roshani Chokshi are a great team on writing this story.

I look forward to seeing what is in store for us next from Rick Riordan and Roshani Chokshi . Hopefully more adventures for sure!! Great read!

fast paced adventure, that involves indian mytholgy, great main character

Aru Shah is a seventh grader who lives in the Museum of Indian Art and Culture in Atlanta. Her mother is often gone on archaeological trips which leaves Aru lonely and prone to making up stories when she talks about her life to other students at the Augustus Day school. They go off on exotic vacations; she stays home waiting for some attention from her traveling mother. She uses all sorts of lies to make her feel better about herself.

One day, when some kids from her school who have been bullying her come to try to catch her in her lies, she decides to light a magic lamp that her mother has told her to avoid in order to impress them. Lighting the lamp frees an ancient demon whose job it is to awaken the God of Destruction. Now Aru has nine days to defeat him or watch the world end.

Aru does have a guide. Boo is a pigeon who is a reincarnation of Shakhuni, an ancient king who has some actions to atone for. Aru learns that she is the reincarnation of one of the ancient Pandava brothers who were heroes of the Mahabharata poem. They were created to save the world which seems pretty daunting to a twelve-year-old who goes off on her adventure in spiderman pajamas armed with her great imagination. She also meets Mini who is also one of the reincarnated Pandava brothers and who is another twelve-year-old. Mini is smart but more than a little neurotic.

Their adventures take them off to the Otherworld where they meet beings from Indian mythology and have adventures in a magical Costco and the Kingdom of the Dead. Along the way they become friends and learn a lot of things about each other and about themselves. They also learn that they are both more talented and braver than either could have imagined.

I liked the setting. I enjoyed learning more about Indian mythology. I liked both Aru and Mini who were great characters. I liked the humor of the juxtaposition of modern day middle school kids and ancient mythology. I can't wait to read more in this series.

In this first novel of the latest series by Rick Riordan, characters and lore from Hindu mythology are the focus. With an engaging heroine in Aru, this book follows the typical Riordan pattern of an unlikely protagonist facing down demons (literally) along with her sidekick "sister" who is, like Aru, a Hindu demi-god (or in this case, demi-goddess). An attention-getting beginning is followed by a predictable series of narrow escapes from hideous perils, culminating in a satisfying conclusion. For fans of Riordan's work who have been waiting for a series about heroines as main characters, this book will be eagerly embraced. Although intriguing secondary characters are few in number, the humor of Riordan's writing shines through in his main characters, and the focus on Hindu mythology is an interesting twist. The open-ended conclusion provides readers with ample reasons to anticipate the next book in the series, which is due out in the spring of 2019.

If a book promises (A) ancient demons, and (B) animal sidekicks -- I ALREADY KNOW I'M GOING TO BE A HUGE FAN. So obviously I absolutely loved it. It was cute and quirky and sassy, with a dash of magic and a whole lump of Hindu mythology, and the best middle-grade characters I've read in a loooooong time.

Rick Riordan fans are going to be like 8 year olds in a bouncy house when they get their hands on this novel. The plot follows two rebellious teenage girls who discover they are reincarnations of the legendary Pandava brothers and must save the world from mass destruction! Dun dunn dunnnnn!

The writing is oh so delicious and you will eat this write up because I sure did. You know how Rick Riordan's writing is full of quirky humor and dad jokes? Well, that flows right into this book. The characters are sympathetic and hold so much potential. The ending is outstanding and left me wanting MORE MORE MORE! I don't want to wait over a year to continue this magnificent story.

This is a fun series-opener sure to appeal to fans of Percy Jackson and sure to increase interest in Indian mythology! Readers will eagerly await the next adventure of Aru Shah and her Pandava sister, Mini. When will the other three Pandava siblings show up? I guess we'll all have to keep reading this series to find out!

Aru Shah and the End of Time reminds me of Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series in many ways, but I must admit that I found Aru and Mini annoying and insecure. Even though I didn't find the girls appealing, I think many middle school fantasy fans will enjoy the humor and adventure.

Wow! This book was quite an adventure. The author did a wonderful job setting the foundation of this series and introducing Hindu mythology. The number of gods and goddesses can be overwhelming, but Chokshi’s use of picturesque analogies that connect current American trends to ancient Indian traditions and history makes the book all the more interesting to read. I really liked how Mini’s knowledge and pessimism fit her character. It made me realize that knowledge can be a double edged sword. Also, the play on words and sarcastic comments made for some humorous moments and created a deeper bond between the two heroines. This story will not disappoint Percy Jackson fans and is sure to spark a new wave of fantasy readers.