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pradyumnab1wso's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
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? It's complicated
5.0
chamomiledaydreams's review against another edition
4.0
I love this series so much! I was waiting to read the fourth book until the fifth book was available in paperback, because I didn't want to be left on a cliffhanger for too long, and boy, am I glad I made that decision. This installment had me captivated from start to finish, and I am physically restraining myself from jumping directly into the final volume. I want to read at least one other book in between, so that I don't get the installments mixed up and also so that I have more time before I am done with this series.
I won't get into spoilers here, but I will say generally that I love the characters in "Aru Shah." They are a great mix of comedy and sobriety, so that they make me laugh and break my heart in equal measure. Their dynamics with one another are fantastic, too, and I love that the main emphasis is on familial and sisterly bonds. The twins introduced in the third book don't have a particularly strong presence in this book, either, but honestly, I don't mind, because my favorite characters are the trio of Aru, Mini, and Brynne.
I am very excited to see where they all end up after the next book, but more than the conclusion, I am looking forward to the journey that I will experience along the way! If you haven't read this series yet, I would highly recommend giving it a try. It's not just for fans of Rick Riordan; I think that anyone who loves adventure stories that follow young characters throughout their teen and preteen years will get a kick out Chokshi's superb storytelling ability and vivid characters.
I won't get into spoilers here, but I will say generally that I love the characters in "Aru Shah." They are a great mix of comedy and sobriety, so that they make me laugh and break my heart in equal measure. Their dynamics with one another are fantastic, too, and I love that the main emphasis is on familial and sisterly bonds. The twins introduced in the third book don't have a particularly strong presence in this book, either, but honestly, I don't mind, because my favorite characters are the trio of Aru, Mini, and Brynne.
I am very excited to see where they all end up after the next book, but more than the conclusion, I am looking forward to the journey that I will experience along the way! If you haven't read this series yet, I would highly recommend giving it a try. It's not just for fans of Rick Riordan; I think that anyone who loves adventure stories that follow young characters throughout their teen and preteen years will get a kick out Chokshi's superb storytelling ability and vivid characters.
verypeculiarpages's review against another edition
3.0
Easily my least favorite of the series so far. It seemed too long, like the gang was constantly doing three things at once, so it was hard to keep track of the main plot. Also some of the characters annoyed me a bit in this one, which I don’t remembering happening in the first three. Hoping the finale makes up for it.
sheepishreader's review against another edition
5.0
Reread 2022:
Reread in preparation for the fifth book coming out in April.
I adore each and everyone of the potatoes. They have all grown up so much, and some how they are my age now??
Boo and Kara both deserve better.
IM EMOTIONAL
Reread in preparation for the fifth book coming out in April.
I adore each and everyone of the potatoes. They have all grown up so much, and some how they are my age now??
Boo and Kara both deserve better.
IM EMOTIONAL
bookgirl4ever's review against another edition
4.0
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with this arc.
Book three ends on a cliffhanger. We find that the Sleeper has been hiding someone, but this someone is willing to travel with Aru and the Pandavas to try to gain an army to defeat the Sleeper. Their adventures take them to many new and dangerous places, and Aru learns that no one should be defined in absolutes. Funny, sad, and adventurous, Aru Shah and the City of Gold is another great part of the series.
Middle grade
Book three ends on a cliffhanger. We find that the Sleeper has been hiding someone, but this someone is willing to travel with Aru and the Pandavas to try to gain an army to defeat the Sleeper. Their adventures take them to many new and dangerous places, and Aru learns that no one should be defined in absolutes. Funny, sad, and adventurous, Aru Shah and the City of Gold is another great part of the series.
Middle grade
ratherbereading25's review against another edition
4.0
It took me too long to read this book because I kept getting interrupted by library holds and other books and cookies and literally everything. But. I love Aru Shah and I think this book was a solid continuation of the series and got me excited for the final book.
pangobooks's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
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
5.0
xavia's review against another edition
5.0
Oh man. This book.
I've loved this series since I picked it up, there's just something so human about the characters that I appreciate, and this book takes that human element and cranks it up to 11.
None of these kids are perfect. They make mistakes all the time, and they aren't always the nice perfect heroes everyone expects them to be. But they are also trying so hard to grow and be better and fight for what they believe is right, and I love that. Aru in particular, because we spend so much time in her head, has had some really fantastic growth throughout the series.
This book focuses heavily on family. Blood family, found family, chosen family, and I am here for it. Aru's family is big and messy and there's a lot of secrets and things are not always black and white. But that's family. You don't always get along. Seeing her with Kara, and uncovering their connection was so gratifying. Both of them have only ever wanted families and here they are finding each other. And the reveal at the end? Heart wrenching.
The other thing that gripped me in this book was Aiden and Aru. They have been on such a slow burn that that simmering going on in this book was almost painful. It's been clear to me since the last book that Aiden feels something for Aru, even if she herself can't see it, and so to see him pulling away from her (for whatever reason) and Aru's belief that it's because he finds her repulsive, was so heartbreaking. I just want these two to be happy.
I'm really hoping the last book gives us satisfactory resolutions to these couples. Not just Aru and Aiden, but Rudy and Mini too. (Mini is a precious cinnamon roll and deserves only good things and I know I say this everytime but she is the best and I love her).
Anyway, now that I'm caught up, I can't wait for the next book. And sadly, this time I will have to.
I've loved this series since I picked it up, there's just something so human about the characters that I appreciate, and this book takes that human element and cranks it up to 11.
None of these kids are perfect. They make mistakes all the time, and they aren't always the nice perfect heroes everyone expects them to be. But they are also trying so hard to grow and be better and fight for what they believe is right, and I love that. Aru in particular, because we spend so much time in her head, has had some really fantastic growth throughout the series.
This book focuses heavily on family. Blood family, found family, chosen family, and I am here for it. Aru's family is big and messy and there's a lot of secrets and things are not always black and white. But that's family. You don't always get along. Seeing her with Kara, and uncovering their connection was so gratifying. Both of them have only ever wanted families and here they are finding each other. And the reveal at the end? Heart wrenching.
The other thing that gripped me in this book was Aiden and Aru. They have been on such a slow burn that that simmering going on in this book was almost painful. It's been clear to me since the last book that Aiden feels something for Aru, even if she herself can't see it, and so to see him pulling away from her (for whatever reason) and Aru's belief that it's because he finds her repulsive, was so heartbreaking. I just want these two to be happy.
I'm really hoping the last book gives us satisfactory resolutions to these couples. Not just Aru and Aiden, but Rudy and Mini too. (Mini is a precious cinnamon roll and deserves only good things and I know I say this everytime but she is the best and I love her).
Anyway, now that I'm caught up, I can't wait for the next book. And sadly, this time I will have to.