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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
I love mythology of all types. Hindu mythology is something I know absolutely nothing about. This book made me much more interested in learning more about Hindu mythology. I was happy the author put a glossary in at the back of the book because I was definitely lost at times since I knew nothing about this type of mythology going in.
I think this started off a little slow. I'm not sure if that was the story/plot or my not knowing a lot of the mythology involved. I enjoyed the second half a lot more. And I'm very interested in continuing the series. I think the author set up the continuation quite well. I'm looking forward to hopefully getting some answers for some outstanding questions and spending more time with the characters (both new and old).
I think this started off a little slow. I'm not sure if that was the story/plot or my not knowing a lot of the mythology involved. I enjoyed the second half a lot more. And I'm very interested in continuing the series. I think the author set up the continuation quite well. I'm looking forward to hopefully getting some answers for some outstanding questions and spending more time with the characters (both new and old).
This was so fun! I mean I knew it would be because Rick Riordan did the introduction but still, it was a really fun book. I am really not at ALL familiar with Hindu mythology and out of all the mythology books spawned after the success of the Percy Jackson series I think the only other one even featuring Hindu mythology is [b:The Serpent's Secret|32618983|The Serpent's Secret (Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond, #1)|Sayantani DasGupta|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1495562210s/32618983.jpg|53206336], which also came out this year [and I plan on reading soon!] so this was definitely something new for me.
I think it does a good job of introducing the different gods and stories that a lot of people might not be familiar with, and it was actually pretty fun to have no idea what was going to happen next because usually when I'm reading like Greek or Norse stuff I immediately know where it's going because I'm so familiar with the mythology, but this was all completely new to me! It was still very easy to read though and not confusing so that was good.
Aru and Minnie are really great characters and I like that this series is going to focus on friendship/sisterhood in particular. There was no romance in this first book but at the end there was a potential love interest introduced for the next book [which I really hope doesn't overtake the plot, but I have a feeling that for once it actually won't]. If you're looking for something to read after your book hangover from the new Trials of Apollo book then I would definitely recommend this ;)
I think it does a good job of introducing the different gods and stories that a lot of people might not be familiar with, and it was actually pretty fun to have no idea what was going to happen next because usually when I'm reading like Greek or Norse stuff I immediately know where it's going because I'm so familiar with the mythology, but this was all completely new to me! It was still very easy to read though and not confusing so that was good.
Aru and Minnie are really great characters and I like that this series is going to focus on friendship/sisterhood in particular. There was no romance in this first book but at the end there was a potential love interest introduced for the next book [which I really hope doesn't overtake the plot, but I have a feeling that for once it actually won't]. If you're looking for something to read after your book hangover from the new Trials of Apollo book then I would definitely recommend this ;)
Aru Shah does a great job of sharing Indian culture and history with a young audience using an exciting adventure story. I especially love the fact that our main protagonists are young heroines who are lovable and relatable. I definitely find the style of writing and brand of mythological storytelling similar to that of Percy Jackson, which makes sense seeing as how Rick Riordan presents this series.
I read this to my kiddos who are 8 and 10 and they both loved it and followed along Aru and Mini’s journey able to comprehend what was happening as well as have some great insight into what might happen or what they wished would happen in the story. I do want to add that there are some dark and intense - even scary- moments several times throughout the book. I worried it would scare my sensitive kiddos but I think the book offered enough balance with humor and fun that they didn’t feel scared during the scarier parts.
My kiddos are looking forward to reading the other books in the series. On a personal note, I would have rated this book as 3 stars just from my own perspective. It was a good book- a 3 star book- in my experience of it. The writing was fine, the story was good- but not excellent or exceptional. I am rating it 4 stars because my kids really liked it and it got them excited to engage with Indian culture and that’s a win in my book!
I read this to my kiddos who are 8 and 10 and they both loved it and followed along Aru and Mini’s journey able to comprehend what was happening as well as have some great insight into what might happen or what they wished would happen in the story. I do want to add that there are some dark and intense - even scary- moments several times throughout the book. I worried it would scare my sensitive kiddos but I think the book offered enough balance with humor and fun that they didn’t feel scared during the scarier parts.
My kiddos are looking forward to reading the other books in the series. On a personal note, I would have rated this book as 3 stars just from my own perspective. It was a good book- a 3 star book- in my experience of it. The writing was fine, the story was good- but not excellent or exceptional. I am rating it 4 stars because my kids really liked it and it got them excited to engage with Indian culture and that’s a win in my book!
I read this with my 10 year old (my 7 year old read it on his own). We loved listening to the audiobook and learning more about Aru's history and religion. There were several clever parts.
DNF at 50%. I was expecting to love this but it just felt a little TOO middle grade for me. Very cool idea to make a Percy Jackson-esque series based on Hindu mythology, but it just didn't quite land for me.
My 10 year old really enjoyed this as a shared reading book. We liked the sense of humor (most of the time), loved the Hindu mythology (though it went through each character a bit fast) and the writing style was fun and engaging. Boo, a cursed pigeon, was the best character.
I feel there will need to be some tighter editing done though if I'm expected to read three more to conclude the series.
There were too many snarky comments and extraneous dialogue. The ending was a bit anticlimactic and a bit confusing.
All in all it was a good book to read with my daughter who struggles to identify being half Indian. We learned and explored parts of the culture she was only vaguely familiar with.
I feel there will need to be some tighter editing done though if I'm expected to read three more to conclude the series.
There were too many snarky comments and extraneous dialogue. The ending was a bit anticlimactic and a bit confusing.
All in all it was a good book to read with my daughter who struggles to identify being half Indian. We learned and explored parts of the culture she was only vaguely familiar with.
Out of the many books I’ve read, this was the most relatable. No, I have not released a demon from its little to long nap, but I found some parts where I went “Hah! I did that once!” And that’s what completed the book for me.
Not only does this book make you laugh, it also makes you cringe and say “No! Don’t do that.” I loved the fact that two total opposites learned to bond and make a friendship together. It also wants me to read on. To get more story. (Which is good, because I’m pretty sure book two is out right now so…(“HEY DAD, CAN WE GET ARU SHAH BOOK TWO PLEEAAASSSEEE??”))
Anyway, it was very fast paces and had me gripped from literally the first chapter. Anyone can read this!
Not only does this book make you laugh, it also makes you cringe and say “No! Don’t do that.” I loved the fact that two total opposites learned to bond and make a friendship together. It also wants me to read on. To get more story. (Which is good, because I’m pretty sure book two is out right now so…(“HEY DAD, CAN WE GET ARU SHAH BOOK TWO PLEEAAASSSEEE??”))
Anyway, it was very fast paces and had me gripped from literally the first chapter. Anyone can read this!
This was my first time reading middle grade in ages, but I loved this sweet intro to Hindu mythology. I recommend this quick read to those kids or adults who want to learn more about the world of myths beyond the standard Zeus and Hera tales.
"I believe that the world could be different. I believe that our destinies aren't chains around our necks but wings that give us flight. ... Is it throwing away my life to do what I think is right? ... I believe that we have more of a purpose than just breeding."