4.01 AVERAGE

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious 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: Yes

Purchased this because it was Rick Riordan presents book and thought it would be like his books. It unfortunately wasn’t and it’s my fault for not doing further research before buying. But I don’t think this author is going to be for me at least this series isn’t for me. I will not be picking up the rest in the series. 

i really like it and it makes me want to read the aru shah series

dreamingsoftly's review

5.0
adventurous emotional funny hopeful informative mysterious 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
adventurous lighthearted medium-paced
Strong character development: Complicated

Please do not go into this book thinking it's going to be anything like the Riordan mythoverse. Yes, Uncle Rick has put his seal of approval on the book, but this is very different. Obviously, as it focuses on Indian mythology and culture, and the main character is a young girl.

My understanding of Indian mythology is minimal at best, and the little I do know I've learned from playing Uncharted the Lost Legacy. So it was a little hard to follow all the different names and demons and various places the girls visited. I wouldn't say that's necessarily bad, as the narrative also gives out poems and other ways the readers can get to know the myths. But it will be a little hard to follow for those who don't already have a basic understanding of these myths.

The pace is pretty steady. Not too action-pact or fast. I liked that the girls had to use their wits as much as weapons or fighting talent. There are going to be some pop culture references.

There is some humor of it, but I wouldn't say it made me chuckle or even laugh out loud. For me, it was more of a nostalgic smile remembering what it was like being that age. I liked Aru's character and found her easy to relate with and believable. I also liked Mini and all she had to struggle with. I'm hoping to see these girls grow more as the series continues. There were some things left unanswered, but enough was teased for the future to make readers come back.
adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous funny
Plot or Character Driven: Plot

It was good. I loved Boo. Wish there had been more of him in the book. Probably would have rated it higher if I had read it physically. Didn’t feel like this book really wrapped up the plot line though. You really need to pick up the next one to find out what happens next with the sleeper. 

I liked reading this book full of Indian Mythology. I loved learning the myths and stories behind them. the characters of Aru and Mini were fun and the banter between them was hilarious. A well told middle grade book in my opinion.

I wanted to LOVE this book but Aru was just too annoying. I love all of Rick Riordan's YA books and found the mythology so interesting but I am unlikely to keep reading the series