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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
5 stars
Hindu mythology? I didn't know much about it except what I've picked up from yoga, but this was a great way to dive into the mythologies of the different gods, demons, monsters, villains (because not all demons and monsters are villains), and heroes, including demigods. This book has plenty of action, humor, and yay, two heroines! Can't wait to read more from this series!
Hindu mythology? I didn't know much about it except what I've picked up from yoga, but this was a great way to dive into the mythologies of the different gods, demons, monsters, villains (because not all demons and monsters are villains), and heroes, including demigods. This book has plenty of action, humor, and yay, two heroines! Can't wait to read more from this series!
If you like Percy Jackson, you'll like this! Very much that feeling and age bracket, just with the Hindu pantheon, which was also great to learn about!
The Palace of Illusions gave me all of the feels; I’m always weak for an enchanted/sentient house/cottage.
This is the second book I’ve read this year that featured an action-adventure theme with a female protagonist and it was fun and well-written like the kind I like with male protagonists.
I’m a big fan of [a:Rick Riordan|15872|Rick Riordan|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1608906571p2/15872.jpg] and I love that he lent this name to this new series of other mythology, especially the fact they allowed authors of that culture to write them. Not all of them have been a bit for me. I was disappointed how dull the Korean one was as the premise was intriguing. But this one was fun and age appropriate. I felt it was also gender appropriate. The girls behaved believably, without having to be one way or another. They expressed emotion without being stereotypical emotional.
Glad this has been successful enough for more than one sequel. Looking forward to reading more.
I’m a big fan of [a:Rick Riordan|15872|Rick Riordan|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1608906571p2/15872.jpg] and I love that he lent this name to this new series of other mythology, especially the fact they allowed authors of that culture to write them. Not all of them have been a bit for me. I was disappointed how dull the Korean one was as the premise was intriguing. But this one was fun and age appropriate. I felt it was also gender appropriate. The girls behaved believably, without having to be one way or another. They expressed emotion without being stereotypical emotional.
Glad this has been successful enough for more than one sequel. Looking forward to reading more.
Summary:
This book follows our main character, 12 year old Aru, who has a little bit of a habit of embellishing her life to impress. One day, kids from her school come to her mother's museum of Indian History and Culture and Aru accidentally releases a demon in an effort to impress. What follows is a fun and tender adventure through many fun interpretations of Hindu mythology as Aru and her new friend Mini try to defeat the demon known as the Sleeper.
Characters 5/5:
I thought all of the characters were absolutely sweet and adorable. I related so much to Aru, especially living in a world surrounded by adults and not knowing quite how to fit in with people her own age. Mini was also super sweet and I loved how strong and badass the two girls were together.
Plot 4/5:
The plot was really fun. There were a lot of twists and turns and things happening, which although I haven't read Percy Jackson, I believe is pretty reminiscent of Rick Riordan's style. It's the kind of middle grade I really enjoy and the fast pace of the action really kept me going throughout the whole book.
Atmosphere and setting 3.5/5:
I found the blend of modern day and Hindu mythology really fascinating, and it was a clever take. I think maybe there could have been slightly more emphasis put on how these modern interpretations tied back into the original mythology, but it was really fun regardless.
Writing style 4/5:
This book has a classic middle-grade writing style with a heavy dosage of humor that could be enjoyed by both children and adults in my opinion. Some people may find it a little immature but I personally really enjoyed it and I am definitely going to continue on with this series.
This book follows our main character, 12 year old Aru, who has a little bit of a habit of embellishing her life to impress. One day, kids from her school come to her mother's museum of Indian History and Culture and Aru accidentally releases a demon in an effort to impress. What follows is a fun and tender adventure through many fun interpretations of Hindu mythology as Aru and her new friend Mini try to defeat the demon known as the Sleeper.
Characters 5/5:
I thought all of the characters were absolutely sweet and adorable. I related so much to Aru, especially living in a world surrounded by adults and not knowing quite how to fit in with people her own age. Mini was also super sweet and I loved how strong and badass the two girls were together.
Plot 4/5:
The plot was really fun. There were a lot of twists and turns and things happening, which although I haven't read Percy Jackson, I believe is pretty reminiscent of Rick Riordan's style. It's the kind of middle grade I really enjoy and the fast pace of the action really kept me going throughout the whole book.
Atmosphere and setting 3.5/5:
I found the blend of modern day and Hindu mythology really fascinating, and it was a clever take. I think maybe there could have been slightly more emphasis put on how these modern interpretations tied back into the original mythology, but it was really fun regardless.
Writing style 4/5:
This book has a classic middle-grade writing style with a heavy dosage of humor that could be enjoyed by both children and adults in my opinion. Some people may find it a little immature but I personally really enjoyed it and I am definitely going to continue on with this series.
Aru is a pre-teen girl living in the apartment of a museum in Atlanta. She tells tall tales to try to fit in with the wealthy students there. Three of them call her on it and, to prove she doesn't lie, she takes a dare which releases "the Sleeper" from a magical lamp in the museum. All around her freeze, including her mom. Aru had to find her true self and stop the Sleeper from destroying everything and everyone she loves.
A tale of adventure and mythology. HP if he was a she and Indian. Good ending, well done. Closure with the need to read more.
7/19
Aru lives in the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture in Atlanta, GA. She was never supposed to touch the lamp (diya) at the end of the Hall of Gods. Her mother is curator Dr. K.P. Shah.
On this Monday on school break, Aru is bored still in her Spider-Man PJs.when the museum bell rings. She answers it and 3 of her classmates from a wealthy, private school are there. She had told the other kids at school that she was going to France over break, but they caught her at home.
She tells them that there is a lamp, the diya, which when lit will awaken the Sleeper, a demon who will summon Lord Shiva, the Lord of Destruction, who will dance upon the world and bring an end to Time. They scoff, she lights it. The Sleeper awakens, time freezes everywhere the Sleeper had been. So the 3 kids are frozen, her Mom is frozen. As she checks things out, a voice comes from the elephant’s mouth in the Hall of Gods. And what comes out is a bird (pigeon) who is really a disgraced being. Aru nicknames him Boo. It is his sacred duty to guide the Pandava brother who lit the diya. The 5 Pandava brothers are heroes because they were sons of gods. She is the first girl. (Arjuna, Yudhistira, Bhima, Nuku’alofa, and Sahadeva. Karna is secret brother) Another sibling has awakened and they go to her (Mini). She’s a germophobe but knows more about what is happening than Aru.
First they visit the gods to get gifts then they need 3 magical items (childhood, adulthood, old age) And then weapons to fight the Sleeper.
So Mini and Aru learn they are better and stronger than they thought they were. Learn Boo is disgraced but had betrayed 5 Pandava in different form. Learn Aru’s mom was in love with Sleeper and he’s Aru’s dad, but Mom bound him in the lamp because of a prophesy. They keep Sleeper from awakening Lord Shiva, but Sleeper is still out there.
Leave the book with Mini and Aru training. Haven’t learned who other Pandavas are yet. Cute boy, Aiden, now across the street from Aru and he seems to be able to see magical things unlike other mortals.
Set up for Book 2.
A tale of adventure and mythology. HP if he was a she and Indian. Good ending, well done. Closure with the need to read more.
7/19
Aru lives in the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture in Atlanta, GA. She was never supposed to touch the lamp (diya) at the end of the Hall of Gods. Her mother is curator Dr. K.P. Shah.
On this Monday on school break, Aru is bored still in her Spider-Man PJs.when the museum bell rings. She answers it and 3 of her classmates from a wealthy, private school are there. She had told the other kids at school that she was going to France over break, but they caught her at home.
She tells them that there is a lamp, the diya, which when lit will awaken the Sleeper, a demon who will summon Lord Shiva, the Lord of Destruction, who will dance upon the world and bring an end to Time. They scoff, she lights it. The Sleeper awakens, time freezes everywhere the Sleeper had been. So the 3 kids are frozen, her Mom is frozen. As she checks things out, a voice comes from the elephant’s mouth in the Hall of Gods. And what comes out is a bird (pigeon) who is really a disgraced being. Aru nicknames him Boo. It is his sacred duty to guide the Pandava brother who lit the diya. The 5 Pandava brothers are heroes because they were sons of gods. She is the first girl. (Arjuna, Yudhistira, Bhima, Nuku’alofa, and Sahadeva. Karna is secret brother) Another sibling has awakened and they go to her (Mini). She’s a germophobe but knows more about what is happening than Aru.
First they visit the gods to get gifts then they need 3 magical items (childhood, adulthood, old age) And then weapons to fight the Sleeper.
So Mini and Aru learn they are better and stronger than they thought they were. Learn Boo is disgraced but had betrayed 5 Pandava in different form. Learn Aru’s mom was in love with Sleeper and he’s Aru’s dad, but Mom bound him in the lamp because of a prophesy. They keep Sleeper from awakening Lord Shiva, but Sleeper is still out there.
Leave the book with Mini and Aru training. Haven’t learned who other Pandavas are yet. Cute boy, Aiden, now across the street from Aru and he seems to be able to see magical things unlike other mortals.
Set up for Book 2.
This is an absolutely delightful adventure story! It was fascinating to learn more about Indian mythology. Seeing Aru and Mini blossom throughout their journey was wonderful. There were twists and turns around every corner, and the magical aspects were enjoyable. I look forward to the next book!
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
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
Loved the original novel and while this was an ok adaptation, it left out things that just made it confusing. The art and lettering are both lovely though!!
Cute
Good story. Definitely middle grade read. Entertaining even for an adult. I would recommend this book for 5th and 6th graders.
Good story. Definitely middle grade read. Entertaining even for an adult. I would recommend this book for 5th and 6th graders.