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4.2 AVERAGE
4.2 AVERAGE
Total fun. Since book one already introduced the idea that Aru and Mini are essentially reincarnations/manifestations of two of the Pandava brothers, I was already comfortable with Roshani Chokshi's myth-based world. And since I had also read child's versions of the Mahabharata and the Ramayana at least 20 times each, many of the gods, demigods, rakshasas and other beings were familiar.
This time, we have two more kids along for a new quest. The story picks up shortly after book one, and it's again pretty much non-stop action, punctuated by an occasional argument between Aru and Brynne (another Pandava), and Aidan (repeatedly insisting he's not a Pandava). There's lots of humour; Mini's fears and worries figure again, though there are more sources for comedy. There's again some nice picking apart of the misogyny that's rife within the hindu myths.
Aru grows a little more in this book, too. Aru and Mini, having worked out how to work together well, have to now learn to accommodate Brynne's and Aiden's talents and skills. And while the four kids' interactions provide plenty of chuckles, Chokshi also grounds the kids' lives in the messy realities of non-nuclear families, giving the story some deeper moments amidst the mayhem.
This time, we have two more kids along for a new quest. The story picks up shortly after book one, and it's again pretty much non-stop action, punctuated by an occasional argument between Aru and Brynne (another Pandava), and Aidan (repeatedly insisting he's not a Pandava). There's lots of humour; Mini's fears and worries figure again, though there are more sources for comedy. There's again some nice picking apart of the misogyny that's rife within the hindu myths.
Aru grows a little more in this book, too. Aru and Mini, having worked out how to work together well, have to now learn to accommodate Brynne's and Aiden's talents and skills. And while the four kids' interactions provide plenty of chuckles, Chokshi also grounds the kids' lives in the messy realities of non-nuclear families, giving the story some deeper moments amidst the mayhem.
Wonderful second book to the series excited for the release of book 3.
Aru is back for another quest and this time another Pandava joins her and Mini. Brynne is a bit hostile at first but that could be because she was just battling Aru's doppleganger for a stolen bow and arrow in the midst of a zombie hoard. Of course the Pandavas are blamed for the theft and the creation of the Heartless zombies. They are tasked with finding the soul song of the person who stole the bow and arrow, learning their name and returning the stolen goods. And they only have 8 days to do it. They are joined on the quest by Aiden who isn't a Pandava but is friends with Brynne and goes to school with Aru. They must battle not only the monsters in their path but also their own inner selves.
I really enjoy the Aru Shah books and can't wait to see where this story goes. Roshani Chokshi is one of my favorite authors and I am thrilled she is writing middle grade. I know so little about Indian mythology that I get a bit confused by some of the characters/gods, but it just makes me want to learn more.
I really enjoy the Aru Shah books and can't wait to see where this story goes. Roshani Chokshi is one of my favorite authors and I am thrilled she is writing middle grade. I know so little about Indian mythology that I get a bit confused by some of the characters/gods, but it just makes me want to learn more.
Lots of excitement, never a dull moment. Characters interact authentically as friends, as well as being respectful of each other's feelings and making mistakes and forgiving each other.
another clever episode in this diverse fantasy adventure series. love the strong, smart rep for the female heroes.
So, this took a long time to finish because I lost my read aloud time to a super fun science live stream in the mornings during Coronavirus. Both my 8 yr old and I enjoyed it and we're anxious for the library to open back up so we can get the latest book, which I hope will be available. I thought the new "regulars" were a good addition and that reading about them building their friendships was a good example for children.
adventurous
challenging
lighthearted
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
4.5 stars
I'm really enjoying this trilogy and learning a lot about Hindu mythology. I am still not successful in keeping track of all the various gods, goddesses, demons, aunties, etc. There is a glossary from the first book that definitely helps though!
In this story, Aru Shah is teamed up with Mini, and a new Pandava sister, Brynne, as well as Aru's neighbor and school friend, Aiden who she met at the end of the fourth book. Aru Shah and Brynne are framed for stealing the bow and arrow of Kamadeva, the God of Love. In order to keep themselves from being kicked out of the Otherworld, the four of them have ten days to track down the bow and arrow and prove their innocence.
I absolutely loved how Chokshi wove Hindu mythology throughout the tale. Without revealing spoilers, I love how the stories being told about various mythological beings show there is more than one perspective and that it's important to get the whole picture. Redemption is always possible, and being in charge doesn't make you right. But those in charge do get to tell the story and often that leaves out half the story. This story was jam-packed action and I loved the humor woven throughout. The only thing that was mildly disappointing was that I wished we had seen more of Boo, but this did give us a chance to get to know the new members better! I loved watching Aru Shah's opinion of her companions change throughout the book as she learned more and more about their stories and their perspectives.
I am really looking forward to the next two books!
I'm really enjoying this trilogy and learning a lot about Hindu mythology. I am still not successful in keeping track of all the various gods, goddesses, demons, aunties, etc. There is a glossary from the first book that definitely helps though!
In this story, Aru Shah is teamed up with Mini, and a new Pandava sister, Brynne, as well as Aru's neighbor and school friend, Aiden who she met at the end of the fourth book. Aru Shah and Brynne are framed for stealing the bow and arrow of Kamadeva, the God of Love. In order to keep themselves from being kicked out of the Otherworld, the four of them have ten days to track down the bow and arrow and prove their innocence.
I absolutely loved how Chokshi wove Hindu mythology throughout the tale. Without revealing spoilers, I love how the stories being told about various mythological beings show there is more than one perspective and that it's important to get the whole picture. Redemption is always possible, and being in charge doesn't make you right. But those in charge do get to tell the story and often that leaves out half the story. This story was jam-packed action and I loved the humor woven throughout. The only thing that was mildly disappointing was that I wished we had seen more of Boo, but this did give us a chance to get to know the new members better! I loved watching Aru Shah's opinion of her companions change throughout the book as she learned more and more about their stories and their perspectives.
I am really looking forward to the next two books!
An okay sequel. Uneven writing. Parts were fascinating and parts were extremely slow. There was a lot crammed into this one which made keeping everyone and everything straight more work than I wanted to put out. But it’s a decent addition to this series and I do love learning the mythology. I’m always pleased when I recognize something and it’s fascinating to see the similarities in vastly different cultures and traditions. Looking forward to reading the next one after a break.
We're back in the Other World with Aru Shah who has now been framed for stealing a very important bow and arrow belonging to the god of love. She has to track it down and give it back or else be thrown out of the Other World forever. She is sent on this mission with Min, Aiden (the boy across the street), and Brynne. Oh, and people are being turned into zombies and chasing the four of them.
Fun adventure. Brings the four closer.
Fun adventure. Brings the four closer.