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4.2 AVERAGE
4.2 AVERAGE
I knew the first book missed something but I couldn't quite put my finer on what it was. Until I read the second book, that is. IT'S THE SQUAD.
Now, while the first book was absolutely delightful and I loved the growing friendship between Aru and Mini, I feel that the addition of Brynne and Aiden (and also Hira, at the end) gave the story not only more complexity, it also made it much more dynamic. All the scenes were ALIVE simply because my SQUAD lived up to all the middle-grade, heroes-but-also-kinda-new-to-this standards, and, if I'm honest, they also put a cherry on top.
The pacing was incredible and I loved how you couldn't turn a page without an oncoming catastrophy. Splendid, really, a page-turner.
RC manages to combine great humor (and refreshing references) with great writing, and beautiful prose in situations that make it shine. I loved the heroes' struggle at the end and those moments of doubt and empathy towards their enemy. I felt for Aru when she wished that everything was black and white.
The only thing that still gave me hard time was the mythology. While reading, I had to move to the glossary a couple of times in order to understand what I'm reading about but I think that's got more to do with my unfamiliarity with the topic, than the explanations.
4/5
Now, while the first book was absolutely delightful and I loved the growing friendship between Aru and Mini, I feel that the addition of Brynne and Aiden (and also Hira, at the end) gave the story not only more complexity, it also made it much more dynamic. All the scenes were ALIVE simply because my SQUAD lived up to all the middle-grade, heroes-but-also-kinda-new-to-this standards, and, if I'm honest, they also put a cherry on top.
The pacing was incredible and I loved how you couldn't turn a page without an oncoming catastrophy. Splendid, really, a page-turner.
RC manages to combine great humor (and refreshing references) with great writing, and beautiful prose in situations that make it shine. I loved the heroes' struggle at the end and those moments of doubt and empathy towards their enemy. I felt for Aru when she wished that everything was black and white.
The only thing that still gave me hard time was the mythology. While reading, I had to move to the glossary a couple of times in order to understand what I'm reading about but I think that's got more to do with my unfamiliarity with the topic, than the explanations.
4/5
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
challenging
emotional
funny
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:
N/A
A fun follow up to book one. Looking forward to book 3.
adventurous
fast-paced
I received an e-copy of this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
The return of Aru and Mini is finally here, and they've found some new friends! I love Aru's story and I really enjoyed her latest adventure. The Pandavas (and Aiden) are all so relateable and funny, it's truly a joy to experience their story! The author has done another amazing job at pulling the reader in and keeping them entertained with a beautiful story filled with hilarious kids and gorgeous mythology!
The return of Aru and Mini is finally here, and they've found some new friends! I love Aru's story and I really enjoyed her latest adventure. The Pandavas (and Aiden) are all so relateable and funny, it's truly a joy to experience their story! The author has done another amazing job at pulling the reader in and keeping them entertained with a beautiful story filled with hilarious kids and gorgeous mythology!
adventurous
emotional
funny
relaxing
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
lighthearted
relaxing
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
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I have loved this series since the first book, and this book did not disappoint. Most of my points from my review of the first book still stand, so I'll address the new things;
As always, the plot was masterfully written, with the mythology elements woven throughout perfectly. Aru and Mini were just as we left them, but this time, two new characters are added to our main cast; Brynne and Aiden. Both of these characters add a lot to the book and I came to love both of them by the time the book ended. I think that Brynne and Aru compliment each other very well.
Overall, this book, just like the first one, was pure perfection. I have read it multiple times, and I always finish reading this book feeling better than when I began. This entire series is such a breath of fresh air, and I cannot recommend this book (and the entire series) enough.
As always, the plot was masterfully written, with the mythology elements woven throughout perfectly. Aru and Mini were just as we left them, but this time, two new characters are added to our main cast; Brynne and Aiden. Both of these characters add a lot to the book and I came to love both of them by the time the book ended. I think that Brynne and Aru compliment each other very well.
Overall, this book, just like the first one, was pure perfection. I have read it multiple times, and I always finish reading this book feeling better than when I began. This entire series is such a breath of fresh air, and I cannot recommend this book (and the entire series) enough.
This was everything I ever wanted and more. I liked the first book after it got going, but the sequel absolutely blew it out of the water!
First and foremost, the new group dynamic - now with Aru, Mini, Aiden, and Brynne - was a lot of fun to read about. It was entertaining to read about them getting to know each other past their (bad) first impressions and seeing everyone's idiosyncrasies and individual challenges. I really liked both Aiden and Brynne once I got to know them, and I look forward to seeing more from them in the next few books in the series!
Secondly, I just love the world(s) that the story takes place in. Chokshi takes myths and legends (that I know nothing about, so no preconceptions here) and spins an imaginative, gloriously rich and immersive tale. I loved reading about the world of the naga, the dreamland, the Soul Exchange, and the different legends of the gods and goddesses. It was so fun and interesting!
Thirdly, I love the complexity that Chokshi brings to the table. This may be a middle grade book, but it is in no way simplistic or cookie cutter. Every character, from Agni to Durvasa to Takshaka, is given good, bad, and morally gray parts. I really appreciated that. Chokshi doesn't try to simply make her characters good or bad, she complicates things for the reader, and for Aru and her friends. It makes for a much more realistic and at times difficult picture of the world Aru finds herself in.
I absolutely loved all of the questions that this complexity raised, and how it intersected with the richly done and casually placed diversity in the series, in terms of race, sexuality, gender, different types of families, etc. It was so nice to see, and I really truly appreciated having it there. It interacted well with the messaging in the book about self-love and growing up.
Finally,
Also, I love the funny chapter titles and how each book so far has completed the story well but also hinted at the plot of the next book in a non-cliffhanger-y way.
All in all, I greatly enjoyed reading this. It pulled me in from the beginning, and brought a lot to the table, from fleshed out characters and fun group dynamics to rich mythology and an exciting plot. I loved the messaging and the complexity of the characters, heroes and villains alike. It was absolutely incredible, and I can't wait to read book three! 5 stars.
First and foremost, the new group dynamic - now with Aru, Mini, Aiden, and Brynne - was a lot of fun to read about. It was entertaining to read about them getting to know each other past their (bad) first impressions and seeing everyone's idiosyncrasies and individual challenges. I really liked both Aiden and Brynne once I got to know them, and I look forward to seeing more from them in the next few books in the series!
Secondly, I just love the world(s) that the story takes place in. Chokshi takes myths and legends (that I know nothing about, so no preconceptions here) and spins an imaginative, gloriously rich and immersive tale. I loved reading about the world of the naga, the dreamland, the Soul Exchange, and the different legends of the gods and goddesses. It was so fun and interesting!
Thirdly, I love the complexity that Chokshi brings to the table. This may be a middle grade book, but it is in no way simplistic or cookie cutter. Every character, from Agni to Durvasa to Takshaka, is given good, bad, and morally gray parts. I really appreciated that. Chokshi doesn't try to simply make her characters good or bad, she complicates things for the reader, and for Aru and her friends. It makes for a much more realistic and at times difficult picture of the world Aru finds herself in.
I absolutely loved all of the questions that this complexity raised, and how it intersected with the richly done and casually placed diversity in the series, in terms of race, sexuality, gender, different types of families, etc. It was so nice to see, and I really truly appreciated having it there. It interacted well with the messaging in the book about self-love and growing up.
Finally,
Spoiler
Aiden and Aru. So awkward, so friend-zoned, yet so much potential! And now we know he was Queen Draupadi in a former life, who apparently loved Arjuna (read: Aru) the most, which has me wheezing. I look forward to future awkwardness!Also, I love the funny chapter titles and how each book so far has completed the story well but also hinted at the plot of the next book in a non-cliffhanger-y way.
All in all, I greatly enjoyed reading this. It pulled me in from the beginning, and brought a lot to the table, from fleshed out characters and fun group dynamics to rich mythology and an exciting plot. I loved the messaging and the complexity of the characters, heroes and villains alike. It was absolutely incredible, and I can't wait to read book three! 5 stars.