The New York Times Book Review - Soman Chainani
In stories like the Harry Potter books or The Lord of the Rings, the beginning of the quest is a passive selection: Harry and Bilbo are chosen, plucked from their ordinary lives because it's "time." There's something refreshing, then, about watching Aru Shah barrel into her quest like a blindfolded bull, stopping the world on its axis because there are lessons she needs to learn…Just as her heroine learns to wield a bow and arrow, Chokshi has her own weapons: a skill for crackling prose…and a main character who, despite her lies, is both endearingly funny and self-aware…Most of all, Chokshi is wise enough to let Aru experience Hinduism, not explain it…With Aru at the helm, this roller coaster through Hindu culture never feels forced or pedantic, but instead like a new kind of myth—where a hero takes a hammer to the world to shine a light through its cracks.
From the Publisher
PRAISE FOR ARU SHAH AND THE END OF TIME
**ONE OF TIME MAGAZINE’S “100 BEST FANTASY BOOKS OF ALL TIME.”**
**NEW YORK TIMES BEST-SELLING SERIES!**
“An imaginative novel that puts girl power and diverse protagonists front and center.”
—Entertainment Weekly
“[An] engrossing adventure tale.”
—Teen Vogue
“This roller coaster through Hindu culture never feels forced or pedantic, but instead like a new kind of myth—where a hero takes a hammer to the world to shine a light through its cracks.”
―New York Times Book Review
"This adventure will make your head explode in the best way possible."
—Rick Riordan, New York Times #1 best-selling author of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series
“Hilarious and brilliant-full of wit, warmth, and wonder. Aru Shah is a clever, believable heroine who deserves her place with all the great heroes of legend. I’m so happy this book exists-and that there are still more to come!”
—Shannon Messenger New York Times best-selling author of the Keeper of the Lost series
“Warning! This book contains mind-bending myths, dreadful demons, and more swashbuckling high adventure that can possibly be good for you. Oh, and one of the sassiest heroines ever to walk into an elephant’s mouth. I loved it. I think you will too.”
—Jonathan Stroud, New York Times best-selling author of the Lockwood & Co series
“A new star is born. Aru Shah and the End of Time is mind-bending and brilliant. Original and spellbinding, the story sparkles with wit and magic. Fantasy has never been so much fun.”
—Eoin Colfer, New York Times best-selling author of the blockbuster Artemis Fowl series
“Roshani Chokshi has done a brilliant job of capturing the essence of what makes Indian mythology unique, and you’re in for an awesome ride. I cannot wait to find out where she’ll lead us next.”
—Sarwat Chadda, New York Times best-selling author
★"Chokshi spins a fantastical narrative that seamlessly intertwines Hindu cosmology and folklore, feminism, and witty dialogue for an uproarious novel for young readers."
―Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
★"This series kick-off . . . also the first book from the Rick Riordan Presents imprint, expertly channels the humor and action that have made Riordan's own work so successful. Aru commands the spotlight . . . and Chokshi weaves an engrossing adventure that will leave readers anticipating the next installment."
―Publishers Weekly (starred review)
★"Just as "Percy Jackson" led tweens to a deeper exploration and appreciation of classic Greek mythology, Chokshi's tale will likely inspire a similar demand for traditional Indian mythology. An enthralling start to a series that Riordan fans and anyone in the mood for a high-octane adventure will love."
―School Library Journal
“Chokshi is a talented writer who breathes fresh air into her mythological world.”
—Booklist
PRAISE FOR ARU SHAH AND THE SONG OF DEATH
★"Will leave fans enthralled and clamoring for more."
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“An entertaining ride filled with gods, goddesses, mythical creatures, and even a birthday celebration. Series fans will be thrilled to dive back into this rich and layered world.”
—Booklist
“This adventure throws readers into a magical world, with a lot of attitude on the side. A winning sequel with just as much appeal as Aru Shah and the End of Time.”
—School Library Journal
PRAISE FOR ARU SHAH AND THE TREE OF WISHES
★"Touching, riotously funny, and absolutely stunning.”
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
PRAISE FOR ARU SHAH AND THE CITY OF GOLD
★ “Beautifully written and a joy to read.”
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
PRAISE FOR ARU SHAH AND THE NECTAR OF IMMORTALITY
★ “This thrilling closing adventure shines with the strength of sisterhood, South Asian representation and Chokshi’s trademark humor and wit. A deeply satisfying conclusion to a superb, groundbreaking series.”
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Kirkus Reviews
★ 2018-02-03
Aru Shah of Atlanta, Georgia, is a seventh-grader and social misfit. While her classmates jet set around the world, Aru spends her holidays at home with her curator mother in the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture. But one day, three of Aru's classmates show up at her doorstep and dare her to light the cursed Lamp of Bharata. When Aru lights the lamp, she releases the Sleeper from his slumber and must—with the help of her newly found soul sister, Mini, and their pigeon sidekick, Subala, or "Boo"—go on a quest to stop the Sleeper from awakening the Lord of Destruction, who will, in turn, end the world. Aru and Mini's adventures range from discovering that they are the reincarnations of the Pandava brothers (demigods and the protagonists of the Hindu epic poem the Mahabharata) to slaying demons and shopping at the Night Bazaar (effectively disguised as Costco). In her middle-grade debut, Chokshi (TheStar-Touched Queen, 2016, etc.) spins a fantastical narrative that seamlessly intertwines Hindu cosmology and folklore, feminism, and witty dialogue for an uproarious novel for young readers. For readers of Indian origin, especially, the novel presents a culture that is not often seen—or accurately represented—in mainstream children's and young adult literature.Chokshi comes into her own in this novel, reminding readers of the power of language and of stories. (Fantasy. 8-12)
