Aru Shah and the Nectar of Immortality (Pandava Series #5)

by Roshani Chokshi

Overview

Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents the breathtaking conclusion to Roshani Chokshi's New York Times best-selling Pandava quintet. Will the Sleeper gain immortality or be stopped once and for all?

*"A deeply satisfying conclusion to a superb, groundbreaking series."—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

The Pandavas only have until the next full moon to stop the Sleeper from gaining access to the nectar of immortality, which will grant him infinite power. But how can Aru, Mini, and Brynne hope to defeat him without their celestial weapons? The Sleeper and his army are already plundering the labyrinth, and the sisters can't even enter. Their quest to get in will have them calling on old friends, meeting new allies, and facing fearsome trials, like...performing in a rock concert? When the moment of confrontation finally arrives, it's up to Aru to decide who deserves immortality, the devas or the asuras. The most unexpected answer will come from a most unexpected place.

More surprises and delights, gods and demons, and laughs and tears await in this immensely satisfying conclusion to the wild ride that began with the lighting of a lamp.

Endorsed by Rick Riordan, author of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, soon to be a series on Disney+.

Collect the whole series:

• Rick Riordan Presents: Aru Shah and the End of Time (Book 1)
• Rick Riordan Presents: Aru Shah and the Song of Death (Book 2)
• Rick Riordan Presents: Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes (Book 3)
• Rick Riordan Presents: Aru Shah and the City of Gold (Book 4)

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781368055444
Publisher:	Disney Publishing Group
Publication date:	04/05/2022
Series:	Pandava Series , #5
Pages:	384
Sales rank:	151,416
Product dimensions:	8.20(w) x 5.60(h) x 1.50(d)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Roshani Chokshi (www.roshanichokshi.com) is the author of the instant New York Times best-selling first book in the Pandava series, Aru Shah and the End of Time,and its four sequels. She also wrote the New York Times best-selling YA books The Star-Touched Queen, The Gilded Wolves, The Silvered Serpents, and The Bronzed Beasts.The Pandava novels were inspired by the stories her grandmother told her as well as Roshani's all-consuming love for Sailor Moon. She lives in the south and says "y'all," but she doesn't really have a Southern accent. Follow her adventures on Instagram @roshanichokshi.

Editorial Reviews

*"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)

From the Publisher

04/29/2022

Gr 3–7—Aru Shah and the Pandavas (aka the Potatoes) are faced with saving the world from ultimate destruction but they feel completely helpless without their celestial weapons that give them any chance of winning a battle against the Sleeper and his army. Is all hope lost? They certainly are doubting themselves and their relationships as they attempt to get into the labyrinth and get the Nectar of Immortality before Aru's traitorous sister uses her power to release it. They must travel to the parts of the Other World without being noticed, partly with the help of the very conspicuous Ruby, and find themselves stars on the concert stage, reuniting Aiden with family, risking eternal naps, and challenging immense bears. Through their trials, each of them begins to acquire the strength and self-awareness that will gain them back what was lost. This last installment of the series concludes the battle without winners, but all is resolved in ways to satisfy the gods and readers alike. While readers might want to see these characters again, the ending feels like just that. Those who are new to Aru's world will need to begin with the first installment to meet each of the five Pandavas in order of appearance. The extensive glossary is helpful for those wanting to delve more deeply into the Hindu mythology and religion. VERDICT A fitting end to a high stakes mythological adventure; this series is recommended for purchase in collections seeking adventure and strong female characters and where mythology is popular.—Clare A. Dombrowski

School Library Journal

★ 2022-03-02
The Pandava series finale finds heroes Aru, Mini, and Brynne weaponless and thus unable to enter the labyrinth to protect the nectar of immortality from the villainous Sleeper.

Although Aru has proven her strength and courage many times over, without Vajra, her celestial lightning bolt, she feels powerless. The recent betrayal of Aru’s half sister, Kara, adds to the complexity of Aru’s familial relationships and the self-doubt that has plagued her throughout this quest. Seemingly out of options, Aru remembers the IO(F)U coin from god of fire Agni. He gives them one piece of the Sun Jewel, which, when reunited with its two other parts, will light their way through the labyrinth. During the journey to find the remaining jewel pieces, the Pandavas encounter more Otherworld characters from Hindu cosmology who test the heart and soul of each sister in their own ways. Several of these characters possess legacies that have been twisted or forgotten. This thread from earlier books reaches a head during the climax, when Aru must make a fateful decision about immortality and who is deserving of having their story live on. 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. (glossary) (Fantasy. 9-13)

Kirkus Reviews