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other_worlds_than_these's review against another edition
5.0
YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME I would be more upset if I didn’t have the sequel waiting for me at home bc that cliffhanger oh my god!!!!
monarchsandmyths's review against another edition
5.0
i think that this book is where the pandava series truly comes into its own, and i couldn’t be happier to witness it. don’t get me wrong, i have enjoyed every single book in this series (1-4 as of writing this), but this one truly went to the next level. even though it hasn’t been that long, i wish i’d had these back when i was aru’s age because i think i would have loved reading all that much more.
the worldbuilding in this book is absolutely exquisite, far above and beyond many fantasy books i’ve read in older age categories, which just tells of chokshi’s talent as a writer. although i may not be familiar with the mythology that serves as the inspiration behind the story, it’s never left me confused. in the same vein, it’s not over-explaining, and i don’t think that every element has to be explained. instead, the reader is so thoroughly immersed in the world through vibrant storytelling.
as well as being beautifully written, there are just so many wonderful elements, but most of all the way that this book handles both deep, overarching topics while still being funny and a joy to read. the series as a whole deals with aru coming to terms with her relationship with her mother and father, with the antagonist, with her newfound sisters, and all the others they meet along the way. this book in particular compounds the points of dealing with betrayal, of uncertainty and how to grow beyond just what you’ve been taught. it may be geared toward middle grade readers, but i think that this book can and does speak to readers of all ages. it’s a series about growing up, and this book really showcases just how satisfying it is to see aru grow up.
i could continue to wax poetic about how beautiful and touching this book is, and it is, but i cannot overstate how fun it is too. aru is such a genuinely funny narrator, whether or not she’s intending to. she is flawed and definitely acts like a middle schooler, but still a joy to follow. and even though the pandava sisters are literally trying to save the world, they still get to be realistic tweenagers. and i really can’t help but root for aru and the rest of her companions, their crushes, their adventures, and everything in between.
the worldbuilding in this book is absolutely exquisite, far above and beyond many fantasy books i’ve read in older age categories, which just tells of chokshi’s talent as a writer. although i may not be familiar with the mythology that serves as the inspiration behind the story, it’s never left me confused. in the same vein, it’s not over-explaining, and i don’t think that every element has to be explained. instead, the reader is so thoroughly immersed in the world through vibrant storytelling.
as well as being beautifully written, there are just so many wonderful elements, but most of all the way that this book handles both deep, overarching topics while still being funny and a joy to read. the series as a whole deals with aru coming to terms with her relationship with her mother and father, with the antagonist, with her newfound sisters, and all the others they meet along the way. this book in particular compounds the points of dealing with betrayal, of uncertainty and how to grow beyond just what you’ve been taught. it may be geared toward middle grade readers, but i think that this book can and does speak to readers of all ages. it’s a series about growing up, and this book really showcases just how satisfying it is to see aru grow up.
i could continue to wax poetic about how beautiful and touching this book is, and it is, but i cannot overstate how fun it is too. aru is such a genuinely funny narrator, whether or not she’s intending to. she is flawed and definitely acts like a middle schooler, but still a joy to follow. and even though the pandava sisters are literally trying to save the world, they still get to be realistic tweenagers. and i really can’t help but root for aru and the rest of her companions, their crushes, their adventures, and everything in between.
the_story_girl389's review against another edition
4.0
"Where the deer and the cantaloupes play"
"When I was a young warthog."
"I am.... Groot,"
Will I ever get tired of Aru? Not very likely :)
"When I was a young warthog."
"I am.... Groot,"
Will I ever get tired of Aru? Not very likely :)
mangomage's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
tense
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
3.75
thecavewoman's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
5.0
This one took a little longer to get into but at about halfway I was already ordering the rest of the series and for the rest of the day I couldn't put the book down. I'm now anxiously awaiting the other 2 books!
alj24's review against another edition
5.0
The series really hit its stride with this one. The group interactions were tight, great adventures that highlighted all the different kiddos and their personalities, Aru's development felt deep (but still middle grade appropriate), and the ending!!! Ahhhh.
I feel like I'm 13 and reading Percy Jackson for the first time. Chokshi knocked it out of the park
I feel like I'm 13 and reading Percy Jackson for the first time. Chokshi knocked it out of the park