simtara's review
5.0
What an utterly satisfying read! Once I carved out some time, I blazed through the entire book in a matter of hours. It's full of wondrous, whimsical, beautiful imagery that immediately transports you from Earth to Saturn to some other, truly fantastical places.
The Pandavas round out with a set of a twin-10-year-olds who add new layers to the interpersonal relationships, drama, and fun to the story. I admire the way Chokshi delivers the retelling of Hindu mythology in modern packaging without ever disrespecting or misrepresenting the original stories. Each scene is rich with details, easily immersing the reader into the adventure. I found myself casting this book for a TV show or movie once again, my imagination desperate to translate all the vivid colors and action onto the screen for added enjoyment.
Chokshi delights me with each installment of this lovely series and I am already eager for the fourth (and, sadly, last) installment of this series. These are books about relationships, discovering personal strengths, re-imagining Hindu mythology, coming of age, the hero's (heroine's) journey, and so much more!
I cannot recommend this series enough. It's well-suited for readers 3rd grade and up and a great way to introduce the Indian culture/Hindu religion into anyone's life.
The Pandavas round out with a set of a twin-10-year-olds who add new layers to the interpersonal relationships, drama, and fun to the story. I admire the way Chokshi delivers the retelling of Hindu mythology in modern packaging without ever disrespecting or misrepresenting the original stories. Each scene is rich with details, easily immersing the reader into the adventure. I found myself casting this book for a TV show or movie once again, my imagination desperate to translate all the vivid colors and action onto the screen for added enjoyment.
Chokshi delights me with each installment of this lovely series and I am already eager for the fourth (and, sadly, last) installment of this series. These are books about relationships, discovering personal strengths, re-imagining Hindu mythology, coming of age, the hero's (heroine's) journey, and so much more!
I cannot recommend this series enough. It's well-suited for readers 3rd grade and up and a great way to introduce the Indian culture/Hindu religion into anyone's life.
teacher2library's review against another edition
5.0
Is this my favorite Aru Shah adventure yet? Yes, I think it might just be!
sparsa_maj's review
5.0
I didn't think a middle grade book could ruin me, but once again I've underestimated Roshani Chokshi. I really wish this series got more hype because it's discussed some of the most complex themes I've seen in a while now along with arguably the best character growth I've read this year. I think I loved this book the most of all the three I've read till now, though this series truly goes from strength to strength. 6 brilliant stars. Side note: I've always loved how Roshani always weaves the importance and power of words into the story, and how hurtful words need only to be uttered once to left behind their mark.
the_reading_dragonfly's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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
5.0
arayofreading's review
5.0
My favorite in the series so far!!
I'm such a character-driven reader, and there were some really beautiful character moments in this installment. The book begins with our main squad failing at an important task making their mentors start to have doubt in them, and the crew starting to have doubt in themselves. I love when characters are challenged this way, and Aru especially has to grapple with whether she is actually a hero or not, if she will ultimately fight for the right side, if she'll fail in the end and let everybody down.
Following in the second book's suit, this installment introduces more characters (Sheela, Nikita, and Rudy) who have their own motivations and baggage to deal with. They're not what you expect despite the hard exteriors they project (especially Rudy) and I liked getting to explore their vulnerabilities and fears as the story went on.
I'm finding that Roshani Chokshi knows how to deliver exciting endings, but for a second I wasn't sure if this one was going to continue the trend. But I was quickly mistaken, and suffice to say I can't believe I have to wait a year for the next one.
I'm such a character-driven reader, and there were some really beautiful character moments in this installment. The book begins with our main squad failing at an important task making their mentors start to have doubt in them, and the crew starting to have doubt in themselves. I love when characters are challenged this way, and Aru especially has to grapple with whether she is actually a hero or not, if she will ultimately fight for the right side, if she'll fail in the end and let everybody down.
Following in the second book's suit, this installment introduces more characters (Sheela, Nikita, and Rudy) who have their own motivations and baggage to deal with. They're not what you expect despite the hard exteriors they project (especially Rudy) and I liked getting to explore their vulnerabilities and fears as the story went on.
I'm finding that Roshani Chokshi knows how to deliver exciting endings, but for a second I wasn't sure if this one was going to continue the trend. But I was quickly mistaken, and suffice to say I can't believe I have to wait a year for the next one.
jacqueline_hozierswift's review against another edition
5.0
i have so many questions!!!!!! thank god i procrastinated reading this book for so long that the next book will be released soon lol
meownikkk's review
5.0
AAAA LOVED. THIS. BOOK. SOOO MUCH! The myths retelling was greaaat i can't wait for the city of gold! Now we know more about the sleeper's hurting past. The best part of it contains mini's best answer, the sister's more strong bonding, and aiden singing! Yes, our cutie boy made aru's heart loving him more(?) (PLS MAKE ARU-AIDEN CANNON, I'M BEGGING YOU). OOH the ending—was that Karna's reincarnation???
emmreadsbooks's review
5.0
This book adds the twins to the dynamic, which is a larger shift than I predicted. But dang if I didn't love seeing how the characters reacted to Nikita and Sheela. I found this book to be quite dynamic, especially when compared to The City of Gold. Aru really has her work cut out for her in this one as they search for the Tree of Wishes. And everything just goes full circle, I LOVE IT. Do we end up with a cliffhanger? Uh obviously, it's Roshani Chokshi. But it's a DANG GOOD ONE so I'm content.
Plus I die of happiness every time Roshani Chokshi references Home Depot, so there's that.
Plus I die of happiness every time Roshani Chokshi references Home Depot, so there's that.
booksandpops4000's review
4.0
I really loved listening to this book. I loved this next inslalement in this series. It was such a fun and fast pace read. I loved how the friendship circle keeps getting bigger and bigger and the drama keeps getting more intense. I really loved the focus of the main story on this one. I also really liked the big ending and wonder what complications that will lead to in book 4! Really loved the focus on the gang in this read!
kaylana's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0