Aru is back for another quest and this time another Pandava joins her and Mini. Brynne is a bit hostile at first but that could be because she was just battling Aru's doppleganger for a stolen bow and arrow in the midst of a zombie hoard. Of course the Pandavas are blamed for the theft and the creation of the Heartless zombies. They are tasked with finding the soul song of the person who stole the bow and arrow, learning their name and returning the stolen goods. And they only have 8 days to do it. They are joined on the quest by Aiden who isn't a Pandava but is friends with Brynne and goes to school with Aru. They must battle not only the monsters in their path but also their own inner selves.

I really enjoy the Aru Shah books and can't wait to see where this story goes. Roshani Chokshi is one of my favorite authors and I am thrilled she is writing middle grade. I know so little about Indian mythology that I get a bit confused by some of the characters/gods, but it just makes me want to learn more.

"And anyway, families weren't like a box of standardized-test-taking number two pencils. Families were a box of assorted-color Sharpie markers: different, kinda stinky (but not in a bad way), and permanent whether you liked it or not."

In this sequel to Aru Shah and the End of Time, Aru is learning more about her destiny as a legendary Pandava reincarnation. When the bow and arrow of the god of love is stolen, Aru and the other Pandavas present are blamed for the crime. Aru must team up with old friends and new friends to clear their name and reverse the devastating effects of the love arrow turned evil.

I loved this sequel! It is such a fun and adventurous story! Roshani Chokshi really makes Aru's story relatable. I love reading this series based on a mythology that I'm not familiar with. I feel like I'm learning so much about Indian culture and mythology that I was not fortunate enough to be taught in school. I especially love that this book explains for those of us who don't know the stories but doesn't make it boring for those who might already know them. I especially love the glossary that explains in more depth and detail about the characters and the stories that we are reading about. I've definitely realized that I want to learn more!

In this story Aru and Mini are back and we get to meet a few new characters. We meet Brynne who has a tough and cocky exterior. And we meet Aiden, Brynne's best friend and Aru's neighbor. I loved seeing Aru's friendship with Mini as it has grown. I also loved seeing how Aru interacted with Brynne and Aiden. The reader sees a lot of growth with all of the characters.

Overall, this is a great addition to the story! I am really enjoying this series and I can't wait to see where it goes next!

eARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Shades of The Lightning Thief make the sequel to Aru Shah and the End of Time seem very familiar. Aru is accused of stealing the bow and arrow of the god of love and will have to prove she didn’t do it. Her quest to find the real thief and prove her own innocence takes her into danger with two new companions, as well as her friend and fellow Pandava, Mini. Escapades in the Midnight Bazaar are just the beginning as they ty to clear Aru’s name .

The Indian mythology the series is inspired by mixes well with the characters and action. The modern setting of Aru Shah and its juxtaposition with the bazaars and other traditional locales holds the reader’s interest.

Recommended for fans of Percy Jackson, Magnus Chase, the Trials of Apollo, and other mythology-based stories.

Electronic ARC provided by NetGalley.

It took me a few chapters to really get into this, but once I did it turned out to be a fantastic sequel to the first Aru Shah adventure. Aru and Mini's training as Pandavas is interrupted when they are accused of stealing a powerful celestial weapon. They are given one chance to redeem themselves by finding the real thief, but if they fail then they will be banished from the otherworld forever. One of my pet peeves in stories is people being misunderstood or accused of things they didn't do, which is one of the reasons I had trouble getting into this book. However, once I got past the initial accusation then the rest of the quest was quite fun to read.

Aru and Mini are joined in their quest by new characters Brynne, a prickly new Pandava sibling, and her best friend Aiden. Brynne and Aiden are delightful additions to the dynamic established in the first book, and the growing understanding between the four kids is really well developed. I love the way that Roshani Chokshi has integrated all sorts of modern touches into her mythology. It really helps the otherworld feel like an actual place that has continued to develop along with the human world.

Aru's adventure is exciting, dangerous, and entertaining. One of the best things about it though is the way that events force Aru to reexamine what she knows of the world. She learns that no one is the villain of their own story; everyone has reasons for what they do, and everyone thinks that their reasons justify their actions. It's a great storyline for an adolescent heroine, and Chokshi manages to show Aru's emotional growth without sacrificing her endearingly abrasive personality quirks. I don't read much middle grade fiction these days but I'm glad that I've made the exception for this series. I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes next.

I was a huge fan of the first book, so I was thrilled when I got the opportunity to read this one! Aru and Mini are back, and we also meet another Pandava (and a cute boy) that join the girls as they try to prove their innocence and keep their place in the Otherworld. Fun read!

Another great ARC thanks to Netgalley!
I really enjoyed this book. I did. It had the humor and mythological accuracy of a Rick Riordan book while still holding on to the magical beauty of a Roshani Chokshi novel. I whipped through it like it was nothing.
There were a few parts that left me feeling a little weird though. One of the character's parents are getting divorced, and when he says that the splitting up of his parents feels like it will destroy his family, Roshani is quick to remind her readers that families can have one parent of two parents of the same gender without being broken. There was also several parts where Brynne made several bisexual statements.
Overall, those were the only parts I would consider inappropriate. Outside of that, it was very nice and clean. My favorite thing about middle grade.
And another thing: this book was flipping hilarious and completely relatable, even for a highschooler. Every page there was a scene that reminded me either of myself or me and my friends, which was kind of everything. Even the heavy stuff was relatable, and it just made the book so real.
Another thing I really love about this series is how relatable Aru is. I see so much of myself in her, especially me from middle school. (I know that sounds conceited comparing myself to the title character, but once you read the series you'll see that's not exactly desirable all the time). She's just so realistic and not overly heroic and unattainable. She's the kind of character that makes me believe I could be a hero too.
Ever since I picked up "The Lighting Thief", I've been fascinated by ancient mythology, and Hindu legends are no exception. Although they are much more confusing than Greek or Roman myths, the beginning two books of Roshani's Pandava quartet have already helped me absorb more of Indian culture than I ever would have from a classroom. Although heaven knows I'm probably mispronouncing everything.
Overall, four out of five stars for this book. Along with the iffy stuff mentioned above, this book felt just the tiniest bit like an in between book. (Which makes sense since it's the second of a four-book series, but still. It just felt a little forgettable.)

Roshani's creative and witty voice really comes through yet again in this sequel. She seriously writes the most hilarious animal sidekicks. Many previous characters are still present including news ones; The premise of the story is hindu mythology and that is even much more developed here.

Not going to lie, there were a few rough spots here and there with flow and a few times I may have went, well this just seems like an obstacle to keep the story going. Where this book really shone, though, was in the details. This book had so many small little things that made it so memorable and unique. The environment is as bright and vibrant as the cover. It's a wonderful look into the fantastical world of Hindu mythology. It hits on the importance of perseverance, being yourself, and cultivating meaningful friendships, with a strong underlying message of accepting other people and cultures for who they are.

I'm excited to see where Chokshi takes this story,

A review to follow, but I will say that my tutoring students (reluctant readers) devour the Rick Riordan Presents books. There are may Aru Shah fans and they are waiting for this second book in the series to be published. Action and humor on every page!

I've ordered a hard copy and will probably get the audio and digital books, too.

I really enjoyed this book! It was such a fun read. I am a huge fan of Percy Jackson, so when I heard about the Rick Riordan Presents imprint, I was really excited to read about mythology from different cultures and this series has not disappointed. I think that I like this book better than the first one, so I'm excited to read the rest of the books in the series when they come out. I also loved all of the pop culture references in this book. I think that some people might not appreciate them as much, but I felt they added another touch of humor to the book. I definitely recommend this series and I can't wait for more!

*Thank you so much Disney Books for providing me with an eARC of this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
*may contain information from the first book that a reader may want to avoid knowing before reading Aru Shah and the End of Time

Aru Shah is back again with more adventure, chaos and fun in Aru Shah and the Song of Death. Aru Shah is a young girl who learns that she is a Pandava; a reincarnated god. She is just beginning to understand more of what this entails when she is framed for the theft of the god of love’s bow and arrow. Aru Shah must team up with old friends and new in this next installment.

I loved being back with Aru and Minnie in this next adventure. I really enjoyed the plot and world that Roshani writes. It is always an amazing experience to be able to learn more about diverse mythology. I love how the Rick Riordan Presents publishing line is able to find authors to write and inform readers about different mythology and tradition in a way that is easy for the reader to understand. It warms my heart that young readers get to read these amazing books and learn more about diverse cultures.

Aru Shah and the Song of Death does not disappoint. I loved reading about the new characters that were a part of this adventure. I will say that I enjoyed the plot more for the first book, but I enjoyed the character presence more in this book. I am so excited to read more about the Pandava’s and Aiden as they further navigate the Otherworld. I definitely recommend this series.

Wow, this book was so much fun to read- I liked it a lot more than the first book.

In the second installment of the Pandava Quartet, Aru Shah and the Song of Death, we get more character development, mythology that is beautifully portrayed and of course, humor.

While I liked Aru and Mini in the first book, they grew on me in this book as through their character arcs and I loved them even more. Also, I liked the introduction of new characters, Brynne (cooking fanatic/sarcasm expert/likes girls and guys) and Aiden (nerdy grandmother figure of the group). Each character was unique and I liked how their personalities complemented each other

Roshani Chokshi does an excellent job weaving mythology into the plotline and her descriptions have just the perfect balance of hilariousness and seriousness. Those chapter titles were very creative and clever.

I think the only problem I had with this book was keeping track of the mythology because I couldn't remember which powerful deity/mythical creature was which. However, that didn't stop me from enjoying the book and it got me interested to read more about Indian mythology similar to how the Kane Chronicles got me interested in Egyptian mythology.

I can't wait to read the sequel because it was such an eery and suspenseful cliffhanger.

*Thank you to NetGalley and its publishers for providing a free ARC*

Let me count the ways that I love Aru Shah... she is a 12 year old with a sharp tongue, smart, brave, and struggling to figure out friendships, crushes, and how to save heartless zombies. She's joined on this adventure to recover the Hindu god of love's bow and arrow with her best friend Mini and two new friends, Brynne and Aiden. Aru is navigating friend dynamics, landing in dangerous situations, and encountering demons, all while figuring out who are the bad guys and who is just misunderstood. Roshani Chokshi has created a fantastic entry in the mythology middle reader genre!

At this point, the whole Rick Riordan Presents imprint can own my soul, because each book published under it has been an absolute delight. Picking up right where the first book left off, ARU SHAH AND THE SONG OF DEATH not only expands the world by introducing more lore, but also expands the core team. And you guys? I love these kids. They're good kids. Every single one of them. Charming, fun, and often surprisingly heartfelt, this seque is another winner. There's a reason why I've been such a staunch (and loud!) advocate for this imprint as a bookseller (the inclusivity! the imagination!) and reading this has only cemented further why this is one of my favorite on-going middle grade series.

Thank you Disney Book Group and NetGalley for the review copy. This is another fun adventure and continuation of a journey through Hindu mythology from Roshani Chokshi. My kids loved the first book, and this 2nd Pandava novel is just as exciting. I love fictional books like this that lead kids to explore topics that might be new to them. Chokshi's visual descriptions lead to beautiful world-building that kept us reading. The two new characters in Aru Shah and the Song of Death are good additions, and the latests gods and demons are thrilling. My family can't wait for the next book!

Once again, I am absolutely in love with Roshani Chokshi's work! I loved the first Pandava novel so I was a little hesitant that this book would live up to last one, and I am happy to say I was so wrong to be worried! I loved the characters we readers had already met and the introduction of the other soul sister and Aiden to the cast of characters worked seamlessly. This book is great for MG readers and adults with humor for all ages and the sarcasm/snark I've come to love from Chokshi's works. I loved the moral of the story and cannot wait for the next book in the series.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Roshani Chokshi has done it again with her new middle-grade book. The writing, as usual, was beautiful, and you can definitely see the amount of love and research she's poured into this series. It's a love letter to kids of similar background, and I love that they'll be able to see themselves represented in books, unlike me at their age.

I adored the new characters (Brynne saying she likes boys and girls! Brynne throwing out "they" as a pronoun choice! Aiden being the grandma friend!), as well as falling in love with Aru and Mini again. The group dynamic is so great; I need more of them. We also get to see all of them deal with fairly heavy things, which is so important to see in a series meant for younger readers.

Aru Shah and the Song of Death was a great sequel in an amazing series. I fully loved all the characters, and I can't wait for the next book. Start this series if you haven't already before this book hits the shelves!

**This post will be up on March 17, 2019.**

I adore Chokshi's writing! Her style is witty, laugh out loud funny with dialogue that creates the most endearing characters, and keeps such a rapid pace that you have to keep reading. This is especially true of the Pandava series, which is just adorable.

This book did not disappoint as a sequel to Aru Shah and the End of Time. It's perfect for fans of Percy Jackson, which is so true of middle school and early high school students like mine.

I received an e-arc of this book from Netgalley. A laugh-out-loud funny book in the Pandava Quartet. I am so charmed by the cast of characters (and Aru speaks directly to the awkward middle-schooler still inside me.) For fans of mythology and adventure (and of course Percy Jackson.)

I received an electronic ARC from Disney Book Group through NetGalley.
This second book in the Pandava Quartet picks up immediately following the first book's finish. We see the characters (Aru & Mini) move forward and become involved in another quest. A third pandava (Brynne) joins them along with an aspara (Aiden). They are accused of stealing Kamadeva's bow and arrow and given the quest to get it back from the real thief to prove their innocence. The four have the expected arguments and growing pains until becoming a unit who can work together.
No spoilers but readers will delight in the many adventures they encounter and the knowledge they gain about Indian history.
Chokshi presents a strong sequel with further information on Indian mythology. She clearly has done her research and mapped out the overall story arc for the four books. The second builds on the character development and plot line of the first and sets up the third book in the final chapters.
Glossary provided at the end for further information.

Aru Shah is back and ready to kick monster butt!

Well. More or less...

In the second book of the Pandava Quartet, Aru Shah and the Song of Death, we join Aru and her soul-sister/bff Mini as they track a thief through the Night Bazaar, only to find themselves face-to-face with Brynne, who is also a Pandava. When all three girls are accused of the theft, they have ten days to track down the real thief and restore the stolen goods--and their good names--to the gods. Oh, and they have an additional, non-Pandava member of their quest: Aiden. As in, the same Aiden who is the new, cute, popular boy at Aru's school. As in, the same Aiden who just moved in across the street from Aru. As in, the same Aiden Aru's first words to were a nervous word-vomit of "I know where you live!". Yeah, that's not awkward at all...

This second adventure is just as fun as the first, with amazing chapter titles, hilarious pop culture references (Seriously, is there an award for "Most Creative Use of Song Lyrics in a Novel"?), and a wonderful tale of friendship and found-family! Ms. Chokshi's writing is hypnotic, her descriptions alternately gorgeous and hilarious, and her stories are captivating as they effortlessly blend mythology with reality. Aru Shah is a great series for the whole family, for the young and the young at heart, and you don't want to miss a single moment of Aru's adventures as a Pandava in the Otherworld. Pre-order or request at your library today!