Aru Shah and the City of Gold by Roshani Chokshi Pages: 400
Published by Rick Riordan Presents on April 6, 2021
Series: Pandava #4
Genres: Fantasy & Magic, Middle Grade, mythology
Source: Finished Hardcover from Publisher
Also in this series: Aru Shah and the Nectar of ImmortalityAru Shah and her sisters--including one who also claims to be the Sleeper's daughter--must find their mentors Hanuman and Urvashi in Lanka, the city of gold, before war breaks out between the devas and asuras.
Aru has just made a wish on the tree of wishes, but she can't remember what it was. She's pretty sure she didn't wish for a new sister, one who looks strangely familiar and claims to be the Sleeper's daughter, like her.
Aru also isn't sure she still wants to fight on behalf of the devas in the war against the Sleeper and his demon army. The gods have been too devious up to now. Case in point: Kubera, ruler of the city of gold, promises to give the Pandavas two powerful weapons, but only if they win his trials. If they lose, they won't stand a chance against the Sleeper's troops, which will soon march on Lanka to take over the Otherworld.
Aru's biggest question, though, is why every adult she has loved and trusted so far has failed her. Will she come to peace with what they've done before she has to wage the battle of her life?
Note: This is the fourth book in a series that should be read in order. There may be spoilers for the first three books in this series in this review.
Aru Shah and the City of Gold is the fourth book in the middle grade fantasy series, called the Pandava series, by Roshani Chokshi. The Aru Shah series is the third book series I have read from the mythology based book imprint- Rick Riordan presents, and I have to say that all of the books published under this imprint have been fantastic. If you are a fan of the Percy Jackson series, then you you will love the Pandava series. Each of the books is full of fantastic characters, wonderful world building and magic and a storyline that will grab a hold of your attention and not let you free from its’ grasp. I could not put this book, and this series down! This series features Hindu Mythology, which I loved because I do not know many of the stories from Hindu Mythology, and I was very excited to learn some more.
Just like in the past three books in the series, Aru Shah and the City of Gold picks up where the previous book left off- on a cliffhanger! Our main character Aru Shah, has learned of a prophecy that involves her, and now she is doing her best to figure out which gods she can trust and just how on earth she is going to stop this army of demons. She is also trying to decide if she wants to side with the devas in this imminent war. I love Aru. She is plucky and determined, yet still very age appropriate.
Each of the characters has really come into their own in this fourth installment and the overall plot of the story has gotten better and better. This series is one that continues to build upon itself beautifully. I love seeing this world expand and seeing each of the characters really fall into their own groove as they decide what part they are going to play and just who can they really trust. Especially Aru. I think she really shone in Aru Shah and the City of Gold. I loved her in each of the books, but her character growth is impressive in this installment. I am loving how Roshani Chokshi is weaving not only all of the characters of the subtleties of the world and intricates of the plotline together. This series is quickly becoming one of my favorite middle grade fantasy series. If you are a fan of fantasy and mythology, the Pandava series is a must read, regardless of your age. This series is perfect for readers young and old alike! I can’t wait to see what the next book is going to bring us, because Aru Shah and the City of Gold leaves the readers hanging on yet another treacherous cliff. Darn you Mrs. Chokshi!
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Tour Schedule:
Week One:
| 4/1/2021 | A Dream Within A Dream | Excerpt/Spotlight |
| 4/2/2021 | Lisa-Queen of Random | Excerpt/Spotlight |
Week Two:
| 4/5/2021 | BookHounds Ya | Excerpt/Spotlight |
| 4/6/2021 | For the Love of KidLit | Excerpt/Spotlight |
| 4/7/2021 | Kait Plus Books | Review |
| 4/8/2021 | onemused | Spotlight |
| 4/9/2021 | Midnightbooklover | Review |
Week Three:
| 4/12/2021 | Emelie’s Books | Review |
| 4/13/2021 | What A Nerd Girl Says | Review |
| 4/14/2021 | Little Red Reads | Review |
| 4/15/2021 | PopTheButterfly | Review |
| 4/16/2021 | Amani’s Reviews | Review |
Week Four:
| 4/19/2021 | Moonlight Rendezvous | Review |
| 4/20/2021 | booksaremagictoo | Review |
| 4/21/2021 | Feed Your Fiction Addiction | Review |
| 4/22/2021 | The Momma Spot | Review |
| 4/23/2021 | I’m Shelfish | Review |
Week Five:
| 4/26/2021 | Book Briefs | Review |
| 4/27/2021 | Confessions of a YA Reader | Review |
| 4/28/2021 | The Book Nut : A Book Lovers Guide | Review |
| 4/29/2021 | The Book Dutchesses | Review |
| 4/30/2021 | Two Points of interest | Review |
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Good to know that we should start this series with book 1. I’ve been meaning to start it. You’re giving me a push in the right direction.
Hi Natalie!
yes, def start with book 1- it’s all the same overarching plotline. 🙂
I always like to mention whether it’s the same plot/characters or if each book can stand on their own- as so many series don’t need to be read in order anymore 🙂
I hope you get a chance to check it out!
-Michelle
what fun covers. glad you enjoyed the book
sherry @ fundinmental
It looks like a good read.