Aru Shah and the End of Time

This is a “big” book in that it is reminiscent of Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series.

It is epic in scope, in action, and in humor—it is laugh-out-loud funny! The portals are many and, to further complicate things, have guardians. I loved the mixture of Hindu mythology with modern-day references (there are a lot!) along with a very modern kid sensibility. A thrill ride of an adventure.

I love this book because Roshani Chokshi introduces the vibrant gods, goddesses, and demons of Indian mythology to young readers by making it relatable with pop culture references, laugh-out-loud humor, and wild-ride adventures! Aru Shah is a regular middle-schooler from Atlanta, Georgia and unbeknownst to her is a reincarnation of a major character from one of India’s epic myths. The jaw-dropping part—she accidentally awakens the God of Destruction! Did I mention there’s a feisty and sardonic pigeon named Boo, too? 

I could so relate to Aru Shah, the main character in this book, who makes up stories so she can fit into the crowd at school. I could even relate to the fact that her “fibs” don’t work out very well for her. When she makes a vow never to lie again if only she can get out of her current mess, she opens a much bigger one. So relatable! Suddenly, she’s pitted against a demon, and I had to read until I found out if she succeeded in freeing her friends and her mother.