This book was so fun to listen to. I got the audio version but I already know I need the entire series physically on my shelf. I would definitely recommend. ( )

This book is both Modern Fantasy and Traditional Literature/Mythology. It does a fantastic job of weaving Hindu mythology into a story appropriate for middle-grade students and teaches important lessons in addition to historical references. It takes place in modern times with a young Indian-American girl who lives with her mother and has been taught by her mother all the Hindu Gods and Goddesses and the folklore that surrounds them all while having access to ancient Hindu artifacts, as her mother is a museum owner and curator of these treasures. I loved how flawed and real Aru Shah is, with relatable foibles that kids can relate to, such as lying to impress peers and get out of trouble. She wakes a demon known as the Sleeper by touching one of the museum artifacts and going on an adventure to save the world from destruction. The characters she meets along the way are all very lovable, and I really appreciated her relationship with her sister, who is also a Pandava (one of the five Pandavas who are brothers in the real Hindu mythological story, Mahabharata). They are very supportive of each other and are a great example of strong female friendships. ( )

I decided to give this Rick Riordan Presents series, Pandava Quartet, a look see and I did enjoy it!

Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi is the first book in the series. Similar to what The Lightning Thief did with Greek mythology, this series does with mythology from the Indian subcontinent. As I am not familiar with this mythology, the learning curve was steep. But the protagonist, Aru Shah, her soul sister and friends bring us along on an exciting adventure fueled by their resourcefulness.

There are some pop culture references which I didn't get (for the younger set) AND some I don't think the audience of middle schoolers would get (from my generation), but I appreciated the quirkiness/grins they are intended to evoke. ( )

I decided to give this Rick Riordan Presents series, Pandava Quartet, a look see and I did enjoy it!

Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi is the first book in the series. Similar to what The Lightning Thief did with Greek mythology, this series does with mythology from the Indian subcontinent. As I am not familiar with this mythology, the learning curve was steep. But the protagonist, Aru Shah, her soul sister and friends bring us along on an exciting adventure fueled by their resourcefulness.

There are some pop culture references which I didn't get (for the younger set) AND some I don't think the audience of middle schoolers would get (from my generation), but I appreciated the quirkiness/grins they are intended to evoke. ( )

My kids are obsessed with this Hindu-mythology based series, & it is a great choice for kids that love Percy Jackson.