Four years ago, I picked up a copy of Aru Shah and the End of Time in my middle school library. I had just found out about Rick Riordan Presents and I was thrilled to discover a series about Hindu Mythology.
For the next three years, I would follow Aru as she laughed and cried and learned, and I would revel in the knowledge that there was a character who looked like me. And she was a hero heroine.
Aru had the same skin color as me. She ate the same food as me. She had the same experiences as me. In a way, she was me.
One year ago, April 14th, I went to one of Roshani Chokshi's virtual book tours, the one she held with Rick Riordan. I was ecstatic. That night, I met two of my biggest inspirations, even if they didn't meet me.
Then a few days later I received my signed copy of Aru Shah and the City of Gold. I read it all in one night and screamed so loud my parents had to tell me to shut up. I couldn't wait for the final installment.
Today I clicked download on my library's digital copy of Aru Shah and the Nectar of Immortality. I read it in one sitting, in the middle of my 10th grade English class. And when I finally reached the end of a four year long journey, I cried.
And so today I said goodbye to Aru. To Mini and Brynne and Aiden and Rudy and Sheela and Nikita and Boo and even Kara, who I partially despised for most of last year.
I also said thank you to Roshani Chokshi, because I found myself in her writing. Because I found myself in her.
At ten years old, I entered Aru's world. Today, at fourteen, I'm leaving it behind.
This book begins with the 3 Pandavas on their mission to find the remaining two Pandavas, from whom they'd get the prophecy related to the Tree of Wishes that changes the fate of the Otherworld if they find it before before the Sleeper gets his hands on it.
The book was so entertaining and emotional and excellent way of telling so many Hindu mythological stories.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. All the references and sense of humour and creativity and the settings were all amazing.
I've become a big fan of Author Roshani Chokshi. Like her previous books, Book 3 was a fantastic read. She also gave some deep morals in this book.
Now, the ending was not what I expected! It ended with a BIG cliffhanger. I can't wait for the next book.