Rick Riordan Presents: Aru Shah and the End of Time-A Pandava Novel, Book 1 (Pandava, #1)

by Roshani Chokshi

[Beth C.]

Having read one book in Rick Riordan's imprint (Race to the Sun, by Rebecca Roanhorse), I was excited to pick up another one. As these are all #ownauthor stories, Aru is Indian - a young lady who doesn't feel like she fits in anywhere, whose mother is always working, and who knows the museum she also calls home like the back of her hand. She also has a tendency to...stretch the truth...to try and be part of the crowd, and that comes back to bite her when she tries a little *too* hard - and releases an ancient demon. Ooops.

I decided I quite liked Aru - and Mini, the other main character who ends up involved for reasons I shall not name (no spoilers!). I like how their relationship develops, though Mini can be...a bit much. Slightly over the top in her continual worries.

As was the case with Roanhorse's book, I enjoyed the interspersing of Hindu culture - though in this case, it could be a bit overwhelming with how much there was. However, having said that - this book is part of a quartet, so I'm hoping that as it goes along, it will become a little less burdensome.

Overall, this is definitely a book that libraries (school and town) should make an effort to have on hand. The representation here is fabulous, and there are many out there that will be thrilled to see someone like them gracing the cover, and having her own book.