Title: Aru Shah and the Song of Death
Author: Roshani Chokshi
First published April 30, 2019
304 pages, ebook
ISBN: 9781368045858
Rating: 4.33
Overview
In Aru Shah and the Song of Death, the stakes are higher than ever for our favorite Pandava. When the Otherworld is threatened by a mysterious force that turns people into ruthless zombies, Aru finds herself in a tight spot.
She’s been blamed for stealing the god of love’s bow and arrow, and the clock is ticking until the full moon. If she doesn’t clear her name and find the arrow, she’ll be banished from the Otherworld.
As luck would have it, she has a team of friends to help her out. Along with her soul-sister Mini, Aru will join forces with Brynne, a girl with hidden strengths, and Aiden, her enigmatic neighbor.
Together, they’ll journey through the serpent realm and beyond, battling demons and encountering unexpected foes. Will they be able to save the Otherworld before it’s too late?
Find out in this thrilling adventure by Roshani Chokshi.
About the Author
Meet Roshani Chokshi, an accomplished author whose books have touched the hearts of many. You may recognize her from her New York Times bestselling series, The Star-Touched Queen, The Gilded Wolves, and Aru Shah and The End of Time, which Time Magazine hailed as one of the Top 100 Fantasy Books of All Time.
If you’re a fan of mythology and folklore, you’ll love Chokshi’s novels, which often draw upon these themes. Her adult debut, The Last Tale of The Flower Bride, was a #1 Sunday Times bestseller.
With over two dozen translations of her work available, Chokshi’s writing has captured the attention of readers around the world. When she’s not writing, Chokshi is a member of the National Leadership Board for the Michael C.
Carlos Museum. She resides in Georgia with her husband and their mischievous cat, who always seems to have a diabolical plan up his sleeve.
Editoral Review
Aru Shah and the Song of Death, written by Roshani Chokshi, is a captivating and thrilling addition to the fantasy genre. The book, published on April 30, 2019, is the second installment in the Pandava Quartet series, following the adventures of Aru Shah, a young girl who discovers that she is a reincarnated hero from Hindu mythology.
Chokshi, who is known for her previous works such as The Star-Touched Queen and The Gilded Wolves, brings her signature style of lyrical prose and enchanting storytelling to this novel. Drawing from her own Indian-American heritage, she incorporates elements of Hindu mythology and culture, creating a rich and vibrant world that jumps off the pages.
In this sequel, Aru Shah and her friend Mini are tasked with finding the legendary Bow of Parthia before it falls into the wrong hands. However, their mission is complicated when they discover that the god of love, Kamadeva, has been shot and is slowly dying.
Aru and Mini must navigate through the dangerous Night Bazaar and face off against demons and gods alike to uncover the truth behind Kamadeva’s shooting and save the world from certain doom.
Chokshi sets the scene with vivid descriptions of the mystical Night Bazaar, a marketplace that only appears during the full moon and is filled with magical trinkets and creatures. She also weaves in themes of identity, friendship, and betrayal, as Aru struggles to come to terms with her powers and her place in the world.
The characters in the book are well-developed and relatable, with Aru and Mini’s friendship being a highlight of the novel. The pacing is fast-paced and energetic, with plenty of action and plot twists to keep readers on their toes.
One of the strengths of the book is how it seamlessly blends Hindu mythology with a contemporary setting, making it accessible to readers of all backgrounds. The cultural significance of the novel cannot be overstated, as it offers representation for South Asian readers and introduces others to a rich and complex mythology.
However, some may find the plot to be predictable at times, and the book does suffer from some pacing issues in the middle. Additionally, the overarching plot of the quartet may not be immediately clear to new readers, as it assumes some prior knowledge from the first book.
Overall, Aru Shah and the Song of Death is a delightful and engaging read that will appeal to fans of fantasy and mythology. It is a worthy addition to the Pandava Quartet series and showcases Chokshi’s talent for crafting intricate and captivating worlds.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
