Book Review: Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi

A Fun Premise with Some Rough Edges

When I picked up Aru Shah and the End of Time, I was excited. A book inspired by Hindu mythology, featuring a young girl protagonist, written under Rick Riordan Presents? It sounded like an incredible idea. And in many ways, the book delivers an entertaining, lighthearted adventure. However, while it has a lot of charm, it also has some areas that could have been stronger.

Plot: A Familiar but Enjoyable Formula

The story follows Aru Shah, a 12-year-old girl who accidentally awakens an ancient demon and freezes time. She soon discovers she’s a reincarnation of the Pandava brothers, legendary heroes from Hindu mythology, and must go on a quest to save the world.

The adventure is fast-paced and fun, filled with magical creatures, divine beings, and a journey that will appeal to fans of Percy Jackson. However, the plot does feel very familiar. It closely follows the structure of many hero’s journey books, making it a little predictable at times. That said, younger readers who are new to this style of storytelling will likely find it thrilling.

favorite Characters:

Aru is a fun and flawed protagonist. She’s a little dramatic, often unsure of herself, and makes mistakes—just like a real 12-year-old. While she isn’t always easy to root for at first, she does grow throughout the story, learning to accept responsibility and understand her strengths.

Mini, who is supposed to be the logical and cautious one, feels a bit underdeveloped. Their friendship has great moments but could have been explored more deeply. Hopefully, future books in the series give her more depth.

Humor: Sometimes It Works, Sometimes It Feels Forced

The humor in Aru Shah is very much in line with Rick Riordan’s style—quirky, sarcastic, and full of pop culture references. Sometimes it works really well and makes the book genuinely funny, but other times, the jokes feel forced or unnecessary, especially during serious moments.

If you love constant witty banter, you’ll enjoy the humor. But if you prefer a balance between comedy and emotional depth, some of the jokes might feel a little excessive.

Hindu Mythology: A Great Introduction, but Could Go Deeper

One of the best things about this book is how it brings Hindu mythology into the world of middle-grade fantasy. It introduces gods, legends, and creatures that many Western readers may not be familiar with, making it a refreshing take on mythology-based storytelling.

However, at times, the mythology feels like it’s just being mentioned rather than fully explored. Some of the gods and creatures show up briefly and don’t get as much depth as they could. That being said, for readers new to Hindu mythology, this book serves as a great starting point.

Ending: Fast-Paced but Somewhat Predictable

The final battle is exciting and action-packed, but it wraps up a little too quickly. While the conclusion sets up future books nicely, it feels a bit rushed compared to the buildup. That being said, the setup for the sequel is intriguing enough to make readers want to continue the series.

Final Thoughts: A Solid Start with Room for Growth

Aru Shah and the End of Time is a fun and engaging book, especially for younger readers who love mythology and adventure. While it has some flaws in pacing, character depth, and humor balance, it also introduces a unique world full of potential. If the sequels build upon the foundation laid here, this could turn into a truly great series.

Final Rating: (3/5 Stars)

What could have been stronger? More depth in side characters – Mini and other supporting characters need more development.
A better balance of humor and emotion – Some moments should be allowed to be serious.
More in-depth mythology – Hindu mythology is fascinating and deserves a deeper dive.

Would I recommend this? Yes! Especially to middle-grade readers and anyone looking for a fresh take on mythology in fantasy. While it’s not perfect, it’s a fun and creative start to what could be a fantastic series.

What do you think? If you’ve read Aru Shah, what did you like best? Let’s chat in the comments!