Review of “Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes” (Pandava #3) by Roshani Chokshi

Chokshi, Roshani. Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes. Los Angeles: Disney/Hyperion, 2020.

ISBN-13: 978-1368013857 | $16.99 USD | 386 pages | MG Fantasy

Blurb

War between the devas and the demons is imminent, and the Otherworld is on high alert. Fourteen-year-old Aru Shah and her friends are sent on a mission to rescue two “targets,” one of whom is about to utter a prophecy that could mean the difference between victory and defeat. Turns out the targets, a pair of twins, are the newest Pandava sisters, though the prophecy says that one sister is not true.When the Pandavas fail to prevent the prophecy from reaching the Sleeper’s ears, the heavenly attendants ask them to step aside. Aru believes that the only way to put the shine back on their brand is to find the Kalpavriksha, the wish-granting tree that came out of the Ocean of Milk when it was churned. If she can reach it before the Sleeper, perhaps she can turn everything around with one wish.Careful what you wish for, Aru . . .

In the series

#1 Aru Shah and the End of the Time

#2 Aru Shah and the Song of Death

Review

4 stars

Aru Shah is the third book in the series, and perhaps the funniest. I mean, the others were humorous too, but I think it really took time to get into the rhythm of mythology with pop culture references. But this time, each in-joke got a laugh out of me.

The characters remain delightful, as we once again are reunited with the core group from the past two, as well as introduced to some new characters in the two remaining Pandava sisters, Sheila and Nikita, the former of which delivers a prophecy that is overheard by demons. The two are a study of contrasts, with Nikita being the more guarded one, while Sheila is still cautious, but more bubbly. There is also another new character, Prince Rudy, who is an arrogant prince, who also has some vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, the returning characters continue to develop, with Aru dealing with facing her father, and Mini becoming more confident. Brynne and Aiden remain delightful supporting characters, adding humor and light to the situation.

And once again, the cultural elements are top-notch. The story takes place around the celebration of Holi, with turmoil escalating among the gods, and they are on a quest to find the Tree of Wishes.

This book is another fun adventure, although it does have a cliffhanger, so I’m glad I’m just catching up before the release of book four. If you loved the prior books, you’ll enjoy this one too. And if you love Roshani Chokshi and/or Percy Jackson/Rick Riordan, it’s definitely not too late to give this series a try!

Author Bio

Roshani Chokshi is the author of commercial and critically acclaimed books for middle grade and young adult readers that draws on world mythology and folklore. Her work has been nominated for the Locus and Nebula awards, and has frequently appeared on Best of The Year lists from Barnes and Noble, Forbes, Buzzfeed and more. Her New York Times bestselling series includes The Star-Touched Queen duology, The Gilded Wolves, and Aru Shah and The End of Time, which was recently optioned for film by Paramount Pictures.

Buy links

Bookshop (affiliate link)

Little Shop of Stories (signed copies)