Aru Shah and the End of Time

by Roshani Chokshi
Aru Shah and the End of Time cover
Good Books rating 3.0
Fantasy, Young Adult
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Waterstones
Paperback • £6.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 7857
  • Added: 2025-12-17
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9781407186443
  • Publisher: Scholastic UK
  • Published: 2018-05-03
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Aru Shah, a twelve-year-old girl, finds herself in a world of trouble when she lights the Lamp of Bharata to impress her schoolmates. Unbeknownst to her, this action releases an ancient demon who freezes her mother in time. Aru must now embark on a perilous journey to save her mother and undo the damage she has caused. /n/n The story is rich with Indian mythology and adventure, as Aru discovers her own hidden powers and the true nature of her family's legacy. With the help of a wisecracking pigeon and a boy named Mini, Aru must navigate a world of gods, demons, and ancient curses to restore balance and save her mother.

Reviews
Reddit - r/Fantasy · 2025-12-18
disappointing 1.00

The book is described as a real disappointment, failing to meet expectations. The reviewer found the story lacking in depth and engagement.

This reviewer was quite critical of the book, describing it as a real disappointment. They felt that the story lacked depth and failed to engage them as a reader. The reviewer found the character development to be weak and the plot to be predictable, which made the overall reading experience unsatisfying. Despite the potential of the premise, the execution fell short, leaving the reviewer underwhelmed. The reviewer also mentioned that the book did not live up to the hype, which added to their disappointment.

Quick quotes

    A real disappointment.

    The book is so incredibly funny, insightful, and well-written.

    The book is so incredibly funny, insightful, and well-written.

Never Not Reading Blog · 2020-12-17
entertaining 4.00

The humor and character dynamics are reminiscent of Rick Riordan's books, making it a fun and engaging read. The blend of Indian mythology with modern storytelling is both surprising and entertaining.

This reviewer found the book to be a delightful mix of humor and adventure, much like the Percy Jackson series. The protagonist, Aru, is portrayed as an impulsive and kind-hearted outsider, which makes her relatable to many readers. The integration of Indian mythology into a modern setting is praised for its creativity and the way it adds depth to the story. The reviewer also appreciates the fast-paced nature of the book, which keeps readers engaged from start to finish. Overall, it's a book that captures the essence of mythological adventures while adding a unique cultural twist.

Quick quotes

    Chokshi nailed the humor that made Riordan's books so successful.

    Aru is a lot like Percy: impulsive, kind of an outsider, basically no filter.

    The blend of mythology and the real world is surprising and wacky.

Sifa Elizabeth Reads · 2020-01-13
refreshing 4.00

The book is a refreshing take on mythological adventures, blending Indian mythology with a modern narrative. The mashup of the mythical and real worlds is both surprising and entertaining.

This reviewer sees the book as a unique blend of Indian mythology and modern storytelling, much like the Percy Jackson series but with a different cultural perspective. The protagonist, Aru, is portrayed as an impulsive and kind-hearted outsider, which makes her relatable to many readers. The integration of Indian mythology into a modern setting is praised for its creativity and the way it adds depth to the story. The reviewer appreciates the fast-paced nature of the book, which keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The mashup of the mythical and real worlds is both surprising and entertaining, making it a refreshing take on mythological adventures.

Quick quotes

    It is a Percy Jackson book, but with Indian mythology and a different cast.

    The mash of mythology and the real world is surprising and wacky.

    Chokshi's writing is engaging and full of humor, making it a fun read.

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