This book is reviewed by Vidula. To see more of Vidula's reviews please visit her Instagram page.
Aru Shah and the City of Gold by Roshani Chokshi is the fourth book of the Pandava Quintet, a series based on Hindu mythology. In this installment, Aru and her Pandava sisters must complete a series of dangerous trials in order to gain two powerful weapons that will help them in the fight against the Sleeper’s demon army. But as the battle draws nearer, Aru is forced to deal with the fact that every adult she has loved and trusted so far has failed her. As a Hindu myself, I grew up listening to my dad tell detailed bedtime stories about the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and other Hindu epics, and because of that, this series holds a special place in my heart. Every time I read these books, I am impressed by the way the author has woven together so many details from Hindu myths into one cohesive tale. I also love the relationship between Aru and her Pandava sisters. Found family is one of my favorite tropes, and this series embodies it perfectly with the way the characters love and trust each other. Each one of them has a very distinct personality, so watching them interact is heartwarming and entertaining. I also thought the author did a good job striking a balance between humor and seriousness; this series has a healthy dose of both. My only critique would be that sometimes, the dialogue feels a little cringey, but this doesn’t hinder the quality of the story. Even if you are not familiar with Hindu myths, you will enjoy this series, because the author does a great job with explanations. And if you’re someone who is familiar with them, this series is a must read! Overall, I would give this book a 9.2/10!