School Library Journal Review

Gr 5--8--Middle schooler Aru Shah zooms immediately into adventure in this second "Pandava"novel. Familiarity with the first book will be helpful, as zombie-like creatures at the Night Bazaar confront Aru and Mini within the first paragraphs. With only their wits and their celestial weapons to defend themselves, Aru and Mini hold their own, and are somewhat grudgingly joined by Brynne, a third Pandava demi-god; and Aiden, a boy Aru absolutely, definitely does not have a crush on. Girl power is front and center during the 10 days that Aru, Mini, Brynne, and Aiden are allotted to find a stolen bow and arrow, save their place in the Otherworld, and restore the Heartless to human existence. Chokshi bases most characters in Indian myth, albeit updated with references to Hogwarts, the Kardashians, and Lord of the Rings. Aiden, though not a Pandava, has plenty to contribute to the mission's success. Soneela Nankani narrates beautifully, with a musical quality to some of the god and goddess names, along with sibilant menace employed as needed. VERDICT The complex cast of characters requires an attentive listener, but teenage quips and banter keep the book from getting bogged down. Highly recommended as a follow up where the first book is popular.--Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley School, Fort Worth, TX