Aru Shah and the City of Gold - (Pandava) by Roshani Chokshi

Book Synopsis

Best-selling author Rick Riordan Presents the penultimate book in the Pandava series by New York Times best-selling author Roshani Chokshi, now in paperback.

*"Chokshi spins a fantastical narrative that seamlessly intertwines Hindu cosmology and folklore, feminism, and witty dialogue for an uproarious novel for young readers."--Kirkus (starred review of Aru Shah and the End of Time)

Aru Shah and her sisters--including one who also claims to be the Sleeper's daughter--must find their mentors Hanuman and Urvashi in Lanka, the city of gold, before war breaks out between the devas and asuras.

Aru has just made a wish on the tree of wishes, but she can't remember what it was. She's pretty sure she didn't wish for a new sister, one who looks strangely familiar and claims to be the Sleeper's daughter, like her.

Aru also isn't sure she still wants to fight on behalf of the devas in the war against the Sleeper and his demon army. The gods have been too devious up to now. Case in point: Kubera, ruler of the city of gold, promises to give the Pandavas two powerful weapons, but only if they win his trials. If they lose, they won't stand a chance against the Sleeper's troops, which will soon march on Lanka to take over the Otherworld.

Aru's biggest question, though, is why every adult she has loved and trusted so far has failed her. Will she come to peace with what they've done before she has to wage the battle of her life?

Filled with wondrous magic, unforgettable creatures, manipulative gods, and laugh-out-loud dialogue, this fourth book in the Pandava series, a fantasy adventure loosely based on Hindu stories, will leave readers wishing they could read the finale right now.

Endorsed by Rick Riordan, author of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, soon to be a series on Disney+.

Don't miss the other Pandava adventures:

• Rick Riordan Presents: Aru Shah and the End of Time Book 1
• Rick Riordan Presents: Aru Shah and the Song of Death Book 2
• Rick Riordan Presents: Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes Book 3
• Rick Riordan Presents: Aru Shah and the Nectar of Immortality Book 5

Review Quotes

PRAISE FOR ARU SHAH AND THE END OF TIME

**ONE OF TIME MAGAZINE'S "100 BEST FANTASY BOOKS OF ALL TIME."**

**NEW YORK TIMES BEST-SELLING SERIES!**

"An imaginative novel that puts girl power and diverse protagonists front and center."
--Entertainment Weekly

"[An] engrossing adventure tale."
--Teen Vogue

"This roller coaster through Hindu culture never feels forced or pedantic, but instead like a new kind of myth--where a hero takes a hammer to the world to shine a light through its cracks."
―New York Times Book Review

"This adventure will make your head explode in the best way possible."
--Rick Riordan, New York Times #1 best-selling author of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series

"Hilarious and brilliant-full of wit, warmth, and wonder. Aru Shah is a clever, believable heroine who deserves her place with all the great heroes of legend. I'm so happy this book exists-and that there are still more to come!"
--Shannon Messenger New York Times best-selling author of the Keeper of the Lost series

"Warning! This book contains mind-bending myths, dreadful demons, and more swashbuckling high adventure that can possibly be good for you. Oh, and one of the sassiest heroines ever to walk into an elephant's mouth. I loved it. I think you will too."
--Jonathan Stroud, New York Times best-selling author of the Lockwood & Co series

"A new star is born. Aru Shah and the End of Time is mind-bending and brilliant. Original and spellbinding, the story sparkles with wit and magic. Fantasy has never been so much fun."
--Eoin Colfer, New York Times best-selling author of the blockbuster Artemis Fowl series

"Roshani Chokshi has done a brilliant job of capturing the essence of what makes Indian mythology unique, and you're in for an awesome ride. I cannot wait to find out where she'll lead us next."
--Sarwat Chadda, New York Times best-selling author

★"Chokshi spins a fantastical narrative that seamlessly intertwines Hindu cosmology and folklore, feminism, and witty dialogue for an uproarious novel for young readers."
―Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

★"This series kick-off . . . also the first book from the Rick Riordan Presents imprint, expertly channels the humor and action that have made Riordan's own work so successful. Aru commands the spotlight . . . and Chokshi weaves an engrossing adventure that will leave readers anticipating the next installment."
―Publishers Weekly (starred review)

★"Just as "Percy Jackson" led tweens to a deeper exploration and appreciation of classic Greek mythology, Chokshi's tale will likely inspire a similar demand for traditional Indian mythology. An enthralling start to a series that Riordan fans and anyone in the mood for a high-octane adventure will love."
―School Library Journal

"Chokshi is a talented writer who breathes fresh air into her mythological world."
--Booklist

PRAISE FOR ARU SHAH AND THE SONG OF DEATH

★"Will leave fans enthralled and clamoring for more."
--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"An entertaining ride filled with gods, goddesses, mythical creatures, and even a birthday celebration. Series fans will be thrilled to dive back into this rich and layered world."
--Booklist

"This adventure throws readers into a magical world, with a lot of attitude on the side. A winning sequel with just as much appeal as Aru Shah and the End of Time."
--School Library Journal

PRAISE FOR ARU SHAH AND THE TREE OF WISHES

★"Touching, riotously funny, and absolutely stunning."
--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

PRAISE FOR ARU SHAH AND THE CITY OF GOLD

★ "Beautifully written and a joy to read."
--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

PRAISE FOR ARU SHAH AND THE NECTAR OF IMMORTALITY

★ "This thrilling closing adventure shines with the strength of sisterhood, South Asian representation and Chokshi's trademark humor and wit. A deeply satisfying conclusion to a superb, groundbreaking series."
--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

About the Author

Roshani Chokshi (www.roshanichokshi.com) is the author of the instant New York Times best-selling Aru Shah and the End of Time and its best-selling sequels, Aru Shah and the Song of Death, Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes, Aru Shah and the City of Gold, and Aru Shah and the Nectar of Immortality. She has also written best-selling YA books, such as The Star-Touched Queen and The Gilded Wolves.She studied fairy tales in college and once had a pet luck dragon that looked suspiciously like a Great Pyrenees dog. The Pandava quintet was inspired by the stories her grandmother told her as well as Roshani's all-consuming love for Sailor Moon. She lives in the south and says "y'all," but she doesn't really have a Southern accent. Her Twitter handle is @roshani_chokshi.