Aru Shah and the End of Time - Roshani Chokshi - Review

Book: Aru Shah and the End of Time
Author: Roshani Chokshi
Publisher: Scholastic
ISBN: 9781407185798
Rating: A+

 Twelve-year-old Aru Shah has a tendency to stretch the truth in order to fit in at school. Whilst her classmates are jetting off to exotic locales, she'll be at home, in the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture where her mother works. Is it any wonder that Aru makes up stories about being royalty, travelling to Paris, and having a chauffeur? When Aru's schoolmates dare her to prove that the museum's Lamp of Bharata is cursed, she doesn't think there's any harm in lighting it. Little does Aru know that lighting the lamp has dire consequences. She unwittingly frees the Sleeper, an ancient demon whose duty it is to awaken the God of Destruction. Her classmates and beloved mother are frozen in time, and, accompanied by a wise-cracking pigeon and her long-lost half-sister, it's up to Aru to save them.

So let me start up by telling you that this was great – I went into this with high expectations and Aru 100% met them. This was one of my most anticipated reads this year, for a number of reasons, and let me tell you, this did not disappoint. It was everything I wanted it to be and more – but beyond being exactly wanted, I’m confident in saying that this book is something that anyone will enjoy and fall in love with, irrespective of their age.

I want to start off by talking about what this means to me, and why it’s so important in terms of representation. It’s not something I usually talk about, as actually, whilst I am a PoC, I don’t actually have any issues with current representations – but this book was a big beautiful bonus for me. Why may you ask? Brown. Hindu. Representation. And the reason this resonated with me, is because yes I’m now an adult, but this is the first time I’ve seen myself in a YA or MG books. For years, I’ve been seeing white people, black people, even Muslims represented – but Hindu’s or ‘Indians’ have proved scarce. So for me, this was the book I always wanted a child – a book that was relatable to me, that had my people, that explored the myths and stories I was told as a child.


Now let’s talk about the story. First up is word building, because honestly an MG fantasy novel is nothing without good world building, and Chokshi’s is bloody beautiful. It’s definitely on par with, actually maybe better than that of Riordan’s. She’s crafted this absolutely wonderfully fantastic world, filled with glorious Hindu mythology and magic, and littered with Indian Easter eggs, that Indians will be able to pick and go ‘ah, I know that.’ It’s an effortlessly beautiful world, in that is so easy to fall into and so easy to never want to leave, engulfed by wonderful creatures, crazy demons, and one girls quest to stop it all.

Which naturally brings me onto the mythology. For me it was a step back in time, to the days of my childhood and the stories I read as child – but for so many others this will be the first time they ever get to experience the glory, richness and magic of Hindu mythology and folklore – and Chokshi has done an expert job of weaving this into the story and the world she’s built. For years I’ve been wishing someone would take the expansive and limitless mythology of Hinduism and weave it into a novel, and Chokshi has given me exactly what I wanted. A world that now feels like home; a world I can’t wait to get back to.

As for the plot, it moves well. A very good pacing, especially for the audience. It’s fast and actions packed, definitely more than enough to keep one engaged and turning the pages deep into midnight. Also, it pairs the right level of complexity to keep you guessing and engaged in trying to figure out what’s happening next, whilst still be right for the age range. Additionally it, it has all a good balance of heavy and light moments, sprinkled with an instantly loveable humour to cool off the darkness of impending dooms and dangerous demons.

As for characters – well I’ve made some new friends, and I’d certainly like to give them a visit again in a years time when the return to grace the pages of Book 2. Chokshi has created a group of relatable, funny, smart and well-fleshed out characters, that no one can avoid falling in love with, even if they tried. Naturally, Aru is the golden glory of this books, and rightly so. So much of younger me I  saw in her and she’s is going to be so relatable for younger brown children; smart, kind of popular but not, kind of fits in but not really, and obsessed with these Indian talks of mythology and magic that none of her classmates really know about, which inevitably leads to the propensity for little lies and wealth’s of storytelling. Aru was me as a child and, as I’ve said, will be so many other brown kids, so not only was the a extremely pleasant character to read and follow, but she’s also going to be a confidant and companion for millions of younger kids, of all creed and colour, around the world.
As for other characters, can we just talk about Boo – because no hero is anything without their sidekick and Boo, was boo-tiful. Funny, witty, almost a guardian to guide Aru, he embodies that guiding voice that every child needs, but in a way that sounds friendly and in a way that they want it. He flies through the journey with you and Aru, teaching both the reader and Aru, allowing both to grow and evolve together. I’d say Boo propels this story just as much as Aru does.
So there’s definitely a group of really wonderful, relatable and fleshed out characters here.

And finally the writing. I don’t think anyone had any doubts about this – Chokshi is known for her whimsical and poetic writing, that feels like crushed Indian silk – and Aru Shah was no exception. Albeit, a level simpler due to the younger audience, it still retained what makes a Chokshi book inconicly Chokshi and thus beautiful. In turn, this made the world building and characters what they were – her mastery of world cemented the beauty in the world, the conviction in the mythology and the personability and development in the characters. Not a sentence went by when I didn’t want to tab and add to my mental list of beautiful prose to put in my mental museum of literary art. Ultimately the writing was stellar and made for a very whimsical and beautiful tale – perfect for what it was trying to do here.

So overall, as you may have gathered, I’m a little more than in love with Aru Shah and the End of Time, and I have no doubt that you will be too. It really is beautiful, rich, dreamy and magical. Aru Shah is like a woman of whimsy, poetry and magic wrapped in a saree of silk and gold. A must read.

TRIAL BY FIRE - JOSEPHINE ANGELINI - REVIEW

Book: Trial by Fire
Author: Josephine Angelini
Publisher: Macmillan Children's
ISBN: 9781447260820
Rating: 9/10

Love burns. Worlds collide. Magic reigns. This world is trying to kill Lily Proctor. Her life-threatening allergies keep her from enjoying many of the experiences that other teenagers take for granted...which is why she is determined to enjoy her first (and perhaps only) high-school party. But Lily's life never goes according to plan, and after a humiliating incident in front of half her graduating class Lily wishes she could just disappear. Suddenly Lily is in a different Salem - one overrun with horrifying creatures and ruled by powerful women called Crucibles. Strongest and cruellest of all the Crucibles is Lillian ...Lily's identical other self in this alternate universe. This new version of her world is terrifyingly sensual, and Lily is soon overwhelmed by new experiences. Lily realizes that what makes her weak at home is exactly what makes her extraordinary in New Salem. It also puts her life in danger. Thrown into a world she doesn't understand, Lily is torn between responsibilities she can't hope to shoulder alone, and a love she never expected. But how can Lily be the saviour of this world when she is literally her own worst enemy?

Josephine Angelini is a genius. Literally I didn't even care what the book was about, I saw her name and I wanted this book for review because I had no doubts that it would be amazing. I was correct. This book was so much more than amazing. It was flawlessly good and I'm going to get onto why that it in a moment.

The book follows Lily, this crazy sick girl who's allergic to just about everything and is in love with her only friend who is male and the biggest player in town. Anyway, cut to the chase, she gets rejected and find herself in a parallel world where she discovers she is a crucible which is kind of like a witch. Oh and theres another version of her that wants her and she essentially has to fight herself. It's sounds a bit scattered but trust me it's not, its just that so much happens in this book and I don't want to give anything away at all, because It's something you definitely need to experience without knowing anything before hand.

Now for the plot. Angelini had this flawless way of seamlessly combing modern or older classics with modern days world to weave these incredible hybrid stories that I absolutely love. It's just such a clever and unique way of doing things and Trial by Fire stands out for all the right reasons.
I guess you could say it loosely based of the crucible by Arthur Miller (A play which I so happen to Love) and it made reading this so interesting and it was because whilst the plot was leading the vague path that I sort of knew I still wasn't sure where I was going and it was absolutely brilliant. It never got confusing or complicated and bearing in mind it was a topic that could've gotten extremely confusing Angelini seemed to master if easily, building this incurable world and system with precision.
Another thing I loved about this novel, that also made it different to other 'witch' novels was the science which actually really intrigued me. Basically all the magic and supernatural powers in this were not so supernatural. All the magic they did actually used science as a basis because the magic was essentially science, hence why these witches are called crucibles. It was so clever and different and I instantly fell in love with this idea of science and magic working together and for me it made it all seem a bit real and a breather of something unique in a genera so full of the same stuff.
A further bonus is that it had so many hidden references to the Crucible that you wouldn't get had you not read the original play, however I have and did pick up on these and loved them, seeing instantly how they related down to the classic.

What can I say about Angelini's writing. As you can tell from my reviews of the Starcrossed trilogy I adore Angelini's style of writing. I find it really poetic and beautiful and quite simply, utterly gorgeous. I really feel like her writing has developed somewhat, because although I could tell it was written by Angelini the writing seemed more developed and grown, like everything that was already amazing had been fine-tuned to perfection. The perfect balance of description and action, the perfect pacing to make it flow beautifully, the precise and well times twists and turns that left you hungry for more. No this book left you burning for more.

The setting for this is really interesting actually, and I think it only helped to show off another of Angelini's skills which is that she can incredibly world build and create these stunning, beautiful and different worlds that you fall in love and struggle to leave. The setting is basically a world or dimension sitting on top of ours, where both science and magic exists, neither one without the other but magic dominates and the running of society and what powers our world is completely different yet so similar. I really did like is world and they way Angelini crafted it made it all the more spectacular. Her dreamy and whimsical descriptions saw this exquisite world crafted in my mind. The world she built actually complimented the story so well that whilst i was reading it I literally forgot the real world and escaped to, I guess we can call it 'New Salem'.

As for characters in this Angelini kept it nice and simple with only a few select characters that never really changed. I liked this for a number of reason which I will elaborate on. With this being the first in a series it didn't bombard us with too much info or characters and allowed us to understand and stay comfortable in the book, getting to know and understand the few characters we knew really well. We learnt a fair amount about each characters past and Angelini really blurred the lines between who we hated and didn't in this novel, especially with the love triangle, though it seemed to tilt more in one direction. Needless to say we knew who the main villains were and who we really hated but as i said, a fair amount it still unclear, but i have no doubt this will be cleared up and the following novels in the series as this is only book 1.

Overall I'm in love with this book. Trial by Fire is a masterpiece. the ideas are so unique and so easy to fall in love with and once your in your left with a burning desire to turn the page, and keep on reading. I and no doubts in Angelini's ability to wow and intrigue me and she has succeeded once again in this beautiful rendition of science, witches and the Crucible. The wait for the sequel is a wait too long because i genuinely can not wait to meet Lily and the gang to see where they've been led, because that was one hell of a cliff-hanger at the end and there no way I can sit back and reminisce about the book with an ending like that. I need to know what happens next.
But to conclude Angelini has impressed yet again. Trial by Fire is a sharp, clever beautiful story that will keep you up till the depths of night trying to see what happens next.

TRIAL BY FIRE - FANART

So as you an see from my last review I just read Trial by Fire by Josephine Angelini and the story if so gorgeous and beautiful with such vivd concepts and idea that I knew could be so beautifully represented in a cover that I had to have a go at creating my own here is what I came up with! hope you like it!

You can click on them for a larger view

CREEPOVER: TRUTH OR DARE - REVIEW - P.J. NIGHT

Book: Creepover: Truth or Dare
Author: PJ Night
Publisher: ATOM
ISBN: 9781907411236
Rating: B+


During a round of Truth or Dare, Abby Miller confesses her crush on Jake Chilson. The only people who know her secret are her friends at the sleepover - and whoever sent her a text message in the middle of the night warning her to stay away from Jake...or else! But Abby isn't going to stay away from Jake, especially not after he asks her to the school dance. As the night of the dance comes closer, some very creepy things start happening to Abby. Someone definitely wants to keep her away from Jake. Is it a jealous classmate or, as Abby begins to suspect, could it be a ghost?


I like books like this because I always feel that a slight breath of fresh air when reading so much of the Genre that I do! They are always short, snappy and really light! Not to heavy or deep, and never have too much of a big plot. Simple, quick easy to follow and most definitely a fantastic read.


As for this one I loved it. I whizzed through in two hours and thoroughly enjoyed. It was sort a mystery, vampiry, love sort of book but doesn't go anywhere near the twilight fiasco. I really enjoyed this one so much and felt like it was a fantastic book.


The plot wasn't hard to follow in the slightest, but it always had you gripped to find out what was happening next. It was fast paced and most definitely thrilling. It's a simple plot but most definitely effective! It keeps your head nuzzled to the pages of the book from the moment you start to read.


The Characters were all really well formed and made, build up from solid ground making them easy to understand and easy to connect to. I always love a book when the characters become your friends and this one definitely did it for me!


As well as that the writing was brilliant. Snappy, sharp and even funny at times. A pleasure to read, is and understatement and I happily welcome any others in the series to my TBR list.


the only thing I could say about is that maybe a tad more description because although I like to let my imagination run free it's always nice to have a nice idea o what is meant to be going on, exactly.


Apart from that I can't fault it! It is a quick, quirky, snappy read that I enjoyed to utmost that kept me enthralled and interested. 

THE GODDESS TEST - AIMEE CARTER - REVIEW

Book: The Goddess Test

Author: Aimee Carter

Publisher: Mira Ink

ISBN: 9781848450400

Rating: A+

"It's always been just Kate and her mom--and now her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall. Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld--and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests. Kate is sure he's crazy--until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess. If she fails..."

The Goddess Test was one of these books that I had heard so much about from blogs around the world, but when I went to buy it I found that at the time it was only available in the USA so when I got an email regarding a blog tour for the UK release I was absolutely thrilled. So I read through the book in little less than a day and it didn’t disappoint me! Not once, the fantastic book sucked me to its depths of the pages and when the end came I was and still am desperate for Goddess Interrupted.

Now one of the striking things about this book is the story line. It’s just so brilliant. The only word to use I suppose is Unique... and a load of other complimentary words. It just has such a simple, yet so different story line, and I suppose it what I needed for my Greek fix. The plot follows, Kate Winters who has moved back to Eden in the wake of her mother’s last days, only to find that she can save her by making a deal with a mysterious boy. And then... she is sucked into a magical Greek world. The plot is based on the original myth of Hades and Persephone but it has a unique, modern, and magical twist I suppose that gives it all the sparkle.

The writing was brilliant as well. The first person worked well, and was good because Carter managed to work other people’s feeling into the prose as well. That’s other thing. It had a magical prose. There was no forced reading of the type because one I had started it flowed smoothly through the full way.

The characters were so incredibly formed, and so definitely not what they seemed, as you find out at the end of the book and I have to admit the ending was incredibly surprising and was most definitely my favourite part of the book, filled with shock, suspense and surprise. The character were all described into so much detail that you became friends with them. Even the ones who turn out to be enemies. My favourite character would have to be Henry though, mainly because he was so incredibly awesome but when you studied him in detail he was really nice. He cared about everyone but himself, doing all he could to make others happy unless of course the deserved to go and spend time with all the people they brutally murdered.

Overall though I really did Love the Goddess Test. It’s is a beautifully written book, a tale of love, and an anciently old myth sparkling with a magical twist.

EVERLASTING - ALYSON NOEL - REVIEW

Book: Everlasting

Author: Alyson Noel

Publisher: PanMacmillan

ISBN: 9780330528122

Rating: A+

"With 3.2 million copies of her Immortals series in print, Alyson Noel is one of the hottest paranormal teen authors writing today. EVERLASTING is the sixth and final instalment of the epic love story that has enchanted readers across the world. Ever and Damen have spent centuries facing down bitter rivals, jealous friends and their own worst fears - all in the hope of being together forever. Now in EVERLASTING, their destiny is finally within reach. Will they be united ...or torn apart forever? Readers will finally discover the truth in this anxiously awaited conclusion!"

I cannot express in words how much I loved this book. This is definitely what a last book should be like. I can honestly say this book kept me thrilled and going till the very end, and it had everything I wanted. Love, Magic, Immortals, Reuniting and a very surprising twist, especially at the end. I was so looking forward to this book and it was fantastic. Some people quibbled about the ending but I think it was perfect. Definitely the best book in the series and a brilliant way to finish it.

The Plot literally picks up where Night Star left off, with Ever and Damen, by the Lady in the Mud. But Basically the plot follows Ever as she discovers why she and Damen have the Universe working against them and takes a journey to relieve them of their bad Karma and a journey to the tree of life. She succeeds and brings back the fruit and then...

The plot was so bloody immense; I was gripped from the first page. I felt everyone played a big and fun part in the whole book and everyone was stretched out to their full potential. The story line was complex but not hard to follow. Everything was orderly, one after the other and not all going on at the same time. It was filled with Magic, Mystery and Lurrrv! I have to admit there are many surprises and many normal things that we have been waiting for to happen that do finally happen in the Last Book. Oh, and by the way, if anyone doesn’t like this book they must be insane, because It was amazing!

The Writing in this book was as good as ever. Noel keeps and nice consistent flow with a balance of description, dialogue and thought, though I this book edged slightly towards the Description side of the triangle which worked well as they was a lot to describe. As usual Noel’s writing in beautiful! It kept me interested and following the whole time, and I have to confess I stayed up a lot later than I should have reading this amazing novel.

I felt closeness to Ever in this book but so many other characters were introduced. I mean Damen was Alrik before he was reincarnated as Damen and Ever was Adelina. And Lotus! How could we forget her? I mean she was the one who started this whole thing right? Without her none of this would have happened. I felt she was pretty cool and I like reading about her past. Also Haven makes a Return along with Drina and Roman who all apologize to Ever! I think my favourite characters were Ever and Lotus. Lotus just for her total awesomeness and a cool name and Ever because in this book she really exposes her past and for once doesn’t doubt Damen in any way.

{SPOILER PARAGRAPH}

I was so surprised when both Ever and Damen turned Human! I mean eating the fruit from the tree and becoming Human! I also loved it where Ever Confessed to Sabine everything, because Sabine kept her cool and looked all disbelieving when in her head she was probably screaming : “Oh my God! This is so fricking awesome!” Finally, It was definitely coming, but they finally did it! And then... Happily ever After!

This book is amazing and I love it so much. It thrilled me to the core, and All I can say after that is, Epic, Epic, Amazing, Immense, Intense, Immortal filled book. Oh an also, the cover is totally awesomely cool! Check out some pics below, and click on them for larger view.