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Aru Shah and the Song of Death
Goodreads ratings
4.32 / 5

"Aru Shah and the Song of Death" Summary

Roshani ChokshiRoshani Chokshi

Aru Shah must embark on a perilous journey to retrieve a legendary weapon and save the world from an ancient evil.

fantasy | 304 pages | Published in 2019

fantasymiddle grademythologyfictionyoung adultaudiobookadventurechildrensmagicurban fantasy
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Estimated read time: 5 min read

One Sentence Summary

Aru Shah must embark on a perilous journey to retrieve a legendary weapon and save the world from an ancient evil.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Brief Synopsis
  3. Main Characters
  4. Summary of Different Story Points over Chapters
  5. Main Events
  6. Themes and Insights
  7. Reader's Takeaway
  8. Conclusion

Introduction

"Aru Shah and the Song of Death" is a captivating young adult fantasy novel written by Roshani Chokshi. It is the second book in the Pandava Quartet series, following the adventures of Aru Shah, a twelve-year-old girl who discovers she is the reincarnation of one of the Pandavas, heroes from Hindu mythology. This thrilling sequel continues Aru's journey as she battles against an ancient evil threatening the world.

Brief Synopsis

The story takes place in contemporary Atlanta, where Aru Shah lives with her mother at the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture. Aru is a demigod, who, along with her friends Mini and Brynne, is a member of the "Sleeper Squad," tasked with protecting the world from the awakening of the Sleeper, an ancient demon.

Main Characters

Character NameDescription
Aru ShahThe twelve-year-old protagonist and a reincarnation of one of the Pandavas. She possesses the power to manipulate illusions.
MiniAru's loyal friend and a reincarnated soul of a powerful sage. She has the ability to control fire.
Brynne RaoAnother member of the Sleeper Squad and a reincarnated soul. She has the ability to communicate with animals.
BooA pigeon who is the sidekick and companion of Aru Shah.

Summary of Different Story Points over Chapters

Chapter 1: The Graveyard of Gods

Aru, Mini, and Brynne are sent to the Graveyard of Gods by the Sleeper Squad to retrieve an important artifact. They encounter a mysterious talking spider named Aiden who assists them in their quest.

Chapter 2: The Quest for the Kalpavriksha

Aru and her friends embark on a quest to find the Kalpavriksha, a wish-granting tree. Along the way, they face numerous challenges and encounter mythical creatures and gods.

Chapter 3: The Dance of the Dead

The trio enters the underworld, where they must participate in the Dance of the Dead to retrieve a crucial clue. The dance is a test of their courage and determination.

Chapter 4: The Battle of the Serpents

Aru and her friends find themselves facing a group of powerful serpent warriors. They must use their wits and abilities to outsmart and defeat the serpents.

Chapter 5: The Song of Death

The climax of the story unfolds as Aru and her friends confront the Sleeper, who plans to use the Song of Death to unleash chaos and destruction. They must find a way to stop the Sleeper and save the world.

Main Events

  1. Aru, Mini, and Brynne's journey to the Graveyard of Gods.
  2. The quest for the Kalpavriksha and encounters with mythical creatures.
  3. The Dance of the Dead in the underworld.
  4. The battle against the powerful serpent warriors.
  5. The final showdown with the Sleeper and the Song of Death.

Themes and Insights

The Power of Friendship

Throughout the story, the bond between Aru, Mini, and Brynne is tested and strengthened. They rely on each other's strengths and support one another during their dangerous quest. The book highlights the importance of trust, loyalty, and friendship in overcoming challenges.

Identity and Self-Acceptance

Aru struggles with her identity as a demigod and the pressure of living up to her heroic lineage. She learns to embrace her unique abilities and realize that her worth is not defined solely by her heritage but by her actions and choices.

Courage and Sacrifice

The characters demonstrate bravery and selflessness as they face perilous situations. They must make difficult choices and sacrifice their personal desires for the greater good. The novel explores the theme of heroism and the willingness to confront adversity head-on.

Reader's Takeaway

"Aru Shah and the Song of Death" is an exciting and enchanting adventure that immerses readers in Hindu mythology. It offers a fresh perspective on familiar characters and themes, weaving together action, humor, and heartfelt moments. This book is not only an enjoyable read but also promotes empathy, self-discovery, and the importance of standing up for what is right.

Conclusion

Roshani Chokshi's "Aru Shah and the Song of Death" is a must-read for fans of fantasy and mythology. The engaging plot, dynamic characters, and rich world-building make for an enthralling reading experience. As Aru Shah continues her journey to save the world, readers will be captivated by the themes of friendship, identity, and courage. This book is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of ancient legends.

Aru Shah and the Song of Death FAQ

  1. What is 'Aru Shah and the Song of Death' about?

    Aru Shah and the Song of Death is the second book in the Pandava Quartet series by Roshani Chokshi. It follows the adventures of Aru Shah, who must journey to the Kingdom of Death to save her mother and stop the Demon King's army from destroying the world.

  2. Do I need to read the first book in the series before reading this one?

    While it's not absolutely necessary, it is highly recommended to read the first book, 'Aru Shah and the End of Time,' before diving into 'Aru Shah and the Song of Death.' The events and characters from the first book are referenced and continue to develop in the second book.

  3. Who are the main characters in 'Aru Shah and the Song of Death'?

    The main characters in 'Aru Shah and the Song of Death' are Aru Shah, Mini, Brynne, Aiden, and the Sleeper. They are part of the Pandava siblings and together they embark on a dangerous quest to save the world.

  4. Is 'Aru Shah and the Song of Death' appropriate for young readers?

    Yes, 'Aru Shah and the Song of Death' is a middle-grade fantasy novel that is suitable for young readers. It explores themes of friendship, bravery, and self-discovery, making it an engaging and age-appropriate read.

  5. What genre does 'Aru Shah and the Song of Death' fall into?

    'Aru Shah and the Song of Death' falls into the fantasy genre. It combines elements of Indian mythology, adventure, and magic to create an exciting and imaginative world for readers to explore.

  6. Is 'Aru Shah and the Song of Death' a standalone book or part of a series?

    'Aru Shah and the Song of Death' is the second book in the Pandava Quartet series. It is recommended to read the books in order to fully appreciate the ongoing story and character development.

  7. Where can I purchase 'Aru Shah and the Song of Death'?

    You can purchase 'Aru Shah and the Song of Death' from various online retailers, such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Book Depository. It is also available in many local bookstores.

  8. What age range is 'Aru Shah and the Song of Death' suitable for?

    'Aru Shah and the Song of Death' is recommended for readers aged 8 to 12 years old. However, it can also be enjoyed by older readers who appreciate middle-grade fantasy novels.

  9. Are there any other books by Roshani Chokshi related to 'Aru Shah and the Song of Death'?

    Yes, Roshani Chokshi has written other books related to 'Aru Shah and the Song of Death.' She has also written 'Aru Shah and the End of Time' (the first book in the series) and 'Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes' (the third book in the series).

  10. Is there a movie adaptation of 'Aru Shah and the Song of Death'?

    As of now, there is no official movie adaptation of 'Aru Shah and the Song of Death.' However, there have been talks about potential adaptations in the future. Keep an eye out for any updates!