The main character of the series is the young Aru Shah, who is disliked by her classmates, but fits in with the other Pandava sisters, like Mini and Brynne, once she meets an enchanted talking pigeon who she nicknames "Boo" after touching a cursed ancient artifact.
A talking pigeon named Subala arrives, telling her that she has awakened the Sleeper, a mythical creature in Hindu mythology who can freeze time.
The "soul sisters", as they are dubbed, are given a quest to stop the Sleeper from awakening the Lord of Destruction, who will bring an end to all of Time.
After retrieving all three keys, the sisters enter the Kingdom of Death, where they face guard dogs, a lonely Illusion Palace, the Bridge of Forgetting, as well as other challenges.
The nāginis claim that Mini is safe in Ushas and Ratri's world and leave behind a Heartgem that belongs to Uloopi, the naga queen.
It is revealed through the soul song that she is in the Ocean of Milk and is planning to use the Heartless to steal Amrita, the nectar of immortality.
While the quartet journey to the Ocean, they are tested by Agni, who's insatiable hunger is finally satisfied by Aru's gift, and they are joined by Hiri, a shapeshifter.
Aru, using Hira's abilities, tricks them into giving her the bow and arrow, before stabbing Lady M, which releases a song of death.
Aru Shah, and her soul sisters, along with friend Aiden, attempt to rescue two twins from a ferris wheel.
One of the twins is a clairvoyant, about to foretell a Great Prophecy relating to the War between devas and asuras but are however delayed from the attempt by a rakshasa.
They visit the garden where it is kept, but Nikita reveals it is a fake, and that the real tree, or a hint to its location, is kept in the Crypt of Eclipses, where there lie secrets, which is inside the House of Months.
Aru is unexpectedly visited by a Nāga prince unknown as Rudy, who insists on joining the quest, and claims he can get them an audience with Vishwakarma.
They visit Vishwakarma, who, after hearing their request, warns them that a key to unlock any lock needs to be alive, and live things demand answers.
While making their escape, Aru notes Kara's desperation for approval, proudness, and intense knowledge of cultures, especially Hindu mythology.
He then reveals to Kara that she is the sixth Pandava, born to a young Krithika Shah, who put her in stasis to reserve her reputation, and because she felt that she wasn't ready for a baby.
Aru is hurt but remembers the boon Agni granted her The series is told through the third-person omniscient past tense.
Film rights to the first novel were sold to Paramount Pictures in 2018 after the book was published, with Karen Rosenfelt set to produce.
[5] A short story by Chokshi about the Pandava characters will be featured in the anthology book, The Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities.
[6] In September 2017, Lurie and Riordan announced that the first novel in the imprint would be Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi and that it would release in March 2018.
[7] Kirkus Reviews stated that "Chokshi spins a fantastical narrative that seamlessly intertwines Hindu cosmology and folklore [...] for an uproarious novel for young readers" and presented an interesting and unique type of culture that often is inaccurately represented.
[11][12] While writing about the second book, Aru Shah and the Song of Death, Kirkus Reviews complemented the complexity and morality of the characters.
About the book, Kirkus Reviews further said, "Chokshi seamlessly weaves Indian cosmology and pop culture into a refreshingly feminist plot laced with witty dialogue.
She has that sarcastic wit and the silly antics that make any reader laugh and smile" and "Chokshi seamlessly blends Hindu mythology into a modern world.
By putting a human face on the legends and myths that have been around for thousands of years, she provides us with a modern-day story that shows kids struggling with the world they live in.
Readers get to understand and deepen their connection with Aru and Mini, are introduced to Aiden and Brynne, and learn to empathize with the villains like Lady M."[15] According to the review website Kirkus Reviews, the third book, Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes was "touching, riotously funny, and absolutely stunning.
"[16] About the book's themes and writing, The Nerd Daily has commented, "Aru struggling with her place in the group and her responsibilities once again as for the first time, she really begins to think about right and wrong and whether she should be fighting for the devas or not," also saying, "Chokshi’s writing is bright and beautiful and crackling with wit, it’s nothing short of magical; she blends Hindu mythology and folklore into a contemporary setting in a way that seems effortless.
"[18] The fourth book in the series, Aru Shah and the City of Gold, also received praise, like its predecessors, with Kirkus Reviews saying "Chokshi’s ability to craft stories of adventure, humorous dialogue, strong South Asian female characters, and Hindu cosmology is pure magic.
With each entry, the series expands into deeper and richer experiences, delving into more complex themes of friendship and family without sacrificing any of the clever banter.
"[19] Bill Gowsell of Laughing Place said "[the author] gives life to these kids and endows them to be wise and understanding to some complex emotional issues that many adults have failed to grasp.
Chokshi offers action packed adventure but gives readers a chance to see inside the mindset of a teenager.