"Aru Shah and the Nectar of Immortality" by Roshani Chokshi

Aru Shah and the Nectar of Immortality (Apr. 5, 2022) by Roshani Chokshi.

*This is the final book in a pentalogy.*

Note: SPOILERS ahead, but nothing outside of the dust jacket.

Without Vajra, the celestial lightning bolt, Aru Shah feels powerless, and doubts plague her on their (Aru, the other Pandava sisters, Aiden and Rudy) journey to reach the nectar of immortality, exacerbated by her half-sister's betrayal and her feelings toward the villainous Sleeper (a.k.a. Suyodhana). Aru, Mini, Brynne, Aiden and Rudy are given one piece of the Sun Jewel by Agni, the god of fire, when Aru initiates the IO(F)U coin. They have to reunite its other two pieces, which will mean encountering more Otherworld characters, fighting more battles (not all with physical weapons) and risking death. Everyone has a story, as evidenced by those Aru and her friends encounter, but when stories become lost or forgotten, bitterness can make a ferocious adversary. Aru, Mini and Brynne have been told they may earn back their celestial weapons, which they must do, as they won't otherwise be able to access the labyrinth, in which somewhere hides the nectar. The Sun Jewel will lead them there, but the Sleeper and his army have a great head start with Kara leading them, along with Sunny, her trident. The twins, Nikita and Sheela, mostly visit through dreams and their powers have been unaffected, younger as they are, but they are doing what they can and are prepared to join the final battle in full battle regalia (so Nikita will be in a ball gown, of course). Sheela has been trying to reach Kara, and when she does, what Kara learns will flood her with doubts. And anger, sadness and hurt. When they reunite, will it be like the most awkward family reunion ever? How will Aru decide who gets immortality? Why must such weight rest on her shoulders, especially when she feels such powerlessness?

            What a series ender! There are supporting characters with murderous intent who are really only misunderstood, devastated by choices foisted upon them to make them the killers they are and those embittered by their lost stories. Aru mires in such doubt in herself, as do Mini and Brynne at points along the way. No one wants to find oneself at the lowest point, but sometimes that's what it takes to begin reaching for the light. The final book is heartfelt and hilarious with fierceness and sincerity that can occur within paragraphs of each other. The story runs the gamut of emotions, and Chokshi writes in such a way as to make them almost palpable on this adventure that doesn't stop until the story ends. It shines with love and with strength, including the strength of sisterhood (blood relation not required), but shows readers vulnerability in the characters, too. The Hindu mythology and the South Asian representation are wondrous, and Chokshi's wit has kept me rolling through the entire series. Awesome. Superb. Deeply entertaining. Go Potatoes! (And Ammamma.) (And Rudy Rocks.) :-)

            P.S. I would still adopt that Palace of Illusions.

            P.P.S. I want a battle ball gown.

            Pandava Series Book One: Aru Shah and the End of Time

            Pandava Series Book Two: Aru Shah and the Song of Death

            Pandava Series Book Three: Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes

            Pandava Series Book Four: Aru Shah and the City of Gold