Plot
The book begins where the last book ended; with Aru meeting her supposed biological sister Kara. Aru is shocked by the revelation, as it implies her father, the Sleeper, cheated on her mother, or that her mother kept Kara a secret from her, but both do no appear to be the case. Kara also claims she is a Pandava, but Aru is skeptical, as there are only five known Pandavas. Kara is dubious as well, as the Sleeper wiped the memory of her past from her mind, so she does not know who her parents are, but claims that the Sleeper is not a bad person. Aru does not believe her. Kara claims that she was starting to become uncomfortable, as the Sleeper sometimes called her his "secret weapon". Kara also says that she wants to help Aru escape, although with the condition that she take her with Aru. Aru is extremely disoriented but agrees to let Kara come along. Kara frees Aru and the two escape. While making their escape, Aru notes Kara's desperation for approval, proudness, and intense knowledge of cultures, especially Hindu mythology. A rakshasa tries to stop them from leaving, but they manage to evade it.
They manage to make it back to Earth and reach Brynne, Mini, and Aiden, who reveal that she has been missing for two months. All travel from the Otherworld has been stopped, due to the Sleeper. Nikita and Sheela are therefore separated from them, but are reunited with their parents. Aru's mother is not there, since she has been searching for Aru. They also reveal that Lord Kubera is denying the Pandavas access to the nairratas, elite Hindu warriors, without testing them. Aru also reveals that Boo betrayed them, which they don't believe, and explains the situation of Kara. The three of them doubt Kara, Brynne especially is extremely ferocious to her. They travel to the location of the golden road, which would lead them to Lanka, but subsequently get trapped by vanaras, who want to put them, as human representatives, on trial for the atrocities done against their race by humans. As they are about to execute Aru, who they assume to be the ringleader, they are stopped by Queen Tara, Vali's wife. Queen Tara explains that she cannot help them, as the oceans will reject anything from their shores, but Aru manages to outwit the ocean, using mirrors. In response, Aru is granted a boon by Queen Tara.
They journey to Lanka, where they leave Kara behind, as Lord Kubera will not allow her entry. Lord Kubera reveals that he has been holding Urvashi and Hanuman captive, and the Sleeper has been trying to negotiate with him, to ensure that Lord Kubera will not allow the Pandavas access to the nairratas in the war, and that he will grant them the antima astra, the shard of the world destroying Brahmastra. He also gives them proof that Boo is supposedly with the Sleeper. This makes Brynne even more ferocious, and she begins to become even more unkind to Kara. Lord Liberal states that, while he could grant the Sleeper his wishes, he would give them both the Astra and the nairratas if they pass his tasks. The Pandavas face the trials, and at the second one, Kara is stabbed, but she survives, albeit being comatose for a long time. After completing the third task, they return to Lanka, where the Sleeper's army attacks. Boo dies trying to protect them, but is later reincarnated as a Phoenix-like baby bird. The Nairrata army helps them overpower the Sleeper's army, and, they win. When they get back to Lanka, Kubera gives them full control of the Nairratas, and gives them possession of the antima astra.
While celebrating Aru's birthday, the Sleeper attacks, but Aru's mother intervenes. 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. This hurts Kara, and the Sleeper manages to convince her to join him. She steals the antima Astra from Aru, and uses it to destabilize and destroy all the other Pandavas celestial weapons, before leaving with the Sleeper. Aru is hurt, but remembers the boon Agni granted her.
Reception
Kirkus Reviews , who proffered a starred review, called the said the novel is "beautifully written and a joy to read." [2]
Hypable, an online reviewing site, praised the book's romance, and characters, saying that, "As the fourth book in the Pandava Quintet comes to a close, I already mourn the end of this fantastic series. Sure, we have one book left, and a year to bask in the light from the City of Gold, but I'll never be ready to say farewell to Aru, Brynne, Mini, Aiden, and the others (yes, even Rudy)." [3]
The Laughing Place stated, "Ratcheting up the tension and suspense throughout the book, author Roshani Chokshi has a difficult task with Aru Shah and the City of Gold. She must maintain a high bar set from the publication of her first book in the series, but not give away too much prior to the fifth and final book to come. Chokshi has done a brilliant job in taking each book as not only a chance to help the Pandavas grow in their skills but help them grow emotionally." [4]
Publishers Weekly put Aru Shah and the City of Gold in its list of Noteworthy Picture Book and Novel Sequels: April 2021. [5]
