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Aarti & the Blue Gods
Aarti has lived on the island with Aunt for as long as she can remember.
Like the weather, Aunt rules her world with rare warmth. Aarti's only comforts are a book of Indian myths full of blue gods, a fox's friendship, and a toy rabbit she finds in a locked room.
Then, she learns Aunt has been feeding her lies. Fate intervenes when a half-drowned boy washes up on the beach. With his help, Aarti hopes to remember who she really is ... and perhaps find a way home.
Like the weather, Aunt rules her world with rare warmth. Aarti's only comforts are a book of Indian myths full of blue gods, a fox's friendship, and a toy rabbit she finds in a locked room.
Then, she learns Aunt has been feeding her lies. Fate intervenes when a half-drowned boy washes up on the beach. With his help, Aarti hopes to remember who she really is ... and perhaps find a way home.
243 pages, Paperback
First published September 2, 2021
5 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
About the author
Jasbinder Bilan
16 books40 followersAccording to family stories, Jasbinder was born in a stable in the foothills of the Himalayas. Until she was a year and a half, she lived on a farm inhabited by a grumpy camel and a monkey called Oma.
Jasbinder graduated from Bath Spa University where the seeds of her story were nurtured, but it was the incredible bond with her grandmother which was the inspiration for Asha & the Spirit Bird.
She lives with her husband, two teenage boys and dog Enzo in a man pad and splits her time between teaching and writing.
Jasbinder graduated from Bath Spa University where the seeds of her story were nurtured, but it was the incredible bond with her grandmother which was the inspiration for Asha & the Spirit Bird.
She lives with her husband, two teenage boys and dog Enzo in a man pad and splits her time between teaching and writing.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 5, 2021
You can read my full review here.
Tamarind & the star was one of my favourite middle grade reads of 2020. I’ve been eagerly awaiting Jasbinder Bilan’s next book ever since finishing, so picked up Aarti & the Blue Gods, as soon as I had chance. Although the two books are completely different in almost every way, Aarti easily finds herself holding up to Tamarind, both extremely tenacious girls, determined in their own ways. The setting was just beautiful, wild, filled with wonder and utterly ruthless. The way Aarti had connected with the nature all around her, was easily my favourite part of the book.
Aarti herself was exactly the kind of character I want my son reading about. A young girl who was resourceful, intelligent, brave and with an incredibly kind heart, despite her lot in life. Her search for the truth was relatable, anyone would want to know how they had ended up living away from civilisation with only their bipolar ‘aunt’ for company. Aunt herself is probably the most intriguing character when reading as an adult, I had so many questions about her. I loved that there were a few moments where the subtext of her background could be picked up for older readers, without distracted younger readers with details that they possibly might not understand.
The end was just beautiful, no spoilers here, but I’m not ashamed to say it certainly brought a little tear to my eye. Jasbinder has such a lovely writing style, and has created yet another story full of wonder. The book and its characters will undeniably stay with me for a good long while. Now all that’s left for me to do is track down some ‘tablet’!!
Tamarind & the star was one of my favourite middle grade reads of 2020. I’ve been eagerly awaiting Jasbinder Bilan’s next book ever since finishing, so picked up Aarti & the Blue Gods, as soon as I had chance. Although the two books are completely different in almost every way, Aarti easily finds herself holding up to Tamarind, both extremely tenacious girls, determined in their own ways. The setting was just beautiful, wild, filled with wonder and utterly ruthless. The way Aarti had connected with the nature all around her, was easily my favourite part of the book.
Aarti herself was exactly the kind of character I want my son reading about. A young girl who was resourceful, intelligent, brave and with an incredibly kind heart, despite her lot in life. Her search for the truth was relatable, anyone would want to know how they had ended up living away from civilisation with only their bipolar ‘aunt’ for company. Aunt herself is probably the most intriguing character when reading as an adult, I had so many questions about her. I loved that there were a few moments where the subtext of her background could be picked up for older readers, without distracted younger readers with details that they possibly might not understand.
The end was just beautiful, no spoilers here, but I’m not ashamed to say it certainly brought a little tear to my eye. Jasbinder has such a lovely writing style, and has created yet another story full of wonder. The book and its characters will undeniably stay with me for a good long while. Now all that’s left for me to do is track down some ‘tablet’!!
November 13, 2021
Maybe it includes spoilers.
I really cannot understand why someone would write a story like this.
The images described are full of nature, piece, religious feelings which comes in contrast to the essence of the story which is a story of abduction and of cruelty towards a child. Instead of being a thriller, it tries to be a sweet and positive story but it can't be one because it contradicts the main event that triggers the book itself!
And in the end the girl is saved by the power of the island and by someone else, don't want to say more because it would be a spoiler! So, not really believable.
The story is contradicting itself right from the beginning until the end.
I really cannot understand why someone would write a story like this.
The images described are full of nature, piece, religious feelings which comes in contrast to the essence of the story which is a story of abduction and of cruelty towards a child. Instead of being a thriller, it tries to be a sweet and positive story but it can't be one because it contradicts the main event that triggers the book itself!
And in the end the girl is saved by the power of the island and by someone else, don't want to say more because it would be a spoiler! So, not really believable.
The story is contradicting itself right from the beginning until the end.
October 31, 2021
The prose was lovely, the plot was...patchy. Too many abrupt events, many of them extremely traumatic but barely engaged with, even for this age range. Felt like an early draft, almost.
July 9, 2025
A beautiful story about a little girl living life on an island navigating growing. Lots of twists that pull at the heartstrings and make you want ro read more
January 14, 2023
Very emotional read filled with trauma. However, the sadness is subdued by the beauty of the island and the hope in Aarti, the main character. This book is a mix of myth, folklore, fantasy and grief. It reminds you to trust your intuition and listen to your guides. Bad things happen in life but if you are brave and have faith, the universe can protect you in magical ways.
January 5, 2023
Great book. Wonderfully imaginative, poignant, and adventurous. If this is Young Adult fiction then treat yourself and get in touch with your inner child.
October 4, 2022
This book won’t be suitable to anyone who’s been abused in childhood as there are lot of triggers.
I mean, surely author could have maintained the story line without going into abuse in such detail..?
I know, some people like the thrill of reading about horrible things but I did not expect to find that in a book for kids?
I mean, surely author could have maintained the story line without going into abuse in such detail..?
I know, some people like the thrill of reading about horrible things but I did not expect to find that in a book for kids?
September 17, 2021
“An Indian princess living in the Scottish wilds”
“Aunt knew everything and Aarti only knew the island”
As far back as she can remember, Aarti has always lived on the remote island off the coast of Scotland with Aunt. But recently a fox has appeared, who she names Chand. When Aunt gets cross, Chand and Aarti walk all over the island as an escape.
There’s a room in the house that’s locked, and Aarti is curious to find out what Aunt is hiding, and she grabs the opportunity to find out when the moment arises. She finds a tatty toy rabbit, and distant memories begin to surface. But then life on the island changes for ever.
A tale of isolation, memories, a toy rabbit, and an unexpected twist. Once again Jasbinder Bilan has written a wonderful story, so full of vivid descriptions, you can smell the wood smoke. A special mention to for the illustrator Margaux Carpentier for an amazing cover, with flaps, and there’s map too.
“Aunt knew everything and Aarti only knew the island”
As far back as she can remember, Aarti has always lived on the remote island off the coast of Scotland with Aunt. But recently a fox has appeared, who she names Chand. When Aunt gets cross, Chand and Aarti walk all over the island as an escape.
There’s a room in the house that’s locked, and Aarti is curious to find out what Aunt is hiding, and she grabs the opportunity to find out when the moment arises. She finds a tatty toy rabbit, and distant memories begin to surface. But then life on the island changes for ever.
A tale of isolation, memories, a toy rabbit, and an unexpected twist. Once again Jasbinder Bilan has written a wonderful story, so full of vivid descriptions, you can smell the wood smoke. A special mention to for the illustrator Margaux Carpentier for an amazing cover, with flaps, and there’s map too.
October 20, 2024
“An Indian princess living in the Scottish wilds”
“Aunt knew everything and Aarti only knew the island”
As far back as she can remember, Aarti has always lived on the remote island off the coast of Scotland with Aunt. But recently a fox has appeared, who she names Chand. When Aunt gets cross, Chand and Aarti walk all over the island as an escape.
There’s a room in the house that’s locked, and Aarti is curious to find out what Aunt is hiding, and she grabs the opportunity to find out when the moment arises. She finds a tatty toy rabbit, and distant memories begin to surface. But then life on the island changes for ever.
A tale of isolation, memories, a toy rabbit, and an unexpected twist. Once again Jasbinder Bilan has written a wonderful story, so full of vivid descriptions, you can smell the wood smoke. A special mention to for the illustrator Margaux Carpentier for an amazing cover, with flaps, and there’s map too.
“Aunt knew everything and Aarti only knew the island”
As far back as she can remember, Aarti has always lived on the remote island off the coast of Scotland with Aunt. But recently a fox has appeared, who she names Chand. When Aunt gets cross, Chand and Aarti walk all over the island as an escape.
There’s a room in the house that’s locked, and Aarti is curious to find out what Aunt is hiding, and she grabs the opportunity to find out when the moment arises. She finds a tatty toy rabbit, and distant memories begin to surface. But then life on the island changes for ever.
A tale of isolation, memories, a toy rabbit, and an unexpected twist. Once again Jasbinder Bilan has written a wonderful story, so full of vivid descriptions, you can smell the wood smoke. A special mention to for the illustrator Margaux Carpentier for an amazing cover, with flaps, and there’s map too.
September 15, 2021
Yes! This is exactly the kind of book I needed in my life and I’m not ashamed to love it as much as I do! An incredibly uplifting story of magic and myth, with the theme of finding where you belong and finding the confidence within yourself.
Aarti and the Blue Gods is full of heart, and the author weaves such stunning magic and an intriguing and addictive story together with ease. The characters in this book are just delightful, and little Aarti has secured her own special place in my heart. Her journey will be one I’ll remember for a long time! From the way this book touches on different cultures to the beautiful descriptive language, there really is a little something for everyone to enjoy. A beautiful story of self discovery and friendship, which teaches confidence building and overcoming your fears. An amazing reading experience for all ages!
Aarti and the Blue Gods is full of heart, and the author weaves such stunning magic and an intriguing and addictive story together with ease. The characters in this book are just delightful, and little Aarti has secured her own special place in my heart. Her journey will be one I’ll remember for a long time! From the way this book touches on different cultures to the beautiful descriptive language, there really is a little something for everyone to enjoy. A beautiful story of self discovery and friendship, which teaches confidence building and overcoming your fears. An amazing reading experience for all ages!
November 5, 2021
A jewel in the ocean, and on the bookshelf
I came to this with high expectations, after reading Jas Bilan’s previous work. I wasn’t disappointed.
It’s a magical book, and I don’t mean simply because it has magic in it (though it does), but the atmosphere that is created, especially the island, but also the slow reveal of Aartis’ past, and her growing friendship with Euan.
Mythologies, setting and relationships weave together into something unique and mesmerizing.
A jewel indeed. Just wonderful.
I came to this with high expectations, after reading Jas Bilan’s previous work. I wasn’t disappointed.
It’s a magical book, and I don’t mean simply because it has magic in it (though it does), but the atmosphere that is created, especially the island, but also the slow reveal of Aartis’ past, and her growing friendship with Euan.
Mythologies, setting and relationships weave together into something unique and mesmerizing.
A jewel indeed. Just wonderful.
January 15, 2022
3.5 Some really lovely aspects of this children's book but I confess I'm not a great fan of mythology and magic realism of which there is plenty. Bilan does a fantastic job with character and setting but felt at times things became a bit repetitious. Lovely book though - especially loved the parts with Chand the fox.
February 3, 2022
An Indian princess in the Scottish Wilds is how the story begins but soon you learn there is more to it.
There is mystery, magic realism and a quest for truth as Aarti sets on a journey that could transform her life.
http://onerightword.blogspot.com/2022...
There is mystery, magic realism and a quest for truth as Aarti sets on a journey that could transform her life.
http://onerightword.blogspot.com/2022...
January 9, 2025
Got this for a friend's child who loves to be in touch with nature. From the cover it looked like an interesting and cute fairytale.
Glad I proofread it. This is dark! Should children be reading about trauma and abuse?
I am done getting books for children. This was a waste of my time. I'll get them puzzles or something instead.
Glad I proofread it. This is dark! Should children be reading about trauma and abuse?
I am done getting books for children. This was a waste of my time. I'll get them puzzles or something instead.
December 5, 2025
Lovely writing and an intriguing set
-up. The descriptions of the remote Scottish island are visceral and compelling, although some of them become repetitive (emerald sea, milky sky, fulmars). I love the breadth of the vocabulary. Aarti is a lovely character, and I enjoyed the way that foxes are woven into the narrative.
-up. The descriptions of the remote Scottish island are visceral and compelling, although some of them become repetitive (emerald sea, milky sky, fulmars). I love the breadth of the vocabulary. Aarti is a lovely character, and I enjoyed the way that foxes are woven into the narrative.
October 10, 2021
A beautiful story! I love books written by Jasbinder Bilan, her stories are rich in detail, offering the perfect escape into the wonderful universe of reading.
October 17, 2023
It’s an alright story - a little slow in places and some questions which are more annoying than thought provoking. This is for a younger audience which might be why I didn’t get on with it as much!
April 8, 2024
A simple story that talks about a young girl's life on a lonely island and her rescue friend
May 10, 2024
I like the fox called Chand.
December 15, 2021
I think Jasbinder Bilan blends fabulism/speculative elements with contemporary plots so well in all her books, but this is definitely my favourite so far. It’s the story of Aarti, who has lived all her life on an island with Aunt, who is emotionally abusive and makes her life lonely and often difficult, other than her time with beloved pet fox Chand or reading books about Hindu gods. Then, Aarti discovers a locked room full of secrets that imply neither Aunt nor Aarti are who she claims, and when an almost-drowned boy washes in with the tide, Aarti sets out with him to try and find her way home. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but I loved that this was a bit darker than most middle grades, and the sense of horror that crept over me as I realised what was going on was horrible, but made for a gripping reading experience. I loved Aarti so desperately and Aunt made me absolutely livid, but she reminded me very much of Mother Gothel from Tangled as she’s so manipulative and sly with her gaslighting and other forms of abuse. Chand the fox was wonderful, and I found Euan absolutely fascinating as a character. That said, the fabulism and magical element of the story ensures it never becomes too bleak, and I loved learning more about links between Scottish and Indian history, as well as the wild, slightly frightening but ultimately beautiful island setting. Jasbinder always asks readers in the acknowledgements “where shall we go next?”, and once again, my answer is anywhere she chooses to write about, because her settings are nothing short of spectacular and I love her writing in general.
October 11, 2023
Aarti & The Blue Gods by Jasbinder Bilan is a wonderfully evocative tale of isolation, loneliness, memories and a toy rabbit. It is full of heart, and the author weaves such stunning magic and an intriguing and addictive story together with ease.
Aarti has spent her life on a remote Scottish island with her volatile and controlling Aunt. She knows nothing of her parents and why she's even there. The only comfort she gets is from a mysterious fox and her particular book about Indian myths. In a twist of fate, Aarti is left to discover the truth about herself and the island. So when a boy washes up on the shore, Aarti has helped to remember her past and find a way to get home.
I love Ms Bilan's children's books. From 'Asha and the Spirit Bird' to 'Tamarind and the Star of Ishta' to this, her third book, she writes a kind of mesmerising 'mythical realism'. Each book brings a lot of Indian and culture that chimes to the imagination of the reader. This book is another shimmering beauty - a moving, evocative tale of spirit, belonging, and the profound connections between seemingly different cultures.
January 1, 2024
It was a great book with a good storyline but at points was unentertaining/not enjoyable. Overall it was an ok book
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews