It’s Aru Shah and the Song of Death release day! We finally made it! To celebrate, we sat down with our hero to check in on all the important questions: creatures, quest materials, Costco, you name it.

Read Riordan: Do you think you’ve changed since discovering you’re a reincarnated Pandava warrior? If so, how?

Aru: Kinda? I got taller? But that probably has nothing to do with being a Pandava. And now I’ve got Mini, who’s the strangest best friend and sister I definitely did not ask for. And Boo, who will probably nip my ear if he catches me “talking to the press.” It’s mostly great. Sometimes I wake up and I’m like “WOOHOO! MAGIC!” and other times it’s like “What am I doing and who am I?” It’s . . . a lot.

Read Riordan: Are you excited by the prospect of meeting more Pandava sisters?

Aru: I WANT TO MEET THAT GIRL WHO TURNED INTO A WOLF! So, yeah. But why was she carrying that weird golden bow? Oh well. I’m sure it doesn’t matter.

Read Riordan: Of all the creatures/beings you’ve encountered on your adventures so far, which/who has been your favorite?

Aru: The Palace of Illusions! Palace makes the best ice cream. I miss it a lot, actually. If you’re listening, Palace, we haven’t forgotten you!

Read Riordan: If you could choose one item from the Warehouse of Quest Materials, what would it be?

Aru: What’s the one item that can fit in all the other items? (*Mini smacks her arm*) WHAT? I’m literally just answering the question. It’s not like there were any conditions!

Read Riordan: Which would win in a fight, Costco or Home Depot?

Aru: Ooh, tough. Costco’s got more stuff, but Home Depot has, like, an aisle of chainsaws. . . . I’d say it’s a tie.