Despite the fact that their spiritual sister Aru Shah’s name appears at the top of the series, the rest of the reincarnated Pandavas are just as crucial to saving Otherworld from the fury of Sleeper. And with Aru currently missing, it’s time for Mini and Brynne to step up and take over the mission. Here’s what you need to know about these two. (And don’t you dare call them sidekicks!)
Who Are They?
Mini, full name Yamini Kapoor-Mercado-Lopez, is a half-Indian, half-Filipino American girl and the reincarnation of the legendary Pandava brother Yudhistira. As an aspiring doctor, she’s always prepared for any health emergency the Pandavas may face. Even imagined ones.
Brynne Tvarika Lakshmi Balamuralikrishna Rao is a half-Indian, half-asura girl who is the reincarnation of the Pandava brother Bhima. Of all the current Pandava sisters, she’s by far the most headstrong and the one you definitely don’t want to mess with.
What Can They Do?
During her first adventure with Aru, Mini was gifted with the Danda of Dharma Raja, the Hindu god of death and justice. The danda, AKA Dee Dee, is a four-foot staff that helps Mini cast protective spells such as forcefields and invisibility, but those abilities come with a seriously steep learning curve.
In addition to Brynne’s innate shape-shifting abilities (you can thank her asura blood for that), she also wields the celestial mace of Vayu, the God of Wind. So, she can transform into deadly animals and manipulate powerful wind currents . . . Remind us again why the series is called Aru Shah?
What Have They Been Up To?
Mini and Brynne last teamed up with their spiritual sister Aru and their friend Aiden on a quest to find the Kalpavriksha, a magical wishing tree. Along the way, they met the final two Pandava reincarnations, young twins named Sheela and Nikita. In the end, Mini and Brynne lost Aru after she saved them from certain doom at the hands of the Sleeper’s army. All in all, it was not the most successful outing.
What’s Next for Them?
First: find out where Aru was taken. Second: convince Kubera, the ruler of the City of Gold, to enlist his massive army in the war against the Sleeper. Third: figure out the deal behind that whole “trusted ally has betrayed the team” thing. And fourth: finally invest in matching Pandava superhero uniforms.
All in all, much easier said than done.
Want to see more of Mini and Brynne? Be sure to pick up Aru Shah and the City of Gold, on sale April 6th!
