Review: Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor

Title: Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor

Author: Xiran Jay Zhao

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing

Publication date: May 10, 2022

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Summary

Growing up, Zachary Ying never really had the opportunity to learn about his Chinese heritage. Especially since Western schools don’t teach anything but Western history and myths. So, when he discovers that he was born to the be the host of the spirit of the First Emperor of China, he’s unprepared. Very unprepared.

Now, he must take part in a vital mission: seal the portal to the Chinese underworld before Ghost Month blows it completely open. However, the mission immediately starts off on the wrong foot when the Emperor bonds to Zack’s headset instead. Now, Zack has to travel across China collecting magical artifacts and battling figures from Chinese history. Before it’s too late.

Review: Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an advanced copy of this to review! Ever since reading Iron Widow last year, Xiran Jay Zhao has been on my radar. I’m so happy that this lived up to their debut! This book is so much fun, and middle grade readers are going to love it.

There is so much Chinese history and mythology packed into this book. As readers, we get to learn as Zachary learns. Plus, the magic system was interesting, where their power is based on old stories. It was a super cool way to set up this fantasy world! Also, fans of Iron Widow will definitely recognize some of the names from that book as well.

Outside of the world building, the characters were also well developed and you cared about them from the get-go. Especially Zack! He’s such a great narrator, and makes the book incredibly readable. Zhao injects humor into this fast-paced, action packed fantasy. Even in the chapter titles! They nail the overall tone, especially for their middle grade audience.

My only complaint is that at times, the amount of history can be a little overwhelming. It can be a bit difficult to follow at times when a bunch of different stories and myths were being introduced.

Despite that, fans of Percy Jackson will definitely love this when it comes out next week!

4.5/5 stars