Xiran Jay Zhao's Zachary Ying and the dragon emperor is definitely one of my favourite middle grade fantasy in 2022!
Zachary is a brilliant main character, who finds himself thrust in a world made of mythology, real emperors, magical powers and technology in a dangerous journey to save her mother's soul before it's too late. A bit Percy Jackson, a bit Warcross, this story is intriguing and captivating, filled with Chinese mythology, emperors talking through teenagers and technology and a fight brought from past to present in a perilous adventure against time.
Captivating, hilarious and filled with so much knowledge about Chinese history and its myths, this book deals with racism and bullying, the difficulties of being Chinese American, discriminations and violence, and the author doesn't shy from condemning powers and injustices.
Brilliant.

Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor is an action packed adventure featuring Chinese mythology and video games!

I really enjoyed the adventures of Zachary, and his journey was so fun to watch. The chapter titles were hilarious, and that humor was present throughout the book! The pacing was a bit slow in the middle, but overall this was an entertaining read.

This is a great middle grade adventure story, and you get excited for the next book!

This book was so interesting and fun to cover in my blog series for Her Campus. I truly appreciated the Chinese cultural mythology that Zhao continues to write about in their works. Even if you haven't read the "Iron Widow" series, Zhao has a way of writing that makes them who they are today.

After reading Iron Widow, I was curious about this middle-grade work, especially to see if it was still entertaining from an adult's perspective. I was pleasantly surprised by how relatable the main character was and by all of the fun modern video game/ pop culture references. I also really enjoyed learning about different historical Chinese figures and see the twists on their personalities and tales. Overall, this was quite a fun book that I think people of all ages can enjoy, it is fun and silly in the best ways.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

3.5 Stars

Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor is about Zachary Ying who discovers he was born to host the spirit of the first emperor of China to accomplish the mission of sealing the leaking portal to the Chinese underworld before the upcoming ghost month blows it wide open. When I saw that Xiran Jay Zhao was releasing their Middle-Grade debut, I just knew I had to pick it up after thoroughly enjoying their debut, Iron Widow.

As you all know, I don’t typically read Middle Grade books but once I heard the premise behind Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor, I knew I just had to pick it up. Let me say that this story was an absolute joy to read and I can’t recommend it enough! If you don’t typically read Middle Grade, I would totally recommend you pick it up!

Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor is the kind of book I wish I had when I was younger. This middle-grade debut from Xiran Jay Zhao is a thrilling action-packed adventure that explores finding your identity and will capture your attention from page one.

“You have your own background, own heritage, own story. You cannot earn true respect by pretending to be someone else.”

Our story follows Zach, a twelve-year-old boy who is the only Chinese student at his school and struggles to make friends who appreciate him. Unlike in Iron Widow, Zach is not comfortable in his own skin and often is very self conscious of how people view him. This was a great choice on Xiran’s part because his character comes off as very relatable as middle school is a time where people are finding themselves while tackling the new challenges middle school brings to the table.

Xiran creates a world unlike anything I’ve ever read before. The combination of gaming, a heist for magical artifacts, the history of China, and its historical figures is brilliant and something unexpected that readers will surely fall in love with. While I did enjoy worldbuilding, it had a similar issue that is also present in Iron Widow. Throughout the story, we get several history bits about China and its various historical figures. While I did enjoy learning about China’s history, much of what I didn’t know before, gave off major info dump vibes. This put a huge damper on the plot, slowing it down tremendously. I struggled to grasp the mechanics of the more magical elements and oftentimes was confused about what is ultimately going on.

There were certain elements added that didn’t bring anything important in terms of the plot and overall story structure. I wasn’t sure what elements were fundamental and what I should be paying close attention to. There were lots of characters introduced in this story and this was a major detriment to the story because I would spend so much time remembering who they were and then they never showed up again. By focusing on a few characters, we could have dug deeper into their stories which would make it overall less confusing.

“This is about your personal connection to me, not about you being Chinese enough. Which is not something that can be measured.

You claim Chinese heritage. That makes you Chinese. Knowledge of me is just one small part of Chinese culture, which is vast and different across the world, wherever Chinese people are.”

The utilization of humor in this story was quite well done and there were many times where I was laughing out loud. Each of the chapters has sarcastic titles foreshadowing what the chapter will bring to the story. Even though this was a minimal detail, you can tell how much time and effort Xiran put into this story so that readers will be able to enjoy it. The interaction between historical figures and new technologies creates fun scenes that are sure to make you laugh out loud. This sense of humor that Xiran brings to the table is what makes their stories so entertaining and creates a unique writing identity that you want to find anywhere else.

While this story has fun and entertaining moments, Xiran is able to intertwine heavy themes that resonate with the reader. This story does a brilliant job with criticizing the oppressive policies of China’s government and tackles the prejudices that many Chinese people face on a daily basis. This story explores the diaspora that Zach struggles with feeling disconnected from his Chinese Heritage since he grew up in the United States. This story puts on display how Zach knows much about western culture but he feels that he isn’t Chinese enough because he doesn’t know much about China’s history. This story does an absolutely stunning job of revealing to the reader that as Zach goes on this journey he is able to connect with his Chinese heritage and find his identity.

Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor is a thrilling fast paced adventure that is filled to the brim with Chinese history and mythology that is sure to have you invested from page one!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing for this eARC!

I stopped at 10% but I can tell if it continues as it has that our readers in middle grade will really enjoy this. It is definitely attention catching, and I am certain many will relate to the way that our main characters feel.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for the ARC.

ARC from Netgalley and Simon Schuster. All opinions are story my own. Thank you

Yugioh meets Chinese historical Emporers perfect for all young kids, but especially children who struggle with multicultural identities.

I love the representation that Xiran Jay Zhao has weaved within their middle grade debut. After reading Iron Widow in April I knew I needed more of Zhao's amazing storytelling and I was extremely excited to see that they had a new series coming out in May.

I love the fun Chinese Legends we are given throughout the book. The adventure Zach, and his companions go on is fun, but what I love most of all is Zach's growth as he tries to understand the Chinese culture that he had tried to ignore for so long in order to fit in at school.

I won't go into detail to avoid spoilers, but I really loved the climax of the story and what it meant to Zach to make such a big choice. The world isn't just black and white, but also grey and I feel the dilemma Zach found himself in at this point was pivotal in his growth as a character.

As for a book for younger readers I can see so many young kids enjoying the fun adventure and the historical legends are perfect for future historians.

I wish this book had existed when I was a kid! Creative world-building & use of tech, legit lol-worthy dialogue, and all sorts of gems for baby history nerds ❤️ don’t get me wrong I loved me some Johnny Tremain LOL but my shelves didn’t have nearly enough world history/historical fiction. Zhao is doing something really unique and fun (in MG and also in YA) and I can’t wait to see what they write next! Thanks to NetGalley for the arc.

I was really excited to read this book because I loved Xiran's other book Iron widow and I was excited to fall in love with another series similar to Percy Jackson. Not going to lie, this was a slow start for me. I do think part of it was me being in a reading mood but overall I just wasn't fully interested. I didn't get hooked until the 5th chapter.

I really enjoyed the banter between the characters. I thought was very funny at times and found myself chuckling a lot. Even though I felt there wasn't much time with each character. The pace of the book was very fast so there was no time to really think about what was going on. For example, I'm really not the biggest fan of Melissa. I'm sure this will probably change in the next book but there was no character development to really make me like her. Zach and her didn't share any moments. I don't mean romantically of course, but I wanted them to become friends. I felt the same way about Simon for the first half of the book as well. I really liked the many times he took the time to help Zach learn about his heritage and the many legends that helped shaped their journey. Again, I do get the sense of urgency the author was trying to create. By having a short timeline, it makes the fast pacing makes sense, but at the same time it sacrificed a lot of character development.

I have to say if you have any interest in Chinese culture or mythology you will absolutely love this book. The author does an amazing job adding important descriptions or bits of information without slowing down the story or making it boring. I feel like the gaming aspect makes it perfect. While the book didn't feel like playing a game it did have so many aspects that I didn't have any trouble understanding what was happening. If you're not interested in Chinese culture or mythology, this probably isn't the book for you, however, if you do give it a shot the introductions of these myths are simplistic and easy to understand.

Overall, this wasn't a bad first book. It had some great twists that I wasn't expecting at all. The lack of character development was my main issue with this book. I'm hoping there will be more in the next one. I'm very curious about how this story will go, especially since it seems like the plot could be wrapped up in the next book. I am hoping it would be a longer series as I think the premise is super fascinating. Honestly, if this book piques your interest in any capacity, then you should definitely give it a chance.

What can I say about this book that has not already been said? After reading Iron Widow, I knew Zhao was a fantastic writer, and they blew me away with this one as well. I am very excited to see what else they publish in the future!

What a fantastic start to a new thrill-seeking fantasy series by Zhao! Readers follow Zachary Ying on a grand quest through China in order to save his mom and humanity from the spiritual underworld. Throughout his quest, Zachary also goes through a deep journey of self-discovery. Learning more about his own heritage, Chinese history, and the person he wants causes him to reflect and be conflicted about everything he’s ever known. He’s always felt disconnected from who is he because of only being immersed in Western history and this journey allows him to reconnect with the other side of him. It was nice to see how he grows throughout the novel and with the friends and foes he makes along the way.

This novel was a highly immersive reading experience from beginning to end. Zhao’s great attention to detail throughout the novel throws the readers headfirst into the beautiful sights of China, the action-packed battles, and spiritual beings from great legends. While full of exciting fantasy and magical elements, I also appreciated how it also focuses on multiple aspects of history. I not only thoroughly enjoyed all of the fantasy parts but learning about history through a unique lens (literally and figuratively). I thought the concept of how video gaming and VR were used in the novel’s concepts and how readers get introduced to these historical figures and legends through Zachary’s goggles. It made the reading experience more fun and interactive!

The novel is fast-paced with quieter moments placed here and there, but it was such a page-turner. I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next! I thought the character development was strong and the novel has a good blend of action and exposition. The ending gives you just a slight sneak peek of adventures to come in the next installment. I can’t wait to see where Zachary’s adventures will take him in the next novel.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review .

A Yu-Gi-Oh! meets Percy Jackson middle grade book by THE Xiran Jay Zhao?!? I was immediately intrigued and knew that this was something I’d HAVE to read!

We meet our protagonist, Zachary Ying, at the start of what should be a regular day at school. He’s a twelve year old Chinese- American Muslim kid who’s trying really hard to fit in at this mostly white student/teacher school. On top of regular pre-teen struggles he also sorta has a crush on a guy in school.

He’s doing the best he can, even pushing the parts of himself that he likes aside, all to fit in, when his world gets blown apart by demons, monsters and the First Emperor of China trying to hijack his body through a very expensive pair of AR glasses!

My favorite things about the book:

-I really felt that Zhao really delivered on the exciting premise wrapped up with what one must now consider her signature twists!

-Zack is an angel, and I adore him. And I want to give him the biggest hug 😭

-it was super fast paced! Zack gets tossed into the deep end and flounders around just as much as we do in the entirely new world!

-the rep! The way Zack’s culture, sexuality and religion was folded into this story was beautiful to see!

-all the little historical details, and important personages that we get to see and that Zhao amplified the struggles of being a prosecuted ethnic minority in China.

-the portrayal of the diaspora

-Zhao’s author voice is one that’s very humorous and frank, I quite enjoy it!

-Simon’s obsession with history!

All in all this was a thrilling MG debut and after that ending I’m very excited to see what happens next!!!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing, Margaret K. McElderry Books, and Xiran Jay Zhao (Iron Widow) for the opportunity to read Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor in exchange for an honest review.

The line from the author's website page on this book claims "Zachary Ying is a middle grade series in the vein of Yu-Gi-Oh! meets Percy Jackson," which was not in the original description when I requested this book. When I saw other people writing that it was similar to Yu-Gi-Oh!, which hadn't crossed my mind, I paused, nodded, and thought, "Yeah, it does have a Battle City vibe to it."  This is the perfect way to describe this book.

Zachary Ying loves the latest AR (augmented reality) game that features people and mythical beasts from Chinese history and lore. He uses his AR glasses to see the characters in front of him (kind of like the holograms of Yu-Gi-Oh! monsters). When he meets Simon, another Chinese kid at his school, he learns there is more to the game than meets the eye. The Chinese emperors live on through the stories and the beliefs of people, and they tend to possess their younger descendants, Simon being the hose of Tang Taizong. When Emperor Qin Shi Min attempts to possess Zachary as his host descendant, his attempt runs awry, and he possesses Zachary's AR device on accident instead!

When Zachary's mom's life is at stake, he follows two other emperor hosts, that of Tang Taizong (Simon) and Wu Zetian (Melissa) on a quest to seal the portal to the underworld before a bunch of spirits pool over into Earth. Along the way, Zachary learns about his Chinese heritage and history on top of battling ancient beasts and legendary people from ancient China.

In this excellently-crafted novel for a younger audience, many more mature topics are explored. Culture and history are a key factor to the development of this novel. The characters are based on Chinese history, and a side of Chinese culture not often thought of/seen is brought forth with the Muslim religion and the politics that go with it. Zachary has a number of conflicts he must face, but one in particular, having the power to control other people's actions, is an ultimate test of character and makes the reader think about the classic moral battle of right versus wrong. While it is by no means the main point of the story, the character is shown to be attracted to other male characters, adding just a bit of the LGBTQ experience to this already diverse novel.

Zhao is an absolutely phenomenal writer. After reading their debut novel, Iron Widow, I knew they would likely be an author I would follow. When I found out they had a middle grade book coming out, of course I had to leap at the opportunity to read that book as well. Their books are an abundant source of cultural knowledge and diversity, as well as making connections to issues in today's society through events explored in the given worlds of these amazing characters. Their writing craft makes for an excellent journey and Zhao is an author I would highly recommend for readers of any age.

*The ending suggests more adventures for Zachary Ying

Welcome to my most recent obsession of the year!
This book talks about the story of Zach, a young kid who is chinese, muslim and gay, who gets possessed by the first Emperor of China and makes him cross this country to seal the gates of the Underworld.
I really loved the representation in this book! Everyone can see themselves and relate to characters, which I think is great as a way to sort of "bond" with the book!
The plot is also very interesting and captivating! Without spoiling anything, I'll just say that if you enjoy Chinese mythology, Yu-Gi-Oh and Percy Jackson books you'll love this one!
Another wonderful thing is that this book speaks about important topics that are many times overlooked by society, but that affect and harm many people, such as racism, homophobia and the discrimination against Muslim people in China (which I learned about reading Zachary's story)!
Ii really do reccomend this book, it's incredible and since it's a Middle Grade book, it's appealing for all ages!
Congrats to @xiranjayzhao! You did an amazing job and I can't wait to read more of your books!

Zach Ying is a 12 year old Chinese American Muslim who just wants to fit in at his predominantly white school. But when the first emperor of China tries to posses his body, his mom is kidnapped and Zach must go on a quest to save her.

Quick disclaimer, I’m slightly to old to be in the target audience for this novel, but it’s a testament to its quality that I was able to enjoy it anyway. That being said, I really wish I had been able to read this in middle school. It deals with politics, immigrant culture, and casual racism in a way that is easily comprehensible to a middle schooler. I think that younger me could have learnt a lot from this book.

This book is described as Chinese Percy Jackson and that statement is pretty much spot on. It has all the mystical/adventurous elements that make Percy Jackson so iconic, so if you’re a fan of the series, I highly recommend.

Zachary Ying and The Dragon Emperor is a fun and easy read that can be enjoyed by all ages and has some valuable lessons and advanced plot points. Also, it offers a fascinating perspective on Chinese mythology. If you are reading this review, this is your sign to read this novel, you won’t regret it.

overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
YESSSS. i loved this so so so much!!

writing style: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
loved it so much. it definitely kept me sucked in, and i need to read iron widow now.

plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
loved the plot! this book was definitely action packed and I never felt like there was dull moment.

world building: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
there was enough for me to completely understand, but not too much to overwhelm me and take away from the story.

characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I loved all the characters so much!!

rep: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
the rep was amazing! I definitely related to Zach on a lesser scale of the racism and discrimination he faced growing up in a majority white town. loved him and his character growth!

y’all. this is a 2022 must read. it’s a perfect blend of the Kane Chronicles and ancient Chinese history. i am in dire need of the sequel asap.

read if you:
want to learn about Chinese history
are a fan of any rick riordan book
love video games

Omg this book is amazing! I wish I could read it for the first time again. I highly recommend everyone read this book.

~Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review~
An adventurous tale of family, hope and strength told through the eyes of a young Chinese Muslim boy, Zachary Ying, as he travels across China with the help of his Chinese emperor-possessed friends in order to save China and, most important of all, his mother's trapped spirit. Immediately, I was taken aback by how reminiscent this novel is to Percy Jackson, up to the point that it actually got a bit annoying haha. I love how informative this novel was, while still remaining entertaining and age-appropriate. Two things I didn't care for in this novel was how fast-paced it was - unlike Percy Jackson's slow and steady pace, this novel goes from one task to another, so much so that it becomes kinda difficult to keep up with the amount of characters and their historical backgrounds. Along the same lines, Xiran Jay Zhao still seems to struggle with writing fight scenes as, oftentimes, the actions of certain characters become muddled and the scene is difficult to follow. With that being said, I enjoyed this much more than the author's debut work, Iron Widow, so I definitely plan on checking out the sequel to Zachary's adventures!

What a fun adventure story for MG readers. I loved Iron Widow as well and was excited to read more from this author. They have a unique and wonderful way of talking about and to young readers, and also weaving historical events in a way that provides context and humor... When the two Emperor's argue about mercury poisoning I laughed out loud. The representation in the book is relatable for anyone who has ever felt out of place, but also discusses minority groups within Chinese culture which are largely ignored in Western discourse.

I would highly recommend this and will be getting a print copy for my nephew.

What an absolutely action-packed and heart-stopping adventure of a book! Starting off strong with chapter titles reminiscent of Percy Jackson one-liners, I was instantly hooked in by the dry humor and honesty of Zachary Ying. This novel manages to pack in so much: Chinese history and mythology, vulnerable depictions of diasporic identity struggles, and conversations about myriad cultural experiences and challenges. I loved Simon and Melissa (and their respective historical emperors), and was obsessed with the concept of tyrannical, power-hungry emperors possessing twelve year olds and all the hijinks and drama that ensues as a result. Of course, after another devastating cliff-hanger to rival the ending of Iron Widow, I am once again desperately waiting for the next book in Zhao's series.