Reviews

Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor by Xiran Jay Zhao

writermags's review

4.0

All I want is for Zachary Ying to be happy, is that too much to ask?

tegsemma's review

adventurous funny medium-paced

kiwii091's review

adventurous emotional funny informative mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Religious bigotry, and Death

Minor: Toxic friendship, Xenophobia, and Death of parent

ariouch's review

adventurous funny informative fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

As a student in Chinese History, I can comfirm each fact is accurate and I found the book really great. I think I’ll recommend it as an introduction to better understand Chinese History and mythology to my friends. 

I especially liked that the author introduced a critical look on the emperors and the political situation of the country. I think it’s important to see books that show good representation, complex and nuanced way of thinking and real facts about Chinese civilisation. 

Plus the book is very funny and you quickly get attached to Zach.  

alannathelioness's review against another edition

adventurous informative medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

jennkei's review

5.0

Middle grade and I didn't feel like it was middle grade. Not so sure about the overall story but I enjoyed learning more about Qin Shi Huang (that I didn't actually know!) and Hui Chinese.

melissarolll's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful informative inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

leximoonbeam's review

adventurous emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

asmodael's review

3.0

Did bro just try to imply that Qin Shi Huang was gay??? ??????

liaashryver's review against another edition

5.0

I have no word about how much I liked this book. I’m still surprised by the ending, but I’ll get through it