1.12k reviews for:

Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor

Xiran Jay Zhao

4.08 AVERAGE

sw_'s review against another edition

4.25

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read for xiran jay zhao. 
they do not disappoint. 

amber_arcane's review against another edition

4.0

adventurous emotional fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

overlordbethany's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

intothevolcano's review against another edition

4.0

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I really enjoyed Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor - although at first, I wasn't sure. The writing occasionally felt a bit clunky - this could be my own lack of reference for Middle Grade, however, as it's been a while! Once the plot really gets going, though, I was all in - I found it gripping, and didn't want to put the book down.
As ever, Xiran Jay Zhao managed to balance the tension with instances that made me chuckle aloud - I especially liked the chapter titles! I've gotten quite into their Youtube since reading Iron Widow, and I felt that their voice was really clear here - at times I could almost hear them narrating as if it was an audiobook version.
I also found the insight into Chinese history and mythology to be really informative - the use of video game-style stats for exposition was brilliant and engaging.
Going against my usual tastes, I even enjoyed the cliffhanger, and found it to be really effective - it sets up nicely for another title, whilst not detracting from the overall satisfaction of this book's conclusion.
This was a fast-paced, enjoyable read, with some great meta humour too.
Thanks to OneWorld Publications and Netgalley for the ARC. 

a_foxglove's review against another edition

4.0

adventurous emotional informative tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

ryandriyani's review against another edition

4.5

adventurous funny informative mysterious 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

missindyrose's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous emotional funny informative 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: N/A

https_hannah's review against another edition

3.0

adventurous medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

starry_azi's review against another edition

5.0

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An honestly fun book, I enjoyed it so much! 

grisgrisgris's review against another edition

4.5