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laura_cs's review against another edition
5.0
I received an ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ever since her father disappeared to find the demons he were certain were coming, Faryn Liu's life in her tight-knit community within San Fransisco's China Town has been miserable. She, her brother Alex, and their Ye Ye have been ostracized by the Jade Society--an elite group of descendants of Chinese immigrants who were warriors who protected China Towns all across the country from demons. Insulted at every turn and made to do demeaning chores, Faryn and Alex are trained as warriors in secret by Ye Ye. Faryn doesn't understand why: they'll never be accepted in the Jade Society, Alex isn't a fighter, and Faryn will never be seen as a warrior as a girl.
Until the night of Lunar New Year arrives and Faryn defeats a demon, and a god arrives at the New Year's banquet proclaiming that the time of the long-foretold Heaven Breaker has arrived. The sole person able to lift the Heaven Breaker's weapon, Faryn, Alex, and her ex-best friend are sent on a quest that will lead them to the land of the gods. Along the way, they encounter flying chariots, dragons, meddling gods and Asian-American pop sensations--you know, the usual stuff that makes a great quest. Can Faryn prove to the gods, the Jade Society, and herself that she is the Heaven Breaker? Find out in "The Dragon Warrior"!
So. Wow. What an amazing book! Full of heart, and amazing characters--good, bad, and some in the gray areas--Zhao's debut tells a tale of love, friendship, and always fighting for what's right, even when the alternative seems easier. Faryn is a wonderful protagonist and narrator, and readers of all ages will have fun interacting with gods from the Chinese Pantheon. But that cliffhanger... Oh, boy, that cliffhanger... I can't even be mad about a cliffhanger that's going to drive me wild for a whole year, because it was so perfect and well-written and a complete and total surprise.
Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson, Aru Shah, and magical girls, "The Dragon Warrior" is the first in what is preparing to be a truly phenomenal series that will surely take the whole world by storm.
Ever since her father disappeared to find the demons he were certain were coming, Faryn Liu's life in her tight-knit community within San Fransisco's China Town has been miserable. She, her brother Alex, and their Ye Ye have been ostracized by the Jade Society--an elite group of descendants of Chinese immigrants who were warriors who protected China Towns all across the country from demons. Insulted at every turn and made to do demeaning chores, Faryn and Alex are trained as warriors in secret by Ye Ye. Faryn doesn't understand why: they'll never be accepted in the Jade Society, Alex isn't a fighter, and Faryn will never be seen as a warrior as a girl.
Until the night of Lunar New Year arrives and Faryn defeats a demon, and a god arrives at the New Year's banquet proclaiming that the time of the long-foretold Heaven Breaker has arrived. The sole person able to lift the Heaven Breaker's weapon, Faryn, Alex, and her ex-best friend are sent on a quest that will lead them to the land of the gods. Along the way, they encounter flying chariots, dragons, meddling gods and Asian-American pop sensations--you know, the usual stuff that makes a great quest. Can Faryn prove to the gods, the Jade Society, and herself that she is the Heaven Breaker? Find out in "The Dragon Warrior"!
So. Wow. What an amazing book! Full of heart, and amazing characters--good, bad, and some in the gray areas--Zhao's debut tells a tale of love, friendship, and always fighting for what's right, even when the alternative seems easier. Faryn is a wonderful protagonist and narrator, and readers of all ages will have fun interacting with gods from the Chinese Pantheon. But that cliffhanger... Oh, boy, that cliffhanger... I can't even be mad about a cliffhanger that's going to drive me wild for a whole year, because it was so perfect and well-written and a complete and total surprise.
Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson, Aru Shah, and magical girls, "The Dragon Warrior" is the first in what is preparing to be a truly phenomenal series that will surely take the whole world by storm.
alyshadeshae's review against another edition
5.0
This was such a cute story! I love these sorts adventures!!
brighthappyness's review against another edition
4.0
The first chapters kind of screamed generic YA mythology book that you know I signed up for so I wasn't mad but the second half definitely took me by surprise in an insanely good way. I was flying through the chapters by the end and I'm so glad I have the sequel already lined up to read. I'n hoping it'll sell me on Alex because oh my DAYS was he annoying to read about 😠like I get the characterization choices but also Faryn is a better older sister than me because every time the boy spoke he somehow managed to find my last nerve and jump rope with it.
litwithlauren's review against another edition
4.0
more than anything i wish i could travel back to 2010 and give my 12 year old self this book. rtc!
katscribefever's review against another edition
3.0
In my mind, this book did for middle grade literature what the Netflix adaptation of To All the Boys I Loved Before (and the novel the film was based on) did for YA rom-coms: brought a culture that is little understood by non-Chinese Americans to life in a way that made it more relatable without sacrificing any of its history, values, or personality. Faryn Liu is as likable as they come, the orphaned outcast in her Chinatown home who is often shunned for not being Chinese enough. She and her brother have been training for their entire lives to defeat enemy demons, earn the favor of the gods, and become the true warriors of their people. With the new adaptation of Mulan releasing soon, I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in a story of someone else with a similar fierce spirit but who is struggling to bring their heritage to modern times.
charvi_not_just_fiction's review against another edition
I can't believ it but I'm dnfing this book. I'm so disappointed in myself and this book, ugh. There's nothing wrong with the writing or the plot, it's just that I'm bored with it and have no motivation to continue... This book has been sitting on my night stand for a month now :/
aneeqah's review against another edition
5.0
I had the pleasure of reading an early draft of this book, and HOLY. WOW. You'll be sucked into this wonderful world from page one, and fall in love with this amazing crew of characters. You'll laugh one page, and cry the next. I love how intricately Katie explores family and Chinese culture, and how rich the mythology this book is. As a die-hard Rick Riordan fan, I don't comp books to him lightly, but seriously: if you grew up reading Rick Riordan books, you'll want to read this book IMMEDIATELY.
A blurb from my 11-year-old sibling: "Wow, this sounds awesome!!!!!" (with that many exclamation points). I think that's proof enough that you need this book.
A blurb from my 11-year-old sibling: "Wow, this sounds awesome!!!!!" (with that many exclamation points). I think that's proof enough that you need this book.
rsngphoenix's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
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
3.5
artemistheactivist's review against another edition
2.0
Cool, powerful, and necessary attempt to share diaspora mythology. Sadly, the book could not keep my attention, plus I was hoping for a closed end.