A review by reila
Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor by Xiran Jay Zhao

adventurous emotional funny informative inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Enjoyed this book so much that I couldn't put it down. Exquisite world-building, pulling from blood-drenched history and the myths/legends spun from such events (regardless if true or fabricated, who knows?)--how they lent themselves to the powers the hosts can evoke was fascinating. Zack confronting his mixed cultural identity hit emotional places I never had words for. Zhao's sense of humor, pop-culture references, and cutting wit felt more apparent here (if familiar with their social media presence). For the ordeal they described in writing the book too, they must have had some fun in doing so because I could swear I felt it (if not, I will choose to believe it).
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