The Dragon Warrior (Dragon Warrior #1)
by Katie Zhao (Author)
An exhilarating tale. . . Readers will be enthralled. --J.C. Cervantes, New York Times bestselling author of The Storm Runner
A debut novel inspired by Chinese mythology, this middle-grade fantasy follows an outcast as she embarks on a quest to save the world from demons--perfect for fans of Aru Shah and the End of Time and The Serpent's Secret.
As a member of the Jade Society, twelve-year-old Faryn Liu dreams of honoring her family and the gods by becoming a warrior. But the Society has shunned Faryn and her brother Alex ever since their father disappeared years ago, forcing them to train in secret.
Then, during an errand into San Francisco, Faryn stumbles into a battle with a demon--and helps defeat it. She just might be the fabled Heaven Breaker, a powerful warrior meant to work for the all-mighty deity, the Jade Emperor, by commanding an army of dragons to defeat the demons. That is, if she can prove her worth and find the island of the immortals before the Lunar New Year.
With Alex and other unlikely allies at her side, Faryn sets off on a daring quest across Chinatowns. But becoming the Heaven Breaker will require more sacrifices than she first realized. . . What will Faryn be willing to give up to claim her destiny?
This richly woven contemporary middle-grade fantasy debut, full of humor, magic, and heart, will appeal to readers who love Roshani Chokshi and Sayantani DasGupta.
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School Library Journal
Gr 4-7—Demons have been dormant in San Francisco for decades, but despite a warning from her sick grandfather, Faryn ventures into the city for his medicine on Lunar New Year. Faryn is stunned when she comes face to face with a powerful nián. Using her warrior training, she defeats the demon with the help of an anonymous stranger, who reveals himself to be the God of War and issues a challenge that will determine the fabled "Heaven Breaker," a champion of the Gods. When Faryn is able to carry the legendary spear meant only for the Heaven Breaker, the community who ostracized her family sends candidates of its own. Together with her brother and best frenemy, Faryn undertakes an epic quest that she hopes will not only redeem, but reunite, her family. This disparate group bands together to solve riddles, fend off foes, and uncover a devious plot to end the world. By embracing her role as Heaven Breaker, Faryn finally meets her destiny—but it comes at a cost. The integration of Chinese terms and cultural influences richly elevates the story with authentic details. VERDICT Inspired by classic Chinese mythology, this #OwnVoices fantasy adventure delivers on action, humor, and heart. Share with fans of Rick Riordan and Roshani Chokshi.—Sophie Kenney, Delray Beach Public Library, FL
Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Publishers Weekly
In this action-packed debut steeped in Chinese mythology, a modern-day warrior is unexpectedly chosen as the Heaven Breaker, destined to lead the Jade Emperor's armies against demons threatening Earth. Ever since the disappearance of their father, a legendary hero, Faryn Liu and her younger brother, Alex, have been ostracized by the rest of the secret Jade Society. But when the gods choose Faryn to embark on a quest to prove her worth, she and Alex finally have a chance to restore their family's reputation. With demons at every turn, capricious gods pursuing their own agendas, and a tight deadline, Faryn will have to make hard decisions and painful sacrifices. Zhao reimagines classic Chinese deities and monsters in an accessible, entertaining manner while filtering the adventure through Faryn's snarky, relatable voice. With engaging characters, a fast-paced plot, and a skillful blend of modern culture and ancient traditions, this series opener will appeal to fans of Percy Jackson and Aru Shah. Ages 8-12. Agent: Penny Moore, Aevitas Creative Management. (Oct.)
Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
In this page-turning debut, Zhao weaves an exhilarating tale that shimmers with adventure, love, and loyalty. Readers will be enthralled up to the incredible and absolutely breathless end. - J.C. Cervantes, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of THE STORM RUNNER
JUV001000 - Juvenile Fiction | Action & Adventure
JUV002270 - Juvenile Fiction | Animals | Dragons, Unicorns & Mythical
Adventure and adventurers
Dragons
Fantasy
Quests (Expeditions)
San Francisco (Calif.)
Demonology
Racially mixed people
Chinatown (San Francisco, Calif.)
Gods, Chinese
