Dragon Raja (Chinese novels)
| Company type | Multimedia franchise |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature, video games, animation |
| Founded | April 1, 2010 |
| Founder | Jiang Nan |
Area served | China, North America, South America, EMEA |
| Products | Fantasy novels, manhua, video games, animated series |
Dragon Raja () is a fantasy novel collection authored by Chinese writer Jiang Nan.
The narrative unfolds across five major arcs, with the first four arcs compiled into six published volumes, supplemented by a prequel short story and a novella anthology. Since its initial release on April 1, 2010, the series has garnered both critical praise and strong commercial performance in China. Each of the initial six books has surpassed two million copies sold and frequently appears on bestseller charts. This series has played a significant role in captivating young audiences and remains a key pillar of contemporary youth fantasy literature. Its financial achievements have paved the way for expansion into a multimedia franchise, including manhua, video games, and animated adaptations.
Publication history
The series began as a serialized work in Manke’s Fiction Painting (小说绘, Xiǎoshuō huì) magazine. The first story arc was originally titled "Longzú: Eragon" before being retitled "Longzú: Dragon Raja." Once completed, it was condensed and revised into the standalone novel "Dragon Raja I: The Blazing Dawn" (龙族I火之晨曦).
This method of serialization followed through the subsequent arcs; notably, the third arc experienced extensive revisions prior to being released as three separate novels. "Dragon Raja IV" marked the final installment published in print form. Serialization of the fifth arc commenced in 2015 but was paused in 2019 and officially discontinued in 2022.
In 2020, updated editions of Dragon Raja I & II were released, with Dragon Raja III receiving a revision in 2021. The fourth arc was republished digitally in 2022 under the title Dragon King: World Reset (龙王：世界的重启), and plans for a revamped version of Dragon Raja V were announced in 2023.
Supplementary works include the prequel titled "The Mourning Wings" () and an anthology novella named "Dragon Raja: Strange Tales" (龙族异闻录).
The series delves into themes such as self-discovery, bravery, perseverance, friendship, and personal growth amid adversity. It further explores feelings of isolation, responsibility, and the duty to protect loved ones—often portrayed as burdens borne alone.
Dragon Raja I: The Blazing Dawn
Lu Mingfei (), an 18-year-old who struggles academically and socially and has faced repeated university rejections, unexpectedly receives an acceptance letter along with a scholarship offer from Cassell College in the United States. Initially suspecting it to be fraudulent, he soon realizes that the institution is genuinely intent on enrolling him.
Following an embarrassing public declaration of affection toward his crush, Mingfei is saved by Chen Motong (陈墨瞳), known as "Nono," a sophomore at Cassell College who convinces him to attend.
Upon arrival at Cassell, Mingfei discovers that dragons exist and that the college specializes in training dragon hunters. Like many students there, he is a hybrid—part human and part dragon—with distinctive supernatural powers. Despite appearing ordinary, Mingfei is mysteriously classified as "S-Rank" and described by the principal as possessing unprecedented talent. He is also troubled by visions involving a strange boy.
When a living dragon is spotted near the Three Gorges Dam, students are tasked with defending their school against its followers and tracking down the creature.
Dragon Raja II: The Mourner's Eyes
During his initial summer break, Lu Mingfei attends a class reunion that coincides with his birthday celebration. At the same time, Cassell College assigns him as the chief commissioner for a mission, partnering him with Chu Zihang, one of the institution’s elite fighters. Although Lu holds the official title, Chu takes charge of most operational duties.
At Chicago railway station, they encounter Xia Mi, a first-year student intending to camp in the nearby park. Zihang offers her accommodation at a hotel, and this leads to the three forming a close friendship.
As a series of enigmatic incidents occur, the powerful Gattuso family launches a scheme to take over Cassell College. Lu Mingfei faces emotional turmoil upon discovering Nono’s engagement to Caesar, the Gattuso heir, which drives him toward alcoholism. Meanwhile, students must navigate this internal power conflict while dealing with concealed dragon threats.
Dragon Raja III: Black Moon Tide (I)
During Lu Mingfei’s second summer vacation, an unusual dragon heartbeat is detected beneath the waters of the Japanese sea. To avert disaster, Cassell principal Hilbert Ron Anjou designates Caesar Gattuso, Chu Zihang, and Lu Mingfei as special operatives.
Upon arrival, they are received by Yamata no Orochi, the Japanese branch known as leaders in the criminal underworld. Both parties collaborate in tracking and eliminating the menace. The team descends into the Japanese Trench aboard a submersible, uncovering ancient ruins identified as Takamagahara.
The mission becomes increasingly dangerous as they face assaults from mutated beasts, undead hybrids threatening to emerge, and an unidentified infiltrator aboard their vessel.
=== Dragon Raja III: Black Moon Tide (II) The trio from Cassell awakens remnants of ancient dragons and narrowly escapes multiple attacks. After being betrayed by Yamata no Orochi and cut off from Cassell College support, they become separated within Tokyo.
Yamata no Orochi engages in warfare against their rivals, the Oni Clan, spreading chaos across Japan. Forced into hiding and working at a host club, Caesar readies himself for an offensive against Orochi leader Gen Chisei. The deeper truth behind the conflict may involve Chisei’s estranged brother Chime. Meanwhile, Lu Mingfei forms an alliance with a potent Orochi secret weapon — a girl possessing unstable blood.
=== Dragon Raja III: Black Moon Tide (III) The violent clash between Orochi and Oni intensifies throughout Tokyo. Uesugi Erii, regarded as the living weapon of the Japanese branch, is selected as a sacrificial figure to resolve the crisis. The Cassell trio opposes this plan and arranges for her evacuation overseas. At the same time, beneath the Sea of Japan, the White Dragon King awakens, resulting in devastating floods threatening Tokyo.
Dragon King: World Reset
In his fifth year at Cassell College, Lu Mingfei assumes the role of Student Union chairman, gaining widespread popularity while pursuing fugitives worldwide on behalf of the college. When his senior Chu Zihang mysteriously disappears and is erased from public memory, Mingfei investigates but soon becomes the prime suspect in attacks targeting Cassell. Compelled to seek assistance from Nono, a former student who dropped out, Mingfei fights to prove his innocence.
Release information
| Volume | Title | Title in Chinese | Release date | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dragon Raja I: The Blazing Dawn | 龙族I 火之晨曦 | April 1, 2010 | 978-7-80708-935-3 |
| 2 | Dragon Raja II: The Mourner's Eyes | 龙族II 悼亡者之瞳 | May 2011 | 978-7-5492-0430-4 |
| 3 | Dragon Raja III: Black Moon Tide (I) | 龙族III 黑月之潮（上） | December 2012 | 978-7-5492-1646-8 |
| 4 | Dragon Raja III: Black Moon Tide (II) | 龙族III 黑月之潮（中） | July 2013 | 978-7-5492-2063-2 |
| 5 | Dragon Raja III: Black Moon Tide (III) | 龙族III 黑月之潮（下） | December 2013 | 978-7-5492-2322-0 |
| 6 | Dragon Raja IV: Odin's Abyss | 龙族IV 奥丁之渊 | December 2015 | 978-7-5492-3781-4 |
| 7 | Dragon King: World Reset | 龙王：世界的重启 | September 2022 | Web Novel |
Video game
Dragon Raja (龙族幻想, Lóngzú huànxiǎng) is a mobile MMORPG created by Loong Entertainment, available on both iOS and Android platforms. The title was released across North America, South America, and the EMEA region on February 27, 2020. Utilizing Epic Games' Unreal Engine 4, the game features classic PvE and PvP battles alongside various minigames such as cooking and sports activities, as well as exploration elements that contribute to a richer experience for players worldwide.
Reception
Initially introduced under the codename Project:SU, Dragon Raja was revealed at the 2019 Games Developer Conference (GDC). Before its official launch, prominent gaming media including IGN Poland, Pocket Gamer, and mein MMO spotlighted the game, particularly commending its visual quality. It received the accolade for "Most Anticipated Game" during Unreal Open Day 2019.
Donghua
The original novel was transformed into a Donghua animated series, which debuted on Tencent Video in China on March 19, 2022, and later premiered in Japan on April 6, 2024. A second season is planned for release in China in 2025.