Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 2022 |
| Founder | Xiran Jay Zhao |
| Products | Middle-grade contemporary fantasy novel |
| Website | xiranjayzhao |
Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor is a contemporary fantasy novel for middle-grade readers, released in 2022 by Canadian author Xiran Jay Zhao. The narrative centers on Zachary Ying, a Chinese American boy of Hui Muslim heritage, who embarks on a quest to protect China from ancient spirits. His journey is guided by the spirit of Qin Shi Huang, the nation’s first emperor.[1][2] This title serves as the inaugural installment in its series.[3]
Background
Published on May 10, 2022, Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor marks Zhao’s second novel.[4] During an interview with CBC, Zhao highlighted their enthusiasm for blending genres.[5] They shared:
The concept originated from my desire to riff on Yu-Gi-Oh, a key franchise from my childhood. I merged that with my fascination for China’s First Emperor. What if he possessed a child and sent him on a quest? Since Yu-Gi-Oh fuses technology and magic, in Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor, the First Emperor inhabits Zachary’s AR gaming headset [...]. This idea became the foundation of the story.
Additionally, Zhao drew upon personal encounters with microaggression and racism experienced at age twelve as the sole Asian student in their school. Their intention was to create a narrative that could assist younger readers facing similar obstacles.[5]
Audiobook edition
In June 2022, Zhao revealed plans to rerecord the audiobook using a different narrator after identifying incorrect pronunciation of Mandarin tones in the original recording. While the new version is in production, the initial audiobook remains accessible, with purchasers guaranteed automatic updates to the revised edition. Zhao acknowledged the original narrator’s strong performance despite language inaccuracies and emphasized that no fault was attributed to them.
Plot
Zachary Ying, a 12-year-old boy whose mother escaped China following his father’s passing, was raised with limited exposure to Chinese traditions to facilitate his integration into Western society. As the sole Asian student in his school, Zach often feels isolated and distances himself from his cultural roots. When Simon, a classmate keen to share information about Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, approaches him, Zach initially reacts with suspicion. During a heated encounter, Zach becomes possessed by the spirit of Qin Shi Huang, who reveals that Zach is his direct descendant and enlists his aid to avert an impending disaster threatening both China and the entire world.
After forcefully expelling Qin Shi Huang’s spirit, Zach runs away; however, the emperor’s presence remains linked through Zach’s advanced augmented reality device known as the "XY Technologies Portal-lens." Qin Shi Huang informs him that within two weeks, spirits from the underworld intend to invade the human world by possessing individuals and unleashing devastating weaponry. To combat this threat, Zach must join forces with two other 12-year-olds who are hosts to the spirits of Tang Taizong and Wu Zetian. Together, they embark on a journey throughout China to close the spiritual breach and prevent the invasion.
Reception
Zachary Ying launched at number four on the New York Times Children's Middle Grade Hardcover bestseller list and maintained its position for two consecutive weeks.
Rachel Brooks from Publishers Weekly highlighted how the novel explores themes of identity and belonging, depicting the protagonist’s experiences with microaggressions alongside his family heritage linked to Hui Muslim culture. The narrative skillfully merges historical education with contemporary pop culture elements, resulting in an engaging and briskly paced story.
Kristin Brynsvold of the School Library Journal commended the book for its imaginative storytelling and appeal to readers interested in mythology and global history. She emphasized Zach’s personal growth and applauded the inclusion of lesser-known mythologies, despite some inconsistencies in their integration.
Alec Scott writing for The Globe and Mail drew comparisons between Zachary Ying and Zhao’s debut novel, Iron Widow, noting both titles blend anime influences with Chinese historical and mythological themes. He described Zachary Ying as a coming-of-age tale for young readers that reinterprets cultural heritage through a modern perspective.
The novel was featured on Entertainment Weekly's 2022 summer reading list for children, praised for its fast-moving plot that intertwines Chinese history with explorations of identity. The audiobook version, narrated by Neo Cihi, received accolades from AudioFile for its smooth bilingual English-Chinese narration and compelling delivery that heightens suspense.
References
- ↑ "Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor". Kirkus Reviews. 9 Feb 2022. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
- ↑ "Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor". CBC Books. 16 May 2022. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
- ↑ Lodge, Sally; Maughan, Shannon (18 February 2022). "Spring 2022 Children's Announcements: Publishers R-Z". Publishers Weekly. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
- ↑ "New Books: 10 May 2022". Locus Online. May 12, 2022. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "'I get to see myself more': Why writing a middle-grade book made Vancouver author Xiran Jay Zhao feel seen". CBC Books. 16 May 2022. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
External links
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- "Zachary Ying" on Xiran Jay Zhao's official website
- Mandarin pronunciation guide for Zachary Ying by Xiran Jay Zhao
- Complete cover art illustration created by Xiao Tong Kong