The Dragon Warrior by Katie Zhao (review)

Ever since their father disappeared four years ago on a demon hunt, twelve-year-old Faryn and her younger brother Alex have been outcasts from San Francisco's Jade Society, which believes that the demons they pledge to hunt have been long eradicated. When Faryn slays a real nián (dragon-like demon) on the Lunar New Year with the help of one of the Chinese gods, it proves that demons still run amok—and Faryn, the Heaven Breaker and the only one who can wield the legendary Fenghuang spear, must bear the responsibility of fulfilling a prophecy for the Jade Emperor. Faryn teams up with her brother and her former best friend to travel to the gods' home on Peng Lai Island, before the Lunar New Year ends, to become guardians of the Jade Emperor. Fans of Rick Riordan will recognize a very similar structure to The Lightning Thief (BCCB 10/05) as the characters jump from Chinatown to Chinatown, face quirky twists like a perfect girlfriend-turned-dragon, traps like the hotel of the love goddess Chuangmu, betrayals by friends, and witty quips (in response to picking up the Fenghuang: "I just … King Arthur'd"). As in Riordan's work, the humor is interspersed with cultural commentary, from the Jade Society members' discrimination against Faryn's darker skin to expectations for a perfect wife. Those looking for a story in line with the surge of modern mythological quests will find this take on Chinese mythology a worthy addition. The final copy will include a glossary.