The Dragon Warrior

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.)