Zhao's (Iron Widow) action-packed middle grade debut transports readers to a 12-year-old's encounters with legendary Chinese figures who connect him to his personal history. Gamer Zachary Ying desperately wants to fit in outside the virtual world of Mythrealm, but as the only Asian kid in his largely white Maine town, he finds himself quietly suffering microaggressions and peer pressure to avoid standing out. Zack's Chinese family is also Hui Muslim, a minority among other Chinese and Muslim people, but he knows little about his family legacy outside of his father's execution by the Chinese government for speaking out against its oppression of Uighur Muslims. So when an attack on his mother leaves her soul in the hands of demons, and Zack is revealed to be descended from China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, he feels overwhelmed and unprepared. Things are further complicated when the Dragon Emperor bonds to Zack's gaming headset, needing the boy to host his spirit. Now, Zack must travel across China and carry out a vital mission with the fate of the mortal realm at stake. Compact history lessons woven throughout guide Zack through the plot and into a greater understanding of his identity, while plentiful pop culture references root this fantastical read in the contemporary, making for a quickly paced book that's by turns educational, reflective, and thrilling. Ages 8--12. Agent: Rachel Brooks, BookEnds Literary. (May)

Gr 5 Up--Zach Ying has always had a hard time fitting in: he and his mom keep moving; they never have any money; and to top it all off, he's the only Muslim Chinese kid at school. So when he learns that he's meant to host the spirit of the First Emperor of China, he's more than a little surprised. But a lot is riding on this: not only is his mom's spirit hanging in the balance, but if Zach can't seal the portal to the Chinese underworld in the next 14 days, the world will be overtaken by malevolent spirits. Oh, and the First Emperor didn't properly possess Zach, instead attaching to his AR headset, which means Zach might have to find his own warrior spirit, something he's pretty sure he doesn't have. This is a creative, engaging story that will appeal to fans of ancient mythology and world history. The plot will draw readers in, but what will keep them is Zach's struggle to belong, his journey to find himself and discover real friendship, as well as the highlighting of underrepresented mythologies. While the folklore and history might not be as smoothly incorporated as other mythological fantasies, it's done well enough that middle grade readers won't mind. VERDICT This new series will grab readers with its dynamic plot, video game lingo, and relatable characters. An exciting new addition to the world of mythology- and history-based adventure novels.--Kristin Brynsvold

Twelve-year-old Zack is recruited into helping the spirit hosts of ancient Chinese emperors in a dangerous mission. Zack has always struggled with a sense of belonging. He is the only Asian kid in his mostly White town in Maine, and, as a Hui Muslim, he is also a minority among other Chinese and Muslims. His dissident father was executed by the Chinese government, and he faces Islamophobia in the U.S. Zack has made friends through playing Mythrealm, an augmented reality game that uses a wearable portal-lens that spawns mythical creatures from folktales and legends from around the world. When a real demon threatens Zack and his mom is attacked, ending up in a coma, he discovers a connection to the spirit of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, that gives him magical powers. Together with the spirit hosts of two other former emperors, Zack travels to China in an attempt to save his mother's life and prevent an otherworldly disaster. This science-fiction/fantasy mashup incorporates Chinese history and mythology into relentless action. Thrilling battles and chase and heist scenes are balanced with a droll sense of humor and quieter moments that explore Zack's complex relationship with his cultural identity, including criticism of Chinese government policies that oppress Muslims. Levels up legendary Chinese heroes and folklore into a thrilling adventure with video game appeal. (Fantasy. 9-13) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.