Song of the Yellow Dragon by Ying Ping Low (

What worked:

The opening hook is dramatic and should draw in young readers. Kai becomes a twelve-year-old puppet emperor after his father suddenly dies. He’s the emperor in name only until he reaches the age of 13, so his shady advisor makes decisions that run the empire. Kai overhears the advisor’s plan to kill him, so Kai flees the castle. Kai has never left the castle before, so he wanders the forest, not knowing where he’s going. In addition, readers learn that children 12 and younger believe in magic, but they immediately lose those thoughts and beliefs on their thirteenth birthdays. A second-person narrator tells the story, and it directly addresses readers at the plot’s key moments.

Mengyao and Kai offer contrasting characters. Living under the advisor’s control, Kai knows he’s in daily danger. He’s learned that he can’t trust anyone, so he’s wary of anyone he meets. On the other hand, Mengyao lives in a remote, unknown village where no one visits and no one leaves. The village provides fertile lands, plentiful food, friendly neighbors, and safety from any outside dangers. Mengyao’s dream is to become a Divine Healer, so she can help others and never lose her magic. The village’s lone Divine Healer refuses to accept Mengyao as an apprentice, so Mengyao’s open to the idea of leaving. She readily agrees to lead Kai through the forest, with the characters having separate motivations.

The plot becomes an adventure as Mengyao and Kai search for the Dragon’s Pulse. The quest is complicated by Kai’s thirteenth birthday, which is only two weeks away. As the day nears, it’s more difficult for him to remember the story of an ancestor, and he becomes unsure of why he’s traveling through the forest and desert and climbing mountains. The birthday creates a countdown for the plot, which becomes more suspenseful as the day nears. A huge surprise awaits the characters once they reach the Dragon’s Pulse, and it will alter the series as it moves forward.

What didn’t work as well:

Considering Kai is an emperor, readers may tire of his attitude. Mengyao is stronger both physically and mentally, and Kai still has distrust simmering within. However, his apparent weaknesses are necessary as the plot nears the climax and secrets are revealed. His character undergoes a dramatic transformation.

The final verdict:

Young readers will enjoy this captivating adventure, as Kai and Mengyao evade the emperor’s enemies and pursue their dreams. I recommend you give this book a shot!