Dragonhearted

by Xie Shi Min

Xin Long is like any ordinary ten-year-old girl. She prefers Wushu to studying, likes hanging out with her friends, and loves listening to her Ah Ma's stories. But when these stories tell of an ancient mythical beast that threatens to destroy the world, Xin Long realises that she is the only one who can stop it.

Can she destroy this evil? As time flies by, Xin Long and her friends – Shu Ping, Four Eyes, and dragon guardian Xiao Lan – must unlock the secrets of ancient Chinese mythology to find a way to stop the end of the world.

Paperback

First published January 1, 2016

About the author

Xie Shi Min is an award-winning writer who lives in a book fort. Her fiction has appeared in journals like Rambutan Literary and Cha. Her first book, Dragonhearted, was shortlisted for the Scholastic Asian Book Award in 2014 and published in 2016. It was also shortlisted for the Singapore Book Awards in 2017 and won the Hedwig Anuar Children’s Book in 2018. In her spare time, she hugs fat cats. According to her, the fatter they are, the better.

Reviews

[Huey XH · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Singaporean who grew up reading about Chinese folklore, Dragonhearted's retelling of Chinese myths and legends in a modern city hits very close to home. Its clean writing and rich cultural references make Chinese mythology (and Chinese culture in general) widely accessible to kids of all ages.

Bonus diversity points for featuring a 7-year-old Chinese girl as the protagonist and ass-kicking heroine of the story. Kudos to Ms Xie for contributing one more piece of young adult fiction that tells our young girls that they too can save the world.

Here's hoping for Part 2!

[Xin Ran · Rating 2 out of 5]

I find it offensive to the children that this is labelled as a 'children's book' While I understand the idea of writing from an 8 10 year olds perspective, the writing is more like how an adult would think an eight year old thinks and speaks.
While i truly appreciate the attempt at showing off chinese folklore and mythos, the execution is incredibly sloppy. The characters are entirely one-dimensional. Not even children only have two thoughts in their brain at one time like please. Her best friend is just her best friend and four-eyes is some guy that lands in the hospital and makes her sad.

At multiple intervals we see Xin Long being unsure of her frinedship with Four-eyes (I too cannot remeber his names apologies), do we get some insight into whyy this is the case? Some emotional turmoil or insecurity regarding their difference in academic prowess, or filial piety, or Xin Long feeling that she doesn't fulfill the role of a 'good child'? Not at all !!All these emotions can exist in 8 year olds yknow She possesses no meaningful relationship with her grandmother outside of the 'stories', and the worldbuilding is close to none.
Literally just writes demons being unleashed upon the realm and devouring the people and everyone is like 'yep we're rolling with this now'.

The theme was unclear and hard to follow as well. It's just poorly written in it's entirety, but i truly do enjoy the incorporation of the chinese myths. I just wished there was also some emphasis placed on the actual storytelling and character development aspect.

[Chlororo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dragonhearted is hands down one of the most fascinating novels I've ever read. The plot is gripping and it takes me on a journey uncovering chinese legends in a concise and detailed fashion, and Xin's adventure throughout the book. Xie's take on interwining chinese mythology and Xin's adventure was truly remarkable (kudos for that).
However, i do feel that the story would be better if there were smoother transition from Xin's story to the chinese myths. Some of the chinese myths were inserted between chapters with little links from the previous chapter(Xin's story), i personally feel that the story would be more complete if there were connections between the chinese myths and Xin's story.
But then again, to each his own, that might just be Xie's writing style. Ultimately, a pleasant read and i definitely will keep an eye out for Xie's future publishes.👈👍

[Soon Rui · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragonhearted is a wonderful text to get children interested in the Chinese mythos.

Like a puzzle master, Xie meticulously weaves a plethora of micro-stories and familiar Chinese folk tales between its main narrative, providing the right balance of contextual information and intrigue that leaves one eager for more.

Besides that, the book features relatable main characters who, like many students at a young age, face their fair share of unsympathetic adults and school. In fact, one can't help but chuckle at their innocent yet thought-provoking retorts that always seem to begin along the lines of, "But my says..."

All in all, I find Dragonhearted a gem for children, and a fascinating read for adults alike.

[Julie R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Xin Long won me over in this atmospheric novel full of mystery and adventure. Xin Long, who is ten years old, absorbs the stories she's heard from her Ah Ma (and this device means as a reader I am listening to Ah Ma, too). As Xin Long listens to Ah Ma, the reader is pulled into the ancient mythology of Chinese folklore where there are ghosts and danger and also love born out of Xin Long's relationship to her Ah Ma and her culture. I especially loved having a ten year old girl as the heroine who sets out to save the world from a mythical beast. Shi Min Xie has created a whole world out of the relationship with Xin Long and Ah Ma which celebrates the past by keeping the old stories and myths alive. This novel is for readers of all ages. I love this book! You will, too.

[Hwee Goh · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.8 stars. This Scholastic Asian Book Award finalist wins on its novel retelling of Chinese legends that I reckon many in our next generation may not necessarily know anymore. I found the chapters slightly disjointed, as if part of the aim of this book was to do the SABA-pleasing thing of incorporating as many legends as possible. If so, then it has succeeded. I love the metaphor that the Nian monster feeds on our regrets and that we should unburden from these shadows. Great first effort, I’m looking forward to more!

[Nicholas Goh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Certainly a book for the younger readers. It implements many smaller stories within it's narrative to introduce the reader to Chinese Mythology. The protagonist is young and relatable to those who have grown up in Chinese households.

[anya · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a global mythology lover, this book snapped me in half. I can NOT stop recommending it enough even though I read it long back, I always come back to it out of nothing more than love. If you love mythology - fantasy and adventure then this is certainly for you.

[graphites mmm · Rating 4 out of 5]

10 year old me did not expect to be dumbfounded with chinese mythology when i picked this book up from the shelves of my local bookstore

so glad i did - got me into reading bro

[Joshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dragonhearted is the story of a young girl and her adventures, discovering ancient Chinese myths and legends in the modern world. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, this book is the Chinese version of Percy Jackson. That's the best way to describe it.

The plot is interesting, our young hero Xin has to defeat an ancient evil and starts on her hero's journey to do so. Better still, retellings of popular (and not so well known) Chinese myths are interwoven into the book. And these myths all have a part to play in the story. It left me excited as to see how everything is connected and how all the stories and plotlines tie up at the end. Best of all, even after the climax is over, Xie slaps you with yet another myth that makes for a great plot twist.

For a children's book, it is very smart, plot twists and all. It doesn't try to dumb down the reader. It is also a page turner and will make you want to race through the whole book to absorb all of it. Good thing that this book is short enough to be read in one sitting.

The book does something interesting. Because it is told from the first person view of a young girl, words are purposely misspelled, and thoughts are interjected into the prose, portraying how children think. Definitely, a refreshing way to view things. Although I'm not sure if children will identify with such a literary trick.

I'd recommend this not only to all children aged 10 and above, but to every Chinese person. It doesn't matter where in the world you live, our traditions and myths are the same. With English literature full of western themes, to find a book that blends Chinese themes together (without blindly copying) is very refreshing indeed.

I do have to say, however, if you weren't already familiar with Chinese culture and myths, you may need to take this book slower or look up some of these myths online. It was easy for readers like me who have heard all the myths at least once before and who are familiar with the creatures of myth. Still, don't fret, if you are unfamiliar, then take this as your eye opener into the rich world of Chinese myths and legends.

Disclosure:
I know the author personally.
I was a beta reader.
I am Singaporean Chinese

[Joseph Wei · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good book is one you don't put down till it's done, and "Dragonhearted" is one of those books.

This book is accessible and simple for readers of any level to jump right in. Its simplicity is part of its charm. Together with its heartwarming moments, a spirit of adventure and hilarious word plays, it's a breeze and joy to read.

But, don't discount this work as fiction written just for children. The writer, Shi Min, has managed to create a work that can speak to the old and wizened. Whilst other modern fantasy works tend towards grittiness, violence and a penchant for realism to deliver its message, "Dragonhearted" is unabashedly optimistic, redemptive, with perspectives and values that adults like myself have easily forgotten. It has reminded me of grace, humility, honour and the beauty of forgiveness.

This book has values I would want my children to grow up with. A book I'll heartily recommend.

[Skye Teing · Rating 5 out of 5]

After taking 100 years to finish reading this book, Lim bei think it is a good book. The lore in the book, lim bei likes. Also hope for more lore in the sequels. Either I read too little, or there aren't many stories out there that incorporate chinese mythology. It brings back memories of when my own mother told me about stories of the 'Nian' and chinese new year. The fonts in the book weren't too big to scare me off either. PI PI NI THING FTW WEW.

[Alison · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found the plot confusing and rather boring, with each scene reading like a separate story from the rest of the book. It was hard to follow. The language was mediocre and the protagonist annoying. The author brings out the negative in Asian culture, especially in families, making me question if she's ashamed of it.

[Kimberly Tan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, and I liked the way she incorporated Chinese mythology into the book. I enjoyed the book and loved the illustrations.

[Joanne Ch'ng · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the retelling of the Chinese myths! The writing's easy to follow, a very engrossing and lovely afternoon read.