Breath of the Dragon is a high-octane action-packed journey set in a world where humans known as 'breathmarked' are imbued with the blessings of a dragon deity, granting them magical abilities and dragon scales. The story kicks off with explosive energy, quickly establishing a fractured land divided by a rebellion. In the East, only those who are breathmarked can become disciplines of combat and martial arts. Meanwhile, in the West, martial arts and combat training are open to all, regardless of magical ability. Both regions hold a sacred scroll gifted by their gods, key to their identities and power, that becomes central to the overall plot.

At the heart of the story is a young man separated from his family—a brother and mother he longs to reunite with. To do so, he must compete in a deadly tournament in the West and earn the prestigious title of Guardian. But as the narrative unfolds, so too does the depth of the world-building, and it's clear we’re in the hands of a master storyteller—Fonda Lee—whose skill with plot and character development elevates the entire experience.

Breath of the Dragon is an epic adventure that nails what it sets out to do, blending thrilling action with a complex, richly detailed world. Lee’s ability to weave in political intrigue, deep emotional characters, and a sense of high-stakes competition keeps the pages turning. My only real critique is that the magic system—something I found particularly intriguing at the outset—doesn't get the deep exploration I had hoped for within this first book. However, this is still an absolutely essential read for fans of action-driven fantasy and anyone who loves a story that keeps them on the edge of their seat.

2/5

I honestly just think this book wasn't for me. I found my thoughts wandering for 90% of the book - I thought the premise was fantastic, the execution for me was just a little boring. I think I just thought this book was going to be one thing and then it turned out to be another. It's fine just not for me.

After a slow start, this novel becomes non-stop martial arts action centered around a tournament for a position as Guardian of the Scroll of Earth.

Li Jun is separated from half his family at the beginning of the book; fast forward 10 years and he is a teenager determined to participate in the tournament. Meanwhile, political and military factions have their own plans for the tournament and its results.

This YA novel has themes of family, honor, personal growth and dedication. I found the fantasy portion to be light and accessible - basically some are born with dragon scales indicating that they are breathmarked and have a magical ability. Jun is separated from his breathmarked twin at the beginning. I liked how the main character makes friendships and grows along the way. I am looking forward to the conclusion in the final installment of this duology.

Thank you St Martin’s Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.

YA Fantasy • Dragons Breath • Martial Arts
Pub Date • 7 January 2025

Thank you @wednesdaybooks and @macmillan.audio for the complimentary e-book and ALC!

▶︎ •၊၊||၊|။||||။‌‌‌‌‌၊|•˚ A love letter to martial arts, with compelling fantasy elements + hints of romance.

I knew I loved Fonda Lee and was intrigued to see this co-authored with Shannon Lee, daughter of Bruce Lee.

Jun is that insecure teenager who suffers from an inferiority complex. Born without the dragon’s mark —no special abilities, unlike his twin Sai who can mimic anything he witnesses. [I imagined Neo when he learns Kung Fu in the Matrix...]

When Jun and Sai become separated by civil war between East and West regions of the country, Jun decides his path to fame and glory is through the Guardian’s tournament — an elite competition for warriors and martial artists of different fighting styles. If he can achieve that, he can bring honor to his family.

Along the way, Jun befriends several companions, mentors, and Ren. The political scheming between men in power added depth and complexity. Jun’s growth beginning to end belies a maturity beyond his sixteen years.

This is a duology, but book 1 is complete on its own. I loved this book and will recommend it to my YA reader. I will say the last quarter had more gratuitous f-bombing than was necessary. My biggest complaint: the cover isn’t doing it justice.

·˚ ༘₊·꒰➳: ̗̀➛ This book releases on Jan 7th! · ←˚ ༘₊·꒰➳: ̗̀

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

HOLY MOLY!!!!!!! THIS WAS FANTASTIC!!! Easily one of the best YA fantasy I've ever read. Can't wait for book 2! And this comes from a reader who prefers female mcs!! I am so obsessed with this book that I fear my review will be just me SCREAMING WITH CAPITAL LETTERS about how awesome this book is....

This is my first Fonda Lee and Shannon Lee book, so I have no previous knowledge of their writing. I requested this title for the martial arts, the tournament, and abilities that stem from dragons! And I was NOT disappointed! It exceeded my expectations to the degree I'd say that it obliterated them like Jun obliterated his opponents lmao.

Jun has been trying to compensate for his one fateful mistake ten years ago. He has been trying to do what his father wants and stay out of trouble. He has also been training dutifully and with great dedication. Jun really appreciates and reveres martial arts, which I found to be so endearing. A young boy who has lost so much and yet has found solance in his training. He has this goal of becoming the greatest warrior in the country, and it was charming, so heart-warming. He has put the work in, and he has trained so hard for it. I respected him a lot for his dedication. He has a rivalry with another boy/young man who trains at the same School, and I found it to be authentic to his age. It didn't feel unreasonably petty, it felt like a genuine reaction of a 16 year old boy who wanted to be the best, who wanted to prove to everyone (including those who bullied him) that he was worthy, that he was capable, and that he was the best. My heart felt for Jun during the whole book and in so many ways. Everything that Jun did, including his mistakes, felt genuine like he was a real person. I loved Jun so much!! I sincerely hope that teens around the world discover this book and see the great role example that Jun is with his dedication, his mild jealousy, and his heart of gold. Because Jun has such a pure soul. His kindness knows no bounds, and even though it got the best out of him sometimes, it was also what makes him so great.

The plot followed Jun's goal and ambitions. It has great pacing. Something always happened, and yet, it didn't feel overwhelming. The reader joins Jun's journey to martial arts stardom and the aftermath. We feel his wounds, both emotionally and physically. We feel his pain and his void and his kindness. We feel his joy and his grief. And more than anything, we feel his deep desire to do well for himself and for his father.

I absolutely cannot wait for the second book because of THE HOLY MOLY PLOT TWISTS toward the end!!! I loved this book so much!!!!!! I will be pushing it to everyone's hands!! Fantastic worldbuilding, enthralling prose, and a superb YA mc you will root for from the bottom of your heart!

e-ARC from NetGalley.

This was a WOWzer of a book in a way I didn't see coming. While we're promised a brutal competition, the start of this book read more like a love letter to martial arts, and I found myself discouraged.

BUT it was so worth it to stick it out!

The Shannon Lee/Fonda Lee literary pairing is an absolute powerhouse! I laughed. I cried. I was shocked. I was horrified. I have no idea who to trust. I'm just as shaken up by simultaneous feelings of affection and betrayal as Jun is aaaaaand more than a little obsessed with Yin Yue in a way I haven't been with a protagonist's rival since Nezha in The Poppy War.

This book is what it promises. It's a brutal competition. It's a political thriller. It's a tale of war. It's a familial quest. It's a fantasy world of those with magic vs. those without.

Hiiiiiighly recommend!

4.5 stars rounded up.

This book is just so perfectly for me. I trained in martial arts for almost 25 years and taught classes for 10 years before settling on a different career path. Growing up doing martial arts, and reading different martial arts related fables has ingrained in me much of the philosophy and ideologies on full display in this book (thanks largely to Shannon I am sure). I have also read her father's Tao of Jeet Kune Do and could clearly see much of his spirit and philosophy oozing through the pages as well. That coupled with the epic fantasy elements just made for such a fun ride. If you love martial arts movies, or are a martial arts enthusiast yourself, this is truly a book FOR YOU. The fight scenes are beautifully executed, and are quite accurate to real martial arts movements and techniques making them a delight. The one thing that held this back from an unequivocal 5 stars in my boy Jun really got on my nerves at times. He was a realistically done 16 year-old boy for good or ill, which made him react to several situations in the melodramatic way teenagers will. Other than that I was simply hooked and loved every moment of his training and competing in the tournament. I am so curious to see where to story goes in the conclusion to the duology whenever it comes out.

Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me a copy to review via NetGalley.

This book was a masterpiece. I loved the world building, characters and everything about this novel. I liked that romance was not the focus. Really give props to the authors for writing this, could not put it down. Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.

I initially requested this e-arc as I had been familiar with Fonda’s name in the fantasy realm. I stupidly thought it was going to be another adult fantasy, but quickly learned it was not.

This is a YA fantasy, inspired by the teachings of Bruce Lee - co written with Shannon Lee, his daughter.

This book is like….a sandwich. Slow to start, and slow to end. I almost DNF’d after about 20%, but decided to push through. Ultimately I am glad I continued.
, as this was probably one of the most unique fantasy YA novels I have read in a LONG time. The ending as well was stretched out and info dumpy. It did land on a fairly powerful note and I am interested in continuing this series.

Jun’s journey from being stubborn, impulsive, and selfish, to a young man willing to learn and be selfless was really well written.
A side character - Yin Yue who I did NOT think would have much page time ended up being one of my favorite characters by the end of the book. A worthy friend, and someone who went through the same self realizations as Jun. I hope to see his journey continue in sequels.

Beautifully written and 60% engaging, I highly recommend this to both teen fantasy fans, and to adults who grew up reading YA who miss engaging, emotional, and creative stories.

Breath of the Dragon by Fonda Lee and Shannon Lee is a captivating YA fantasy that would translate perfectly into a Netflix animated series. The story follows sixteen-year-old Jun, who dreams of restoring his father's honor and proving himself as a warrior in the prestigious Guardian’s Tournament. With an immersive world steeped in magic, dragon lore, and family drama, the novel hooks readers from the first page.

Jun's journey of self-discovery, as he faces powerful enemies and battles for the future of his country, is rich with emotional depth and action. The dynamic between Jun and his family, combined with the high-stakes competition and the introduction of dragon magic, would make for visually stunning and thrilling animated sequences.

With its blend of fantasy, martial arts, and coming-of-age themes, Breath of the Dragon is an ideal fit for a Netflix animated series that would appeal to both fans of fantasy and action. The visual possibilities for the dragon magic, tournament battles, and emotional storytelling would be amazing to experience on screen!

Breath of the Dragon follows our main Character Jun as he enters an elite martial arts tournament. He hopes to bring honor to his family and also reunite with his mother and twin brother Sai.

This is a YA fantasy that is full of action. The fighting scenes were so well done - so descriptive and easy to envision. I felt that this character felt very much 16 years old not in a negative way but in a believable way- this is how I feel someone in a YA book would react, decide and move through the world. I was very much invested in Jun's story and as an adult would even recommend this book to people who aren't sold on the YA genre.

From the magic, to the action and the side characters, Breath of the Dragon had me interested from start to finish!

I would recommend to readers that love an action packed fantasy as well as readers that have an interest in martial arts.

Thank you so much to Wednesday Books, Netgalley and the authors Fonda Lee and Shannon Lee for this ARC!

Thank you to Fonda Lee; Shannon Lee, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for giving me an eARC of Breath of the Dragon in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this book. There are not enough words to explain how much I loved it. The character development was outstanding. I felt Jun's pain, his desire to prove himself and to be more than the twin who is not breathmarked. The world is so interesting where martial arts is banned in the east but in the west, it is everything and can be considered a status symbol. The tournament setting was a cool spin on the story as readers get to go alongside Jun as he tries to win the title of Guardian and bring back honor to his family. Yet the tournament is corrupt and as readers, we can feel Jun's internal struggle as he tries to sort out what is right and what is wrong. This story very much feels like a coming-of-age story. Jun grows up in so many ways throughout the story. Even though it only spans a couple of months, Jun is a different person by the end of the story. He has faced many trials and in many ways was forced to grow up in a way he otherwise likely would not have. I cannot wait to see where book two takes us and I am beyond excited for the reunion between Jun and Sai. I have so many theories about Sai's breathmarked ability and how Jun might play a role in it. I am eager to see how Jun navigates being back in a country where Martial Arts is illegal, even though he just proved himself to be the best in the West. There are so many dynamics that I cannot wait to see play out. I need book two now.

Content Warning: violence

Jun and his twin, Sai, are born in the East where only a dragon breathmarked can learn to fight be picked to become an elite warrior. When their family is torn apart, with Jun and his dad to the West and Sai and his mom in the East, Jun has to do what he can to see them again. The first step is to become the next Guardian. And to do that he has to join a fighting tournament against the toughest fighters in the West.

If you like martial arts, you will love this story. It’s got fighting, politics, found family and it’s overall just such an entertaining story! I really enjoyed the world-building.

I really enjoyed Jun as the main character – he’s stubborn, but you know this kid has such a good heart. He wants to be a Guardian but it’s so he can make his dad proud and find his mom and brother. I was really rooting for him through his growth and his fights. I loved watching him build relationships with Ren, Chang and his rival Yin. There is political intrigue going on in the West but I think with how this book ends, we’ll get to see what is happening in the East next.

The fighting scenes are great! Very violent but so good that I wish this was a tv show or movie – remember those days of martial art movies? It’s definitely entertaining.

Final Thoughts:

I enjoyed this one a lot and can’t wait to read the next book!

I went into this one knowing that it was out of my comfort zone. I tried so hard to enjoy it, but after picking it up and putting it down multiple times, I've realized it is very much not the book, it's me. I am not the target audience for the story. Sometimes I can step out of my norm and it works, but unfortunately this time it didn't. The premise was intriguing. The story does suck you in from the very beginning, but I just didn't get invested in it and couldn't bring myself to continue with it.

Breath of the Dragon completely blew me away. From the very beginning, I was pulled into Li Jun’s world—a place where martial arts are banned unless you’re part of the government’s elite force, the Aspects. When Jun’s talent is discovered, he’s forced to flee to the West with his father, leaving behind his twin brother and mother. What follows is a journey that’s not just about survival but about proving his worth in a world that seems determined to hold him back.

Jun is one of the most compelling characters I’ve read about in a long time. He’s not perfect—he’s a little cocky and sometimes too naive—but that just makes him so real. What I loved most was his grit. Unlike his brother, who is “breathmarked” and naturally gifted, Jun has to work for every ounce of respect he earns. Watching him grow, make friends, and learn to trust himself was one of my favorite parts of the book.

And the Guardian Tournament? Wow. It’s brutal, unpredictable, and full of twists I didn’t see coming. Every fight had me on the edge of my seat, but what made it even better was the bigger story behind it all. The tournament is more than just combat—it’s a gateway to uncovering corruption, hidden truths, and the complex politics of this world.

This book isn’t just about action, though. It dives deep into themes like family, resilience, and standing up for what you believe in. It made me think about what truly matters and what’s worth fighting for.

Fonda Lee and Shannon Lee have created something special here. The story is fast-paced, emotionally gripping, and filled with moments that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. If you love fantasy, martial arts, or just an epic story about finding your strength, Breath of the Dragon is a must-read.

Huge thanks to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for letting me read this amazing ARC. It’s the best book I've read to close out the year!

First I want to say thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This story had a chokehold on me from the very start! This was a very well realized YA fantasy, with brutally realistic fight sequences, well developed characters, and a whole lot of intrigue. I really enjoyed the tournament aspect of this book. Sometimes in books a tournament can feel a bit predictable since the MC has to win to progress the story. However, the different martial arts described, and the variety of competitors was actually really interesting. The fight sequences were written in a way that was easy to picture what was taking place. I also really liked seeing Jun’s character growth throughout the story. He was a great protagonist, and I’m excited to follow his journey in book 2. Found family is one of my favorite tropes, but I wish we had gotten a little bit more interaction between Jun, Ren, Chang and Yin Yue, to lend a bit more credibility to their connection. But I expect we’ll get more of that in the next book. My only other gripe was the use of foul language in what was otherwise a very YA story. At times it felt like the f-word was thrown in just to feel a little edgier and it didn’t really fit with the rest of the story, imo. But overall I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next installment!

Solid 4 stars. I enjoyed this book after getting through the first 1/3 or so, I struggled with the pacing and the world building a bit in the beginning. However, once the tournament started, I was ALL in. I fell in love with the story that both Fonda Lee and Shannon Lee were telling here. I wasn't sure if I was going to finish the book once I started, but I am all in. It was so interesting to me to see the parallels between the world built in this book and some very charged geopolitical situations in our own world. I loved the magic system in this book as well, and I cannot wait to see how things unfold in the second book.

Thanks to NetGalley, Shannon Lee, Fonda Lee, and Wednesday Books for the eARC of Breath of the Dragon in exchange for an honest review.

Breath of the Dragon by Fonda Lee is a captivating Asian-inspired fantasy filled with magic, high-stakes tournaments and simmering political tensions.

The story follows Jun, a sixteen-year-old boy determined to master the forbidden art of martial combat, like his father. After a tragic incident separates his family, Jun dreams of becoming a Guardian, a position of immense power and respect. He believes it’s the only way to prove his worth and reunite his fractured family. But in a land rife with peril and secrets, surviving long enough to achieve his goal is far from guaranteed.

This first installment in a duology is an ode to martial arts, weaving its diverse styles into a richly imagined world. The storytelling shines in the attention to detail and layered world-building, which enhances Jun’s journey at every turn. Jun’s character is compelling in his flaws, and the supporting cast is given depth and importance that elevate the narrative.

With its dynamic characters, intricate plot, and vivid setting, I liked this book. I can’t wait to see where the second book in the duology takes Jun’s story.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for providing this book.

Breath of the Dragon reminds me of Percy Jackson and other novels that cater to that age range—a bit on the younger side of YA but still chock full of action and complex political themes.

I was admittedly fed up with Jun, a young man training to win the position the Guardian of the West against the odds and his father’s wishes, for the first third or so of the novel. He comes off as ungrateful, though he faces his fair share of adversities—namely being separated from his mother and his identical twin brother at an early age. However, I enjoyed his character growth; the authors thoughtfully show how Jun’s awareness of others’ circumstances develops, and which furthers the theme of earning success through hard work and perseverance.

I am a twin too (though not an identical one), so I sympathize with Jun’s fear of comparison, of never living up to his Breathmarked brother. I wish we had seen a bit more of Sai throughout the novel, but I understand why his and Jun’s interactions are being saved for another installment in the series.

The fight scenes are plentiful and detailed, making a true ode to martial arts. However, I wish more time had been allocated to refining characters’ relationships. For instance, although Sifu Chang and Ren became Jun’s traveling companions and mentors, I didn’t feel like they became the found family I was expecting/hoping for. The potential is there for sure, as it is with Jun and Yin Yue’s friendship, but I’d like for it to receive more attention in the sequel.

A solid action-packed young adult fantasy that misses some opportunities but pays homage to martial arts while delving into political propaganda.

Breath of the Dragon was such a fun read! There was a ton of action, deadly trials, political games, a minor romantic subplot, and character growth. I started out not really liking Jun, but as the story progressed, I was super impressed with his character arc and maturity. This is a very successful YA coming of age historical fantasy that I couldn't put down. I haven't read a YA fantasy with a teenage boy being the main POV in a long time, so Breath of the Dragon was such a breath of fresh air. Since finishing this book, I keep thinking about the ending and can't wait to see what's next from Fonda and Shannon Lee. I hope to see more development regarding the romance/potential love triangle in the next installment and will be keeping an eye out for any news regarding this series. I haven't read anything quite like this and I'd definitely recommend to any fantasy and action lovers out there.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, NetGalley, and the authors for sending me an early copy!