Breath of the Dragon carries the spirit of Jin Yong’s Legends of the Cedar House series in a modern and stylish form. The titular breath of the dragon gives those who are born with it special abilities unique to each person. These people born with dragon’s breath are highly valued and often revered. In this story Fonda and Shannon give us twin protagonists, one born with and one without. The twins are separated and end up on either side of a political split, but Jun (born without the dragon’s breath) is determined to become the Dragon Guardian in a martial tournament.

The strength of a wuxia novel will always succeed or fail on the action and I am pleased to report that the training and battles in this book are as captivating as they are exciting. Don’t let the YA genre tag scare you off of what is a fun read that is hopefully the first of many adventures for Little Dragon Jun.

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Breath of the Dragon by Fonda Lee and Shannon Lee is a third person-POV Chinese-inspired YA fantasy. Jun and his twin brother Sai do everything together, including training in forbidden martial arts. However, Sai is Breathmarked, one of the chosen descendants of Dragon, and Jun is not. When the Aspects come for Sai and their mother, they discover that Jun has been taught martial arts and exile Jun and his father, separating their family for a decade.

I immediately picked this up the moment I found out that Shannon Lee was involved. Like a lot of Americans, I’m a fan of Bruce Lee, so seeing that not only was his daughter one of the writers but that Breath of the Dragon is based on his teachings made this a must read. This is also Fonda Lee’s return to YA after her massive adult hit with Jade City and her well-received novella Untethered Skies and the cover is absolutely stunning in its minimalist color palette and gorgeous details. All of these things set up really high expectations before you even read the blurb.

To me, this read a lot like a shounen manga. I grew up on Dragon Ball, Naruto, Bleach, Yu Yu Hakusho, etc. so I have a real soft spot for shounen-style tournaments though this is more condensed as we don’t really have the room for a twenty episode tournament arc in a prose novel. The other thing that makes this read like a shounen is the love triangle between Jun, Yin, and Ren. I can genuinely say that I do not know exactly how this love triangle is going to work out even if my gut says it’s going to end with Ren and Jun together. There are hints that Ren might have feelings for Yin or could be more receptive to his affections and it’s very clear that Yin has feelings for her, but because everything is in Jun’s POV, we don’t know if it’s only his perception of how Yin and Ren are interacting versus how they actually are talking to each other.

The worldbuilding is super cool. The breathmarked being the descendants chosen specifically by Dragon to have special abilities and how they manifest creates a huge variety in who gets what powers and what they could do with them. In the East, they are taken in by the Aspects and trained to also be Aspects, the only people allowed to learn martial arts. In the West, some of them learn martial arts at special schools and can compete in the tournament to determine who is the Guardian of one of the sacred scrolls for the next six years. This is really focused on fight scenes and the prose handles those scenes well instead of feeling tedious. I sometimes struggle to remember where everything is if there are a bunch of moving parts and pieces, but I didn’t feel overwhelmed here as there is a good balance of the interior and the exterior.

I would recommend this to fans of shounen manga looking to get back into prose novels, readers who love Bruce Lee films looking for a Chinese-inspired fantasy, and those looking for a YA that has a love triangle that is present but isn’t super prominent.

Breath of the Dragon is a martial arts tournament meets fantasy read. While I know next to nothing about martial arts beyond what I’ve seen in movies, I wasn’t overwhelmed or deterred in any way while reading this. I really appreciated the teachings in regard to knowing yourself and overcoming yourself in order to overcome others. I was a big fan of the mentor/mentee relationship that formed during Jun’s travels as well as the glimpses that training gave to what’s occurring throughout the realm. What really sold me though was the tournament. I love trials and tournaments in reads, so I was thrilled to get to that point in the story. This goes beyond a simple tournament, though, because of the political machinations that are at play with different candidates. There’s also so many revelations, shocking twists, and betrayals that this story will have you hooked and leave you reeling. I read this via audiobook and really loved the narration. Eric Yang did so well balancing Jun’s excitement, frustrations, naïveté, and resolve. Yang truly brought Jun to life making this a thoroughly enjoyable listening adventure. I can’t wait to read the next book.

Thanks to St Martin's Press and Netgalley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.

Breath of the Dragon starts off as a typical fantasy centered around a tournament. The main character spends around 40 percent of the book preparing for the tournament. The results of the tournament are somewhat predictable. Thankfully the fights along the way are exciting and engaging.

Soon we learn that there are layers of plot hidden behind the simple exterior. What first seems to be a typical plot soon takes twists and reveals new things. The final section of the book could have been predictable as well but it quickly takes new turns and builds up to excitement for the next book.

Fans of martial arts will enjoy watching the development of Jun as he learns that winning doesn't always mean what you expect. By the end we just glimpse the smallest layers of the different dragon aspect powers that can manifest in this world. Things resolve in a satisfying conclusion that left me hyped for the sequel and what it might bring.

The main reason this does not get 5 stars is it does not reach the level of Fonda Lee's prior trilogy, The Green Bone Saga. For other authors this would be an impressive debut. The plotting is much more coherent than most first books because it doesn't jump around to multiple points of view.
4/5

This was a fast-paced and engrossing story that follows Jun, a sixteen year old who's greatest ambition is to win the tournament for becoming the Guardian, a martial arts expert who is revered and respected. The character development for Jun is excellent - he starts off a rash, impulsive teenager but by the end of the book his journey and experiences have matured him a lot, and the change is written very well.

This is a book with a huge focus on martial arts, so there are a lot of fight scenes. Sometimes I get the urge to skim fight scenes in book but not with these. The action is clearly described and easy to follow while maintaining tension.

My only criticism is that the side characters don't seem fully fleshed out, a side effect of focusing so much on the main character in a short book. I think this might get better in the sequel though, which I'm definitely going to read.

Thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC.

What an epic fantasy novel!! The world building was phenomenal, the character depth was so well done, and it was action packed. It did take me a minute to become invested in this one but once I did I really enjoyed it. There is a lot of martial arts. Like a lot but the journey of MC takes is a journey of self discovery. Inspired by Bruce Lee, this was a beautifully written book.

Fonda Lee became an easy favorite of mine after I flew through every book in her Jade Saga series. She has such an amazing talent for creating characters that you adore, even at their most frustrating, and putting them in unique environments with such fascinating magic systems. So of course I was thrilled to get my hands on an early copy of her newest book, this time a YA story completely unlike her previous works. And Shannon Lee brings such a unique perspective to this story as the daughter of Bruce Lee!

After a careless mistake at a young age causes Jun and his father to be banished and separated from his magically-gifted brother and their mother, he has dedicated his life to learning how to fight and prove himself the best warrior in the upcoming Guardian's Tournament. If he wins, he can finally prove to his father that fighting isn't a waste of his time, and maybe, reconnect with the rest of his family. But when Jun's father forbids him from participating, he'll have to sneak a wagon ride from the blind man and renowned flutist, Chang, and his daughter, Ren, to the capital. But there's more to the tournament and being guardian than just protecting the Scroll of Heaven - the fate of both his new nation and his old might depend on him winning.

This is such a stunning homage to martial arts. I'm a sucker for a good tournament storyline, and the authors have created such a fascinating mythos that lends itself well to a magical battle. The stakes do feel genuinely high for Jun and the allies he collects along the way, with a clear antagonist you want to root for Jun to defeat. The idea of "breathmarked" individuals, or those chosen by the Dragon to have special gifts and abilities, and certainly of a brother and his twin not both inheriting those gifts, is a fascinating one. There are so many different layers to the overall plot that, while I could guess where the story was headed, I wasn't always sure how we would get there - and the ending certainly caught me off guard!

As a teacher, one of the the things that have been a noted struggle the past few years is how few GOOD YA books there have been for teenage boys - it's like everything for them just stops after middle grade. I genuinely cannot wait to have this book on my shelves at school: while there is romance, it is in the background and not a serious part of the story at all. I just know my students will devour this book.

Breath of the Dragon is an intensive, galvanizing martial arts fantasy for the ages. The story, written by masters of their craft, set out to create a mystical and magical duet based on the characters and teachings of Bruce Lee and it is felt in every scene. The epic fights, the sweeping landscapes and world buildings. The intimate and intense characters. There is nothing to not love in between these pages.


Two brothers and a family torn apart; set to different parts of their city, their world and one trying to become what the autocracy wants, the other what the people need. A tournament, fighting (non-graphic), family drama, dynamic fantasy scenes, beautifully written characters… This story is perfect for any reader regardless of age and for the big screen as well.


I couldn’t have loved this more. I highly recommend this story to all readers, those who love martial arts, Bruce Lee, Asian fantasy, family dynamic reads, and just plain old wonderful stories! Five stars!

This story flowed beautifully and had the most lovely elements and all anyone could want out of a fantasy book. While for me it did take a bit to really get into at the beginning, once I dived in I was fully invested. Would definitely recommend to anyone who loves a solid and easy read that will keep you captivated.

4.5 stars total
This is the first book in a Ya action packed series by Shannon Lee and Fonda Lee. We follow a single pov throughout the whole book of Jun. Jun and Sai are twins, but Sai is breathmarked meaning he has dragon blood within him.
The breathmarked are taken at age six to train to be Aspects, elite fighters for their country, which is broken into two parts the East and the West. Aspects serve the East side and the two sides are separated by a wall. Each breathmarked has unique powers, some are more useful in fighting while others are not. The fighting and teaching of martial arts are forbidden to regular people only the breathmarked, who are trained as Aspects, are allowed to learn it. Jun and Sai end up being separated at six years old, Jun getting exiled with their father to the West for performing martial arts, while Sai and their mother go into the inner city to train Sai to become an Aspect. We follow along Jun’s life from there throughout the book. He ends up entering a martial arts tournament where the winner becomes guardian of the Heaven scroll. I really enjoyed seeing how Jun’s perspective ends up changing throughout this book. He really does grow a ton throughout it. Like I said earlier action packed, so many different fights are seen throughout this book, it kept me from being able to put this book down. Being able to have Fonda’s knowledge with martial arts I think really elevated this book for me 🖤 As I’m sure you can tell the world building is this book is so well done. It was super interesting to learn about it throughout this book. I’m highly looking forward to the next book in this series.

Thank you, NetGalley and the publishers, for approving me for this ARC in exchange for my honest and genuine review.

This compelling story had me by my collar from beginning to end. Following the main character, Jun was just a rollercoaster of emotions. Jun is a typical teenage boy with so much pent-up energy and a know-it-all. But these traits didn't make me dislike him because I have little brothers like him. We've all been 16 and thought we knew how to navigate life.

Jun's journey was such a beautifully written tragedy, but I knew what to expect when I read who the authors were. Jun's resilience and determination contributed to his character development during his voyage in the West and throughout the tournament. With the help of the main side characters, Ren and Yin, Jun prevailed and rose above those trying to silence and manipulate him. This story was a fantastic homage to martial arts, and I cannot wait to read the second installment of this story!

Overall this book was ok but definitely not something that I would normally read. It was very much a martial arts book and for me there was too many fight scenes without the other components I would look for. Well written just not for me.

My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books. I'm voluntarily leaving a review, and all opinions are my own.

Genre: Fantasy, Asian Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Martial Arts Fantasy, Young Adult Fantasy
Audience: Young Adult

***BREATH OF THE DRAGON*** is a breathtaking fantasy geared to teens.

The world is more simplistic than Lee's Green Bone Saga, making it more approachable for a younger audience. I love some of the descriptions that provide vivid imagery like the "wall" and the names given to the fighters.

Anyone who loves martial arts will fall in love with BREATH OF THE DRAGON and won't put it down. It's a fast and exciting read. Some of the fights are more brutal than I expected because some of the fighters don't have a moral compass and will win at any cost. The interplay between characters is deep and rich—the relationships morph through the story and become more interesting. There is a potential slow-burn romance. This will be a duology! You can look forward to: family ties, found family, betrayal, lies, secrets, ambition, traps, and honor.

The ending wraps up differently than I expected. It goes a little further than I expected which leaves us in a precarious position and thirsting for more.

Yes! I recommend this book for fantasy readers.

Happy reading!

4.5 stars

Thank you Net Galley for an advanced reader copy of this incredible work of YA fantasy fiction. Based on the teachings and characters of Bruce Lee (and co-written by his daughter) this blast of a novel has all the makings an action packed, heartfelt work of fiction. Relentlessly paced, beautifully choreographed martial art/ fight scenes, an epic tournament, found family, great characters, and a hint at a love story- what an amazing, fun ride this was. I need book 2 now!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC In exchange for my honest review.

I will pretty much read anything Fonda Lee puts out, but was especially thrilled when I heard she was cowriting this with Shannon Lee. This was a solid YA fantasy - so much action and fighting sequences! The story was reminiscent to the kung fu movies I watched growing up, and also reminded me of Dragonball, what with the eclectic hodgepodge of characters fighting to be victor in a martial arts tournament.

Jun is a talented and tenacious fighter. He dreams of becoming the Guardian so that he can finally be recognized, while also getting to right the wrongs of his past childhood mistake. He perseveres through many obstacles blocking him from his goal, even disobeying his father by running away to compete in the Guardian Tournament. Along his journey he meets many allies as well as enemies, getting himself caught in events that changes the trajectory of his life completely.

I understand that Jun is pretty young, but his character can be quite petulant at times, making it hard to connect and root for him initially. His ego gets easily chafed, and his competitiveness with those more well liked and valued like Sai and Yin constantly puts him at odds with others. We go through so many hardships with Jun though, and get to see quite an impressive character arc for him. He goes from being a self-absorbed and pigheaded individual to becoming a more humbled, wise young man that realizes fame and honor means nothing if it means losing more important things along the way.

I’m looking forward to the sequel, and seeing what the Lees has in store for Jun. I’m also a big fan of Yin, and can’t wait to see more of his character in the continuation as well.

I made it through the first 7 chapters but then a major reading slump hit. The holidays have been so jam packed and busy I haven't had the time, energy, or comprehension to finish. The story sounds amazing and I love the world building I've read so far. Looking forward to this slump ending so I can finish this book...which I feel is going to be fantastic!

This was such a good read!! It’s slow building but you get attached to the characters and invested in their fights. I couldn’t believe the way things moved towards the end and now I’m here, waiting for more. There will be more, right?! (lol)

Everything you expected going into a Lee book? You got it. This book is incredible- the characters, the world building, the rivalry, add in a tournament that keeps you on the edge of your seat and you have the perfect book for all fantasy lovers. The way I am absolutely crying to get my hands on book 2…

Jun wants nothing more than to participate in the Guardian's Tournament and finally prove himself. After he and his father were banished, he focused on training in martial arts even though his father would prefer that he get an education and a good job. After his father forbids him from going to the tournament, he runs away and works to earn enough for the tournament. Right from the beginning, we learn that Jun is very determined to prove that he's just as worthy as his twin brother. Two opposing groups are trying to be in control, and we have learned a lot about people from both sides. This story includes plenty of action. There were moments when I believed that Jun would not be able to survive, but somehow, he managed to keep on living. Even though Jun thought that he wasn't special, he came to find out that there was something special about him. I can't wait to learn how his abilities will improve in the next book.

Thanks to SMP and Net Galley for the advanced e-arc of this excellent book!

eARC Review: Breath of the Dragon by Shannon Lee and Fonda Lee 💨

This was an action packed martial arts inspired YA fantasy that draws heavily from Bruce Lee and his philosophy. I really enjoyed the journey that the MC, Jun, has through the plot and his slow character development throughout. 🗡️

Jun is a 16-year-old boy who has been separated from his mother and twin brother. Because of this, he feels immense guilt and feels like he needs to make it up and prove himself to his father by taking part in the Guardian tournament. Jun is impulsive, hot-headed, and stubborn and perfectly embodies a teenage boy with big dreams (in my opinion). I thought for a teen/YA MC, he was a perfect mix of immature but old enough to learn when he is in the wrong. I thought his journey and fight through the tournament was a great chance for his character to develop and am excited to see how he continues to grow in the next book. 🐉

The side characters of Ren, Chang, and Yin Yue were a great bunch who constantly made Jun learn and rethink his actions. His relationship with Chang gave me Karate Kid vibes for a good while, and I loved the rivalry that was between Jun and Yin Yue. Just kept reminding me of two boys puffing their chests to show they’re hot shit. 🤣

The politics of the story was intricate enough to be engaging but not too much so to be way over the head. I still would’ve liked seeing more appearances from the opposing group though just to get a better idea other than just one perspective. I also wish we could’ve gotten more tender father-son moments instead of what felt like a rushed one, but that’s me. 🥲

All in all, I really enjoyed this one and can’t wait for the sequel! Big thank you goes out to Wednesday Books for reaching out with this in exchange for an honest review, and to the authors, Shannon and Fonda, for crafting such a fun and action packed YA fantasy!

Publication date: January 7!

Overall: 4.25/5 ⭐️