Big thank you NetGalley and to the publisher for the chance to review this book pre-release. Breath of the Dragon is unlike anything I have ever previously read. At first I really had trouble getting into it because the main character is just so unlikable, but eventually you see his character change (for the better), and then I felt like the story got so much better when I was invested in the MC. I loved that this was a collaborative story, and I feel like Shannon Lee's contributions blended well with Fonda's into one cohesive story. A more formal review will be available on my IG/TikTok and Goodreads for release.

Fonda Lee isn't for me. I didn't love JADE CITY. While I didn't hate this, I was bored for most of the story.

(As an aside, as much as I love supporting Asian diaspora women, do I let go of the East Asian fantasy genre? It is not serving me.)

The premise? Amazing. I was so interested in Jun, his twin, and the magic of breathmarks. Jun's twin disappears pretty fast. His boohoo attitude, while woe is me, is very male of him.

There are a lot of descriptions about East v. West, in this case I assume Han v. non-Han Chinese. I won't delve into it. It wasn't that deep.

I wanted the secret revolution to be a little more exciting. It wasn't.

📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books

eArc received from Netgalley for an honest review

3.5 Stars

I was extremely excited to get the Arc for Breath of the Dragon and was hoping it would be a favourite of the year. Unfortunately, it wasn't something I had a easy time getting sucked into, and I had trouble feeling motivated to read it once I began.

For me, the pacing at the start was a bit slow. I had trouble with being invested enough to continue despite the intrigue and concepts that felt really strong throughout. The characters didn't interest me enough either, so I had a hard time caring about them for the majority of the book.

It takes half the book to get to the tournament, and this is when things get a little stronger. The combat is incredibly well written and keeps you on the edge of your seat. The slight found family aspect, and the friendships really warmed my heart as well.
I may not have loved this book, but I think there are huge reasons to try it. There are incredible ideas in this book, and many of them are executed well. For me, it just wasn't enough to hold my interest but I appreciated the cultural themes and ideas throughout. They were beautifully incorporated and well done.

If you like slower paced fantasy with really good fighting scenes, tournaments, and strong family ties, then pick this up and give it a try yourself.

"Marked or not, every one of us has breath enough to will our own destiny into being."

Twin brothers Jun and Sai—one is born marked and thus has a destiny, while the other is not. Jun always had to work twice as hard to earn anything his brother did. Due to an unfortunate series of events, Jun and his father are banished to the West, while his mother and brother are sent to the town where his brother will become something great. Jun is determined to make something of himself, despite his father's wishes. After being forbidden to compete in a martial arts tournament, Jun sneaks out and hitchhikes a ride there.

Along the way, he meets an unexpected teacher and begins to learn there is much more to the world than he thought. The tournament is not what anyone expected, thanks to a war-hungry general. Jun must face many trials and learns that maybe who he thought he was and what he thought he wanted wasn't what he was destined for at all.

This book was gorgeously written, and I greatly appreciated that the MMC actually felt young, because he is. He's impulsive and gets angry, jealous, and prideful. He learns along the way. Also, the ending has me feeling. I need book two immediately. A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to receive an ARC of this one.

This series is about to become my whole personality. Like I literally put down Wind and Truth to finish this, it was that good!!

I didn't know I needed a fantasy martial arts book in my life but this was amazing-- a great coming-of-age, trial by fire, tournament story. Shannon Lee and Fonda Lee made the genre very accessible to newcomers and their worldbuilding was very compelling. There's such an interesting underlying plot of political conspiracies and intrigue that makes me so excited for book 2. I loved the bigger implications that will be addressed later in the duology and thought this was the perfect set up for the larger story at hand.

I really enjoyed Fonda Lee’s Green Bone Saga so I was very excited to pick this book up. I don’t typically like stories with competitions or trials, but this one really worked for me. The actual competition was important but also moved quickly. The plot was really interesting and I’m looking forward to seeing where it goes in the next book.

I received an advance copy via NetGalley.

I greatly enjoyed this collaboration between Shannon Lee, daughter of Bruce Lee, and Fonda Lee, one of my favorite authors. This secondary-world setting, inspired by ancient China, draws on Bruce Lee's teachings.

Jun made a terrible, boastful mistake when he was a child, one that forced him and his father into exile, while his mother and his incredibly blessed twin went on to a life of privilege. A war and wall soon create a permanent divide. Jun is now sixteen, an arrogant young martial artist who is determined to compete in the brutal championship to become the Guardian of the realm. After his sickly father forbids Jun entry, Jun stows away in a flutist's wagon, determined to enter the bout on his own. Nothing goes as he expects.

In many ways, this book is a celebration of the martial arts and the ways in which discipline can help a person. To be blunt, Jun is an insufferable jerk at first, but if you're reading reviews and wondering if you should keep reading, I say, please do. Jun's character arc and maturation are incredibly satisfying, so stick with it!

There are many major twists and turns in the story. The end in particular went places I never anticipated. I am already eager to read the second book in this duology, and I hate that I probably have a long wait!

In "Breath of the Dragon," Shannon Lee and Fonda Lee have crafted a riveting fantasy tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. This action-packed narrative seamlessly weaves together elements of political unrest, rebellion, and mythical intrigue, creating a rich tapestry that fantasy enthusiasts will find irresistible.

At the heart of this gripping story is Jun, an underdog protagonist whose character arc is both compelling and relatable. The authors have skillfully developed Jun's journey, allowing readers to connect with his struggles and root for his success as he navigates a world fraught with danger and uncertainty.

One of the novel's standout features is its meticulously choreographed action sequences. The authors' expertise in martial arts shines through, lending an authenticity and visceral quality to the fight scenes that will leave readers breathless. These moments of intense action are balanced perfectly with the book's intricate plot, ensuring that the pacing never falters.

"Breath of the Dragon" excels in its ability to subvert expectations. Just when readers think they've got a handle on the story's direction, the authors introduce unexpected twists that keep the narrative fresh and engaging. The complex interplay between three factions adds layers of intrigue, leaving both Jun and the reader questioning allegiances and motivations. This element of unpredictability elevates the story, making it a truly immersive experience.

For those who revel in stories featuring high-stakes competitions, political machinations, and mythological elements, "Breath of the Dragon" is a must-read.

Thank you, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley, for my free book for review.

Thank you net gallery for the advanced copy of this book. I enjoyed the story and adventure and hope to see more books in this series. The tournament was exciting, and I definitely would recommend.

Fonda Lee and Shannon Lee put together an incredibly fun tale inspired by Bruce Lee with this opener, giving us the tale of a brash young martial artist determined to become the best in the land. But as the story unfolds we find far more than a YA-targeted action adventure, as we delve into an incredibly rich story of the human cost of political division, of family taken for granted, family lost and family found, of ambition and drive but the need to temper it with morality and responsibility. Such an incredible read. A richly realized, nuanced world, and a story that becomes so much more as the MC realizes that nothing he assumed is as it seems when he sets out on the path he's determined to follow. If you're a fan of Fonda Lee, you absolutely need to read this book.
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Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I read and loved Fonda Lee's Greenbone Saga a few years ago, I also picked up her novella Untethered Sky earlier this year. I'm a big fan of her writing and was curious to see how it would translate into the Young Adult space. Shannon Lee as a co-writer really added such richness to this story as Jun navigated the deadly martial arts competition to try and become the Guardian of the West. Overall I had a lot of fun with this! I always love books with a competition.

I will say I think the book had some pacing issues. The start is incredibly interesting where we see Jun and his twin, Sai torn apart and the family broken. Jun and his father are banished to the West for practicing forbidden martial arts while Sai and their mother are sent to the capital where Sai will learn to master his breathmarked ability and become an Aspect, protector of the East. Even when we time skip to see where Jun is now there's still a high level of interest trying to figure out what's happened over the last 10 years. Where the book started to lose me was when Jun strikes out on his own and begins training under someone new. This section of the book just really started to drag and got a bit repetitive. However, we do eventually get to the competition and the action picks back up in the best way. I'm really excited to see where book two goes and I can't wait for the sequel.

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the ARC!

This was so good - absolutely phenomenal. Full of politics and relationships and excellent character and world building...and of course incredible martial arts and action scenes that were written MASTERFULLY well. It was truly an incredible feat - I was able to follow all the action without getting confused, which is hard to do in a written format. Fonda and Shannon Lee are masters of their craft.

This felt very similar to The Art of War by Wesley Chu, which is one of my favorite books so I had the best time. It caught my attention immediately and held it from the first to the last page and I am dying for the sequel. This was a super accessible and fantastic start to the duology that I recommend to all readers!

This book was so difficult to put down! I found myself wanting to read more and more! I loved how martial arts were incorporated into the story so well, it never felt cheesy. I can't wait for the 2nd one!

Prepare yourself, world, because the unstoppable duo of Shannon Lee and Fonda Lee is about to blow your mind!

Breath of the Dragon follows Jun, a determined young man with dreams as fiery as a dragon's breath. His ultimate goal? To claim victory in the prestigious Guardian Tournament, a legendary battle that crowns the greatest warrior in the land. From the moment I turned the first page, this story gripped me tight and didn’t let go until the very last word.

This book is a masterclass in storytelling. Fonda Lee’s unparalleled prowess shines brightly here, and Shannon Lee’s contributions are nothing short of magnificent, blending seamlessly into a powerhouse of literary brilliance. Together, they’ve crafted action sequences that leap off the page. These scenes are not just fights—they’re vivid, heart-pounding spectacles bursting with intensity, beauty, and cinematic imagery.

What truly elevates this book is its perfect setup for a duology. The plot is self-contained yet tantalizingly open, leaving me ravenous for more. I’m practically counting the seconds until book two graces my hands. But make no mistake: Breath of the Dragon is a full, satisfying meal on its own. It’s the kind of story that readers will devour and rave about for years to come.

If you’re a fan of high-octane, soul-stirring tales in the vein of Mortal Kombat, Amélie Wen Zhao, and R. F. Kuang, this book is your next obsession. Buckle up and dive in—you’re in for the fight of your life!

I have come to the conclusion that Fonda Lee can do no wrong, and her writing style is my cup of tea. If Shannon Lee is taking that on, I am very much looking forward to reading more of her work as well.

Obviously, this sets up at least one more book, though I have the suspicion that the sequel will follow Mirror and then we will get the twin brothers' meeting again in book three. I want to be wrong, but this seems the most well-rounded way to show both sides of this universe and how it is preparing for war with its neighboring country.

It's hard to put into words just how much I loved reading Breath of the Dragon. The characters were all wonderfully developed, the setting was gorgeous, the politics were geniously laid out, and the martial artists were breathtaking. I will be thinking about this book for a while, and will definitely be purchasing it when it becomes available.

I’ve heard a lot lately about how we don’t have any new books that will appeal to younger boys, and I really think this is the solution. Breath of the Dragon is full of martial arts training, conflicts between different styles and rivals, and an easy to follow plot line that has characters take the time to explain any nuance to the main character. This would be a good step up in between Percy Jackson and similar series to more complicated YA, though obviously there is still fighting, violence, and even death. I think the conflict between the East and the West starts to introduce the idea of propaganda in a simple way, and I would expect the next book to elaborate on those themes as we see what the main character’s twin has been doing as they have lived very different lives.

RATING: 4.5 rounded up

Thank you to Fonda Lee, Shannon Lee, Netgalley, and Wednesday Books for the opportunity to read an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

As a bookworm who misses picking up a YA book that feels like it's was written for teenagers, Breath of the Dragon did a fantastic job of presenting a story that's a love letter to Bruce Lee films and the overall martial arts landscape.

Taking place within a Chinese-inspired fantasy world, the book follows the protagonist, Jun, a young boy who was banished from his home kingdom with his father when his active practice of martial arts was discovered. Now, as a teen living on the opposite side of the kingdom, he pursues the chance to win a fighting tournament. But he and the contestants soon discover that this particular year of the tournament brings a drastic change where death is a possibility.

There's so much that I love about this book. The action sequences were detailed and made these scenes feel very cinematic. The world-building and lore were seamlessly weaved into the narrative. Every character played a significant role in the story. There was a classic training arc that enhanced relationships and showed Jun's physical and mental progression. And, while plot beats may seem predictable, the overall story was presented in an enjoyable way, especially with a few scenes where I liked how the element of foreshadowing was executed.

My only minor critique was wishing there were more scenes that showed tournament match-ups outside of the main character. It would have been nice to explore more fighting styles that were different compared to Jun's techniques.

I highly recommend picking up this book if you'd like to pick up a fantasy book with high stakes, and the slow burn romance is a major subplot. Or, if you're also a manga reader, I recommend this book if you're into classic battle shounen with an underdog protagonist.

This book is great for YA readers! It has epic stakes and amazing action scenes. The narrative is fairly fast paced and easily to follow. It’s great to see the main character work for his goals and be placed in situations that force him to keep developing as a character. The protagonist, Jin, is one young readers can root for and it will be interesting to see how he grows as the story continues in the next book.

This is a very strong YA fantasy that I'd definitely recommend it for middle grade/young adult readers:

- a fast paced plot and the writing is great, particularly for the fight scenes (as expected when Fonda Lee is involved)
- the setting, while a little generic, is well fleshed out and prominently East Asian-coded
- the main character Jun goes through a believable character arc from an annoying impatient 16 year old kid to a more experienced, level-headed, but still somewhat annoying 16 year old kid
- lack of shoehorned, awkward romance. instead we get to see a friendship develop between Jun and his one-time rival, which was much more satisfying

I loved this book so much and I think we all need to read this beautiful book asap. My first from this author but not my last.