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 ⭐️

As someone who grew up watching martial arts movies with my dad and sister, I was immediately intrigued by the premise of Breath of the Dragon: Breathmarked. The fact that it was co-authored by Bruce Lee’s daughter and the head of his foundation only heightened my curiosity—and wow, this book exceeded every expectation.

This stunning story is both a beautiful homage to Bruce Lee’s teachings and an incredibly rich YA fantasy in its own right. Jun’s journey is captivating, from his desire to restore his father’s honor to his determination to defy the odds in the Guardian’s Tournament. The nods to Bruce Lee’s legacy, like the One-Inch Punch, had me giggling with excitement, but it’s the depth of the characters and the stakes of the story that truly shine.

The world-building is immersive, the characters are unforgettable, and the action-packed plot kept me enthralled from start to finish. This is the kind of story that stays with you long after you turn the final page. I am eagerly anticipating the next installment in this duology and can’t wait to see where Jun’s journey leads next!

Breath of the Dragon by Fonda Lee and Shannon Lee was a beautifully written love letter to martial arts. This is a YA fantasy with no romance. I love romantasy but there was something really refreshing about reading a fantasy book with no romance. The plot was really interesting and engaging. I love a good tournament plot. The world building was so detailed and descriptive. It was easy to immerse myself in the story. The characters were all so complex and dynamic. I enjoyed getting to know them as the story progressed.

Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

3.5

Breath of the Dragon is an action-packed young adult fantasy adventure full of heart and high stakes as we follow Jun on his journey in the Guardian’s Tournament to prove his worth in the shadow of his twin brother, Sai, in their divided kingdom.

The political tensions and world-building were highlights of this story, and while I have never read Jade City by Fonda Lee before, I am definitely intrigued after reading this one and will have to check it out in the future. I loved the Tournament scenes and I think both authors do a remarkable job at describing these martial arts scenes with detail and emotion that makes you really root for Jun as he fights his way to the finals.

However, I will say that the pacing of the book was perhaps my biggest issue here as I thought the first 40% was quite slow and I found myself putting down the book constantly. It isn’t until when Jun arrives at the Tournament that the story really picked up for me and the latter half of the book was very fast-paced which I know is definitely meant to set up for scene for the next book. Unfortunately, as much as there was many enjoyable parts of this book, I’m unsure if it was overall enough for me to want to pick up the next book.

Overall, if you love martial arts fantasy adventures with high stakes and found families, then I would definitely recommend checking this book out!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing an eArc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions in this review are my own.

Breath of the Dragon is all about this guy named Jun, and how his flaws don't just affect him, but also have a big impact on the people around him. Jun often ends up in tricky situations due to his impulsive and self-centered tendencies, which frequently causes conflict and tension in his relationships. Even though he had his flaws, there was something compelling about him that made me want to continue reading. The writing in Breath of the Dragon is super cinematic, which made it really hard for me to put down. The storyline is super interesting and packed with unexpected surprises, which really kept me hooked. The book delves into themes of redemption and the ominous start of war, giving more depth to Jun's journey and the difficulties he encounters. It's a really engaging book that does a great job of developing the characters while also delivering an exciting story.

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing the ARC.