Thank you to NetGalley for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. DNF at 11%. I could not connect to the characters or the plot. I will not be finishing. I am only rating and reviewing so it doesn’t hurt my feedback ratio and because it makes me.

thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review!

BREAKING NEWS: Fonda Lee can really write the hell out of an action scene. this book was kinda slow through the first 40% and then I was completely sold. I LOVE a good tournament, what can I say, and I came to love the characters too. there are definitely still some questions I have, but hey, that's why this is only the first book!

My thanks to both NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advance copy of this new adventure featuring martial arts, an interesting universe, a boy trying to prove himself, and the family he finds while finding out who he is, and why he matters.

Books were a refuge to me as a teen, something I could get behind, lose myself in, and maybe makes sense of this messed up world I found myself in. Once I entered high school, I put away the books I enjoyed and began to read adult books, books with themes, and symbolism, adult stuff. I never knew how much I missed just fun stories, about young people having adventures, making friends, making mistakes, maybe learning from these mistakes. Oft times not. These thoughts came to me a lot when I was reading this first book in a new series, full of adventure, intrigue, family, responsibility. And a whole lot of martial arts. This was a the book I needed to lift me out of the fiction fog I have been in, and this book was a lot of fun. Breath of the Dragon is the first book in a series Breathmarked inspired by the martial arts master Bruce Lee written by his daughter Shannon Lee and award winning speculative fiction writer Fonda Lee.

Jun was once a twin, with a mother who grew exasperated by his actions, but did her best to protect her children from the future she knew was coming. The future was far worse. Sai, Jun's brother bore the mark of the dragon on his skin, and was chosen to attend the Sun Pagoda to be a servant to the empire. Jun in a moment of rashness doomed the family to be separated, his mother and Sai sent to the Sun Pagoda, Jun and his father vanquished from East Longhen, into West Longhen, for the crime of practicing martial arts. In the West Jun's father was able to find a job, and wished only that Jun would settle down and learn the ways of the civil service, finding a good safe job. One that might afford them the money to bring his mother and brother back. However tensions are running high between East and West and the Snake Wall that divides the two kingdoms has been closed. At the same time Jun has been practicing not paper skills but fighting skils, skills to hopefully win the Guardian's Tournament, gain acclaim and find a place in society. However Jun is beginning to find that not everything is right with the kingdoms, and even the sacred tournament has been tainted in ways that might change everything.

A really good start to what promises to be a great series. The mix between emotional and physical is really well done. The world is very well-drawn out and one can see a lot of places this series can go, and th many problems that Jun might face. The characters are also good, seemingly fitting for the story in the beginning but growing to be characters one cares about as the story goes on. The action is really good. The martial arts translates well on the page, and the fight scenes are exciting, novel and very readable. Not like in some action movies, where the fights slow down the narrative, these add to it, as Jun slowly develop skills and an understanding of who and what he is.

A good series for adults as well as teens. Especially if they have an interest in martial arts. Or good story telling. I eagerly await the next book in this series.

"A young warrior dreams of proving his worth in the elite Guardian Tournament, fighting not only for himself but the fate of everything he loves.

Sixteen-year-old Jun dreams of proving his worth as a warrior in the elite Guardian's Tournament, held every six years to entrust the magical Scroll of Heaven to a new protector. Eager to prove his skills, Jun hopes that a win will restore his father's pride - righting a horrible mistake that caused their banishment from his home, mother, and twin brother.

But Jun's father strictly forbids him from participating. He believes there is no future in Jun honing his skills as a warrior, especially considering Jun is not breathmarked, born with a patch of dragon scales and blessed with special abilities like his twin. Determined to be the next Guardian, Jun stows away in the wagon of Chang and his daughter, Ren, performers on their way to the capital where the tournament will take place.

As Jun competes, he quickly realizes he may be fighting for not just a better life, but the fate of the country itself and the very survival of everyone he cares about."

I don't know, a patch of dragon scales doesn't sound very comfortable...

The cover, synopsis and authors of this book really caught my eye so I was incredibly excited to start reading this asap!

The book begins with a prologue that immediately had me interested. I love any story revolving around someone striving to be the best, sacrificing so much and being met with many hardships. Jun’s twin brother, Sai, being the only one born Breathmarked told me right away this duology will most likely hurt to read.

In terms of the political aspect of the book, following Jun’s perspective is unique as he in some ways belongs to East and West but also to neither. At the start, he has neglected the politics of both sides until eventually, he is wound up in it. I really appreciated the way that makes him grow slightly as a person and a fighter, during the given time frame. It makes sense for a teenager in such a position.

Prior to the Guardian tournament there is a short training arc which I wish we could’ve seen more of. Personally, I was caught off guard by that moment between Jun and Ren on the roof, fearful that the book might steer its focus onto their relationship more than necessary. It’s safe to say the rest of the book did not disappoint and focused on Jun and his story.

For me, the pacing was great and I honestly couldn’t put the book down at times. I loved how most of the middle section takes place during the actual tournament where we get in depth details on Jun and other characters’ fights while simultaneously watching the story evolve in the background.

I think the use and description of Breath from the perspective of Jun who isn't Breathmarked was so well done. I loved everytime it seemsed like time slowed and he focused on his opponent's every move. I felt myself slowing my own Breath as I read those scenes. Just super immersive and satisfying to read.

As the tournament is coming to an end, there are many tragic turns Jun has to deal with and it always felt like everything was over for him. I found myself yelling at Jun through the page to make the right choice, I was super into the book during these pivotal moments! All the tragedy he faced eventually hit me all at once at the end of the book and I found myself super emotional and teary-eyed as the book ended, which isn’t very common for me. The moment he encountered Water, thinking about his Mother and Sai, everything he lost in a matter of days, Sai being a Keeper and the possibility of meeting him again (possibly as enemies OH GOD) just really got to me in the moment!

Lastly, I appreciated Jun and Yin’s relationship and its evolution. They started as rivals but as things in the city and government became serious and put their lives at risk, they managed to put everything aside and confide in one another. I think that’s another reason I got emotional, Jun has at least one person by his side in the end. I was initially afraid there would be unnecessary jealousy between them because of Ren but I’m glad that wasn’t the case. I think the second book is set up perfectly and I’m dying to see how Jun and Yin will grow and of course, how everything plays out in the end.

Exiled from a country where use of martial arts is prohibited by all except the breathmarked that have been granted special abilities by Dragon, Jun practices martial arts freely and dreams of winning the tournament that would allow him to be Guardian of the Scroll - the greatest martial artist in West Longhan. Unfortunately, his father, a man who lost everything but one son due to his practice of martial arts, forbids Jun from competing in the tournament, even after Jun beats his school’s favored warrior, Yin Yue, and secures his spot.

Impulsive, impetuous Jun, unwilling to give up his dreams for the secure future his father envisions for him, stows away with blind flutist Chang and his daughter Ren who are bound for Xicheng to perform while the famous tournament plays out. Along the way, Jun discovers that there is more to Chang and Ren than meets the eye. They arrive to find the city a hotbed of power struggles and political machinations, and as the stakes rise ever higher, Jun is forced to reckon with the reality of his dream and to decide what really matters even as his world shifts around him.

For an adult reader, Jun is frustrating. His impulsive, imprudent behavior divided his family from the first pages and even as a young man his arrogance and impulsivity continue to hurt those around him. However, he is a sixteen-year-old boy and is accurately portrayed as one. Throughout the story, this character experiences real growth.

The Lees have built a rich, Asia-based fantasy world with significant attention paid to drawing out the politics and power struggles that have divided Longhan. While this can be a drag on the action in this book, it should pay dividends in the second book of this planned duology. The matches of the Guardian’s Tournament are well-described and action packed. Getting inside Jun’s head as he centers himself for these deadly battles puts readers inside the mind of a young warrior for whom the mental is as important as the physical in securing victory.

While the transition from the climax of the tournament into the set up for the next book makes for a slow end to an otherwise pretty action-packed book, the Lees have set readers up with anticipation for the sequel. I’ll be eager to see how a more mature Jun and his unexpected allies fare as they face new challenges in the next book.

I hesitate to start a review of anything Fonda Lee with anything but glowing praise, but needs must. It’s such a strange experience: prose is as tight as ever, but the book itself is weirdly too basic for something I associate with the author, too generic in plot and characters. Possibly because this is a tribute to a legend of a real person: maybe that imparted some constraints on what this book would be. But to any readers new to Fonda Lee, I would not recommend to start with this novella.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the e-copy in exchange for review!

*

I think your level of like for Breath of the Dragon will depend on what you like in a story. For me, I love martial arts movies, and lately there have been some great fantasy books based around tournament style fighting (like Combat Codes) so I was thrilled to see more in that genre of fantasy.

Breath of the Dragon definitely hit a lot of my like buttons with the fight structure, and a main character in Jun who is a great fighter but not necessarily the ‘chosen one’ but who over time becomes a bit of a symbol for the people. I also quite liked the fun side-characters, the martial schools and the great martial names.


The story in Breath of the Dragon opens up well; building the world and its conflicts into something that feels rich and fully realized. It’s nicely balanced between the politics, intrigue, and the fights.

The fights in Breath of the Dragon were solidly fun- I loved the variety of them. I loved the tournament- which I worried they would get samey feeling after awhile but I found each was as exciting as the last. I think my favourite fight though, took place on the bridge later in the book- partially because by that point there’s a few characters I cared about and it was just a cool fight scene all-around.

The characters- well, I hate to say I didn’t love Jun at first, and maybe that was intentional to his journey. Part of Jun’s story is about him realizing his place in the world, and his selfishness and jealousy over others he perceived to have more, without knowing anything about them etc. Even though Jun could be very wise at times he is also still a teen who feels like he is missing out on stuff. And honestly, I am miles past being a teenager and tbh was never much of one anyway so a little of my lack of connection could be to do with that.

But I did love the characters’ eventual friendships; though they were a bit tough getting there and I wished for some to happen sooner, the road to them did make them feel well-earned.
I did worry about the love triangle aspect taking and interfering with those friendships- which I really am not a big fan of love triangles, though I am a fan of there being a romance between characters but it seemed to fade into the background as bigger problems arose (for now at least).

*

Breath of the Dragon feels a little like a mash-up of a Donnie Yen movie and Legends of the Condor- lots actiony-fight fun with a nice message at its core. I’d be curious to see how the duology concludes.

Thank you to NetGalley and the published for a copy in exchange for an honest review

I think this book did a lot of things right. The writing was professional and tight—not a lot of flowery language for no reason. The plot was interested and made sense. The characters were interesting and their motivations were clear. The set up for the next book was also interesting and left the reader wanting more. I also appreciated that the main character is a young man—I think my own boys will enjoy this story when they are older.

My gripe is that I felt bored by the story about halfway through and lost steam reading. I’m not really sure why I lost interest, but I wished the plot would’ve moved forward a bit faster. However, the fight scenes were well-written and clearly a love letter to martial arts. This book will be loved by many, of that I am sure!

Some quotes that I loved:

“A son bringing honor to his family and country is just another way of saying he’s not coming home”

“I will not defeat myself.”

Happy belated birthday to Bruce Lee, just missed it. Was a tad delayed because Fonda Lee won't stop putting things that attack my emotions in her books. Was hoping Shannon Lee would buffer that but nope! "Breath of the Dragon" is out 21 January 2025.

Li Jun has a goal. Prove he is the best martial artist in the West and become the Guardian of the Scroll of Heaven. This would prove his worth to his father, after they were banished and separated from his mother and twin brother. Which was sort of his fault. Unfortunately his father wants him to focus on getting a decent government job and not fighting people with potentially dangerous powers from the Dragon. Of course he doesn't listen and stows away with the blind musician and his daughter who definitely aren't trying to spread a message a certain general doesn't want getting out.

Reasons to read:
-Fantasy martial arts novel inspired and referencing to some of Bruce Lee's work
-Coming to grips with the fact the government might not want what is best for the citizens
-Sweet action scenes
-Growth of the characters
-A scene mad me drop my eReader and I couldn't make myself get it for a couple of days because damage

Cons:
-I asked you to your face if this one was going to hurt me and you lied Fonda, to my face!

Very well written with interesting magic and who doesn't love a tournament? I loved the world and found it interesting. The fighting scenes are phenomenal as well. I just wish the characters actually stuck out for me.

*Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*

Fonda Lee is a master at breaking hearts, but Shannon Lee pulled no punches. Breath of the Dragon is an ode to martial arts movies and Bruce Lee, with a bit of political intrigue and mystery thrown in. While not predictable per say, the twists were well foreshadowed and I'm excited to read the next installment. Maybe we'll get to see more breath marks and reconcile with Sai? Eeeee!!

This was interesting Jun was definitely very passionate and probably one of the most realistic depictions of a child being told no that I’ve seen. I also liked the world and the political issues. I thought it was super fun that Chang and Ren were very independent rebels. ren was and icon and she and Yin and Chang played their hand well. I do think Jun had a right to be agree i would have been even more pissed but i am excited to see how Yin and Jun interact now that they are on their own and in enemy territory. I also have a lot of questions for Water and am excited to see more of her in the next book.

A new favorite fantasy novel that is full of action and emotion that doesn't stop from first page to last page. The characters are fresh, bold, raw, rich, complex, endearing, real, and flawed. I seriously can't wait for the next novel in this series. I have to know what happens next.

I want to thank Wednesday Bookstore for this ARC via Netgalley.

I loved this book!! This story follows Jun on his journey to become win the Guardian Tournament and restore respect for his father. Through martial arts tournaments, Jun must fight his way to become the most highly regarded. There’s one catch - he must try and fight against those with special powers (the breathmarked).

This was a fast-paced and super fun YA, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves action anime, kung fu movies, and/or light fantasy. I loved this in the same way I loved Avatar (TLA) and Haikyuu - not because the plot lines are similar, but because of the way it made me feel. The cinematic imagery (complete with slow-mos!), the colorful characters and their 3D development, the straightforward storyline and fast pace: this is the perfect mix of comfort read and bingeable action. Shannon Lee's ultra-descriptive martial arts blended with Fonda Lee's knack for living, breathing characters is such a magical combination.

And the world building and politics was masterfully woven throughout the story as the characters discovered more. I loved the system of an Emperor, Guardian, and General. Especially with a ten year old boy as the emperor, doing his best, but ultimately fanning the flames of rebellion. The Emperor was so unpredictable and believable as a ten year old boy.

If I had to describe this book with one word: it would be epic. Epic in every way. I really don't think I can wait for the sequel!!

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Wednesday Books for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

In the divided land of Longhan, being born Breathmarked is a gift of great importance. But when it comes time for Li Jun’s Breathmarked twin brother Sai to progress on his life’s path, Jun makes a terrible mistake, resulting in the exile of himself and his father to the unknown lands in the West. Despite a challenging childhood, however, now sixteen-year-old Jun finds a place for himself in the Iron Core martial arts school, where his prowess and skill are praised and appreciated. It is nearly time for the next Guardian to be chosen and, against his father’s wishes, Jun stows away in order to compete on the national stage. But along the way, Jun discovers more about his world and the people in it than he ever expected.

This immersive fantasy story introduces readers to a land where the Dragon reigns supreme and martial arts causes fear and pride in equal measure. Full of rich descriptions and believable characters, the narrative flows smoothly and reveals new information with excellent pacing. Though loosely based on Eastern cultures and customs, the world of Longhan is entirely its own and blends the recognizable human emotions of adolescence with large-scale human conflict. The dynamics of the storytelling are gripping and memorable, and readers will connect with Jun and his tale from the very beginning.

Once the plot gets going, there is a good amount of detail that can be predicted by the reader if they are familiar with other stories of this type. However, arriving at the ultimate destination is engaging and enjoyable, especially thanks to the quantity of additional details included within the book. Best for young adult readers due to the use of occasional strong language, light romance, and both physical and emotional battles, this book is one that will appeal to mature readers who enjoy romantasy stories with rich worldbuilding. Primed for a sequel, this book will keep readers engaged until the very end, and they will eagerly await future installments. This is an excellent addition to library fantasy collections for young adult readers.

When I heard a new Fonda Lee book was on the way, I knew I had to request it! I'm a huge fan of stories with a trial element, so the promise of a martial arts tournament instantly hooked me.

Breath of the Dragon is set in a fascinating world divided by a massive wall, separating the East and West. I loved exploring the politics of these two realms and can't wait to see how the story deepens in future books.

Jun is an incredibly compelling protagonist. It's rare to see a YA fantasy centred on a male lead, and his journey felt like a truly authentic coming-of-age story. Jun’s determination to compete in the tournament that will decide the next Guardian of the scroll drives the plot forward, and I found his character arc deeply engaging. The prequel chapter was a brilliant touch, giving insight into Jun's life before everything changed at age six. His early experiences shaped his mindset and ambitions, and it was fascinating to see how they influenced his path. As he ventures further into the world, Jun begins to understand that things are rarely as they seem, and it’s bittersweet to watch him mature so quickly.

The book starts off a bit slow, but once the tournament kicks into gear, the pace picks up, and I found myself eagerly returning to the story. Towards the end, I was on the edge of my seat, so invested in Jun’s fate that I couldn’t help but feel anxious for him. This deep emotional connection is a testament to how much I cared about his journey and hoped everything would unfold as he dreamed.

The story leaves plenty of room for future instalments, and I’m definitely looking forward to seeing where Jun’s journey takes him next!

Thank you to Wednesday Books and Netgalley for this eARC to review.

Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you, NetGalley and publishers.

Breath of the Dragon is an Asian inspired martial arts fantasy that is just as much fun to read as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is to watch. Jun is separated from his twin brother at a young age because his brother is dragonmarked, born with a pattern of scales and a unique talent. But Jun and his father are banished across the Wall. Years pass and Jun seeks to win the fighting competition to be the Guardian, the best martial artist in the country. Then his father will be cared for and respected and he himself can make a difference. But destiny has its own plan for Jun….cliffhanger warning, there will be a sequel!

4.5⭐️

“…the gifts we work for are greater than the ones we’re given.”

Breath of the Dragon is a YA fantasy that follows Jun as he ventures off to the Guardian Tournament. This story takes places in a world divided into East and West. A world where some individuals are breath marked and others are not. Those who are breath marked have a patch of dragon scales and they also have a special magical ability.

Jun does not have the telltale scales but his town brother does. Separated at age 6, the story then picks up about 10 years late.

If you are looking for a true fantasy book that has found family, magic, and fight scenes, this one may be for you. The side characters are very engaging and lovable as well.

This was an excellent story and I am excited to continue when the next book is available. Thank you to Wednesday Books for the e-arc. All opinions are my own.

This is a stellar first installment of what I expect to be an exciting and satisfying duology. A martial-arts-based fantasy, Breath of the Dragon follows Jun, a fighter set on winning the grand tournament for the Guardian title in his realm. However, his dreams and goals also come up against the backdrop of larger political forces at play: both within his country and the country nearby he was banished from as a young boy. There's a satisfying character development arc, and a good set up for the second book. Overall a light-hearted story with serious and heartfelt moments, I'm very thankful to have read this book!

A huge thank you to Wednesday books for sending me an eArc of this book for free in exchange of my honest thoughts. A full review will be posted on https://armedwithabook.com/ closer to the publish date.