This story felt similar to breath of a dragon by Fonda Lee, as well as her radiant curse by Elizabeth Lim so if you really liked either of those you will enjoy this one. This has tiger ki magic, and lots of other Asian inspired monsters and spirits mentioned throughout which was pretty cool. Plus there was a nice mix of romance mixed in that was well balanced and didn't push really hard into the story. Another story about another rebelling against your oppressor and human connection that was written really well. Thanks Netgalley for an early copy.

Omg, it's been a really long time to get hooked up on a book like this. This book touches topics and ethics that we have to deal in our everyday life and birngs them to an imaginary world making you see things clearer. I loces the double perspective and the characters' growth so much.
I loved how inspiration was taken from real culture and real people's experiences.
Honestly, can't wait to read more from this author.

Thank you NetGalley and Kokila for providing the DRC for review. All opinions are my own.

The Last Tiger by Julia and Brad Riew is a historical fiction novel with a twist of fantasy, reimagining the love story of the authors’ grandparents. Set in the Tiger Colonies, currently under the oppressive rule of the Dragon Kingdom, the story alternates between the perspectives of Seung and Eunji—two adolescents from vastly different backgrounds. Seung, born into poverty, strives to improve his family’s fate, while Eunji, privileged but trapped in her own gilded cage, yearns for freedom. Their paths cross at a Tiger Slaying Ceremony, where a pact and an undeniable spark of attraction set them on a path to liberate themselves and potentially their homeland.

The narrative is infused with a palpable sense of love and respect for its characters and setting. Both Seung and Eunji are fully realized characters with distinct personalities and independent story arcs, making their dual perspectives two parallel narratives that occasionally intersect. This approach strengthens the story’s emotional depth and builds a stronger connection with the reader. The environmental storytelling stands out, as the world-building elements are seamlessly woven into the plot, and the fantasy elements never overwhelm the narrative.

However, while the storytelling is tight with engaging pacing, it also leaves some gaps. There were moments when I wished for more exploration, particularly of Eunji’s family dynamics and the impact of her actions on them. Similarly, the resistance movement, which feels like a crucial part of the backdrop, could have been developed further. This is a story aimed at a younger audience, which explains its sharp focus on Seung and Eunji’s journey. Still, it feels like there’s untapped potential here. The book could easily have been expanded into a trilogy, given the complexity of the characters and the world they inhabit. I found myself wanting more—more depth, more exploration, more time with these characters and their world.

4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this book written by a brother and sister team, with its origins in the relationship between their grandparents. This fantasy story centers on the relationship between a boy and girl from opposite sides of the tracks , so to speak. The young woman, Eunbi, is the daughter of a family that has joined the ranks of the group that has defeated their people. Her family lives well. The young man, Seung, comes from a poor family that is struggling to survive. I enjoyed the magical system in this book as well as the two main characters. Well written and I enjoyed it so much!

Thank you to Kokila and Netgalley for sending me an Arc of The Last Tiger. The story was complex, intriguing, well paced, and the characters engaging. This story kept me on the edge of my seat and I was fascinated with the world building and enemies to lovers aspect of the story. Choi Eunji was fascinating character and I was absolutely glued to my book wanting to know what happened next.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this advanced e-copy.

"What matters now is that hope has returned where there was none."

This is a story of hope and resilience, rooted in history, family lore, and fantasy. It blends real-life facts with magic in a way that is purely human. I very much enjoyed myself while reading about Seung and Eunji's trials and tribulations. I loved how strong and physical Eunji was. I loved Seung's hesitancy but strong and pure heart. They made a good match on the battlefield and in love. We follow these two heroes as they pursue the very last tiger in the Tiger kingdom, both with varying motives for capturing her. They evade mutual enemies and their own pasts to find the magic and power in themselves to rescue the Tiger people from the Dragon empire. It was a fun ride and an interesting magic system that I do think could have been fleshed out just a bit more.

My only negative with this book is more on the verbiage used. The language seemed very modern and that pulled me out of the historical/fantastical aspect at times.

I would LOVE to see a sequel following any of the characters. Jin and Kenzo should get their own books now.

Throwing in one more quote about Jin:
"You've only ever seen the part of her that's most in pain."
Girl needs a happily ever after!

It was very well written, but some things didn't make sense. I took my time reading this book as I did not want to skip over anything and I am so glad I took my time. It was such a great read, quick, great storyline... just some minor hitches.

First and foremost, a huge thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Teen, and the Riew siblings for allowing me to read an advanced copy of The Last Tiger. I feel incredibly honored to have been trusted with this beautiful, heartfelt story.

Summary:
Set during one of the darkest periods in Korean history, The Last Tiger follows two star-crossed teens—Lee Seung, a servant dreaming of freedom, and Choi Eunji, a noble girl challenging tradition—on a mission that could reshape their futures and their country. When the last tiger, a powerful symbol of Korea’s identity, becomes the key to liberation, Seung and Eunji must navigate their shifting loyalty to each other and their people. This is a story of ancient magic, rebellion, heartache, and hope—with a slow-burn romance at the center, tangled with destiny and danger.

Tropes & Highlights:
- Friends-to-enemies-to-lovers
- Forbidden romance
- Antagonists turned allies
- Magic based on ki
- Dual POV with depth
- Historical fantasy with Korean cultural roots
- Inspired by real family history

My Review:
As soon as I saw the cover and read the description, I knew this was a book I needed in my life. I’m a quarter Korean and lived in Korea for almost two years after high school—the culture has had such a profound impact on who I am. So a YA fantasy rooted in Korean history and written by Korean-American siblings, inspired by their grandparents’ real-life love story? I was instantly hooked.

What makes this book so special is how it blends history, emotion, and fantasy in a way that feels both accessible and deeply meaningful. The story is filled with tension and action, but what stuck with me most was the emotional journey. Each chapter begins with a short, intimate excerpt from the authors' grandparents’ love story, which added such a warm and personal layer to the book. Even though The Last Tiger is fiction, you can feel the truth and legacy behind every page.

The writing itself isn’t overly lyrical or dense—it’s smooth, clear, and engaging, which makes it a perfect read for young teens and up. I’d say this is an ideal pick for readers 13 and older. It doesn’t shy away from complex themes like colonization, oppression, or cultural identity, but it handles them in a way that’s age-appropriate and thought-provoking.

Seung and Eunji are both incredibly well-developed characters. They’re flawed and real, and I loved how their arcs mirrored and diverged from each other. Watching them struggle through their individual forms of oppression, and then seeing how their paths eventually align again, was such a powerful experience. Their romance was tender and slow-building, and I appreciated that it wasn’t rushed. It felt earned.

The side characters were fantastic too—Jin and Kenzo in particular completely stole my heart. I need more from the Serpent Queendom and their stories! I’m seriously hoping for a companion novel or sequel set in that world. The magic system built around ki was refreshingly simple but still unique, and it fit the tone of the story really well. It never distracted from the emotional weight of what was happening—just enhanced it.

Even though the worldbuilding leaned on real history, it never felt heavy or overwhelming. It gave just enough detail to ground the reader while allowing the characters and their journeys to take center stage. That balance is rare, and the Riews nailed it.

I’m already planning to make The Last Tiger our fall read for my high school book club. I cannot wait to experience this story again with my students and see what resonates with them. It’s one of those books that invites conversation—about love, identity, resistance, and choosing your own path.

The Last Tiger is a rare gem: emotional, accessible, culturally rich, and full of heart. It left me thinking, feeling, and craving more. I can’t recommend it enough.


*I will post on social media once it releases

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC! I thought the Tiger Kingdom and the Dragon Kingdom as a metaphor for Korea and Japanese respectively was really, really clever. The real life excerpts did take me me out of the fantasy aspect, however I recognize they are incredibly important. It is beautiful that the author's grandparents are forever immortalized in this novel inspired by their love story.

I wanted to like this more than I did. However, that it not to say I did not like it at all. As she is a debut author, I am incredibly excited to see what she comes up with next! This just wasn't for me. It read a bit more juvenile than other YA novels I have read. However, I can tell there was a lot of heart and care put into it.

I am all about reading young adult fantasy books, especially when they’re inspired by folklore. It’s always the best read for me. So you already know that I am going to read The Last Tiger in one sitting.

I have to say that I may have conflicted feelings regarding The Last Tiger. I didn’t hate reading. I actually had a good time reading it. It was just one of the characters that I didn’t love at all. Like, seriously, I don’t agree with that character whatsoever. I’m going to be completely honest with you. You may feel differently, but I stand with my statement regarding that one character.

Besides that annoying character, I truly loved the folklore regarding The Last Tiger. It brought so many emotions through the read. I truly felt for the characters and what they were experiencing. I kept on rooting for them no matter what. And I know you will too.

Thank you to Kokila and Netgalley for sending me an early copy of this book! All opinions are my own!

Oh my, what a beautiful story of love and culture and s0 much in between! From the start, these characters are each so special in their own ways. They are far too relatable and make it so easy to love them and be hooked on their stories. They each show different sides of humanity, but the heart of humanity is always at their core, and the beauty of it shines through in so many ways.

This is a story of survival and hope, one that has so much to unpack that it can be hard to face at first. From the strength of the oppressed to the love of the people for their culture and their land, this is a story that refuses to give anything but hope and light to its readers.

This story had me on the edge of my seat from page one, and I greatly adored every second of it. This is going to capture reader's hearts and empower generations to come!

I loved the story, the world building and meeting the different characters. I felt completely immersed in the story and couldn't stop reading it.

I have a lot of things to say about this book. This was a fabulous read, and it’s clear that the author has such a deep respect and passion for her grandparents and their story being told, even if it’s through a lens of fantastical-ness. Beautiful and gripping, it’s easy to understand the motivations of each character and feel compelled by their wants and needs. This book is based off the Japanese occupation of Korea that Riew’s grandparents lived through, and the sections of story that are clearly taken from this is done in a way that is respectful and historical. There’s no shying away from the fact that good chunks of the story are accurate to history and at times it was hard to read: and that’s a good thing. Art should make you uncomfortable at times, and if someone like me who has had next to no context for this dark part of history and can establish what parts are real and what is fantasy tells you a lot. The prologue to the book really does give a solid level of context for the world the story exists in, and beginning each chapter with a footnote from Riew’s grandparents - whose love story is the one Eunji and Seung’s is based on - really puts a lot of context and emotion into each chapter. I enjoyed this and would highly recommend it to anyone who wants a really splendid fantasy story.

I had heard about this book from TikTok and it did not disappoint. This was a very good book and the pacing wasn't bad so I was able to finish it faster than I expected. I can't wait for it to come out to get a physical edition!

NetGalley Review – 3.5 Stars

I recently read an advance copy of The Last Tiger by Julia Riew and Brad Riew. The story takes place in a historical world where magic exists and where family drama mixes with hard times. The book is set in a strict society where people face many challenges every day. The detailed descriptions help create a strong and real feeling of a dangerous but hopeful world.

The book is full of exciting moments, like the Slaying Ceremony. The details and strong emotions in these scenes make the setting feel real. The history, magic, and tension in the story all blend to build an interesting world.

The characters are at the heart of the book, though sometimes I couldn’t distinguish the main characters from each other. The main character shows bravery and determination while dealing with a difficult life under strict rules. You see their inner struggles as they try to overcome many obstacles.

In addition to the main character, there are many side characters who add more life to the story. Family members, friends, and other people in society each have their own clear hopes and struggles. Some characters show kindness and courage, while others display evil or fear. Their interactions add depth to the book. The mix of strong and troubled characters makes the story feel real and relatable.

Since this is an early copy, some parts of the book feel a bit rough. The long descriptions sometimes slow the pace of the story, and the dialogue can seem clumsy. I believe that with further editing, these issues will be fixed in the final version. Even with these rough spots, the book shows great promise with its creative ideas and engaging characters.

Overall, The Last Tiger is an exciting mix of history, magic, and family drama. The detailed setting and strong characters make it an enjoyable read, even if some parts need more work. I give it 3.5 stars and look forward to seeing a more polished version when the final release comes out. This book is a good choice for readers who enjoy stories filled with emotion, adventure, and a touch of the supernatural.

Learned that this was inspired by Riew's grandparent's love story, and that instantly drew my interest! I love love, and this book was beautifully written. Such a cute story, and I love the fantasy elements!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers for the eARC. Projected publishing date: July 29th, 2025

Heartstrings were pulled because of the inspiration that came from their Grandparents' love story.

Young Adult Romantasy, involving tigers to represent the heart of a nation. Korean Historical Fantasy based on the Japanese occupation of Korea. You've got colonial oppressions and the consequences that come along with various Korean mythological creatures that are encountered by our main leads.

I will say there are bits and pieces that I found were more interesting than others but overall I still enjoyed the dynamics between Eunji and Seung which is why I placed it where it was. A story about hope, grief, and love but most of all survival.

Thanks NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers for the e-arc during the lunar new year!

The Last Tiger was a book that I wanted to like more than I did. I was drawn to it by the fact it was Korean fantasy and inspired by the real-life love story of the authors' grandparents, who lived through some harrowing times. I had high expectations for a complex, emotional tale coupled with Korean history and folklore, but sadly the execution of the story didn't work for me. The plot idea was interesting, but it was really undeveloped, with not enough information on the politics and magical elements. The characters were all really 2D, too, with no distinct voices. The story overall had too much 'telling' and, for me, the inclusion of the grandparents' messages was a bad choice. They appeared at the start of every chapter and pulled you out of the fantasy story and into the real-life account. Sometimes, though, I found those snippets more interesting than the main narrative. The real-life situation was so lightly veiled by the fantasy in any case, I feel as if the authors would have done better to tell their grandparents' story in its true setting, without the fantasy, as historical fiction-biography. I agonised a bit over this review, as I know these are debut writers who clearly wanted to share the love and hardship their grandparents endured. I don't want to belittle that with a bad review, but at the same time, I have to be honest about my feelings towards the book as a work of YA fantasy. In the end, I am giving it 2.5 stars. It's certainly not unreadable, but there was the potential for it to have been so much better. I will round up to 3 stars on Goodreads in recognition of the real-life inspiration behind the book.

I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This very much reads like a first draft. The world is underdeveloped, the writing is immature, the characters are boringly simple, and the conclusions this book comes to regarding the themes about colonialism, oppression, and discrimination are profoundly dumb.

It really is no secret that this is a fantasized version of Japan-occupied Korea during the first half of the 20th century. The book itself recognizes this through quotes directly taken from the authors' grandparents, who describe their lives / love story while growing up in Korea under Japanese rule. This juxtaposed horribly with the fact the story itself is about nations called the Dragon Empire (aka Japan), the Tiger Kingdom/Republic (Korea), and the Serpent Queendom (China). I've really started to dislike when authors turn real life countries and slap a different, non-creative name on it just because it's fantasy. There's no reason to not keep the original names and history while keeping the fantasy; there is a whole genre called historic fantasy for a reason, ya know? Anyway, the majority of this world's history is dumped via internal monologue with a couple dashes of clunky dialogue. The parts about the different types of ki was interesting, but it's still underdeveloped like everything else in this world.

I almost wanted to say that the writing made this feel like this was aimed towards middle grade rather than the age which these characters allegedly are (18), but that'd be an insult to the middle grade demographic as a whole. The authors have to spell every intention and action for the reader and don't leave any room for interpretation. "This character is angry," "This one wants freedom of choice," "This one is a rebel," "These guys are baaaad," it just never ended. I also hated how they had to write out the sounds rather than give the descriptor. One that came up often was the tiger roaring or growling. Instead of letting the audience imagine the sounds, they wrote Rrr . . . or RAWR out instead. This slightly relieved me of my boredom to laugh at it, especially when they happened at serious plot moments, but I still hated it.

Cardboard ha more depth and dimension than these characters. I frequently forgot whose POV I was in because their voices were so hard to distinguish most of the time. If I had to chose at gun point, I'd pick Seung. Not because he's more interesting, but because Eunji makes a lot of dumb decisions, such as being convinced she'll be free if she helps her colonizers. Multiple character point out to her that it won't work like that, but she absolutely refuses to listen until the main bad guy spits it in her face. The romance between the two was barely a romance. Their eight months of bonding is summarized in a couple paragraphs, and they're separated for a year before they meet again with opposing goals, which ends with Eunji practically betraying Seung and stupidly getting them caught. They also had companion characters, too. Kenzo was just a shifty red herring who mainly looks after himself until he magically cares about Eunji, and Rin is reduced to the traumatized rebel who fights in order to escape the hurt she's been dealt with. Rin's backstory in particular was done so tastelessly and without any tact; was there a sensitivity reader during the drafting stages at all?

The themes, when they're not smacking you repeatedly on the head, are done so, so badly. Despite all the evils and horrendous crimes the Dragon Empire inflicted upon the Tiger people, the colonization and erasing of their culture, the offered solution this book gives is forgiving your oppressors. I wish I was joking. The story makes several points that people are doing what they need to in order to survive, and that is usually is the case for individuals in such scenarios, yes, but forgiving an entire empire for colonization because eVerYonE'S HUmAn is beyond insult. It's disgusting, really. People are complicated, but people who purposely commit atrocities in order to have power over those they hate do not deserve empathy. But don't worry guys, the Dragon Empire just gives the Tiger people their land back and peacefully leave so our main characters can live happily ever after! I probably can pull out a couple words to describe how frustrated and angry this made me feel, but I already wasted so much just writing this review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers for a chance to read this book early.

This was so so beautiful.

The Last Tiger is all about love, hope, grief, and most importantly surviving. Eunji and Seung are such incredible characters full of such strength and love but also just incredibly normal people who are just trying to find their way and rise above.

My only complaint about this story is I really really would’ve liked more back story on the ki powers and the animal spirits.

Reading this story about what it takes to rise above and overcome is truly beautiful and so inspiring and I love that the authors took stories from their own grandparents of how they survived when they were younger and created such an incredible story.