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!

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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).

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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.

The world building and start of this story were slow, very detailed, and kind of boring. I honestly thought I wouldn’t end up enjoying this book at all. However, it started to pick up around the 50% mark and then I couldn’t put it down! The character development of the main character Jun was fantastic! The drama, twists, and intrigue were entertaining and kept me excited and engaged. This book isn’t even out yet and I’m already excited for the sequel and will definitely be reading it!

I struggled to stay involved in this book. It didn't hold my attention as well and I felt it needed more depth. The plot and characters lacked in certain developments

I love that we get Fonda Lee and Shannon Lee (the Bruce Lee's daughter) combining for what feels like sitting down to watch a martial arts movie from the 60s, except the focus character is a young boy who's half of a destined twin duo, and oh shit, maybe the government kind of sucks and you're gonna have to find your own way forward and the adults barely know what the hell is going on as the government actively collapses. Definitely worth your time when it comes out this winter.

I have conflicting feelings about this. The characters are vivid and well written. The challenges and obstacles are great. I love that we don’t linger in angst about the awful situation that happened for Jun and his father to be separated from the other half of their family.

Jun reminds me of a private in the army idealizing/romanticizing being in the infantry or special forces. This was very off putting throughout the book. Thats just a me thing though. This is also what makes him so genuine. He’s young, energetic, and itching to prove himself. As si the usual case he discovered very quickly the blender he he’d stuck his hand into. Abruptly and with vigor.

On the positive side again, I loved the energy of the story. How concise the storyline is without getting bogged down with the world building. It is refreshing to see how respectful he is of his female friends. Thankfully he is not an entitled young man.

I am curious to see where things go in the future.

I found this to be a fresh, fun new story. Super engaging the entire time and the characters were just wonderful!

I came into this book with some familiarity of the authors writing and was thrilled to see the fight scenes were just as phenomenal!

I enjoy a tournament story, and this one was full of so much action and well-written scenes. I could have had a bit more added to some character arcs, but I am excited for more!