The problem with reading an ARC of a book from an author you like is that you have to wait *extra long* for the series to be finished.

This story follows Li Jun, exiled from the East with his father for practicing martial arts, as he balances his martial arts goals and dreams with his obligations towards his family and the friends he meets along the way.

I want to say that this is definitely YA (and that's okay!). People expecting young characters who act and speak as adults will be disappointed. Li Jun is overconfident, arrogant, and sometimes just flat out wrong in his actions and words. And fun. And loyal, and kind. Unfortunately I have to wait god knows how long to see how his story continues, but this book is an incredibly fun journey full of feeling and characters that you can love. And hate. Lots of that too.

Five stars. Five freaking stars. I was so excited to get this e-arc. The story is incredible. Just when I thought I knew what was going to happen, the story changed. So incredibly good. Watching Jun and his rival, Yin Yue, grow and change and learn to think for themselves, not just what they are taught, and to see their friendship develop from their rivalry is something special. I absolutely loved this story. I already had this book pre-ordered and I can't wait to have a physical copy in my hands. This is going to be an epically good series and I don't know what I'm going to do until book 2 comes out.

I loved it. Jun was a bit annoying but he started to grow on me. He has a big ego but as you read on he starts to grow up more. Loved each character. Thank you net galley.

This YA fantasy starts off a bit slow, but it’s worth sticking with it. The first quarter dragged a little for me, but once it got going, I was hooked. The fight scenes in this book are incredible – it felt like watching a well-choreographed action movie.

Jun, the main character, took a while to grow on me. At first, he seemed impulsive and sort of selfish, but by the end I was fully invested in his journey. The authors did a fantastic job of showing his growth throughout the story. The book’s emotional depth also took me by surprise – I didn’t expect to cry, but it happened!

The tournament rounds were some of my favorite parts. The tension and excitement of the fights had me on the edge of my seat. I thought I’d miss having a romantic subplot, but I ended up appreciating the focus on Jun’s personal journey and his complex relationship with his father. I do wish there had been a bit more development in that father-son relationship, though.

I’m dying to know when the next book comes out, because this one ends on a bit of a cliffhanger and I’m eager to pick the story back up. This is a fantastic read for anyone who loves martial arts, rich world-building, and emotional storytelling. I give it a solid 4.25 out of 5, rounding down because NetGalley doesn’t allow fractions. If you enjoy action-packed stories with a lot of heart, you’ll love this book.

I enjoyed this book. I loved the characters and all their complexities; I loved the overall as well.
But the pacing lagged.

The fights were described in a way that I could actually visualize what was happening, something a lot of books that have hand-to-hand fighting scenes in them struggle with.
I'm still looking forward to the next book and how this duology ends.

For me, this book was a breath of fresh air, no pun intended! The beginning was a bit slow but definitely kicked up the speed around 1/4 of the way through. I usually have trouble visualizing fighting scenes but, man, can these women paint an amazing picture. I love the writing style of this book. Relatable characters and heartfelt movements of "growing up"
This one is definitely work the read!

This was surprisingly moving. I cried several times. I literally laughed out loud. An excellent start to a series I’m ready to go all in on.

There is great world building, slowly and steadily crafted the way a great storyteller starts a series with a narrowly focused character or incident, only to build it out into an epic tale.

This novel contains the best fight scenes I’ve ever read. The descriptions amp up tension, emphasize the importance of martial arts in this world, and really show the characters earning the reward of victory. They really become an essential element, like setting or characterization. Other authors should learn from this example. Undoubtedly Shannon Lee’s knowledge of her father Bruce Lee’s masterful martial arts skills blended with acclaimed author Fonda Lee’s (no relation) precise writing to let the fight scenes take center stage.

I should note that Li Jun is an infuriating protagonist. But stick with this kid, know that it’s just a starting point for his journey. In a true tragic fashion, near to gaining one goal he loses what he realizes too late was what really matters.

I read this while suffering from some bad flares of nerve pain, but I still felt compelled to keep reading. I’ve read a lot of great books this year, but I’d still rank Breath of the Dragon near the top. It’s just so fun. I could imagine the ends of certain chapters being the end of a tv episode, so cinematic.

9/10 not objectively a 5 star read, but subjectively a 5/5 for me.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I enjoyed this book and think you will to.

An excellent read. I was thoroughly engaged in this story. The world building, politics, family and the fighting/tournament elements were all good.
Looking forward to book 2.

Thank you netgalley for the advanced copy.

Breath of Dragon is a coming of age story set in a fictional Asian country divided into East and West by a wall. Those divisions run deep and for twin boys, it couldn't keep them farther apart. This book follows the headstrong twin as he makes his way across country ro compete in a mixed martial arts contest for the title of "guardian of the scroll". The world is filled with magic - the breath. All beings have the breath of the dragon within. Accessing and using it is different. Hopefully the next installment will detail life on the other side of the wall and maybe from the other twin's perspective. 4 out of 5 stars. Incredible fighting scenes!

This book is a force. I loved it so so much: the action scenes, the no romance, the tournament storyline—it felt like watching a movie. I loved the epic fight scenes and martial arts inspiration, and of course the academic rival dynamic, it was truly just a delight to read. 4.5.

In the beginning Jun is impulsive and selfish. We watch as he gains maturity. He competes in the Guardian Tournament and gets involved with the politics of the kingdom.

I enjoyed the descriptions of the tournament. This book doesn't shy away from violence and death. Some of the scenes are pretty graphic. I found the first few chapters a little slow, but the action soon picked up. I thought the breathmarked was a very interesting and creative idea. It will be interesting to see where the 2nd book goes.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. I voluntarily left this review.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

I think this is Fonda Lee’s first foray into YA, and what a success!

I really enjoyed this book and it reminds me of what I consider to be the gold standard of middle grade- the Percy Jackson series- while this is YA, and therefore a smidge older, it reminds me of Riordan’s work because it’s a big adventure for a kid who acts his age. Like reading this book at the age of the main character would be so relatable, and reading it not is nostalgic. And it’s YA without being annoying or juvenile in the derogatory sense, but just a darn good story that happens to happen to a teen. Bravo!

This book reads like a manga book, but make it a novel.

Overall I would say this book was decent, as I did finish it in one sitting on a plane. Though if not bored out of my mind on a plane I do believe that I probably wouldn't have read this book as quickly.

Let's talk about what I do like about this story though, which is that the world-building is like stupidly cool. There are a lot of political issues occurring, and there's propaganda and a secondary guard force that mistreats people. So this part was super interesting, and reading about the world corruption was honestly fun. Also, this book does have great pacing, as it's fast and gets straight to the point. I was initially worried about certain fighting scenes but they were kept clean, understandable, simple, and pretty quick.

Sadly though there is a little bit that I didn't like...

I am just not a huge fan of books focused on fighting and fighting only, and the fact that the main character is also a man just gives this book such a weird masculine feeling. But truly though most of my qualms are just with the main character who makes a lot of stupid decisions, really only thinks about winning fights, and he's a man. I'm not too fond of stupid, headstrong, fighter-type male characters. So yeah that was a bit of a turn-off the whole time.

Overall though this book was interesting, had great worldbuilding, and a fast pace.

Don’t sleep on this book! First of all, Fonda Lee is an amazing author so I knew I needed to read this book. Second, this book reads like an action adventure anime story and I loved every second. It was filled with fights, drama, political intrigue and characters you can’t help but want to know more about.

Astonishingly (for me), I loved that this book really didn’t have romance. This is a story about finding your place in the world and fighting for what’s right and it didn’t need romance. I loved Jun and Ren’s relationship but found it was perfect as found family.

I can’t wait to read the sequel to this story because I need to know what’s next for these characters! Also, I will definitely reread this book before book 2 because there are so many small hints and clues of foreshadowing in this story alone, that I wouldn’t want to miss any in the sequel.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It is SO awesome to see the author of Jade City and Bruce Lee's daughter unite for an amazing project. I had to jump into this arc and already preordered my copy with B&N. Thank you so much, publisher, for accepting me to read this one. Anything related to Bruce Lee reminds me of my childhood with my father, then when I was a teen the world lost Brandon... I will treasure this book. It will always be dear to me. Thank you, authors, for doing this project and the publisher for supporting it. 

The perfect coming-of-age story stars Jun, a 16 teen who wants to compete in the elite Guardian’s Tournament to become the Guardian himself. First, his heart and motivations are selfish, and towards revenge, he needs to prove to everyone that he is not just the spare twin who wasn't born with the Dragon's mark, but he has a raw talent that deserves to be put to good use. He tries to follow his goal, but he needs to get to the tournament and pay for the entry. To do so, he runs away hidden in a wagon of travelers who perform for the crowd as they go. This journey becomes more than just a way to earn money or get to the city. He learns more about their social and political situation, the differences between East and West, and soon he will want to fight for the people instead of getting wealth and fame. 

A refreshing duology with a martial arts focus, classic vibes, and a rebel on a path to glory who changes to social justice. Action and adventure with a lot of life lessons and virtue. Ren is the perfect companion to this selfish, impulsive teen. She is brave and the perfect friend. The Breath is like a powerful force that comes from within, very relatable to KI but also to our will to fight the wrongs in this world.

"Breath of the Dragon" by Fonda Lee and Shannon Lee is a masterful entry into the YA fantasy genre, combining rich world-building with a compelling narrative centered around themes of honor, perseverance, and self-discovery. Inspired by the teachings and characters created by the legendary Bruce Lee, this novel delivers an exhilarating blend of martial arts action and magical intrigue.

The story follows sixteen-year-old Jun, who is determined to redeem his family’s honor by winning the prestigious Guardian’s Tournament. This tournament, held every six years, chooses the new protector of the magical Scroll of Heaven, a position that Jun believes will restore his father’s pride and correct a past mistake that led to their banishment. Jun’s journey is fraught with obstacles, not least of which is his father’s strict prohibition against participating. His father’s disapproval stems from Jun not being breathmarked—born with a patch of dragon scales that endows special abilities, unlike his twin brother.

Jun’s determination and resilience lead him to stow away with performers Chang and his daughter, Ren, on their way to the capital where the tournament takes place. This decision sets off a chain of events that forces Jun to confront not only formidable opponents but also the harsh truths about his own identity and capabilities. The tournament becomes more than just a personal quest for Jun; it transforms into a battle for the fate of the entire country and the lives of those he holds dear.

Fonda Lee’s world-building is nothing short of phenomenal. The intricate details of the setting, the lore of the breathmarked, and the high stakes of the Guardian’s Tournament create a vivid and immersive reading experience. Each scene is meticulously crafted, bringing to life the intensity of the battles and the emotional depth of Jun’s journey.

The characters in "Breath of the Dragon" are well-developed and relatable. Jun is a particularly compelling protagonist; his inner struggles and growth throughout the story are portrayed with sensitivity and realism. Ren, Chang, and other supporting characters add richness to the narrative, each with their unique contributions and backstories that enhance the overall plot.

The action sequences are thrilling and cinematic, capturing the essence of martial arts that Bruce Lee so famously embodied. These scenes are not only exciting but also serve as pivotal moments for character development and plot progression. The themes of honor, sacrifice, and the pursuit of greatness are woven seamlessly into the fabric of the story, making it resonate on a deeper level.

"Breath of the Dragon" is a brilliant start to what promises to be an epic duology. It’s a must-read for fans of fantasy, martial arts, and stories that explore the depths of human potential and the power of perseverance. This book is not just about the physical battles fought in the tournament, but also about the internal battles faced by a young man striving to carve out his place in a world that has doubted him.

In conclusion, "Breath of the Dragon" is a captivating and inspiring tale that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment. Fonda Lee and Shannon Lee have created a memorable story that honors the legacy of Bruce Lee while standing on its own as a powerful addition to the YA fantasy genre.

I didn’t know that I needed this duo! This is fantastic and an unforgettable read. It is a magical journey that transports you to another world. The storytelling is superb, and the characters are richly developed. I would be highly recommending it and patiently wait for the next book in the instalment.

An imaginative and spellbinding fantasy novel. The plot is intricate and the magical elements are beautifully woven into the story. A truly enchanting read!

From start to finish "Breath of the Dragon" was an absolutely captivating and unputdownable read! I went into this book really intrigued by the premise and ended up forfeiting sleep so I could read it all in one session.

The authors did an excellent job crafting an intricate and interesting world, I was eagerly flipping pages curious what new information would be revealed.

The main characters are so well-developed and likeable, it was easy to become emotionally invested in this story. A found family trope will get me every single time.

Overall this was such a fantastic reading experience, a must-read if you enjoy books in the YA Fantasy genre!

Thank you Fonda Lee, Shannon Lee, Net Galley and St. Martin's Press- Wednesday Books for providing me with an ARC of this book.