Thank you to Penguin Random House and NetGalley for the eARC!


The Last Tiger at its core is a retelling of the love story of the authors' grandparents meeting within a Japanese-occupied South Korea with fantasy elements woven in.

I enjoyed the magic system implemented within the story, although some of the Korean mythology-inspired creatures felt more like quick blips within the narrative of the story. The focus is definitely on the two main characters Seung and Eunji - from meeting happenstance during a Slaying Ceremony to uniting their efforts against various tasks. While reading, you can feel them come to life as well fleshed out protagonists. Motivations for certain actions are sometimes told rather than fully shown.

In front of every chapter is a snippet of the true thoughts and feelings of the authors' grandparents. While I really enjoyed these, it was sometimes difficult to join these with the fictional representations of them as the fantasy element causes a huge difference in what occurs between real life and the fictional story. I'd be interested in a fictionalized or historical retelling of their love story without the fantasy interwoven.

What I Liked:
- Korean-inspired mythology
- magic system not typically seen in YA books
- a true/real love story as the basis

What I Wish Was Better:
- conflict of the true snippets of grandparents' story against the narrative and plot of the fictional story
- ending 20% feels a bit rushed to wrap the story up
- wanted to experience more of the journey in the latter half of the book (extend it further)

*The Last Tiger* is a striking blend of fantasy and historical truth, rooted in one of the most brutal and often overlooked periods of Korean history. The authors draw inspiration from their grandparents' experiences under Japanese occupation, and that foundation gives the story a rare emotional gravity. The novel doesn’t flinch away from the violence and erasure of colonization, but it also centers the resilience and spirit of those who lived through it.

The characters are complex and compelling. Seung and Eunji are shaped by duty, grief, and longing, and their shifting relationship, full of tension, betrayal, and uneasy trust, feels authentic and earned. Their internal conflicts mirror the larger question of what liberation costs and who gets to define it.

The worldbuilding is rich with Korean folklore, and the last tiger serves as a powerful symbol of memory, identity, and resistance. The writing is evocative without being overly ornate, and the pacing carries both urgency and emotional depth.

This is a story that stays with you. It’s about love and loss, yes, but also about the fight to hold onto culture, truth, and selfhood in the face of forced silence. A standout debut, both fierce and thoughtful.

If you liked the political depth of An Ember in the Ashes, the rich folklore of The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, or the emotional intensity of Six Crimson Cranes, you’ll find this equally enjoyable. It’s perfect for readers who want their fantasy rooted in real history, with powerful themes of colonization, resistance, and identity woven through every page.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC copy of this book.

I really appreciated that the authors wrote this story with inspiration from their grandparents. They included quotes at the beginning of each chapter from either the grandpa or the grandma which really added depth to the story. I was engaged throughout the whole story and thought that the fantasy setting which was based on the Japanese occupation of Korea around the time of World War II was written really well.

This book has been everywhere on my feed, and I was beyond excited to get an advanced copy! Knowing it was inspired by the authors' grandparents’ love story made it even more special—and it truly delivered.

The story follows Seung, a servant striving to rise as a Dragon soldier to help his family, and Eunji, a noble Tiger girl tied to the very oppressors her people fear. As they find themselves on opposite sides of a growing rebellion, their paths intertwine in a way that challenges loyalty, identity, and the meaning of freedom.

Set during a dark chapter of Korea’s history, the story is full of emotion and power. The use of ki—spiritual magic tied to ancient animal spirits—adds depth to the narrative and symbolism, especially as Seung’s journey becomes intertwined with the mission to save the last tiger.

Both characters are incredibly well developed. Seung is driven by duty and hope, while Eunji battles with the expectations forced upon her as both a Tiger noble and a woman in a Dragon-dominated world. Their dual POVs give a rich look into their inner worlds, making their growth and struggles all the more poignant.

Their love story was gentle, powerful, and made all the more meaningful knowing its real-life inspiration. It’s not an easy romance—they face constant trials and choices—but that only makes their connection more impactful.

This was a deeply moving, magical, and thought-provoking read. Perfect for fans of character-driven fantasy with historical roots and emotional depth.

Huge thanks to NetGalley for the ARC! 🐯✨

* dual POV
* YA Fantasy
* Korean History & Politics
* Colonialism
* Forbidden Romance
* rich girl x poor boy
* dragons, serpents & tigers

The Last Tiger is a fantasy partly inspired by the Japanese occupation of Korea, and the authors' grandparents -- which makes it a wholesome story with a haunting narrative. It includes snippets from letters exchanged by their authors grandparents which makes it two stories included in one, which I found really really creative. The story felt high stakes from the very beginning, and thus had me glued to the edge of my seat as I devoured it over two days.

Seung and Eunji both have very nuanced interweaving plots that both shed light on the harm caused by propaganda and colonialism, and by those who stay quiet in the face of oppression. The magic system was unique as well, and the side characters were quite well-fleshed which made it so easy to understand their motivations and to root for them. I am so glad this book exists for YA audiences so we can all learn about east Asian cultures/history, and the impact of colonialism and propaganda. More stories about love and hope and survival, please!

Would love to see another story in the same universe although it is quite less likely, just to explore more of the magic systems and the world beyond :) At times the two character voices also seemed to blend into one another and were hard to differentiate. The ending felt quite rushed and could probably have been paced better.

Overall there is a LOT happening throughout the book and it will keep you engrossed. Seung is so so easy to root for and love, and I admire everything about this book. I wholeheartedly recommend this to everyone looking for a new diverse YA Fantasy on their TBR.

fav character: Seung
fav quote: “Anger is the right response to injustice.”

4.5⭐️

i LOVED this book. the story is based off of the authors’ grandparents and how they met/loved but thrown into fiction/fantasy!
Seung and Eunji are such strong characters in their own way and came from incredibly different lives so learning how they come together (and how it is written so) is amazing
the plot itself with a government trying to take over the entire place and having a rebel group and people are terrified to say no to anyone in power??? i hate it but i LOVE it
the ending chapter seemed to tie some things together so i get that an epilogue was a good idea, however, im not totally sure how i feel about it. are we getting a second book? do we get anymore of our favorite characters??

overall, definitely something i would recommend to people who enjoy books with fiction/light fantasy, injustice but overcoming it, mild friends-to-enemies-to-lovers, and Korean history.

Set in a world where magic and history collide, The Last Tiger follows two teenagers, Lee Seung and Choi Eunji as they navigate forbidden relationships, unlikely friendships, betrayal, and dangerous secrets.

The story unfolds in a colonized land where tigers are hunted to extinction and ancient magic is stirring. During the hunt for the last tiger, Seung and Eunji's relationship becomes complicated, and they end up on opposite sides of a battle for freedom. Blending fantasy with historical settings inspired by the true stories of the authors' grandparents, the novel offers a unique and immersive backdrop as the characters discover their own inner strength and the power to shape their futures.

While the magic and fantasy elements were intriguing, they often fell flat for me. I was hoping for more depth and excitement in the magical moments, but instead, they felt somewhat dull and underwhelming. The pacing also struggled, with conversations between characters frequently feeling lifeless. The sudden shifts from casual exchanges to major plot points were jarring—one moment, the dialogue would feel light and unimportant, and the next, a major development would unfold without much buildup. This inconsistency in tone and pacing made it difficult to fully connect with the stakes of the story.

Overall, while I enjoyed the characters and the setting, the pacing issues and underwhelming magic system kept the book from being a favorite. I gave it 3.5 stars because, even with its flaws, I still very much enjoyed it and would recommend to certain audiences.

Thank you to the publisher for the arc through NetGalley! All opinions are my own honest opinions.

This was such a fantastic debut! The courage and resilience to takes to be the voice of a people and to stand up for them, to enact real change, is immense. This was a great read!

The Last Tiger by Julia and Brad Riew is a young adult fantasy novel inspired by the authors' family histories during the Japanese occupation of Korea. It tells the story of two teenagers: Lee Seung, a servant with dreams of freedom, and Choi Eunji, a noble girl defying societal expectations. Set in a world where tigers—symbols of magic and independence—are nearly extinct, the pair must confront their own differences as they become entangled in a struggle over the last tiger. The novel beautifully intertwines themes of love, identity, and resistance against oppression, blending historical elements with magical realism. content mentions blood stabbing forced marriage.

The Last Tiger by Julia Riew and Brad Riew is a touching and beautifully written story, inspired by their grandparents' love story. The way the authors blend that personal history with folklore is incredibly well done—heartfelt and seamless.

At its core, it's about two teens from completely different worlds—Lee Seung, a servant dreaming of freedom, and Choi Eunji, a noble girl pushing back against tradition. Their relationship shifts and evolves—first as allies, then adversaries—finding themselves on opposing sides in a conflict centered on the last tiger.

The book is split into three acts: Jeong explores their budding relationship, Nunchi focuses on their personal growth, and Han brings everything together, highlighting the emotional weight of their shared grief and the wider conflict. The first act is a slower build, laying the groundwork for their relationship, while the second and third acts pick up the pace and pack more of an emotional punch.

The historical backdrop of colonized Korea adds so much depth, and the symbolism of the last tiger gives the story real heart. The authors approached Korean history and culture with deep care and respect since it is a personal story. The political tension between the Tiger People and the Dragon People felt meaningful and relevant, adding another thoughtful layer to the story. These were the strongest parts of the book—it has a ton of emotional resonance.

Kenzo and Jin, as side characters had super compelling backstories. Kenzo especially feels like a character who deserves more page time—I’d love to read more about him. I also wish the concept of Ki had been explored more deeply, since it played a significant role in the story and could’ve used a bit more explanation.

Overall, it was a really good story, and while I wished we could see more emotional background of why the Ki's were chosen specifically, and some more character development. It's worth checking out.

A retelling of the Korean liberation from Japan, set in a fantasy world in which the Tiger Kingdom has been colonized by the Dragon Empire. Eunji is a rich girl; whose parents directly serve the Dragon Empire and the governor who controls their home. Seung is a servant boy who rapidly becomes disillusioned with the fact he can never climb the ladder or ever be seen as equal to the Dragon people. A tale of resistance against colonization, what it takes for your oppressors to see you as human, and how far one would go to save their people. It’s a direct parallel and fantastical retelling of the authors’ grandparents’ love story, with quotes from their grandparents at the beginning of each chapter. I thought this was such a unique premise to retell your family’s love story and people’s fight for freedom. Jin was the best side character ever and her story broke my heart. Kenzo was also there, as a side character. It felt like the authors wanted us to start liking Kenzo, but I just couldn’t even. My only criticisms were the authors trying to convince me to like Kenzo after he was manipulative and cruel the entire story and how fast everything moved at the end. Very unique story!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5 stars)

The Last Tiger by Julia Riew and Brad Riew offers a thought-provoking exploration of occupation, identity, and survival against the backdrop of Korea’s history. The story follows two young people from different walks of life, Seung and Eunji, as they navigate the hardships of a tumultuous era. The historical context is fascinating, and I appreciated the personal connection the authors clearly have to the subject matter, which adds depth and sincerity to the narrative.

The writing is strong in places, and the setting is vividly brought to life, evoking a palpable sense of time and place. Some moments in the book truly landed emotionally, particularly in the way the authors portrayed the struggle for survival and the quiet acts of resistance. However, I found it challenging to connect with the characters at first. While their arcs were compelling, their motivations sometimes felt rushed or not fully explored. The pacing, particularly in the second half, was uneven, leaving me feeling like the build-up was leading to something powerful but ultimately didn’t quite reach its potential.

Despite its flaws, The Last Tiger is a solid historical fiction read with a unique focus on a lesser-known chapter of Korea's past. It’s not a book I’d return to, but it’s worth picking up for those interested in character-driven historical narratives.

For a debut story, this author duo did a decent job! What initially drew me to this book was inspiration behind them writing this - the grandparents’ love story and that this was a fictional story of it. I did enjoy the story, and it did pull me in enough to want to keep reading even when I didn’t really have the time. I found the world, the magical powers of ki, and the animal spirits really interesting! I would have love to learn more about them all in the book, but it’s felt more like a surface-level type thing.

I went into this knowing it was YA, but it was a bit younger than I was originally anticipating. I think there are younger YA readers that would enjoy the story for what it is.

Overall, it was an entertaining read. I did find there were times where phrases or words threw me out of the fantasy world the authors were trying to create.

I love how this book blends fantasy with reality, weaving two stories into one. Each chapter starts with an email excerpt from the author’s grandparents, whose love story inspired the book, adding a deeply personal touch that in a way made me think of The Notebook. Additionally, certain elements reminded me of Avatar: The Last Airbender, especially the Avatar State, while the overall feel of the story gave me strong Mulan and Aladdin vibes. It hits that perfect mix of nostalgia, adventure and romance, taking my imagination for a ride.

Now the pacing starts off a bit slow but builds as the story progresses. And although it’s told from two POVs, the transitions between them are smooth and never pulled me out of the narrative.

This book was such a lovely surprise to me.

It's not easy to come across a korean historical fantasy and especially one that clearly takes advantage of all the beautiful korean myths, historical intrigues and the most extensive issues of Japan colonization. It had everything in just 320pages and it somehow it worked pretty well.

The story follows Seung a commoner whose family live in complete proverty and struggle to survive under the oppressive rule of the Dragon Kingdom. Then we have Eunji from a yangban, nobility, family with privilege tho as a girl with no "voice" she feels trapped and yearns for freedom.

As we follow each character through their own povs we get to see the differences social class and gender plays in this society and how it shape their lives as individuals.

The story revolves around the themes of identity, loyalty, power and survival
It's a wonderful story and even more beautiful since its based by authors grandparents.

However, there were some issues, in terms of world building. I feel like magic system could have been bit more deeply crafted. I also struggled with certain language details as "dude" "buddy" and "thumbs up" since its a historical period of a culture so particular those words just put me off.


Thanks to Netgalley for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was really interesting. It’s different from what I usually read but I enjoyed some parts of it. I loved that it was inspired by the authors’ grandparents love story, that was very heartwarming. This is a solid debut novel but I would’ve liked more showing and less telling.

I actually liked this one more than I thought I would when I realized it was YA (which is totally my bad - I didn't realize that until I was actively reading). I thought the story was really sweet, and knowing it's based on the author's grandparents is a huge draw. It definitely read as YA, which isn't really my cup of tea, but I can see how the younger generation would like this. My rating is based on the understanding of the intention and target market. The story was beautiful and the pacing was good - so all in all, an enjoyable read for someone that's more of the YA target age.

3.5/5

a powerful novel that introduces very complex, dark, and heavy topics to younger audiences. reviewing from the perspective of the 12 and up intended audience, i think this story will be captivating to them -- it has many twists and turns and very fast pace. i thought this was a well done and very tasteful depiction of colonialization that clearly depicts the realities of these situations from the points of view of many times of people.

i was initially drawn to this because it was a retelling of the authors' grandparents love story and while reading i wished that they had presented it without the fantasy component. HOWEVER i agree with the decision to add it as it makes for a more palatable read to its intended younger audience. the key distinction i need to make is that some critiques this novel may receive some from the perspective of a review for a book written for adults. if that is what you are looking for, this is not it. it is critical to remember that it is meant for YOUNG ADULTS.

i feel as though there was some disconnect between the seung and eunji's perspectives. at times i felt that their stories had strayed so far apart that it felt like 2 books in one as opposed to one cohesive narrative. the relationship between seung and eunji was very sweet but felt a bit flat at times. jin was the character with the most depth to me and i wish the others got more of that.

overall, a book i would certainly recommend as a description of colonization and learning the history of korea to those who may not be as familiar.

thank you netgalley for the arc!

I have so much to say, everything good though., from the way authors mixed fantasy with historical fiction and events.
The plot was fast paced and both the main characters were incredibly written, and the romance had my heart warming. One of my favorite part was the little anecdotes by their grand parents before each episode.

*The Last Tiger* by Julia Riew is a touching story about a young girl struggling to balance her family’s traditions with her own dreams. As she learns more about her culture, she discovers the importance of being true to herself. The writing is beautiful, and the characters are easy to connect with. The book explores themes of identity, family, and courage, making it a great read for anyone looking for an emotional and thought-provoking story.