Publisher: Wednesday Books
Format: E-ARC
Number of pages: 352 pages
Publishing: January 7th, 2025
Source: St. Martin's Publishing Group
Opening Line: "Two strangers arrived on a mid-autumn morning, as if swept in by the cold wind rustling the drooping branches of the elm trees."
At the age of six, identical twins Sai and Jun were separated when their father, Li Hon broke the law by teaching them martial arts, something strictly forbidden in the East. Jun and his father were banished to West Longhan, forced to work at the Cheon Opera Company, separating them from Sai and his mother.
Every six years an elite Guardian's Tournament is held to entrust the Scroll of Earth to its new protector. For the past ten years, Jun has done nothing but dreamed of competing, but his father has forbidden him from entering. Instead, he wants Jun to take the imperial exam and get a respectable job. However, Jun's desire to become a Guardian is too strong, even though he isn't breathmarked like his brother Sai. Jun lacks the scales, dragon's blood and special abilities that are associated with the mark. Determined to not let that stop him, Jun secretly steals aboard a carriage heading East, defying his father's wishes.
At the age of six, identical twins Sai and Jun were separated when their father, Li Hon broke the law by teaching them martial arts, something strictly forbidden in the East. Jun and his father were banished to West Longhan, forced to work at the Cheon Opera Company, separating them from Sai and his mother.
Every six years an elite Guardian's Tournament is held to entrust the Scroll of Earth to its new protector. For the past ten years, Jun has done nothing but dreamed of competing, but his father has forbidden him from entering. Instead, he wants Jun to take the imperial exam and get a respectable job. However, Jun's desire to become a Guardian is too strong, even though he isn't breathmarked like his brother Sai. Jun lacks the scales, dragon's blood and special abilities that are associated with the mark. Determined to not let that stop him, Jun secretly steals aboard a carriage heading East, defying his father's wishes.
During the tournament, Jun encounters numerous setbacks. First, his registration fee is stolen and then he faces more experienced opponents. General Cobu of the Imperial Army even changes the rules of the tournament to favor his own fighter. Jun has much at stake in the outcome of the tournament, but can he survive long enough to make it to the finals while the fate of the country is resting on him winning?
Breath of the Dragon is a fast paced, action-packed fantasy set in a Chinese inspired world. It's a story with political intrigue, lovely fight scenes, and a country that has been divided into two opposing sides over their differing views on the practice of martial arts. Reunification hasn't been possible for many years as they have taken different paths and continue to be divided over this complex issue.
Breath of the Dragon is a fast paced, action-packed fantasy set in a Chinese inspired world. It's a story with political intrigue, lovely fight scenes, and a country that has been divided into two opposing sides over their differing views on the practice of martial arts. Reunification hasn't been possible for many years as they have taken different paths and continue to be divided over this complex issue.
Jun is a sympathetic and generally well-intentioned character. At first, I was thrown off by his over confidence in his skills and ego, he is kind of portrayed as a jerk. However, I began to warmup to him by the end of the book as his motivations for wanting to enter the tournament came more to light. Also, he shows a lot of growth despite facing some challenging opponents. Eventually even coming to understand what the weight of being a Guardian really entails. I found myself absorbed with his journey to enter the tournament, and enjoyed how the story kept me guessing with all of its twists and turns. The corrupt General even raised the tension nicely and the stakes kept getting higher and higher. This is the first book in what is meant to be a duology and is said to be based off of the characters and teachings of Bruce Lee, it is written by Bruce Lee's sister, Shannon and author Fonda Lee. Overall, I enjoyed reading this YA fantasy and am eagerly awaiting the sequel.
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