Breath of the Dragon by renowned fantasy author Fonda Lee and Shannon Lee, the daughter of martial artist Bruce Lee. Banned from the East for learning martial arts from his father, Jun grows up in the West, where martial arts are celebrated. This YA novel follows Jun as he attempts to win back his father's honour fighting in The Guardian Tournament, despite his lack of magical (breathmarked) ability.
The worldbuilding is undoubtedly this books biggest strength. It felt in some ways reminiscent of Greenbone, with innate magical abilities far from the norm and two warring states but set in a more medieval setting with a fascinating mythology in behind it. The decision to make this YA was an interesting one. It succeeds undoubtedly at fitting solidly within this genre, but I felt that in doing so we lost a lot of the grit that makes Fonda Lee's characters so compelling. The characterwork is still solid enough Chang is a particular highlight and Jun's arc is well developed and led to an relatively interesting multifaceted character though the relationships between characters did feel a little weak.
The plot - for me - is where this book really fell down. The twists felt either predictable or inconsequential and shoehorned in and the whole book felt a little repetitive. The tournament was merely fight scene after fight scene and after the first couple it began to grow boring. Maybe a martial arts enthusiast would have loved this, but for me it was really missing something to add a bit more of the interest and tension back in.
Overall this is a reasonably strong foray into YA that I just don't think plays into Fonda Lee's strengths as a writer, nonetheless I do think this is worth a read for Greenbone fans who like YA, and I'm excited to see where the second book goes.

Thank you so much to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for providing this ARC.

Breath of a Dragon is the first novel in the Breathmarked duologyby Fonda Lee and Shannon Lee and it is a remarkable start!
The story feels strangely familiar: a family divided by political circumstances, a young boy who wants to use martial arts as a way of redemption, a tournament, allies and friends met on the way as well as enemies as well as a hint of romance. Nothing here is particularly new. It has been done before again and again in some novels but most of all in movies.
Is it an issue ? No at all! The familiarity of this plot makes it incredibly comforting. You can enjoy the fast-paced action,anticipating the next event and rejoicing that you were right on predicting the outcome. It is like reading for the hundredth time the same story as a kid: you know what is going to happen and but you want it again and again.
Fonda Lee and Shannon Lee’s biggest strength is manifesting there: the novel is extremely entertaining and captivating. The pacing is really excellent. Yes, there is some action but also some quieter moments to develop all the characters, fleshing them out, making you love them more.
What I wish was only to be more of it. Until then I can review Bruce Lee’s filmography that I was haven’t see for many years. Maybe I’ll understand how he was an inspiration for the main character, Jun. That way, I will stay with Jun a little more until the next volume is out.

I found this to be a very fun read. Was expecting it to read a little older but still very much enjoyed this book!
Very well written, loved the action scenes!

A great YA fantasy (more on the younger side) from one of the queen's of fantasy Fonda Lee and Bruce Lee's daughter, Shannon Lee.
What a great read for lovers of martial arts. I really enjoyed the tournament and battle scenes.

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for providing this ARC.

Breath of the Dragon by Fonda Lee and Shannon Lee is an exciting start to the Breathmarked series, set to release on January 7, 2025. This YA fantasy combines martial arts action, Chinese-inspired world-building, and a heartfelt journey of redemption.

The story follows Jun, a sixteen-year-old with everything to prove. After his family is disgraced and banished due to a past mistake, Jun is determined to win the elite Guardian Tournament—a competition held every six years to choose the protector of the magical Scroll of Earth. It’s not just about personal glory; it’s about restoring his family’s honour. But Jun soon realizes that the path to redemption is full of challenges that test not only his strength but his heart and mind as well.

This book stands out because it balances pulse-pounding action with deeper, introspective moments. Fonda Lee (known for The Green Bone Saga) brings her sharp world-building and tension-filled storytelling, while Shannon Lee (daughter of martial arts legend Bruce Lee) adds layers of philosophy and honour that give the story extra depth. Together, their writing creates a vivid, immersive world where every fight feels like it matters.

Jun is a fantastic lead—his determination, struggles, and moments of doubt make him easy to root for. The relationships in the story are just as compelling as the action. As the authors beautifully put it: "Sometimes fate tore loved ones apart. Sometimes it turned rivals into brothers." This theme runs through the book, making Jun’s journey not just about winning but also about understanding himself and those around him.

The world-building is lush and detailed, pulling you in from the very first page, while the pacing keeps things moving without feeling rushed. The tournament is gripping, but it’s the emotional weight of Jun’s choices and connections that hit hardest.

I did find that the book had some subject matter, violent scenes and language that shocked me for a YA title. This might be worth considering for sensitive readers.

Whether you’re a fan of martial arts, fantasy, or stories about redemption and finding yourself, Breath of the Dragon has something to offer. It’s got the action, the heart, and just the right amount of introspection to keep you hooked. With a stunning hardcover edition (complete with sprayed edges!), this is one you’ll want to pre-order now. I can’t wait to see where Jun’s journey takes us next!

Unfortunately, it was a rather underwhelming story. The main character is not very likeable, he is rather self-centered and one-dimensional. I would have preferred to follow his twin, he seemed more interesting… The other characters do not stand out either. Some of them are stereotypical but it was alright. I did not like the sort of forced romance sub-plot that the authors try to pull of at the beginning of the story. First of all, it was way too fast and insta-lovey and second of all, the characters had no chemistry. It eventually fades away a little but it did not make the story any better.
However, I did like the fighting scenes. They are quite vivid. But I wish there were more of them. I thought the tournament was going to be the main plot but it didn’t last very long and that caught me off guard. As for the writing, it is fluid and easy to read.

Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a honest review.

Karate kid meets fantasy in one boy’s journey to define his destiny.

Jun is separated from his mother and twin after accidentally revealing his martial arts practice as a child. He and his father is exiled from the East to the West where martial arts is revered. Against his father’s wishes, Jun enters the famous tournament that will decide the new Guardian of the Earth Scroll, a sacred duty.

I thought this would focus on the element of the Breathmarked - people given gifts by the Dragon. However, Jun is the underdog. It his identical twin that is marked rather than Jun and in the West, the Breathmarked are despised.

Rather, this is a story about Jun realising it is how you work on your talents and achieve your goals.

<b>“It took me years to realize this, and even longer to accept it: The abilities that matter the most don’t come from Dragon’s blood. They’re gained day by day, through sweat and tears. Marked or not, every one of us has Breath enough to will our own destiny into being.”
</b>
I usually find it difficult to visualise fight scenes, yet this was vivid and tense - perfect for young readers who want high stakes.

For me though, it felt too repetitive and too easy. This is as someone who typically finds fight scenes boring especially in a tournament setting.
I also was not expecting this to read as young as it did. Definitely on the younger range of YA with very on the nose morals and good v evil.

<b>“That’s what we want to leave the audience with, at the end—the reminder that we’re all human, we all feel joy and pain the same way, in the end we all die and join our ancestors. If we can make people feel that way about a fictional soldier who lived in the East fifty years ago, then maybe we can all become more compassionate.”</b>
I could definitely see Fonda Lee’s stylistic approach with inclusions and inspirations by Shannon Lee - daughter of Bruce Lee. This felt similar to the age range of Avatar: the Last Airbender or Percy Jackson.

If you enjoyed this and want an adult fantasy comparison, I would recommend The Art of Prophecy.

Physical arc gifted by Hodderscape.

This was such great fun!
The plot was fast-paced and addictive and full of twists. The first and second half were very different from one another, though I enjoyed both. The tournament setting was engaging and the action scenes were just written so well. I really felt like I was in the arena with the characters, watching every move. The sharp and direct writing style, while not the most unique, was really effective in hammering home the impact of the fight scenes and immersing me in them.
The characters were also great. They followed ‘typical’ martial arts tournament conventions: the arrogant yet talented protagonist Jun, the rival Yin Yue, the wise mentor Chang. I really enjoyed all of their growth throughout the story. I particularly loved our protagonist Jun. He felt like an actual teenager- very flawed but very relatable- and his growth throughout the story was really satisfying. Everything he achieved felt properly earned and worked for, which isn’t always the case in some ya books! The antagonists were also really effective in their motivations and hateability! The relationships and dynamics between the characters were also really fun and believable, and it was perfect for making the story feel complete outside of the action sequences. I really appreciated the platonic love they had for each other.
The world wasn’t particularly unique but the sheer variety of the different breathmarked gifts made for some really fun set-ups and twists. I can’t wait to see more as the series continues!
I honestly don’t have any complaints with this book, which means I’ve not got a huge amount else to say. It was such a fun ride and I can’t wait for more! I’d recommend this so anyone looking for an action- packed, fantasy homage to martial arts.

Excellent action scenes and some good ideas about the magical abilities exposed in the storyline. Not much else that stands out, but those who like competition elements might enjoy this. Nothing groundbreaking but a fast moving story.

Well, my opening view is that this story stays true to the Bruce Lee legacy/films from the past, and the authors managed to evoke the same feelings I got from watching Enter the Dragon as a teen.

The best part of the book was the tournament itself and the vividly portrayed fights. All of these scenes were excellently crafted.

The characters outside the MC felt a bit weak to me, and I didn't really connect with anyone. It just felt a bit mehh at times.

I am not a huge fan of when a book slows down to build the next book. Consequently, the final 25 percent was disappointing

I'll read the next one, though!

Finally, the cover is 🔥

Perfect for fans of The Combat Codes & Jade City, Breath of the Dragon is a brilliant entry into a new series and I highly recommend it. We follow Jun, separated from his mom & twin brother and exiled from his country due to his practice of martial arts. Meanwhile, his twin is revealed to have a power called the 'Breathmark' and is to undergo training. Years later, Jun has yet to reunite with his family and instead is focusing on becoming the 'Guardian' through a tournament which may help him ease tensions between the two lands. Unfortunately, he's banned by his father and must sneak out joining a travelling party performing across towns on their way to the capital.

The combat is so fluid and vividly described, you can easily picture everything happening and this really helps bring the tournament alive. The plot is well paced and really keeps you hooked, my only issue isn't really an issue! But this is very much a first entry in a series, the tournament takes the majority of the novel and this isn't necessarily a bad thing but it really picks up in the last twenty percent of the novel and sets up the sequel. I'll be eagerly awaiting to see what happens next in Jun's journey.

Thanks to Netgalley + Hodder & Stoughton for this arc!

This was a great YA novel that has great roots in the author. I'm excited to see what else happens however it needs more character work.

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 Hodderscape and Netgalley for this eARC to review.