The instant NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY bestseller!
"The unpredictable plot twists and innovative magic system, which incorporates religious elements, are intriguing and, along with Jun’s realistic emotional development and reactions, create a gripping narrative...A complex, hard-hitting, epic martial arts journey." - Kirkus (starred review)
"An intense tale full of action, with political intrigue galore...that absolutely does justice to its Bruce Lee inspiration." - Booklist (starred review)
"Jun’s inability to stay still and his struggles with self-control will make him an instantly relatable character to teen boys, while the fast-paced nature of the tournament will keep any reader’s attention locked on the page...even the side characters have a compelling presence that heightens the stakes...[a] straight shot of pure shonen manga energy." - School Library Journal (starred review)
"The authors extol Bruce Lee’s principles while continually raising the stakes and surprising readers with thoughtful twists in this relentlessly paced and exquisitely choreographed martial arts fantasy series opener." - Publishers Weekly
"I'm genuinely awestruck by the brilliance of this coming-of-age novel. Infused with the vital essence of Bruce Lee's intellect, martial arts prowess, and philosophical depth, it's a captivating journey that transcends the ordinary––a master class in storytelling. I loved it and cannot wait for the next book!" —Jamie Ford, New York Times bestselling author of The Many Daughters of Afong Moy
"Breath of the Dragon is fantastic cinematic mayhem lovingly molded in a deadly martial world. The wisdom and philosophy of great Bruce Lee serve as a guiding hand in so many deep aspects of young Jun's journey. The Lees make a dynamic team!" - Wesley Chu, #1 New York Times bestseller
"A perfect balance of Bruce Lee's inspiring philosophies, Shannon Lee's galvanizing execution, and Fonda Lee's masterful writing. As thrilling and cinematic as the best big-screen experience." - F.C. Yee, New York Times bestselling author of Avatar, the Last Airbender: The Rise of Kyoshi and The Epic Crush of Genie Lo
"A tale in equal turns powerful and gripping, inspiring and meaningful, and with vividly cinematic combat scenes that felt like movie sequences. Lee and Lee have forged a new classic born of legacy and show themselves to be grandmasters of the martial arts genre.” — Amélie Wen Zhao, New York Times and internationally bestselling author of the Song of the Last Kingdom duology
"A masterclass in cinematic action and riveting storytelling. From the first pages I was rooting for Jun and felt invested in his journey. Rare is the tale that thrives off nostalgia yet also offers something breathtakingly refreshing. Lee and Lee have succeeded in every measure." —Elizabeth Lim, New York Times bestselling author of Six Crimson Cranes
"A stirring and stunning novel of fascinating imagination and filled with a true warrior's spirit. A not to be missed adventure!" - S.A. Cosby, New York Times bestseller
"Breath of the Dragon breathes the spirit of Bruce Lee on every page. The rite of passage/coming of age story moves fast, is compelling, and shows with deep emotionality the yin and yang in humans and in our relationships, politics and martial arts. I felt it. I loved it. It's explosive like Bruce Lee, and I can't wait to read the next book. This would be fantastic on screen!” - Mark Dacascos
"Shannon Lee and Fonda Lee’s Breath of the Dragon is a marvelous tale of war, family, and revolution told in the grand tradition of Suzanne Collins and Jin Yong. But this contemporary spin on the kung fu novel also features at its heart an unforgettable young fighter who is not a little like a young Bruce Lee. A riveting pulse-pounding story with lots to say about what it means to be a hero in these times. Can’t wait for the next one!" — Jeff Chang, author of Can’t Stop Won’t Stop and Water Mirror Echo: Bruce Lee and the Making of Asian America
"This is an exciting and compelling story centered around a young man's hope and determination to win a martial arts tournament which will give him the coveted title of 'Guardian of the Scroll'. We accompany him on his journey and are engaged from beginning to end with the characters, events and action. Jun's rich and eventful journey is thrilling and thought provoking. A very enjoyable and captivating read!" - Andrew Koji
"A thrilling fantasy inspired by ancient China and martial arts and brimming with Bruce Lee magic. Lee and Lee’s homage to wuxia classics is a freshly inventive tale of duty, ambition, love and growth that will captivate hearts and imaginations. A cracking page-turner and classic in-the-making. Magnificent." - A.Y. Chao, #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of Shanghai Immortal
"With a colourful cast of compelling characters, a plot of steadily rising stakes, and martial arts action that flies off the page, this book catapulted me back to late nights sitting in front of the TV watching Hong Kong action flicks." - Rob Hayes, author of The Ties That Bind series
★ 2024-09-28
In a Chinese-inspired fantasy world, a teen on the path to personal glory discovers his role in the complex world around him.
For the past decade, Jun and his father, Li Hon, have lived in West Longhan, exiled from their East Longhan home and separated from Jun’s identical twin, Sai, and the boys’ mother for illegally practicing martial arts. Jun embraces martial arts, training daily at the Iron Core school in hopes of winning the Guardians’ Tournament: Guardian of the Scroll of Heaven is a powerful and influential position with access to the emperor. Li Hon, blaming martial arts for destroying his family, instead pushes Jun to take the imperial exams and try to join the civil service. So Jun sneaks aboard the wagon of travelling performer Chang, a blind flutist, and his daughter, Ren. His plan is to leave town, win the tournament, and prove his father wrong. Jun’s journey skillfully weaves together his martial arts training and his gradually expanding political worldview as he realizes the impact he could have as Guardian. The unpredictable plot twists and innovative magic system, which incorporates religious elements, are intriguing and, along with Jun’s realistic emotional development and reactions, create a gripping narrative. The romance between Ren and Jun is low-key; the story focuses more on familial and platonic relationships, and the depiction of the family’s separation and its impact on both Jun and his father is nuanced and believable.
A complex, hard-hitting, epic martial arts journey. (map)(Fantasy. 12-18)
