A young warrior dreams of proving his worth in the elite Guardian Tournament, fighting not only for himself but the fate of everything he loves.
Sixteen-year-old Jun dreams of proving his worth as a warrior in the elite Guardian’s Tournament, held every six years to entrust the magical Scroll of Heaven to a new protector. Eager to prove his skills, Jun hopes that a win will restore his father’s pride—righting a horrible mistake that caused their banishment from his home, mother, and twin brother.
But Jun’s father strictly forbids him from participating. He believes there is no future in Jun honing his skills as a warrior, especially considering Jun is not breathmarked, born with a patch of dragon scales and blessed with special abilities like his twin. Determined to be the next Guardian, Jun stows away in the wagon of Chang and his daughter, Ren, performers on their way to the capital where the tournament will take place.
As Jun competes, he quickly realizes he may be fighting for not just a better life, but the fate of the country itself and the very survival of everyone he cares about.
Co-written with Shannon Lee
Available from Wednesday Books on January 7, 2025
Suitable for teen and adult readers.
ISBN: 978-1250902672
- Indie Next Pick
- Junior Library Guild Selection
“A complex, hard-hitting, epic martial arts journey.” —Kirkus, starred review
“Absolutely does justice to its Bruce Lee inspiration.”—Booklist, starred review
“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
“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
“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. Lee
“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
“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
“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
“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, actor and martial artist
“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, actor and martial artist
“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
“With a colorful 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