A review by irl_bookworms
Breath of the Dragon by Shannon Lee, Fonda Lee

adventurous reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

From the moment I saw the premise and the authors of this book I was hooked. Breath of the Dragon brings a solid installment in YA fantasy, though it doesn’t reinvent the wheel - it doesn’t have to. We have a classic underdog hero, an unexpected mentor (always appreciate that trope), a set of deadly trials, and some growing political tensions that clash at the climax of the book. 

I still prefer Fonda Lee’s previous work, but regardless Fonda Lee is spectacular at setting up political issues in the background and having them slowly unravel to the forefront and I think that’s the stand out moment in this book. Otherwise, the actual plot elements revolving around our character are standard for the genre. You won’t be gutted by any reveals, but you’ll appreciate the story elements for what they present.

Eric Yang was also a great narrator for this story told in Jun’s POV. I think he voiced this character excellently and really brought out the mix of will and naivete that make up the essence of Jun at the beginning of the story - only for the real world and the politics involved to become slowly revealed to him. I believed that Eric Yang was Lee Jun the entire length of the story.

So while, Breath of the Dragon doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but damn if it’s not a really solid wheel at the end of the day.

*I received an audio ARC from Macmillan Audio | Macmillan Young Listeners. All opinions are my own*