We have a lot of eARC’s and we want to promote them a little bit more. So we decided to do some more Bookish Beginnings On Friday. Today I wanted to share the beginning of Breath of the Dragon by Fonda Lee and Shannon Lee. I really liked the Fonda Lee books I’ve read so far, so I’m curious to see what I’ll think of this one!
The first novel in a sweeping YA fantasy duology based on characters and teachings created by Bruce Lee!
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 Earth to a new protector. Eager to prove his skills, Jun hopes that a win will restore his father’s honor—righting a horrible mistake that caused their banishment from his home, mother, and twin brother.
But Jun’s father strictly forbids him from participating. There is no future in 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.
Two strangers arrived on a midautumn morning, as if swept in by the cold wind rustling the drooping branches of the elm trees. Peering through a crack in the folding screen, Jun couldn’t see his mother’s fave as she opened the door, but he noticed how her back and shoulders stiffened. She stepped aside and bowed low, speaking in a soft and respectful voice.
I have to say, these first couple of sentences didn’t really grab me, but I did read a bit further and the rest of the prologue did for sure intrigue me! When I started writing this post, I realised I didn’t really know what this book was about, I don’t think I actually read the synopsis past the first sentence haha. I just knew Fonda Lee wrote it and I liked the sound of the title.
Like I said, this first sentences didn’t give me much. But through the rest of the prologue I already learned about the world this story is set in and a bit about the characters. I do want to continue reading now. The writing style is engaging and I like what I’ve read so far. I’m curious about the world and about the rest of the story.
Was this book on your radar? It released in January, so if you already read it, what did you think of it? Or if you haven’t read it yet, do you plan on picking it up? Let me know down below!
