by Shannon Lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Only a story written with the legacy of Bruce Lee in mind could entwine martial arts and a fierce fighting competition with an overall story of tolerance and peace. Shannon and Fonda (both Lees, unrelated) have brought us a truly ‘Lee’ story that is not only a lovely tribute, but also a good reminder that we should all endeavour to live in peace and tolerate one another. Only fighting if absolutely mandatory. And then of course you must fight smart, waste no energy, and be prepared for anything.
I took Jeet-Kune-Do, Bruce Lee’s personal martial art, for a couple years when I was much younger (but still an adult). It was recommended to me because at only 5’1” and (at the time) a slight figure; it was one martial art I might be able to execute and do well at. I was pretty awful, lol. But did appreciate learning to punch properly, parry, and conserve energy with small movements. I still do some of the exercises I was taught back then. I carried those learnings forward to Tai Chi (which I wish I could find time to fit back into my life). All of which helped me be deliberate in my breathing, and movements. I know you’re all thinking I’m not the active type. Which is correct, and why I chose activities that didn’t require great strength or energy to participate in. Something Bruce Lee was known for; and certainly espoused in Breath of the Dragon.
We are set-up perfectly for the next novel; without feeling cheap at the end. If you chose to stop here this could be considered a stand-alone fantasy with an open ended ending. I love the relationships that develop here, the understanding people get for one another, and the representation of grief, anger, and frustration combined to give rise to an unprecedented need to work hard to achieve a goal.
There is a lot to love here. You don’t need to be a lover of martial arts stories (I’m not and still enjoyed this), or a huge war story reader. There is an evenness and balance throughout the novel. Making the Breath of the Dragon accessible to any fantasy reader. It has high fantasy lore with magic, political intrigue and war rumblings, alongside character driven concepts, and a lead that truly comes to learn more of themselves throughout the novel.
This is a great read, and the beginning of what I hope is an epic fantasy series. Above all else I believe Bruce and Brandon Lee would both have appreciated the way fighting, war, fairness, and peace are portrayed. You must have equality, and a calm fierceness, to be the best fighter and the best person. Being a fighter alone is not something to be proud of, you must also be a worthy human being.
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Only a story written with the legacy of Bruce Lee in mind could entwine martial arts and a fierce fighting competition with an overall story of tolerance and peace. Shannon and Fonda (both Lees, unrelated) have brought us a truly ‘Lee’ story that is not only a lovely tribute, but also a good reminder that we should all endeavour to live in peace and tolerate one another. Only fighting if absolutely mandatory. And then of course you must fight smart, waste no energy, and be prepared for anything.
I took Jeet-Kune-Do, Bruce Lee’s personal martial art, for a couple years when I was much younger (but still an adult). It was recommended to me because at only 5’1” and (at the time) a slight figure; it was one martial art I might be able to execute and do well at. I was pretty awful, lol. But did appreciate learning to punch properly, parry, and conserve energy with small movements. I still do some of the exercises I was taught back then. I carried those learnings forward to Tai Chi (which I wish I could find time to fit back into my life). All of which helped me be deliberate in my breathing, and movements. I know you’re all thinking I’m not the active type. Which is correct, and why I chose activities that didn’t require great strength or energy to participate in. Something Bruce Lee was known for; and certainly espoused in Breath of the Dragon.
We are set-up perfectly for the next novel; without feeling cheap at the end. If you chose to stop here this could be considered a stand-alone fantasy with an open ended ending. I love the relationships that develop here, the understanding people get for one another, and the representation of grief, anger, and frustration combined to give rise to an unprecedented need to work hard to achieve a goal.
There is a lot to love here. You don’t need to be a lover of martial arts stories (I’m not and still enjoyed this), or a huge war story reader. There is an evenness and balance throughout the novel. Making the Breath of the Dragon accessible to any fantasy reader. It has high fantasy lore with magic, political intrigue and war rumblings, alongside character driven concepts, and a lead that truly comes to learn more of themselves throughout the novel.
This is a great read, and the beginning of what I hope is an epic fantasy series. Above all else I believe Bruce and Brandon Lee would both have appreciated the way fighting, war, fairness, and peace are portrayed. You must have equality, and a calm fierceness, to be the best fighter and the best person. Being a fighter alone is not something to be proud of, you must also be a worthy human being.
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
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1 comment:
Oh, that sounds really cool!
Do you know I did karate for a couple years? I was never any good at it too but it was fun, in a way.
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