Breath of the Dragon by Fonda Lee and Shannon Lee

Here is a summary with spoilers for Breath of the Dragon

Two children, twins named Li Jun and Sai, are happily living with their family when they are suddenly visited by government officials. Upon seeing Sai, the officials realize he is “breathmarked”—a sign that he possesses a rare gift and must be taken for training, as his abilities could serve their land. In defiance, Jun demonstrates his own fighting skills, which angers the officials, as children are not supposed to be trained in combat.

As punishment, Jun and his father are sent to the West, while Sai and their mother remain in the East so Sai can begin his training. The family writes to one another frequently, but as tensions rise and the two lands begin to war, communication dwindles, and visits become impossible.

Years later, Jun is sixteen and continuing his training. He and his father work at a local theater. Jun’s only ambition is to become strong enough to compete in the Guardian’s Tournament and bring honor to his family. However, his father is firmly against this and urges Jun to focus on training his inner self instead.

Jun’s master is set to host a final match to determine who will represent their region in the Tournament. Jun fights fiercely and nearly wins. Impressed by both fighters, the master announces that both will be allowed to enter the Tournament. When Jun’s father hears this, he forbids him from going.

Refusing to give up, Jun runs away and secretly joins a traveling performer duo—a father and daughter named Chang and Ren. Chang, who is also breathmarked and blind, agrees to continue Jun’s training during their journey to the capital. A month later, they arrive.

The night before the Tournament begins, Ren confides in Jun that she, too, is breathmarked. Her parents had sent her away for her safety, and Chang is not her biological father.

At the orientation, the rules are revealed: each fight must end in either surrender or death—making the tournament much faster and favoring General Corbu’s personal champions. Jun wins his first match, but becomes entranced by another fighter named Ghost, who kills his opponent effortlessly. Recognizing Ghost’s fighting style, Jun realizes it’s the same as Chang’s. When he confronts Chang, Chang admits he did train Ghost. Jun now knows he may have to face him soon.

Jun doesn’t fight Ghost the next day but continues to impress the crowd and General Corbu. He earns the nickname “Little Dragon.” He also learns that Ghost won his next fight but broke his arm and will be out for a few weeks. Ren and Chang continue to support Jun, and eventually reveal they have a deeper reason for training him.

After many battles, Jun’s father arrives in the capital in poor health, struggling to breathe. He tells Jun he’s proud of him and wanted to see him fight. But he needs medical help—and has no money. Jun bets on himself in the next match, wins, and earns both a spot in the final four and the money needed for the doctor. Tragically, when he returns, it’s too late—his father has died.

Before they can arrange a funeral, Ren tells Jun that Chang has vanished. She suspects Corbu is behind it and fears Chang may be executed for treason. Thankfully, he’s not in Corbu’s custody yet—but he is on the run, and Corbu is looking for him.

The next day marks the final four matches: Leopard versus Jun’s old friend, and Ghost versus Jun. Jun initially decides not to fight, wanting to return home and bury his father. But after reflection, he changes his mind and enters the arena.

Ghost appears different. When the mask is removed, it’s Ren. She delivers a powerful speech about the rebellion. Surprisingly, the ten-year-old prince allows her to speak, overruling General Corbu. After her speech, Ren flees, and Jun is taken to General Corbu’s estate.

There, Corbu tries to bribe Jun—offering money, status, and more if he throws the final match, allowing Corbu’s favorite, Leopard, to win. Jun sees this as proof he is a true contender and refuses the offer.

In the final battle, Jun fights brutally and defeats Leopard, earning the title of Dragon/Guardian warrior. He is taken to his new residence, where he is expected to continue training—and begin teaching others. But Jun remains focused on discovering what happened to Chang and Ren. He demands an audience with the young prince to seek a pardon for them.

Instead, he gets an audience with General Corbu. Ren and Chang have escaped—but two ancient scrolls are now missing. During the meeting, Jun’s old friend, now missing an arm, is brought in. Both are accused of aiding the rebellion.

They flee—now fugitives. A fierce battle erupts during their escape, but it is abruptly stopped by a mysterious woman. Jun collapses from exhaustion and awakens in her care. He recognizes her—she was the one who separated him from Sai years ago.

She tells Jun that Sai is thriving as a fighter, as is their mother. Then, she offers Jun a choice: join their side. With that, Jun sets off to search for Ren—and for his family—beyond the border.