Two teens seek to free themselves from lives they detest in a tense and stirring YA historical fantasy based on the Korean War love story of sibling authors Julia and Brad Riew's grandparents.
The Dragon Empire rules unforgivingly over the Tiger Kingdom. Choi Eunji's wealthy Tiger family aids the Dragon Empire but she resents her "golden cage." Lee Seung, her family's servant, wants to help his starving Tiger family by mastering Dragon ki and attaining "the strength of ten normal men," but only the rich can afford the training. The teens make a deal: Eunji will help Seung pass the Exam for a prestigious ki school, and Seung will give Eunji freedom by sneaking her out of her house. The two fall for each other during a series of escapes, one in which they stumble upon a living tiger even though the Dragon Empire has declared them extinct after ceremonially slaying them all. After Seung fails the Exam while Eunji passes, the two become accidental enemies: Eunji must kill the very tiger Seung needs to free his people.
The Last Tiger is a suspenseful and compelling debut that features a malignant empire, the magic it buried, and the passionate few brave enough to rebel. Alternating first-person chapters, quotes from the Riews' grandfather, and intriguing side characters elevate and complicate the knot of duty and desire that Eunji and Seung must unfurl. There are mythic monsters, seamless side-by-side battles, heart-rattling rescues, and the love "of a boy and girl from opposite worlds." A gripping story with inspiring familial roots thatchampions the deeply human need for love. --Samantha Zaboski, freelance editor and reviewer