Breath of the Dragon is a new young adult fantasy novel and the first of a duology penned by Fonda Lee and Shannon Lee, inspired by characters and concepts of the latter’s father, Bruce Lee.

It tells the story of a teenage boy who, despite not having the qualities needed, strives to show his worth as a warrior, in order to become the next protector of the magical Scroll of the Earth. Against his father’s wishes, he enters in the elite Guardian’s Tournament, and as he fights, he comes to realize how he’s not just fighting for a better life, but also for the very fate of the country.

Ahead of the novel’s release, The Nerds of Color spoke with Fonda and Shannon and discussed the origins of the story, how the two collaborated with one another, on the freedom of playing in a brand-new universe, and what they learned from one another in the process.

As of today, Breath of the Dragon is now available wherever books are sold.