In their stunning debut novel, sibling authors Julia and Brad Riew have crafted something truly remarkable with The Last Tiger—a young adult fantasy that transforms the brutal realities of Japanese colonial occupation into a magical tale of resistance, love, and the indomitable spirit of a people fighting for their freedom. Drawing from their own grandparents’ real love story during one of Korea’s darkest periods, the Riews have created a narrative that feels both mythically expansive and intimately personal.
Set in a fantastical version of occupied Korea reimagined as the “Tiger Colonies” under the oppressive “Dragon Empire,” the novel follows Lee Seung, a servant desperate to escape poverty through education, and Choi Eunji, a wealthy noble’s daughter chafing against the constraints of her privileged prison. What begins as a mutually beneficial tutoring arrangement—Eunji helps Seung prepare for the colonial examinations in exchange for glimpses of freedom beyond her family’s compound—evolves into something far more complex and dangerous.
Character Development: From Allies to Adversaries to Something Deeper
The genius of The Last Tiger lies in its character evolution, particularly the intricate dance between Seung and Eunji. Their relationship arc—from reluctant accomplices to bitter enemies to lovers—feels earned rather than forced, a testament to the authors’ understanding of how people change under extreme circumstances.
Seung emerges as a compelling protagonist whose journey from powerless servant to revolutionary feels authentic. His discovery of Tiger ki—a magical power system that mirrors the real-world cultural suppression of Korean identity—provides both literal and metaphorical strength. The Riews write his internal struggles with poverty, ambition, and belonging with remarkable nuance, avoiding the trap of making him either entirely noble or completely bitter.
Eunji’s character development proves equally sophisticated. Rather than falling into the typical “rebellious rich girl” archetype, she becomes someone genuinely torn between family loyalty and personal conviction. Her time at the Dragon military academy doesn’t just change her skills—it fundamentally alters her worldview, creating genuine conflict when she must choose between the empire that gave her power and the people fighting for liberation.
The introduction of Kenzo Kobayashi as a romantic rival adds layers of complexity beyond typical love triangle dynamics. His revelation as someone without ki powers—a fraud hiding among the Dragon elite—transforms him from antagonist to a more sympathetic figure struggling with his own impossible situation.
World-Building: Magic with Meaning
The Riews have created a magic system that serves the story’s themes rather than overwhelming them. The concept of ki powers—with Dragon ki representing colonial strength and Tiger ki symbolizing suppressed cultural identity—provides a brilliant metaphor for the real dynamics of occupation and resistance. The idea that the Dragon Empire has been systematically hunting tigers to extinction specifically to prevent the resurgence of Tiger ki adds weight to every magical moment.
The authors’ decision to structure the book around Korean conceptsâ€”ì • (Jeong), 눈치 (Nunchi), and í•œ (Han)—demonstrates their commitment to centering Korean cultural values even within a fantasy framework. These aren’t just section titles; they’re thematic anchors that give the narrative emotional depth and cultural specificity often missing from Western fantasy.
Narrative Strengths: A Story That Earns Its Emotions
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of The Last Tiger is how it handles the weight of its historical inspiration. The novel never feels exploitative of the real suffering it references, instead using fantasy elements to explore themes of cultural erasure, identity, and resistance in ways that feel both accessible to young adult readers and respectful to the history that inspired it.
The pacing builds effectively from the intimate character study of the early chapters to the epic confrontation at Mount Tangun. The authors excel at writing emotional beats—particularly the scene where Seung experiences the collective memories of the Tiger people, feeling the pain and hope of an entire culture. These moments achieve genuine pathos without melodrama.
The romance between Seung and Eunji feels organic, developing through shared struggle rather than instalove. Their separation and eventual reunion carries emotional weight because the authors took time to establish their connection through meaningful interaction rather than mere attraction.
Areas for Growth: When Ambition Exceeds Execution
While The Last Tiger succeeds in most of its ambitious goals, certain elements feel less polished than others. The middle section, particularly during Eunji’s time at the academy, occasionally loses narrative momentum as it focuses on training sequences that feel familiar rather than fresh. Some of the secondary characters, particularly Jin, remain more function than fully realized person—her motivations clear but her personality less distinct.
The novel’s climax, while emotionally satisfying, relies heavily on mystical resolution in ways that may feel convenient to some readers. The sudden appearance of tiger cubs and the transformation of the political landscape happens quickly enough to strain credibility, even within a fantasy context.
Additionally, while the authors clearly did extensive research into the historical period, some of the world-building details about the Dragon Empire feel less developed than the Tiger elements. The empire sometimes reads more as a plot device than a fully realized culture, which occasionally undermines the complexity of the colonial dynamic.
Literary Merit: Prose That Sings with Cultural Voice
The Riews demonstrate impressive command of voice and tone throughout the novel. Their prose captures both the lyrical quality of Korean storytelling traditions and the accessible clarity expected in young adult fiction. Passages describing the natural world—particularly scenes involving the actual tigers—shimmer with beauty that never feels overwrought.
The authors’ choice to include actual quotes from their grandparents at the beginning of each section adds authenticity and emotional resonance. These real voices ground the fantasy elements in genuine human experience, reminding readers that beneath the magic lies real history and real pain.
Cultural Significance: Representation That Matters
In a publishing landscape where Korean stories are finally beginning to receive mainstream attention, The Last Tiger stands out for its commitment to centering Korean experiences rather than adapting them for Western consumption. The novel trusts readers to engage with Korean cultural concepts without extensive explanation, treating Korean identity as the default rather than the exception.
The book’s treatment of colonialism feels particularly relevant in contemporary discussions about cultural appropriation and historical narrative. By using fantasy elements to explore these themes, the Riews create space for young readers to engage with difficult historical realities through a more accessible lens.
Verdict: A Debut That Announces Major Talent
The Last Tiger succeeds both as entertainment and as a work of cultural significance. While it occasionally stumbles under the weight of its ambitions, the novel ultimately delivers a powerful story about love, resistance, and the enduring strength of cultural identity. The Riews have created something rare in young adult fantasy—a book that uses its genre conventions to illuminate real-world struggles rather than escape from them.
For readers seeking fantasy that goes beyond surface-level world-building to explore meaningful themes, The Last Tiger offers a compelling entry point. For those interested in Korean history and culture, it provides an accessible introduction to a complex period. And for anyone who simply loves a well-crafted enemies-to-lovers romance with high stakes and genuine emotion, this debut delivers thoroughly.
Similar Reads for Tiger Enthusiasts
Readers who connect with The Last Tiger might also enjoy:
- Forest of a Thousand Lanterns by Julie C. Dao – Another Asian-inspired fantasy that weaves together romance, magic, and cultural identity
- The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang – For those ready for a darker, more adult take on war, magic, and colonial trauma
- Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan – Features forbidden romance against a backdrop of magical oppression
- The Tiger at Midnight by Swati Teerdhala – Another tale combining Indian-inspired fantasy with political intrigue and romance
- Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim – Asian-inspired fantasy with strong female protagonist and magical elements
The Last Tiger establishes Julia and Brad Riew as authors to watch, proving that debut novels can successfully balance entertainment with cultural depth. While it may not be perfect, it’s undeniably powerful—a book that honors both its historical inspiration and its fantasy ambitions with equal dedication.
Recommended for: YA fantasy readers, anyone interested in Korean culture and history, fans of enemies-to-lovers romance, and readers seeking fantasy that engages with real-world themes of oppression and resistance.