The Last Tiger

The Last Tiger by Julia Riew and Brad Riew (Penguin) RRP: $26.99 ISBN 9781761357053

Reviewed by Rebecca Fung

The Last Tiger has a dragon school, male and female protagonists separated by their classes in society but rebelling against the system, a love triangle, magical powers, an oppressive government system, a resistance group ... all the elements of great young adult fiction. In fact, listing these elements raises the question - can this possibly be fresh? Hasn't this been done before?

Julia and Brad Riew breathe new life into this set of tropes by basing the story around their own experience of Korean history and their grandparents' own romance. They intertwine their parents' story and use it as a frame for this fantasy involving Eunji and Seung. The story contains romance, but the focus is far more on the adventure and political parts of the plot.

It's told from both characters' perspectives, and the changing points of view are well-handled. While their backgrounds couldn't be more different, we see how Eunji and Seung are similar - neither have real control over their lives. Eunji is fated to marry to improve her family's status whereas Seung will plod along, trying to carve out a meagre living to help his family survive.

But what if this could change?

What's more, what if there is more to fight for than simply their right to do as they wish?

While some of the story plot points aren't that surprising, the journey is still gripping. The story starts with Eunji challenging herself by leaving the house without permission and Seung daring to dream he might pass a government exam. Both their restrictions and their desire to push beyond them are relatable and inspiring.

Later, both characters are on an adventure and are exploring the animal powers in the world that the Riews have created. In this world, dragons, serpents and tigers can bestow ki or powers upon humans. Tigers are almost in extinction and the existence of tiger ki is almost unknown. But if the last tiger can be preserved, hope of tiger ki may give hope to tiger colonies - and this is a threat to those who want to oppress them.

Eunji's and Seung's adventure expands, becoming much more than their struggle to find their own paths in lives to finding meaning for their people. They are forced to challenge their ways of thinking in several leaps in the book, and show real growth.

Secondary characters, in particular Kenzo and Jin, are well-written with backstories and personalities that are well crafted so we can understand their motives and see their strengths and flaws.

It's a compelling story which asks us questions about autonomy, power, trust and daring to hope. We explore a period of Korean and Japanese history. The story also poses questions about how animals are used and treated by humans and the ethics around this.