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The Dragon #3
The Spirit of the Dragon
From the bestselling author of Daughters of the Dragon comes an epic novel of a star-crossed couple who must defy tradition, war, and prejudice to keep their love alive.
At the urging of a Los Angeles detective, international rights lawyer Anna Carlson assists in a murder investigation. It’s a personal request from Suk-bo Yi, a ninety-nine-year-old woman questioned in a mysterious death at a Koreatown nursing home. A stranger to Anna, Suk-bo has a tale to tell. For reasons of her own, she’s chosen Anna—only Anna—to hear it…
Suk-bo’s story begins in 1937, when the Japanese occupying Korea force her to marry one of their own, named Hisashi. In spite of their differences, they fall madly in love, pitting them against two violently opposing cultures. When Hisashi joins the Japanese Imperial Army and disappears, Suk-bo embarks on a quest through years of war, bigotry, and poverty to find him.
But Suk-bo’s unfolding history reveals more than Anna can imagine: an heirloom comb bearing an intricately carved two-headed dragon binding her to Suk-bo’s past. Soon Anna will discover her own legacy at the heart of Suk-bo’s epic love story.
At the urging of a Los Angeles detective, international rights lawyer Anna Carlson assists in a murder investigation. It’s a personal request from Suk-bo Yi, a ninety-nine-year-old woman questioned in a mysterious death at a Koreatown nursing home. A stranger to Anna, Suk-bo has a tale to tell. For reasons of her own, she’s chosen Anna—only Anna—to hear it…
Suk-bo’s story begins in 1937, when the Japanese occupying Korea force her to marry one of their own, named Hisashi. In spite of their differences, they fall madly in love, pitting them against two violently opposing cultures. When Hisashi joins the Japanese Imperial Army and disappears, Suk-bo embarks on a quest through years of war, bigotry, and poverty to find him.
But Suk-bo’s unfolding history reveals more than Anna can imagine: an heirloom comb bearing an intricately carved two-headed dragon binding her to Suk-bo’s past. Soon Anna will discover her own legacy at the heart of Suk-bo’s epic love story.
351 pages, Paperback
First published December 3, 2019
679 people are currently reading
1760 people want to read
About the author
William Andrews
6 books115 followersBill Andrews has a strong connection to Korea – his daughter who arrived from the Land of the Morning Calm as a cheerful, smart, four-month-old. Since then, Bill has been fascinated by Korea.
For over 30 years, Bill was a copywriter and a marketing/brand executive with several Fortune 500 companies. For fifteen years, he ran his own advertising agency. At night and on weekends (and sometimes during the workday!) Bill wrote fiction. Bill’s first novel titled The Essential Truth won first place in the Mayhaven Contest for unpublished fiction. His second novel, The Dirty Truth, was published in winter 2015. As of Ye 2015, Daughters of the Dragon has sold over 50,000 copies and has a 4.8 out of 5.0 star rating from nearly 600 reviewers on Amazon.
Today, Bill is retired from the business world and focuses on his writing. He lives in Minneapolis with his wife, an inner-city public school teacher for 32 years. And that smart, cheerful kid is now a medical doctor.
For over 30 years, Bill was a copywriter and a marketing/brand executive with several Fortune 500 companies. For fifteen years, he ran his own advertising agency. At night and on weekends (and sometimes during the workday!) Bill wrote fiction. Bill’s first novel titled The Essential Truth won first place in the Mayhaven Contest for unpublished fiction. His second novel, The Dirty Truth, was published in winter 2015. As of Ye 2015, Daughters of the Dragon has sold over 50,000 copies and has a 4.8 out of 5.0 star rating from nearly 600 reviewers on Amazon.
Today, Bill is retired from the business world and focuses on his writing. He lives in Minneapolis with his wife, an inner-city public school teacher for 32 years. And that smart, cheerful kid is now a medical doctor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
December 3, 2019
Having previously read Daughters of the Dragon, and it being one of my favourite reads a couple of years ago, when I saw William Andrews had written another book in a similar vein, I pounced on the opportunity to read it before its publication. I was unaware that both books are in fact part of a trilogy. However, both can also be read as standalones.
It is a story that starts at the end, and takes us back explaining how Suk-bo got to where she is today, in a police station in Los Angeles about to be charged with murder. Suk-bo is a 16 year old girl living with her parents in Korea under Japanese rule in the 1930's. To assimilate Koreans into Japanese life, a order is issued from the Emperor that Korean girls aged 16 and over must marry Japanese boys. Suk-bo is betrothed to Hisashi, a young sensitive Japanese boy, son of the local Director-General. Having met a few times before the wedding they genuinely fall in love and it is from here that we read about a lifetime's love and the strength and power of that love.
Hirashi is a medical student and is apprenticed to a doctor in the Japanese army, however, this does not turn out to be all that he had hoped for. He doesn't return for many years and Suk-bo is turned out of the family home by Hirashi's mother, who does nothing to hide her dislike of Suk-bo, thinking a Korean is not good enough for her son. Suk-bo must do what she can to find her way back to Young-Chul, their baby son and her beloved Hirashi. This is a fantastic read.
There is a lot of incredibly interesting history of Korea under Japanese rule, as in Daughters of the Dragon, but this is from a different perspective, coupled with the moving and poignant life story of one individual. It tells of the country of Korea, its traditions and culture, along with the loss of civil liberties, horror and poverty that the people lived in under Japanese rule. It is beautifully written, powerful and totally immersive. It is also a beautiful love story and shows us throughout, as Suk-bo's mother says to her early in the book that love "is a commitment that you make every day".
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and struggled to put it down. It gets 5 stars from me.
It is a story that starts at the end, and takes us back explaining how Suk-bo got to where she is today, in a police station in Los Angeles about to be charged with murder. Suk-bo is a 16 year old girl living with her parents in Korea under Japanese rule in the 1930's. To assimilate Koreans into Japanese life, a order is issued from the Emperor that Korean girls aged 16 and over must marry Japanese boys. Suk-bo is betrothed to Hisashi, a young sensitive Japanese boy, son of the local Director-General. Having met a few times before the wedding they genuinely fall in love and it is from here that we read about a lifetime's love and the strength and power of that love.
Hirashi is a medical student and is apprenticed to a doctor in the Japanese army, however, this does not turn out to be all that he had hoped for. He doesn't return for many years and Suk-bo is turned out of the family home by Hirashi's mother, who does nothing to hide her dislike of Suk-bo, thinking a Korean is not good enough for her son. Suk-bo must do what she can to find her way back to Young-Chul, their baby son and her beloved Hirashi. This is a fantastic read.
There is a lot of incredibly interesting history of Korea under Japanese rule, as in Daughters of the Dragon, but this is from a different perspective, coupled with the moving and poignant life story of one individual. It tells of the country of Korea, its traditions and culture, along with the loss of civil liberties, horror and poverty that the people lived in under Japanese rule. It is beautifully written, powerful and totally immersive. It is also a beautiful love story and shows us throughout, as Suk-bo's mother says to her early in the book that love "is a commitment that you make every day".
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and struggled to put it down. It gets 5 stars from me.
May 25, 2020
The final hoorah
My appreciation goes out to the author, I simply had great time reading of the difficult adventures. When I take my first trip to Korea I will assuredly be motivated In Part by this trilogy!
My appreciation goes out to the author, I simply had great time reading of the difficult adventures. When I take my first trip to Korea I will assuredly be motivated In Part by this trilogy!
April 25, 2023
best in the series
Wasn’t sure I was going to read this after the second book, but glad I did. Not my usual read but a sweet story
Wasn’t sure I was going to read this after the second book, but glad I did. Not my usual read but a sweet story
January 6, 2020
The Spirit of the Dragon is the 3rd book in "The Dragon" series. It can be read as a stand-alone. I loved the previous books in this series so I was excited to read this book. And this one did not disappoint.
This story was poignant and heart wrenching. It is about a young Korean girl, Suk-bo, who is forced to marry a Japanese boy, Hisashi, during a time when Japan was taking over Korea. Korean culture and traditions were being forced into Japanese ways. Despite their differences, they fall in love. When Hisashi joins the Japanese Imperial Army and leaves, Suk-bo vows to love him forever. She embarks on a quest through years of war, bigotry, and poverty to find him.
This story is about survival. The author did a great job of incorporating history into a truly fascinating story. It was a perfect blend of history and fiction. I definitely recommend this book if you like historical fiction.
Thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, William Andrews' for a copy of "The Spirit of the Dragon" in exchange of an honest review.
This story was poignant and heart wrenching. It is about a young Korean girl, Suk-bo, who is forced to marry a Japanese boy, Hisashi, during a time when Japan was taking over Korea. Korean culture and traditions were being forced into Japanese ways. Despite their differences, they fall in love. When Hisashi joins the Japanese Imperial Army and leaves, Suk-bo vows to love him forever. She embarks on a quest through years of war, bigotry, and poverty to find him.
This story is about survival. The author did a great job of incorporating history into a truly fascinating story. It was a perfect blend of history and fiction. I definitely recommend this book if you like historical fiction.
Thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, William Andrews' for a copy of "The Spirit of the Dragon" in exchange of an honest review.
January 17, 2021
I can not say enough good things about this book or the series, I absolutely loved them! If you enjoy historical fiction, I HIGHLY recommend this series to you. As an American, I was never taught in history class about the events that happened/took place in and around Korea during the late 1800s to early/mid-1900s. This series was an eye-opener for me. William Andrews does an incredible job tying the books together and shedding light on parts of history that have been buried. The main female characters are very strong. They share their stories and the stories of their ancestors to help make sure that we do not make the mistake of repeating history.
The Spirit of the Dragon is the third book in the Dragon series. A modern-day Romeo and Juliet, The Spirit of the Dragon tells the story of a young couple, a Korean woman and a Japanese man, who are forced to marry. As a young interracial couple, they are thrown into society and we, as the readers, follow their journey through years of war, bigotry, and poverty.
The Spirit of the Dragon is the third book in the Dragon series. A modern-day Romeo and Juliet, The Spirit of the Dragon tells the story of a young couple, a Korean woman and a Japanese man, who are forced to marry. As a young interracial couple, they are thrown into society and we, as the readers, follow their journey through years of war, bigotry, and poverty.
December 24, 2019
Gone With The Kimchi. This book has the depth and emotion of Margaret Mitchell's Gone With the Wind, but it is set beginning in 1930s Korea and continuing through the major events of the Korean people from then to now. Never overly graphic, yet conveying the appropriate gravitas regardless, this book highlights so many of the horrors of the Imperial Japanese government during this period - and how being a part of it came to haunt one (fictional) man. Ultimately a story of undying love and an undying belief that we are all truly one people, this is a book that cannot be missed. And if you happen to read Jeremy Robinson's Island 731 before or after, you'll have an even better sense of the true tragedy conveyed in this tale. Very much recommended.
June 19, 2020
A good story will always stay in your head for a while after it ends. At first it was Hong Jae-hee. Then, it was Min Ja-Young. This time, it is Hisashi Saito and his son, Young-chul. I got happy; then I got angry and then I got sad. Why did Hisashi suffered so much even when he's a good person? Why did Young-chul suffered the poor fate? Everything that we do, affects the lives of others. I'm sad that bigotry is everywhere and I wish that the world is kinder.
I'm so glad that I picked up these three titles and they brought me on a roller coaster ride not once, not twice but thrice; each time leaving me woozy with thought-provoking issues within the stories.
I hope these will be made into movies.
I'm so glad that I picked up these three titles and they brought me on a roller coaster ride not once, not twice but thrice; each time leaving me woozy with thought-provoking issues within the stories.
I hope these will be made into movies.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2020
What a journey it was to Korea with this trilogy! I knew nothing about Korea and its history. This is the third book of The Dragon series and another good story. Suk-bo gets married to a Japanese due to a regulation Japan imposed on Korea to assimilate them. But she falls in love with her Japanese husband. They never belong to either side as both sides hate them. It's the story of intolerance, bigotry and discrimination.
One thing surprised me that there was a Japanese doctor operated in Manchuria and did the same things as Dr. Mengele of Nazis. He was never charged for his crimes and was a free man. Everybody knows about Mengele but I have never heard of Dr. Ischii. Humanity is harming itself always and it's a shame
One thing surprised me that there was a Japanese doctor operated in Manchuria and did the same things as Dr. Mengele of Nazis. He was never charged for his crimes and was a free man. Everybody knows about Mengele but I have never heard of Dr. Ischii. Humanity is harming itself always and it's a shame
May 2, 2021
„People are prejudiced because they do not know we are all small parts of the same spirit. The spirit is in everyone and in all things — the mountains, the sea, the birds, and the fish. It does not matter where someone was born or what they look like or what language they speak. They are us and we are them.“
I love the dragon series even when they make me incredibly incredibly incredibly sad.
I love the dragon series even when they make me incredibly incredibly incredibly sad.
June 3, 2023
This is another well written book of which I’ve come to expect from this author. This is a different angle from the first book, sharing the story of Ms Yi, her struggle against bigotry from both Japanese and her own Korean people. I am grateful to the author for bringing this history about Korea to light as it is not something we are taught.
November 19, 2025
This last of the series of three Dragon books which I enjoyed immensely were historical fiction with the story following a Korean family evolving from hundreds of years ago through today. As the family evolved many events spelled out the atrocities of Asian wars affecting their daily lives and the desire for control by the superior country of the time. I knew little of this time period and learned so much more about why Korea is where they are today as two very different countries. I found all three to be very interesting stories.
January 10, 2020
It looks like I'm in the minority with this one, but that's okay, I have no problem with being honest in my reviews, good, bad, or indifferent.
The Spirit of the Dragon fell under the indifferent category for me. I really wanted to enjoy it more than I did. The synopsis made this sound like some gut-wrenching tale of love and survival, with a potential murder mystery thrown in early on. The majority of the book is narrated by Suk-bo, an elderly Korean woman who survived World War II and the Korean War. She is telling an international rights lawyer named Anna her life story while sitting in a police interrogation room after she is found next to a dead man. Sounds pretty good to me. But after a while, Suk-bo's narration just came across as emotionally flat. When I should have been caring for the protagonist, crying with her, cheering her on, I felt like the simplistic narrative itself: I will turn the page. I will read some more. I will hope things get better. I will be disappointed at the end.
I do give major props to William Andrews for his research and recreating the historical areas and events. I just didn't care for the almost drone-like narration from the main character that I should have been cheering for.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for sending me this kindle copy for review.
You can find this review and my other book commentaries at my blog http://alldragonsread2.home.blog
The Spirit of the Dragon fell under the indifferent category for me. I really wanted to enjoy it more than I did. The synopsis made this sound like some gut-wrenching tale of love and survival, with a potential murder mystery thrown in early on. The majority of the book is narrated by Suk-bo, an elderly Korean woman who survived World War II and the Korean War. She is telling an international rights lawyer named Anna her life story while sitting in a police interrogation room after she is found next to a dead man. Sounds pretty good to me. But after a while, Suk-bo's narration just came across as emotionally flat. When I should have been caring for the protagonist, crying with her, cheering her on, I felt like the simplistic narrative itself: I will turn the page. I will read some more. I will hope things get better. I will be disappointed at the end.
I do give major props to William Andrews for his research and recreating the historical areas and events. I just didn't care for the almost drone-like narration from the main character that I should have been cheering for.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for sending me this kindle copy for review.
You can find this review and my other book commentaries at my blog http://alldragonsread2.home.blog
July 27, 2022
In present day, 90-year-old Suk-bo Yi is questioned by police following a suspicious death at a Koreatown nursing home. Suk-bo has a very interesting story to tell, but she will only speak to Anna. In 1939, the Japanese occupying Korea force Suk-bo to marry Hisashi - a Japanese man. In spite of everything, they fall in love with each other, which puts them in the middle of two two countries at war. When Hisashi joins the Japanese army and disappears, Suk-bo goes on a quest through years of war, bigotry, and poverty to find him. Suk-bo’s story also reveals something that binds her to Anna: an antique comb with an intricately carved two-headed dragon.
This was absolutely emotional and heartbreaking! It’s the third in The Dragon series, which can be read as standalone stories but I recommend that you read them in order as some characters and themes do overlap. Although this is fiction, it is based on actual events that happened in Korea during and after WWII. I don’t really know much about what was happening in that part of the world during that time, but these books are a real eyeopener. Suk-bo was such a lovely young woman who did not deserve any of the horrific things that happened to her. I felt so sorry for her and all of the other Koreans who had to live with the occupying Japanese. Of course, not all of the Japanese were bad, and I really loved Hisashi and felt very sorry for him and what he was forced to do as well. I really cared for all of the characters and found myself thinking about them in between reading sessions. I also liked the use of some Korean and Japanese words throughout.
Some parts of the story were quite heavy and difficult to read about, but I do think it’s important to learn about such subjects. To know about it is to try to prevent it from happening again in the future. I give this 5 out of 5 stars.
I highly recommend this to anyone who loves historical fiction, stories of WWII, Korean and Japanese culture, strong and resilient women, and mythical two-headed dragons.
This was absolutely emotional and heartbreaking! It’s the third in The Dragon series, which can be read as standalone stories but I recommend that you read them in order as some characters and themes do overlap. Although this is fiction, it is based on actual events that happened in Korea during and after WWII. I don’t really know much about what was happening in that part of the world during that time, but these books are a real eyeopener. Suk-bo was such a lovely young woman who did not deserve any of the horrific things that happened to her. I felt so sorry for her and all of the other Koreans who had to live with the occupying Japanese. Of course, not all of the Japanese were bad, and I really loved Hisashi and felt very sorry for him and what he was forced to do as well. I really cared for all of the characters and found myself thinking about them in between reading sessions. I also liked the use of some Korean and Japanese words throughout.
Some parts of the story were quite heavy and difficult to read about, but I do think it’s important to learn about such subjects. To know about it is to try to prevent it from happening again in the future. I give this 5 out of 5 stars.
I highly recommend this to anyone who loves historical fiction, stories of WWII, Korean and Japanese culture, strong and resilient women, and mythical two-headed dragons.
June 14, 2020
Great book, Great series
5 Stars, could hardly put it down, have read all three books in the series and enjoyed each one, the way the stories are told is brilliant.
Each book is enjoyable and thought provoking.
5 Stars, could hardly put it down, have read all three books in the series and enjoyed each one, the way the stories are told is brilliant.
Each book is enjoyable and thought provoking.
July 10, 2020
3rd book in this trilogy. Based on fact, some parts are not easy to process. Whilst reading, I’ve been googling to find out more about Korean history and have learnt so much. Beautifully written demonstrating strength and determination ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
March 27, 2021
Como comenté anteriormente, el autor narra sus libros de una forma que te mantiene a la expectativa de principio a fin.
Muy recomendable.
Muy recomendable.
December 2, 2024
This story is mainly set in the past with a few chapters in the present where Anna, who we met in the previous novel, is called to aid a murder investigation of a 99 year old woman who has killed a 101 year old man. This piqued my interest straight away. Why would a woman of that age want to kill someone?
Suk-bo’s story had me go through a mix of emotions. It also highlights a time in history that I knew very little about. The conflicts between Korea and Japan and the atrocities that went on during that time. As the author himself mentions at the end of the book, there isn’t anywhere near the amount of awareness of Unit 731 and Dr. Ishii. What this man did was every bit as horrific as what went on in Auschwitz at the hands of Dr. Josef Mengele. Whilst the story focuses on Suk-bo and her life growing up through the conflict, her arranged marriage and the bigotry that went on, the thread to do with Unit 731 is always there in the background of which the author doesn’t go into great detail but what he gives you is enough to raise the hair on your arms.
My heart broke constantly for Suk-bo at everything she has to endure. Even though her marriage was arranged to a Japanese man, there is no doubt that she loves him dearly. The hate she has to put up with for marrying someone who is Japanese was awful and something she has to live with for most of her life. As I say, I know very little of this war and am keen to learn more.
The Spirit of the Dragon is the third and final book in a trilogy and probably my favourite one. It has been a real learning curve in terms of history and something I feel I have benefitted from reading. I would urge readers to read the Author’s Note at the end which gives even deeper meaning to these books. They cover so much and varying topics. Suk-bo’s story is one that will certainly stay with me. Heartbreaking and informative, a trilogy that everyone should read!
Suk-bo’s story had me go through a mix of emotions. It also highlights a time in history that I knew very little about. The conflicts between Korea and Japan and the atrocities that went on during that time. As the author himself mentions at the end of the book, there isn’t anywhere near the amount of awareness of Unit 731 and Dr. Ishii. What this man did was every bit as horrific as what went on in Auschwitz at the hands of Dr. Josef Mengele. Whilst the story focuses on Suk-bo and her life growing up through the conflict, her arranged marriage and the bigotry that went on, the thread to do with Unit 731 is always there in the background of which the author doesn’t go into great detail but what he gives you is enough to raise the hair on your arms.
My heart broke constantly for Suk-bo at everything she has to endure. Even though her marriage was arranged to a Japanese man, there is no doubt that she loves him dearly. The hate she has to put up with for marrying someone who is Japanese was awful and something she has to live with for most of her life. As I say, I know very little of this war and am keen to learn more.
The Spirit of the Dragon is the third and final book in a trilogy and probably my favourite one. It has been a real learning curve in terms of history and something I feel I have benefitted from reading. I would urge readers to read the Author’s Note at the end which gives even deeper meaning to these books. They cover so much and varying topics. Suk-bo’s story is one that will certainly stay with me. Heartbreaking and informative, a trilogy that everyone should read!
September 6, 2025
The story of Korea is told through the life of a peasant woman who was forced to marry the son of a high-ranking Japanese official in Korea. Her son, who is half Korean and half Japanese, is shunned by both groups. Her husband is enlisted to work with a medical doctor who conducts experiments on Koreans. She is cast out, lives with Korean rebels, survives the war, and witnesses a changed Korea while emigrating to the US: a powerful story, the painful tale of Korea in the 20th century, told with great passion and sensitivity.
At the urging of a Los Angeles detective, international rights lawyer Anna Carlson assists in a murder investigation. It’s a personal request from Suk-bo Yi, a ninety-nine-year-old woman questioned in a mysterious death at a Koreatown nursing home. A stranger to Anna, Suk-bo has a tale to tell. For reasons of her own, she’s chosen Anna—only Anna—to hear it…
Suk-bo’s story begins in 1937, when the Japanese occupying Korea force her to marry one of their own, named Hisashi. In spite of their differences, they fall madly in love, pitting them against two violently opposing cultures. When Hisashi joins the Japanese Imperial Army and disappears, Suk-bo embarks on a quest through years of war, bigotry, and poverty to find him.
But Suk-bo’s unfolding history reveals more than Anna can imagine: an heirloom comb bearing an intricately carved two-headed dragon binding her to Suk-bo’s past. Soon Anna will discover her own legacy at the heart of Suk-bo’s epic love story.
At the urging of a Los Angeles detective, international rights lawyer Anna Carlson assists in a murder investigation. It’s a personal request from Suk-bo Yi, a ninety-nine-year-old woman questioned in a mysterious death at a Koreatown nursing home. A stranger to Anna, Suk-bo has a tale to tell. For reasons of her own, she’s chosen Anna—only Anna—to hear it…
Suk-bo’s story begins in 1937, when the Japanese occupying Korea force her to marry one of their own, named Hisashi. In spite of their differences, they fall madly in love, pitting them against two violently opposing cultures. When Hisashi joins the Japanese Imperial Army and disappears, Suk-bo embarks on a quest through years of war, bigotry, and poverty to find him.
But Suk-bo’s unfolding history reveals more than Anna can imagine: an heirloom comb bearing an intricately carved two-headed dragon binding her to Suk-bo’s past. Soon Anna will discover her own legacy at the heart of Suk-bo’s epic love story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2025
The Spirit of the Dragon by William Andrews is an epic, heart rending journey through love, loss, and the haunting intersections of history. It’s a sweeping tale that moves between 1930s Korea and modern day Los Angeles, connecting two women across generations through one unforgettable story and a dragon shaped heirloom that carries the weight of both pain and hope.
When international rights lawyer Anna Carlson is asked to assist in a murder investigation involving a ninetynine year old Korean woman, Suk-bo Yi, she has no idea that Suk-bo’s confession will alter her understanding of love, war, and destiny. Suk-bo’s recollections unfold like a living epic: a young Korean woman forced to marry a Japanese man during the occupation, only to find herself truly in love defying cultural hatred, personal loss, and the chaos of war.
Andrews writes with astonishing empathy and cinematic clarity, capturing both the grand scale of history and the intimate ache of human connection. His prose pulses with emotion the longing of two lovers separated by war, the resilience of a woman who refuses to surrender her heart, and the modern thread of a woman discovering her own place in that lineage of courage.
For readers who were moved by The Nightingale, Pachinko, and The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane, The Spirit of the Dragon delivers that same rare blend of epic history, aching romance, and generational redemption. It’s a story of impossible love that burns through time one that leaves you breathless, tearful, and deeply moved.
When international rights lawyer Anna Carlson is asked to assist in a murder investigation involving a ninetynine year old Korean woman, Suk-bo Yi, she has no idea that Suk-bo’s confession will alter her understanding of love, war, and destiny. Suk-bo’s recollections unfold like a living epic: a young Korean woman forced to marry a Japanese man during the occupation, only to find herself truly in love defying cultural hatred, personal loss, and the chaos of war.
Andrews writes with astonishing empathy and cinematic clarity, capturing both the grand scale of history and the intimate ache of human connection. His prose pulses with emotion the longing of two lovers separated by war, the resilience of a woman who refuses to surrender her heart, and the modern thread of a woman discovering her own place in that lineage of courage.
For readers who were moved by The Nightingale, Pachinko, and The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane, The Spirit of the Dragon delivers that same rare blend of epic history, aching romance, and generational redemption. It’s a story of impossible love that burns through time one that leaves you breathless, tearful, and deeply moved.
June 5, 2025
After just how fantastic the first two books in this series were, this one was a bit of a letdown. That being said, I’m still giving it a strong three stars because of the author’s great writing and storytelling abilities.
What I think dragged down The Spirit of the Dragon compared to its predecessors was that it was quite melodramatic yet not super engaging.
The series covers some insanely heavy topics with care and compassion. There is no hiding how horrific some of these women’s situations are, and yet they also don’t feel gratuitous in their exposition.
My issue here was basically everything seemed to happen, and yet Suk-bo’s narration felt flat the longer she told her story. Maybe it was because she did so in a way that was a little bit like “this and then this and then that,” but even a strong author couldn’t portray her voice in a way that drew me in deeply.
There was a very heavy-handed comparison to Romeo and Juliet at play but it lacked any of the feeling needed to grip readers and make them care about the relationship.
The tenuous connection to the first book felt like a bit too much, but I recognize it’s just a way to bring the series together, so I didn’t mind.
All in all, I’m glad to have finally finished the series. I think The Spirit of the Dragon is a good book. If it was a standalone, maybe I would have liked it more. But the first book is just so excellent that the faults in this made it pale in comparison.
What I think dragged down The Spirit of the Dragon compared to its predecessors was that it was quite melodramatic yet not super engaging.
The series covers some insanely heavy topics with care and compassion. There is no hiding how horrific some of these women’s situations are, and yet they also don’t feel gratuitous in their exposition.
My issue here was basically everything seemed to happen, and yet Suk-bo’s narration felt flat the longer she told her story. Maybe it was because she did so in a way that was a little bit like “this and then this and then that,” but even a strong author couldn’t portray her voice in a way that drew me in deeply.
There was a very heavy-handed comparison to Romeo and Juliet at play but it lacked any of the feeling needed to grip readers and make them care about the relationship.
The tenuous connection to the first book felt like a bit too much, but I recognize it’s just a way to bring the series together, so I didn’t mind.
All in all, I’m glad to have finally finished the series. I think The Spirit of the Dragon is a good book. If it was a standalone, maybe I would have liked it more. But the first book is just so excellent that the faults in this made it pale in comparison.
December 14, 2019
Wow so much happens in this book. Honestly I had no idea it was part of a series until I looked up the book online and saw that it was but it’s the perfect standalone. Having Anna and the comb be a connection but take a backseat is the perfect way to weave the story that focused on things that most people don’t know about. WWII is a huge topic for novels but you don’t usually get one from the Far East. It also makes a point to say that no one had heard about Unit 731 and the atrocities they did during the war and that’s true in real life. I had never heard of that and I’m a huge WWII buff. So having this focus so heavily on people that seem to be largely ignored in the historical fiction genre was amazing.
Yes sometimes it got a bit wordy or would ‘blah blah’ through years worth of time but I was still so wrapped up in the story that I couldn’t put it down. I honestly want to read the other two books in the series after reading this one and I’m glad the cover caught my attention and I requested it from NetGalley. It’s a powerful story even if the constant changes between names (which was true for the time that Korean’s were given Japanese names that they had to answer to) was a bit confusing at times. Plus the twist in the end of what truly happened to the man in the Nursing home was fantastic 100% would recommend.
Yes sometimes it got a bit wordy or would ‘blah blah’ through years worth of time but I was still so wrapped up in the story that I couldn’t put it down. I honestly want to read the other two books in the series after reading this one and I’m glad the cover caught my attention and I requested it from NetGalley. It’s a powerful story even if the constant changes between names (which was true for the time that Korean’s were given Japanese names that they had to answer to) was a bit confusing at times. Plus the twist in the end of what truly happened to the man in the Nursing home was fantastic 100% would recommend.
June 29, 2020
An interesting history lesson, but an unconvincing, poorly narrated story. It's flaws are as following:
1) Flimsy use of the dragon comb symbolism
2) Contrived situations which throw the protagonist and her son into poverty. If her in-laws were as rich and influential as depicted in the book, the mother-son duo didn't have to go hungry for so long.
3) Unnecessary loss of a young life (Young Chul's). His aunt, Yoshiko, who has raised the boy was in a position to visit and save Young Chul from drugs and bad company. However, she chooses to visit only after his death. Why? So that the readers suffer needless agony.
4) Why does Hisashi have to go to Los Angeles to atone for his sins? If his intention was to commit hara-kiri, why didn't he do so just after his reunion with his wife in LA? It's hard to believe a man would wait six decades longer for something like that!
If an author like me had penned something like this, it would have gone straight into the trash bin. The fact that this book was published proves that the publishing industry's concern is who you are, not what you write.
1) Flimsy use of the dragon comb symbolism
2) Contrived situations which throw the protagonist and her son into poverty. If her in-laws were as rich and influential as depicted in the book, the mother-son duo didn't have to go hungry for so long.
3) Unnecessary loss of a young life (Young Chul's). His aunt, Yoshiko, who has raised the boy was in a position to visit and save Young Chul from drugs and bad company. However, she chooses to visit only after his death. Why? So that the readers suffer needless agony.
4) Why does Hisashi have to go to Los Angeles to atone for his sins? If his intention was to commit hara-kiri, why didn't he do so just after his reunion with his wife in LA? It's hard to believe a man would wait six decades longer for something like that!
If an author like me had penned something like this, it would have gone straight into the trash bin. The fact that this book was published proves that the publishing industry's concern is who you are, not what you write.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2020
I read this after reading the first one through Amazon Prime Reading, and just like the other book I raced through this. The story is gripping from the offset, and more of the sad history of Korea and the cruelty of the Japanese comes out. That said, no country at war is without its war crimes, and I know the UK is no different (look at the Jallianwala Bagh massacre as an example), with criminals and countries not atoning for the crimes committed.
The writing in this is more polished, and the characters have their own ways of speaking, as well as the writing reflecting this. Whilst the story itself is not true, it has basis in many truths of many people. A book people should read if only for and education.
It is heartening that both countries have grown, and the fact that Japan has started to acknowledge some of its past (an outright apology has still not been issued as yet) shows the growth as a nation - the increased acknowledgement of their part in such atrocities such as Unit 731 and the Rape of Nanking I am sure will go some way in further healing the wound held in the hearts of the Asian people.
The writing in this is more polished, and the characters have their own ways of speaking, as well as the writing reflecting this. Whilst the story itself is not true, it has basis in many truths of many people. A book people should read if only for and education.
It is heartening that both countries have grown, and the fact that Japan has started to acknowledge some of its past (an outright apology has still not been issued as yet) shows the growth as a nation - the increased acknowledgement of their part in such atrocities such as Unit 731 and the Rape of Nanking I am sure will go some way in further healing the wound held in the hearts of the Asian people.
November 8, 2024
S ODVAHOU DRAKA je třetí kniha autora ze série „Drak“. Já první díl ještě nečetla, ale vůbec to ničemu nevadí, počká na mě až bude ten správný čas.
Trojka byla stejně skvěle napsaná jako dvojka. Ponořila jsem se do příběhu a nic kolem mě, mě nezajímalo. Autor má úžasný styl psaní, který mě opět nenechal chladnou. Příběh, ač není veselý je úžasně dokonalý a je přečtený za pár dnů. I když se nejedná o lehké téma, čte se to vážně samo. Dokázala jsem se vcítit do hlavních hrdinů, vše jsem s nimi prožívala.
Pro nás Evropany je těžké rozeznat Japonce od Korejců, ale autor mě vyvedl z omylu, že opravdu nejsou stejní. Něco málo jsem z historie věděla, ale celá tato série mě nenásilně, tak obohatila o informace, že by to ani kdejaká encyklopedie nesvedla. Hltala jsem informace, sama jsem si přečtení i nějaké doplňující dohledávala.
V knize se vyskytuje hodně emotivních momentů, některé mě i rozbrečely. Čekala jsem, že se mi bude líbit, ale autor dokázal předčít moje myšlenky. Příběh téměř stoleté Korejky je inspirován skutečnou událostí o to víc to bylo pro mě smutnější čtení.
Kdo ještě sérii nezná, moc doporučuji se po ní podívat. Děkuji za zážitek.
Trojka byla stejně skvěle napsaná jako dvojka. Ponořila jsem se do příběhu a nic kolem mě, mě nezajímalo. Autor má úžasný styl psaní, který mě opět nenechal chladnou. Příběh, ač není veselý je úžasně dokonalý a je přečtený za pár dnů. I když se nejedná o lehké téma, čte se to vážně samo. Dokázala jsem se vcítit do hlavních hrdinů, vše jsem s nimi prožívala.
Pro nás Evropany je těžké rozeznat Japonce od Korejců, ale autor mě vyvedl z omylu, že opravdu nejsou stejní. Něco málo jsem z historie věděla, ale celá tato série mě nenásilně, tak obohatila o informace, že by to ani kdejaká encyklopedie nesvedla. Hltala jsem informace, sama jsem si přečtení i nějaké doplňující dohledávala.
V knize se vyskytuje hodně emotivních momentů, některé mě i rozbrečely. Čekala jsem, že se mi bude líbit, ale autor dokázal předčít moje myšlenky. Příběh téměř stoleté Korejky je inspirován skutečnou událostí o to víc to bylo pro mě smutnější čtení.
Kdo ještě sérii nezná, moc doporučuji se po ní podívat. Děkuji za zážitek.
July 15, 2020
Once again, William Andrews has depicted a time in history that truly displays the horrors and disgusting side that humanity has lived through. It was hard-hitting, descriptive, and didn't shy away from the unspoken issues of history. It was a great way to cap off the series, and I particularly enjoyed the crossover between this book and the first.
Although this is historical fiction and some events may have been dramatised for viewing pleasure, I don't doubt the extensive research in true events that has taken place. Well written by William Andrews and highlights the downside of humankind but at the same time is able to uplift and encourage the tenacity and resilience that people faced day-to-day. There are so many stories out there that would be similar to Suk-bo, Jae-hee & Soo-hee but have no voice. William Andrews has given a voice to the voiceless through his writing and I'd encourage everyone to open their eyes to the events of the past and learn from it.
5/5 would recommend and read again.
Although this is historical fiction and some events may have been dramatised for viewing pleasure, I don't doubt the extensive research in true events that has taken place. Well written by William Andrews and highlights the downside of humankind but at the same time is able to uplift and encourage the tenacity and resilience that people faced day-to-day. There are so many stories out there that would be similar to Suk-bo, Jae-hee & Soo-hee but have no voice. William Andrews has given a voice to the voiceless through his writing and I'd encourage everyone to open their eyes to the events of the past and learn from it.
5/5 would recommend and read again.
August 21, 2020
I began by not liking some things about this book--mainly the same narrative trope used for the third time--but again it proved to be an eye-opening history lesson about today's world, underscoring the rampant racism and colonialism rampant in the world today. The hypocrisy of the powerful, especially the US, never ceases to make my gorge rise, although it does not surprise me (perhaps I am being turned over to Foucault's way of thinking?).
Period-wise, it was almost in synch with the first book although the "present" day is a little after. I think it would have made more sense for this to be book 2 in the series and the middle book the final.The historical background in this installment was the Ishii (Japan's version of Mengele) with whom the US made a deal so as to access his research. I was almost not sure that he was a real historical figure. I really appreciated the fact that the author did not put words into his mouth but treated him as a shadow figure. So lots good but still not (for me) a 4-star. I'd like to read a Korean/Japanese take on these events.
Period-wise, it was almost in synch with the first book although the "present" day is a little after. I think it would have made more sense for this to be book 2 in the series and the middle book the final.The historical background in this installment was the Ishii (Japan's version of Mengele) with whom the US made a deal so as to access his research. I was almost not sure that he was a real historical figure. I really appreciated the fact that the author did not put words into his mouth but treated him as a shadow figure. So lots good but still not (for me) a 4-star. I'd like to read a Korean/Japanese take on these events.
December 10, 2019
Well done historical fiction about a dark dark time in Korea - but it's also a love story about Suk-Bo, a Korean woman, and Hisashi, a Japanese man. Although it spans the years between 1936 and the present, the most dynamic parts of the novel are set during WWII, when Suk-Bo was chosen to Marr Hisashi, who was then sent to do terrible work. How to simply explain what happened- Suk bo, though a series of events, is forced to leave her son behind when she escapes Korea to Manchuria where she joins but was never fully trusted by the rebel group headed by Kim Jong Il. She eventually makes her way back to Korea and to her son even as things fall completely apart. She always holds out hope that she will find Hisashi again. The novel is framed by an interview with a 90 year old woman who was just found in a room with a 100 year old man who had been stabbed to death. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Well written and gripping, this is a very good read.
April 30, 2020
I am very satisfied and happy that I purchased all three books from this series. The Daughters of the Dragon, The Dragon Queen, and The Spirit of the Dragon. I have enjoyed all three books. This particular title, The Spirit of the Dragon hits hard in a beautiful way.
It started out nicely, depicting a budding romance between two "different" people. Then, it builds up into a thrilling adventure in a war-setting. Finally, a culmination of the story held me captive and made me cry buckets of tears - something that I had not expected at all!!! The characters had unique traits and characteristics - some were very likeable, others detestable! Overall, I would like to commend the author for writing this beautiful book series with a touch of history.
As for me, I have not yet moved on from the beautiful ending and I think I'll be thinking about it for many days. I highly recommend this book!!!!
It started out nicely, depicting a budding romance between two "different" people. Then, it builds up into a thrilling adventure in a war-setting. Finally, a culmination of the story held me captive and made me cry buckets of tears - something that I had not expected at all!!! The characters had unique traits and characteristics - some were very likeable, others detestable! Overall, I would like to commend the author for writing this beautiful book series with a touch of history.
As for me, I have not yet moved on from the beautiful ending and I think I'll be thinking about it for many days. I highly recommend this book!!!!
September 14, 2019
I like reading a book based in the country I’m visiting while I’m there so was very glad when NetGalley offered this title for review just before my trip to South Korea. Though it was hard to reconcile the Korea then and the Korea I saw, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. So much so that just before reaching the last page of the Spirit of the Dragon, I hurriedly went and bought the other earlier titles in the series!
Well done, Mr Andrews, you portrayed the story of Suk-Bo so sensitively and in such an engrossing way. I don’t know the history of Korea so can’t comment on how accurate the background of the story is but I’ll bet your research in the matter was intense.
This is the type of fiction that keeps me turning the pages. I do wish the ending was different though!
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC. This is my honest review.
Well done, Mr Andrews, you portrayed the story of Suk-Bo so sensitively and in such an engrossing way. I don’t know the history of Korea so can’t comment on how accurate the background of the story is but I’ll bet your research in the matter was intense.
This is the type of fiction that keeps me turning the pages. I do wish the ending was different though!
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC. This is my honest review.
January 31, 2025
It was a good ending to the series. I would certainly recommend reading the 3 in order as this one does wrap up the storyline, and to me was more legit than the second.
The basis of the horrors inflicted by the Japanese on the Korean people are not well known, and that is apparently by design. The reason for all of it is bigotry, which, as I write this review, is rearing its ugly head openly, under the idiot Trump, who somehow is President of the US. Difficult time, and even scarier while reading this book and realizing we are not so far off from potentially repeating historical events.
Fascinating to learn the history, definitely not an area I previously knew much about, even down to how it really ended up as a divided Korea. The author’s revelation of how complicit other countries were in the aftermath is truly disturbing, but needs to be shared.
The basis of the horrors inflicted by the Japanese on the Korean people are not well known, and that is apparently by design. The reason for all of it is bigotry, which, as I write this review, is rearing its ugly head openly, under the idiot Trump, who somehow is President of the US. Difficult time, and even scarier while reading this book and realizing we are not so far off from potentially repeating historical events.
Fascinating to learn the history, definitely not an area I previously knew much about, even down to how it really ended up as a divided Korea. The author’s revelation of how complicit other countries were in the aftermath is truly disturbing, but needs to be shared.
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