The Last Tiger Preorders Score Fans a Deluxe Enamel Pin

In a buzzworthy move, composer-turned-author Julia Riew has teamed up with Penguin Teen to offer a deluxe collectible badge for early supporters of her debut YA fantasy, The Last Tiger. Now available for preorder, the novel reimagines true stories from her grandparents’ lives during one of Korea’s darkest chapters, blending historical depth with magical realism.

Preorder Perks

Fans who reserve their copy and upload a receipt at Penguin Teen’s preorder portal will receive an exclusive enamel badge featuring a stylized tiger motif that mirrors the book’s striking cover art. Participants simply snap a photo or screenshot of their order confirmation and submit it via the link in Penguin Teen’s bio—then wait for the keepsake to arrive in the mail.

A Story Rooted In History

“The Last Tiger is a fantasy retelling of our grandparents’ forbidden romance and fight for freedom during one of the darkest times in Korean history—and it’s available for preorder wherever you buy books!” Julia shared on Instagram. Instagram. The narrative follows Seung and Eunji as they navigate political turmoil, poverty, and the limits placed on young women, all while ancient spirits and mythical tigers lurk just beyond the borders of their war-torn homeland.

Early Praise And Accolades

Industry insiders are already taking notice. Booklist awarded The Last Tiger a starred review, praising its emotional depth: “Readers will empathize with [Seung and Eunji’s] struggles of poverty and having little say in their future…A reminder that knowledge and kindness are powerful tools.” Instagram. The debut has also been selected as a Summer/Fall 2025 Indies Introduce pick by the American Booksellers Association, highlighting it among the season’s top new titles.

Fan Encounters On Tour

Julia and her co-author duo recently took The Last Tiger on the road at YALLWest, the West Coast’s premier YA festival. “This time last week, we had the enormous joy of meeting so many wonderful readers at #YALLWest! Thank you so much to the staff and volunteers of YALLWest and everyone who came out (including adorable puppy Princess) ❤️ we can’t wait for you to read The Last Tiger!” she posted. Instagram. Dozens of attendees shared photos of their preorder badges, making the enamel giveaway a festival favorite.

Launch Event Details

Looking ahead, readers can celebrate the official release on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, when Julia will appear at Strand Bookstore alongside New York Times bestselling author Chloe Gong for a live conversation. “Come join us—it’ll be an evening of stories, family, and celebration!” she wrote in her launch announcement. Instagram. Tickets are available now through the store’s website.

Between the preorder campaign, critical buzz, and interactive festival stops, The Last Tiger is building strong momentum as one of next summer’s most anticipated YA debuts. Those who jump in early won’t just secure an unforgettable story—they’ll take home a collectible badge that captures the spirit of this familial fantasy epic.

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Sakshi

 

Sakshi holds a bachelor’s degree in Science and a master’s in Bioinformatics from Panjab University, India. Her passion for writing engaging articles has led her to pursue a career in content writing since 2020. Sakshi has written in various niches, including health and wellness, fintech, blockchain, and lifestyle.

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