Dragonborn follows Alex Evans, a twelve-year-old girl whose life has slowly tightened around her like a cage. Ever since her father died, Alex’s mother has become overly protective, enforcing strict rules to control her entire life. Though her mother’s fear comes from grief, it makes Alex feel trapped, lonely, and increasingly frustrated. She has never really understood why her emotions feel so overwhelming — especially her anger, which burns hotter than it should and seems impossible to contain.
That “burning” turns out to be literal. One day, during an especially tense moment, Alex loses control and releases a burst of fire from her own body. The incident is both terrifying and confusing, but it reveals a truth that changes her entire life: Alex is not fully human. She is a Slumberer — a dragon whose true nature has been hidden inside a human form since birth.
She’s meets other dragons and is taken to Skralla, a secret island where young dragons live and train to unlock their true powers. While other trainees shift forms easily, Alex struggles, feeling caught between her human life and her dragon identity.
As she learns more about her past and her abilities, a dangerous ancient dragon, Drak Midna, begins to rise again. Alex must face her fears, her grief, and her hidden power before the threat becomes unstoppable.
Throughout the story, Alex’s growth isn’t just about unlocking dragon powers. It’s about identity, grief, and courage. She learns to trust others, to face painful truths, and to embrace the complicated, powerful being she is becoming. Her friendships deepen, her confidence grows, and she begins to realize she may have a role in the future of both dragons and humans — a role that will require strength she isn’t sure she has.
The book builds toward a confrontation shaped by destiny, ancient rivalries, and Alex’s own emerging strength. As Drak Midna’s influence spreads, Alex must choose whether to run from her true nature or embrace it fully, risking everything for the people she loves — both human and dragon.
Dragons in Dragonborn aren’t just giant creatures flying around. They’re deeply woven into the characters, especially the kids who look human but are actually dragons in hiding. This idea makes the story feel instantly different from other fantasy books. The way Murray combines human emotions with dragon mythology feels original, exciting, and full of mystery.
Dragonborn by Struan Murray is one of those rare middle-grade/young teen fantasies that manages to feel both huge and epic, yet also personal and emotionally real. It’s perfect for readers who love adventure, mystery, and magical worlds — but also stories about identity, growing up, and figuring out who you are.
While the story is full of action — training scenes, mysteries, powerful dragons — it also deals with real feelings: grief, fear of disappointing others, friendships, and what it means to grow into the person you’re meant to be. These emotional layers make the book stick with you long after you put it down.
Dragonborn is available now
Review by: Stefano Bove
★★★★½