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Dragonborn #2
Dragonborn: The Twilight Child
Win a free print copy of this book!
2 days and 20:53:48
10 copies available
U.S. only
The second book in the New York Times bestselling Dragonborn series, perfect for fans of Impossible Creatures.
Having discovered her true identity as a dragon, Alex Evans must embark on a dangerous quest to stop Drak Midna and his war against humanity.
When tragedy strikes the island of Skralla, Alex and her friends journey north to the magical heart of Scotland, where dark plots are in motion, and humans and dragons fight side-by-side against a rising storm of ancient demons.
Sinister forces are growing stronger every day, and as friendships fall apart and enemies old and new strike from the shadows, Alex must master her own fearsome power, and unravel a mystery that might just be the key to victory: the legend of the Twilight Child.
Having discovered her true identity as a dragon, Alex Evans must embark on a dangerous quest to stop Drak Midna and his war against humanity.
When tragedy strikes the island of Skralla, Alex and her friends journey north to the magical heart of Scotland, where dark plots are in motion, and humans and dragons fight side-by-side against a rising storm of ancient demons.
Sinister forces are growing stronger every day, and as friendships fall apart and enemies old and new strike from the shadows, Alex must master her own fearsome power, and unravel a mystery that might just be the key to victory: the legend of the Twilight Child.
416 pages, Hardcover
Published May 22, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 14, 2026
Struan Murray’s Dragonborn: The Twilight Child is a fast-paced fantasy adventure with a surprisingly tender core. Alex Evans has discovered she’s a dragon, but accepting that truth is only the start. As she struggles to control her changing form, she must also reckon with family secrets, fractured friendships, and the betrayal of someone she once trusted.
After tragedy drives Alex and her fellow students from Skralla, they travel to Dundarrak to warn its people of Drak Midna’s plans. But the threat outside is matched by turmoil within: Ferox clashes with Alex and his family, old histories surface, and loyalties shift just when the group needs to stand together. Alex’s anger threatens her ability to train and fight, while her mother’s past leads to consequences Alex can’t ignore.
The characters are the book’s standout. Their motives are rarely simple, and even the antagonists have histories that complicate how we see them. Alex’s uncertainty about Erik is especially compelling: her hurt is understandable, but so is her struggle to decide whether trust is still possible. Skiora, the mysterious Twilight Child, brings fresh intrigue and sends the story in directions I didn’t anticipate.
Murray keeps the plot moving with revelations, betrayals, and changing alliances. Just when the pieces seem to fit, another secret alters the picture. Beneath the action, the story considers how the past shapes people—and whether letting go is an act of courage or a risk. Alex’s emotional struggles feel bound to her growing power, making her journey about more than simply learning to fight.
The ending provides a satisfying pause without resolving every conflict, leaving plenty to anticipate in the next book. I would have welcomed a little more closure, but the open threads suit a story where history is still unfolding and no alliance feels entirely secure.
A gripping, character-rich fantasy full of difficult choices and unexpected turns. Recommended for readers who like their adventures emotionally complex, with heroes who make mistakes and enemies who aren’t easy to understand.
After tragedy drives Alex and her fellow students from Skralla, they travel to Dundarrak to warn its people of Drak Midna’s plans. But the threat outside is matched by turmoil within: Ferox clashes with Alex and his family, old histories surface, and loyalties shift just when the group needs to stand together. Alex’s anger threatens her ability to train and fight, while her mother’s past leads to consequences Alex can’t ignore.
The characters are the book’s standout. Their motives are rarely simple, and even the antagonists have histories that complicate how we see them. Alex’s uncertainty about Erik is especially compelling: her hurt is understandable, but so is her struggle to decide whether trust is still possible. Skiora, the mysterious Twilight Child, brings fresh intrigue and sends the story in directions I didn’t anticipate.
Murray keeps the plot moving with revelations, betrayals, and changing alliances. Just when the pieces seem to fit, another secret alters the picture. Beneath the action, the story considers how the past shapes people—and whether letting go is an act of courage or a risk. Alex’s emotional struggles feel bound to her growing power, making her journey about more than simply learning to fight.
The ending provides a satisfying pause without resolving every conflict, leaving plenty to anticipate in the next book. I would have welcomed a little more closure, but the open threads suit a story where history is still unfolding and no alliance feels entirely secure.
A gripping, character-rich fantasy full of difficult choices and unexpected turns. Recommended for readers who like their adventures emotionally complex, with heroes who make mistakes and enemies who aren’t easy to understand.
October 7, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Dutton Books for the ability to read an arc.
We are a big fantasy loving house, and I’m always on the lookout for new middle grade fantasies that are exciting but aren’t too mature. Dragonborn definitely fits this category!
The second book- Dragonborn: The Twilight Child- is quite the ride. There is plenty of excitement, deeply emotional situations, and action to keep even the most fidgety listener engaged. It started a lot of complex conversations about choices and how we decided what to do, which is the sign of excellent writing. There is nothing twaddle about this series- it would be an excellent edition to any middle grade library, at home or at school.
There are plenty of plot twists and the story have an ending that allows for the series to continue, but there is no huge cliffhanger that will leave you aggravated.
My kids (and I) give this a huge 5⭐️s.
We are a big fantasy loving house, and I’m always on the lookout for new middle grade fantasies that are exciting but aren’t too mature. Dragonborn definitely fits this category!
The second book- Dragonborn: The Twilight Child- is quite the ride. There is plenty of excitement, deeply emotional situations, and action to keep even the most fidgety listener engaged. It started a lot of complex conversations about choices and how we decided what to do, which is the sign of excellent writing. There is nothing twaddle about this series- it would be an excellent edition to any middle grade library, at home or at school.
There are plenty of plot twists and the story have an ending that allows for the series to continue, but there is no huge cliffhanger that will leave you aggravated.
My kids (and I) give this a huge 5⭐️s.
September 4, 2026
My son loved this book. I’m gonna be honest. I liked book one better. The first half of the book was good and I liked the way we didn’t hang around in one place. I enjoyed Drak’s (many) appearances. It’s funny that he is basically evil Dumbledore (and FWIW I’m not sure he’s wrong about humans…) I got lost in the final third. I didn’t really understand the way the way Alex’s powers functioned and a lot of the battle felt like mumbo jumbo. I also got slight whiplash with people betraying their families/ friends/ clans etc. and then shouting, “it was a trick! I just had to make you believe I was going to betray you”. It happened more than in most books. I also never really understood why Ferox’s dad didn’t seem to like him? It felt like a reveal was coming but it never did…
April 11, 2026
Book 2 in this dragon-filled series is filled with plenty of action, fantastic creatures that extend beyond the many dragons, and enough friend and family drama to keep readers age 10 and up thoroughly engrossed.
In book 1, Oliphos reveals to young Alex that she is not a mere girl but can shift from human to dragon, depending on which form she prefers or requires. Her training on Skralla has not been smooth, however, as she struggles to move easily in her dragon form and suffers from a great deal of bullying from fellow dragon trainee Ferox and his cronies, the battle between the evil Drak Midna continues, and the betrayal of best friend Erik and the murderous reputation of her dragon-mother continue to haunt. While the series opener ends on a high point for Alex, the fight to find peace between human and dragon kind rages on and Drak Midna’s attempts to free his dragon soul from the Phylactory escalates.
“Escalates” does not quite cover the battles that occur in Struan Murray’s second installment. Demons are invading, Drak Midna’s minions now include sorcerers and fairies and betrayal as well as reconciliation are threaded throughout, making everything even more exciting and frequently surprising. Changes in Ferox’s personality, the shifts and turns of Alex’s relationships with both her mother and traitor Erik plus the vivid descriptions of both demons and dragons add much to the drama and “unputdownable-ness” of book 2 and the ending, while sad and filled with twists, is satisfying but also leaves so much room for another Dragonborn title.
Highly recommended.
*Target age: from age 10 and up. While Alex and her friends are around 12, even jr high and possibly high school will enjoy this series. (Highly reminiscent of the Dragonriders of Pern series but designed for a younger crowd.)
*Profanity: none
*Violence: frequent and intense but absolutely appropriate to the genre and the non-adult reader it is written for
*Sexual content: none
*Representation: Skin tones, hair styles/colors, body shapes of human characters vary as much as the dragon forms do, but with this being a fantasy world of the author’s own making, race is not specified. Family configuration and economic backgrounds of characters are diverse.
*LBGTQ+: none
Thanks for the eARC, Edelweiss and Puffin.
In book 1, Oliphos reveals to young Alex that she is not a mere girl but can shift from human to dragon, depending on which form she prefers or requires. Her training on Skralla has not been smooth, however, as she struggles to move easily in her dragon form and suffers from a great deal of bullying from fellow dragon trainee Ferox and his cronies, the battle between the evil Drak Midna continues, and the betrayal of best friend Erik and the murderous reputation of her dragon-mother continue to haunt. While the series opener ends on a high point for Alex, the fight to find peace between human and dragon kind rages on and Drak Midna’s attempts to free his dragon soul from the Phylactory escalates.
“Escalates” does not quite cover the battles that occur in Struan Murray’s second installment. Demons are invading, Drak Midna’s minions now include sorcerers and fairies and betrayal as well as reconciliation are threaded throughout, making everything even more exciting and frequently surprising. Changes in Ferox’s personality, the shifts and turns of Alex’s relationships with both her mother and traitor Erik plus the vivid descriptions of both demons and dragons add much to the drama and “unputdownable-ness” of book 2 and the ending, while sad and filled with twists, is satisfying but also leaves so much room for another Dragonborn title.
Highly recommended.
*Target age: from age 10 and up. While Alex and her friends are around 12, even jr high and possibly high school will enjoy this series. (Highly reminiscent of the Dragonriders of Pern series but designed for a younger crowd.)
*Profanity: none
*Violence: frequent and intense but absolutely appropriate to the genre and the non-adult reader it is written for
*Sexual content: none
*Representation: Skin tones, hair styles/colors, body shapes of human characters vary as much as the dragon forms do, but with this being a fantasy world of the author’s own making, race is not specified. Family configuration and economic backgrounds of characters are diverse.
*LBGTQ+: none
Thanks for the eARC, Edelweiss and Puffin.
August 12, 2026
Alex Evans knows she's a dragon now, but the learning curve is steep. She not only needs to learn how to shift between her human and dragon forms on demand but must deal with the repercussions of what she's learned about herself, her family, and her friends. But as Alex wrestles with her feelings of anger and betrayal, she and the other young people from Skralla must flee their home when their mentor gets taken by Drak Midna, the evil 3,000 year old dragon who seeks to destroy mankind. In an effort to save Ferox's (one of Alex's fellow students on Skralla) homeland, Dundarrak from Drak Midna's evil plans, Alex and the other students from Skralla head to Dundarrak to warn them. Ongoing conflict between Ferox and Alex as well as Ferox and his family, including the ruling dragon of Dundarrak, gets in the way of their preparations to fight Drak Midna.
Along the way, Alex must face Erik, the boy/dragon she befriended in book 1 who betrayed them by assisting Drak Midna with his plans. Alex struggles to determine whether he is trustworthy or not while wrestling with her own feelings of hurt and fury that interferes with her ability to shift into dragon form as well as continue training. Alex meets Skiora, The Twilight Child, who changes everything in unexpected ways. Alex finds herself at odds with almost everyone, including her mother, whose own past lands her in the dungeon of Dundarrak. Unless Alex can get past her anger she'll be of no use in the upcoming battles and may end up in the dungeon permanently herself.
Surprising secrets from the past continue to impact the present leaving Alex, her friends, and the whole of Dundarrik fighting to survive. Numerous betrayals, surprising histories, and powerful emotions carry the story forward at a blistering pace. Just when the reader thinks they understand the situation and who is allied with who, another surprise gets thrown into the mix and the story moves in unexpected directions. The incredible characterizations carry the story forward with every character having an interesting backstory with an incredible variety of motives and mixed emotions leading to a messy mix of choices and consequences.
The book feels like an emotional roller coaster ride as Alex and her friends confront numerous obstacles and make choices with lasting import. They discover the power of the past and the importance of both remembering it and letting it go. Even Drak Midna, the villain turns out to have a more complicated history than one might think. This stunning story leaves the reader with a lot to think about in terms of choices made and consequences faced. Even the 'bad guys' have their complicated stories that may leave the reader pondering the different ways characters respond to events. A solid ending leaves a number of conflicts unresolved setting the story up for at least one more volume in the series. One of the most interesting and twist-filled books I've ever read. Definitely one I look forward to reading again. Highly recommended for readers who like their stories complex with no easy answers and no perfect choices.
Along the way, Alex must face Erik, the boy/dragon she befriended in book 1 who betrayed them by assisting Drak Midna with his plans. Alex struggles to determine whether he is trustworthy or not while wrestling with her own feelings of hurt and fury that interferes with her ability to shift into dragon form as well as continue training. Alex meets Skiora, The Twilight Child, who changes everything in unexpected ways. Alex finds herself at odds with almost everyone, including her mother, whose own past lands her in the dungeon of Dundarrak. Unless Alex can get past her anger she'll be of no use in the upcoming battles and may end up in the dungeon permanently herself.
Surprising secrets from the past continue to impact the present leaving Alex, her friends, and the whole of Dundarrik fighting to survive. Numerous betrayals, surprising histories, and powerful emotions carry the story forward at a blistering pace. Just when the reader thinks they understand the situation and who is allied with who, another surprise gets thrown into the mix and the story moves in unexpected directions. The incredible characterizations carry the story forward with every character having an interesting backstory with an incredible variety of motives and mixed emotions leading to a messy mix of choices and consequences.
The book feels like an emotional roller coaster ride as Alex and her friends confront numerous obstacles and make choices with lasting import. They discover the power of the past and the importance of both remembering it and letting it go. Even Drak Midna, the villain turns out to have a more complicated history than one might think. This stunning story leaves the reader with a lot to think about in terms of choices made and consequences faced. Even the 'bad guys' have their complicated stories that may leave the reader pondering the different ways characters respond to events. A solid ending leaves a number of conflicts unresolved setting the story up for at least one more volume in the series. One of the most interesting and twist-filled books I've ever read. Definitely one I look forward to reading again. Highly recommended for readers who like their stories complex with no easy answers and no perfect choices.
July 14, 2026
This was one of those books that I picked up and didn't want to put back down. I was reading it at night and was almost furious when I would start to fall asleep because I was so engrossed in the story.
Despite the fact that I couldn't remember a thing that happened in the first book, I started on this one anyway, sometimes things come back to you. Honestly nothing came back to me, even though I definitely read the first book! But that didn't matter, I was hooked!
Minor spoilers from here on:
There was a rollercoaster of emotions as the characters' loyalty was questioned, as war was threatened and as war hit. So much happens in this book and I was enraptured by every moment!
During the battle, which was a large portion of the book, I was never bored. Often I find myself getting fed up reading fighting sequences, battles etc because they drag on and become dull, but here each part was broken up by some wonderful dialogue, captivating moments between characters, and the descriptions of what was happening was so compelling, I think it's the first time I've read a battle in a book and not found myself wanting to skip ahead.
Spoilers end.
Overall, this was a wonderful book. One of the best I've read this year. And now I cannot wait for book 3!
Despite the fact that I couldn't remember a thing that happened in the first book, I started on this one anyway, sometimes things come back to you. Honestly nothing came back to me, even though I definitely read the first book! But that didn't matter, I was hooked!
Minor spoilers from here on:
There was a rollercoaster of emotions as the characters' loyalty was questioned, as war was threatened and as war hit. So much happens in this book and I was enraptured by every moment!
During the battle, which was a large portion of the book, I was never bored. Often I find myself getting fed up reading fighting sequences, battles etc because they drag on and become dull, but here each part was broken up by some wonderful dialogue, captivating moments between characters, and the descriptions of what was happening was so compelling, I think it's the first time I've read a battle in a book and not found myself wanting to skip ahead.
Spoilers end.
Overall, this was a wonderful book. One of the best I've read this year. And now I cannot wait for book 3!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2026
Murray's 2nd volume continues with complex world-building and nuanced characters. I was fascinated by the character of the twilight child and also how the history of the battle between humans and dragons continues to impact the current world of the series. More than anything, I appreciate how Murray shows how characters can be led to evil actions for motives that are complicated. His characters call for empathy without excusing their behaviors, something I pray middle school readers can develop as well. I don't always like dragon culture, but I know fantasy readers who will gobble up this story and will be begging for the next in the series. I am definitely going to read on to see how Alex and friends confront the evil that is threatening to tear apart their world.
Review based on a DRC for the US edition, received through NetGalley.
Review based on a DRC for the US edition, received through NetGalley.
October 16, 2026
Dragonborn: The Twilight Child
This was our first time reading the Dragonborn series, and what a fun introduction! My daughter absolutely loved this book, and we had such a great time reading it together. It’s always exciting to discover a new series that we can enjoy as a family, and this one has us ready to jump into the next book!
We went into this one without having read any of the previous books, and it definitely left us wanting to explore more of the series. I love finding books that capture my daughter’s interest and make our reading time together even more enjoyable.
We can’t wait to dive into the rest of the Dragonborn series!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
This was our first time reading the Dragonborn series, and what a fun introduction! My daughter absolutely loved this book, and we had such a great time reading it together. It’s always exciting to discover a new series that we can enjoy as a family, and this one has us ready to jump into the next book!
We went into this one without having read any of the previous books, and it definitely left us wanting to explore more of the series. I love finding books that capture my daughter’s interest and make our reading time together even more enjoyable.
We can’t wait to dive into the rest of the Dragonborn series!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
August 22, 2026
The second book in this highly entertaining series does not disappoint. Alex and her friends must journey to a very special part of Scotland on a magical quest.
At a time of encroaching enemies and imminent danger, she must find out how best to use her powers to push back the forces of evil, while remaining vigilant regarding shifting alliances and the ever present possibility of betrayal.
Action packed and fast paced, this will definitely be enjoyed by readers in the target group and well beyond!
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
At a time of encroaching enemies and imminent danger, she must find out how best to use her powers to push back the forces of evil, while remaining vigilant regarding shifting alliances and the ever present possibility of betrayal.
Action packed and fast paced, this will definitely be enjoyed by readers in the target group and well beyond!
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
October 11, 2026
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. Another action packed adventure with Alex and her friends. She meets new friends and dragons along the way. Although at times she got so blinded by wanting to get the bad guy; that she becomes reckless and endangers her friends. She leans on her friends and learns who to trust.
June 17, 2026
I loooovvvee it because it's got a female main character that has powers and demons and magic ✨.
August 24, 2026
I loved everything about this book! Especially the complex emotions alex and her friends go through! It was so entertaining and funny and it was just perfect!!
June 18, 2026
This series is honestly so phenomenal. Yes it's dragons and shapeshifters and fairies and magic and hidden worlds, but it's presented in a really clever way that makes you feel as though it's totally unique and the only book written about dragons, ever. I have to almost physically lift myself out of the world of the book and back into reality when I'm reading it, not to mention it reads like a film script, so it's great for someone who needs a world to be built visually in their head.
I would definitely say this is a 10+ middle grade series, maybe even 11+ - the language and themes are amazing, but it tackles some pretty emotional issues, and it could be a bit scary for a younger reader.
I would definitely say this is a 10+ middle grade series, maybe even 11+ - the language and themes are amazing, but it tackles some pretty emotional issues, and it could be a bit scary for a younger reader.
Review of advance copy
Note:
I think Goodreads is American bc I was wanting this book after I finished the first book but Goodreads said it was to be released on the 26th October, 2026. I was in my local Waterstones and found a beautiful special Waterstones hardback edition. Couldn’t resist it.
Page 36:
Honestly, I don’t know how I can put it down. I was reading two other books and had a big tbr pile in my room and I added it to that pile but every time I picked up another book I would longingly stare at it. I decided to let my heart win me over and I started reading it in the car. Won me over once again. I have no words. Normally I can’t read when I’m out with people talking and music around me but this changed me.
I’ll update this review whilst I’m reading it.
I think Goodreads is American bc I was wanting this book after I finished the first book but Goodreads said it was to be released on the 26th October, 2026. I was in my local Waterstones and found a beautiful special Waterstones hardback edition. Couldn’t resist it.
Page 36:
Honestly, I don’t know how I can put it down. I was reading two other books and had a big tbr pile in my room and I added it to that pile but every time I picked up another book I would longingly stare at it. I decided to let my heart win me over and I started reading it in the car. Won me over once again. I have no words. Normally I can’t read when I’m out with people talking and music around me but this changed me.
I’ll update this review whilst I’m reading it.
Review of advance copy
This was an absolute blast. I had the time of my life. I absolutly did not think a middle grade book would receive 5 stars from me but boy was I wrong.
The ending was kinda open and I am actually hoping for a third book but I absolutly also loved the ending.
There were things in there that I did not expect to happen at all and that made me bawl my eyes out. Honestly I cried so much while reading this book. The theme is very much how to handle grief, anger and sadness and god that was so well done.
I actually have nothing to complain or critize on. The characterisation of the characters where wonderful and made sense and were fitting and god, I absolutly loved this book and it will be so dear to me.
My favourite character is 100% Azzar. This woman is absolutly iconic and I love her so much.
The ending was kinda open and I am actually hoping for a third book but I absolutly also loved the ending.
There were things in there that I did not expect to happen at all and that made me bawl my eyes out. Honestly I cried so much while reading this book. The theme is very much how to handle grief, anger and sadness and god that was so well done.
I actually have nothing to complain or critize on. The characterisation of the characters where wonderful and made sense and were fitting and god, I absolutly loved this book and it will be so dear to me.
My favourite character is 100% Azzar. This woman is absolutly iconic and I love her so much.
April 13, 2026
MIDDLE SCHOOL
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dragonborn: The Twilight Child by Struan Murray
I ADORE this series. Was I sobbing at the end? YES. This one really raises the stakes. The world feels bigger and a little darker, and the characters are dealing with some tough choices and big emotions. There’s still plenty of action and adventure, but this book leans more into the bonds between the characters, especially the friendships. Watching them stick together, mess up, and still show up for each other was honestly my favorite part. It hits that perfect balance of exciting and emotional without feeling too heavy, which is why I think it’s such a great fit for upper elementary and middle school readers. Kids are going to connect with these friendships so much. Funny, heartfelt, a little intense, and definitely tear jerking at the end, this series just keeps getting better.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dragonborn: The Twilight Child by Struan Murray
I ADORE this series. Was I sobbing at the end? YES. This one really raises the stakes. The world feels bigger and a little darker, and the characters are dealing with some tough choices and big emotions. There’s still plenty of action and adventure, but this book leans more into the bonds between the characters, especially the friendships. Watching them stick together, mess up, and still show up for each other was honestly my favorite part. It hits that perfect balance of exciting and emotional without feeling too heavy, which is why I think it’s such a great fit for upper elementary and middle school readers. Kids are going to connect with these friendships so much. Funny, heartfelt, a little intense, and definitely tear jerking at the end, this series just keeps getting better.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews