Dragonborn

Some stories spark; others ignite something deeper. Dragonborn by Struan Murray is an unparalleled, fire-breathing exploration of family secrets laid bare in the most reader-licious way—by being magically relatable. Fantasy meets adventure in the powerful first installment of a new series, where Murray masterfully explores the symbiotic relationship between humans and dragons, burning and bending the boundaries of humanity and myth. Dragonborn is a story about untapped potential, and learning to embrace the fire within. This is fresh storytelling at its finest and a must-read for all dragon lovers.

Murray’s heroine, twelve-year old Alex Evans, is an obedient middle-schooler grieving the loss of her father and dealing with an overprotective mother. Through Alex, Murray captures the beauty and pain of repressed identity, and the awakening of courage as she slowly rallies against the strict confines of a rigid world. The engaging dragonlore of Skralla—an island where dragons are trained—serves as the perfect stage for Alex to finally unleash her inner fire. The pacing is pitch-perfect; the ebb and flow of each mistake and triumph feels earned, making the book’s crescendo both emotional and satisfying. Another notable feature of the novel is Murray’s impressively well-developed secondary characters, successfully underscoring the core themes of self-discovery and belonging. Murray deftly shows how unresolved fears and secrets can smolder beneath the surface until they ignite into a fiery reckoning, effectively challenging young readers to look inward and confront what lies dormant within themselves. This foundation solidifies Dragonborn as a memorable coming-of-age story that leaves readers yearning for more—more backstory, more heart, and definitely more dragons.

Murray’s foray into the magical realm of humans and dragons erupts onto the page as a bold, emotionally-charged exploration of war, conflict, identity, and redemption. Skralla becomes a place where mistakes can be forgiven and courage can be reborn. And even amidst the impending threats, Murray leaves breathing room for imperfections—the small, painfully human moments that make this world so captivating. With its rich world-building, vibrant prose, and universal themes, Murray’s latest novel breathes both fire and life. A beautifully-bound addition to any bookshelf, Dragonborn is a fierce and fiery delight that cements Murray as a storyteller who writes with both power and grace, leaving readers enchanted long after the final page.

—CANREADS BOOK REVIEW

Published by Puffin Books

Purchase Dragonborn at Indigo

www.struanmurray.com