An enchanting adventure, full of magic, mystery and captivating characters. Dragonborn is a five star, incredibly powerful and poignant story and I cannot wait to see what happens next. Huge thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC.

The way unicorns and variations of creatures from Greek mythology have dominated the last few years, I think it’s safe to say we are very much in the era of the dragon and Dragonborn solidifies that even more with, what I would argue, one of the strongest middle grade dragon stories of all time.

And, funnily enough, the dragons are not the reason why I would say that. Within their wondrous existence in Dragonborn, Murray masterfully weaves themes of self-discovery, friendship, and courage against a sprawling, breathtaking backdrop filled with a well-established mythical lore and vivid, imagination fuelling settings. It’s hard to describe to people who are readers, but this book made my imagination feel colourful, like the saturation was on full, and that will always be a sign of a brilliant book for me.

Alex is a poignant protagonist dealing with the grief of a lost loved one, but also, interestingly, the loss of watching her childhood pass her by under her mother’s control. On Skralla, we watch as she comes grows (and sometimes fights the growth) and comes to terms with both the changes and things that remain resultant from these emotions all within a narrative that is expertly paced, keeping me flipping page after page until I finished.

Murray's writing style is truly the shining star of middle grade dragon fuelled adventures with each phrase thought provoking yet accessible, making it a delight for children and the adults who read alongside them. This is the type of book that myself, as a child, would have encouraged everyone around me to read because I would’ve NEEDED someone to understand my excited about this story and, in fact, I’m pretty much doing the same thing as an adult. It’s THAT good.

Without giving too much away, the book’s climax delivers a satisfying blend of action and emotional cliffhanging, which left me and is sure to leave other readers eager for what comes next in Dragonborn 2. Perfect for anyone reading age 9+, Dragonborn is an unforgettable journey into a world where the extraordinary waits just beneath the surface of all of us. So while I go try and uncover my inner dragon, I recommend you go and get your copy now!

I’ve been savouring every page. This is just EXQUISITE. It’s got a delicious plot, incredible characters, exquisite moments of the power of humanity… and a shed load of dragons. It’s fair to say that I 100% swore at this book MULTIPLE times - it’s JUST THAT GOOD.

The whole concept of this book was just so intriguing and the idea of dragons that can turn into human form made for great reading.

We’re introduced to this world through Dr Archibald Puppinsworth and Alex, who discovers she’s more apart of the world than she could ever have thought. She lost her dad when she was younger, with her mother overly protective providing enough structure in her life to send her crazy. She longs to break free from her bonds but when she meets a mysterious man in the woods, her life changes forever.

She discovers a world of dragons, magic and danger. She’s in the race against time to change into her inner dragon form but it’s not as easy as it’s made out to be. And the fact that she can hear voices that no one else can makes the mystery deepen even further..

It made for entertaining read and a great start to a series. I can’t wait to see how it will develop from here and it’s sure to be a quick fire hit.

Another great read from Struan Murray. Full of action and suspense this tells the story of Alex. Struggling to keep her feelings inside after the death of her father and coping with an over protective mother.
One strange night, she meets Oliphos and discovers she is 'dragonborn' and most go to Skralla to learn to release her dragon.
However, things don't go as planned, and Alex needs to overcome her fears to release the dragon inside and learn more about Drak Minds.
A slower start to this one, but then I was gripped and really disappointed when it ended. Hope there's another book in this exciting series.

Another great book from Murray. Great characters, a likeable main character, and some amazing story twists!
I liked the unusual take on dragons, where they can take human forms, but some don't ever realise they are a dragon.
There's so much excitement in this book and saying too much would spoil it, so just read it while I desperately wait for book 2!

I have been captivated to read this ever since I first heard about it. I love a good kids book, and I love a fantasy book with dragons in, and so this sounded right up my street. I had just finished a hard-hitting emotional memoir so I needed a bit of fun to perk me up.

I have read quite a lot of dragon books recently, adult and kids, and whilst all very good, they all tend to stick with known dragon lore. Whereas Struan has given us the traditional dragons but within a new and exciting form, which was a lovely surprise.

There's definitely an element of A.F Steadman's Skandar series about it, and it had the magical feeling of the Narnia books too.

It's fun and exciting but it doesn't hide away from difficult topics, such as death, loss, and grief.

Struan has beautifully created a wonderful world. He's so descriptive that you can see everything; the island, the dragons, even the fear. It feels like such a real place and you're right in there with them.

A lot of adults won't read children's books, thinking they wouldn't enjoy them, but they're missing out. Because I love a good thriller book or crime novel, but sometimes I want a dragon, and Struan gives us plenty.

As an adult reader, it can be hard to identify with child characters, especially as this book has a lot of children in it, but they're all fabulous. I'm not going to say I identify with children who happen to be dragons, but Alex is a well rounded protagonist who you really root for. She's surrounded by lots of others, good and bad, teacher and pupil, and they all work so well together.

Its great fun, thrilling, exciting, funny, magical, scary, but it has a really big heart. It's quick and easy to read. I did it in a few hours, but I can definitely see it being a book children get their parents to read them at night. It's destined to become a classic fantasy story.

I sure hope it's the start of a series. There's so much still to say and do, and I want to be a part of it.