Some fantasy stories are driven by action alone, while others are shaped just as much by emotion and identity. Dragonborn by Struan Murray falls into the second category — a darker, thoughtful fantasy that explores grief, control, and what it means to grow into who you truly are.
This juvenile fantasy novel blends dragons and magic with very real feelings of loss, fear, and self-doubt, making it especially compelling for readers who enjoy fantasy with emotional depth.
Brief Summary
The story follows Alex, a girl whose life changes dramatically shortly after the death of her father. Her mother, overwhelmed by fear and anxiety, becomes extremely overprotective, carefully scheduling every aspect of Alex’s life and leaving little room for independence.
Everything shifts when a mysterious man arrives and reveals a shocking truth: Alex is not fully human — she is a dragon.
Unlike the other dragonborn students she later meets, Alex cannot transform into her dragon form. Instead, she remains stuck in her human body, unsure if she truly belongs in the dragon world at all. She is sent to a dragon school to learn more about who she is and what she might become, even though she seems to lack the most important dragon ability.
As Alex struggles to fit in, she discovers she has a different — and dangerous — power: the rare ability to communicate with dead dragons. This unexpected gift forces her to confront hidden truths and rethink what it truly means to be dragonborn.
The Good
This book does an excellent job blending fantasy with emotional realism. Alex’s grief over her father’s death and her complicated relationship with her mother feel authentic and relatable, even within a magical setting.
From a classroom and library perspective, Dragonborn supports:
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Themes of identity and belonging
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Coping with loss and change
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Independence versus overprotection
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Discovering strengths that don’t fit expectations
Readers who enjoy character-driven fantasy will appreciate the depth and complexity of this story.
The Not-So-Good (From a School Librarian Lens)
This is a dark and emotionally intense read, and the pacing is deliberate. Some students may find the tone heavy, particularly early in the book as the story explores grief, fear, and control.
It’s also worth noting that the book includes one mild instance of language (“damn”). While this is unlikely to be an issue for most older readers, it’s something I always note from a school librarian perspective.
Because of these elements, this title is best matched thoughtfully to readers who are ready for complex emotions and sustained tension.
Classroom & Curriculum Connections
While primarily a recreational read, Dragonborn offers strong discussion opportunities for older students:
ELA
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Character development and internal conflict
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Theme analysis (identity, power, belonging)
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How fantasy reflects real-world emotions
SEL
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Navigating grief and loss
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Managing control and independence
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Recognizing strengths that look different
This book would work well in fantasy literature circles or as an option for advanced or avid readers.
Overall
Dragonborn is a moody, atmospheric fantasy that asks big questions about identity, power, and belonging. While it may not appeal to every reader, it offers a powerful experience for students who enjoy darker stories with emotional weight.
For school libraries serving upper-elementary and middle-school readers, this is a strong — if intense — addition to a fantasy collection.
Recommended Grade Levels
Grades 5–8
Best suited for mature readers who enjoy darker, character-driven fantasy.
Why Your Students Will Love It
Students who enjoy dragons, secret identities, and magical schools will be drawn in quickly. Alex’s struggle to belong — and her discovery that power doesn’t always look the way we expect — makes this a story that lingers long after the final page.
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