Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie R. Wheadon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sequel delivers thrilling dragon battles and tackles grief.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In THE TWILIGHT CHILD, the island of Skralla is no longer safe when Drak Midna kidnaps Oliphos as leverage. Drak Midna needs just a drop of a powerful dragon's blood to release his dragon soul, regain his dragon form, and begin his extermination campaign against the entire human race. That's why Alex, Ferox, and friends race from Skralla to the Scottish outpost of Dundarrak. The formidable leader of Dundarrak, Raghulf, needs to know that Drak Midna is coming for his blood, and coming to end the tradition of humans and dragons living in harmony. But a much greater threat looms in Dunarrak when they arrive. Scores of blood-thirsty demons are flying through a portal near the capital every day and magic protection stones are failing. Is Drak Midna responsible for this danger as well, or are there other forces in play?
Is It Any Good?
This dragon sequel stays exciting with plot twists, betrayals, and so many demons to battle, but it goes deep too, exploring anger, grief, and loss with many characters at once. Alex and Ferox stand out as the angriest characters who butt heads constantly, but there's grief bubbling below the surface for both of them. For Alex's new mysterious spirit friend, Skiora; for the cruel Drak Midna who's seen too much war; and for Raghulf, the gruff leader of Dundarrak, grief drives them beyond reason and compassion toward certain annihilation. It's Alex, Ferox, and their young friends who show the way back to a better world for all of them, while fighting massive demons with a whole lot of flair and little help from those puny humans.
It's unfortunate that the climactic action couldn't run its course to victory in the last third. A few too many betrayals sour the mood and deliver more complications than necessary. And then there's a devastating death that's bound to overtax many readers' tear ducts. This series certainly keeps readers guessing, and the next installment is bound to deliver more excitement, depth, and surprises.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why the trainer pairs Alex and Ferox together in The Twilight Child. How is it a total disaster at first? When do they begin to show empathy for each other? Do you have a friend that pushes your buttons but is still a good friend?
There are many responses to grief in this book. How does grief cloud the judgement of Skiora and Drak Midna? Which characters learn to communicate better about their grief? Which characters channel their grief into teamwork and helping others?
What do you think is next for Alex and friends? Do you like her new dragon name? Why does it hold extra special meaning?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings , Single Parents ) , Fantasy ( Dragons , Magic ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Courage , Empathy , Perseverance , Self-control , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Dutton Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : October 20, 2026
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 384
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 28, 2026
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