The Mursei clan of Dragons fled Verlaunde after Dragon society fell into a state of constant war between the clans, but they neglected to close the portals behind them. Now, the Mursei fight to protect their new home, Urthe, from the enemy dragons who followed them there in Cowperthwait’s The Legend of the Dragon Child. When a heavily pregnant human woman stumbles into their cave to flee the fighting outside, Queen Starleira realizes that this child is the one that legend has told them will be the bridge between dragons and people. They call the child Kaida and raise her among the other hatchlings of their clan until fate returns her to the humans and the prophecy is set in motion.

The Legend of the Dragon Child is an enchanting tale of dragons, magic, and destiny. Cowperthwaite presents an intriguing and mysterious world where dragons move between worlds via portals and battle ferociously in the skies of both Urthe and Verlaunde. Every battle in The Legend of the Dragon Child feels epic, and although there are times when the plot seems to resolve complications a little too easily, this novel tells a tense and enthralling story as the interference of an immortal dragon threatens the fate of all dragonkind. Middle grade and younger YA readers will adore Cowperthwaite’s unique representation of dragons, from the brave but ill-fated warrior Galdean, and wise elder Zelspar, to the deeply loving friendship between Kaida and Zlemtec. The Legend of the Dragon Child is a uniquely enchanting novel that captivates the imagination.

In The Legend of the Dragon Child (Book One) by Cheryl Rush Cowperthwait, a young girl is found alone in the forest by villagers who dwell nearby. She carries a mark across her left shoulder, four deep slashing scars — the mark of the dragon－ and has a dragon's scale of Blue and Gold in her possession. The villagers take her in, "half out of fear and half out of pity". But young Kaida is never alone. Under the watchful eyes of the dragons, particularly the one called Zlemtec, Kaida lives with the people of Urthe until the time comes for her to fulfill her destiny as the one who will connect the people and the dragons. She is, after all, the Legend, the beloved Dragon Child.

Cheryl Rush Cowperthwait’s The Legend of the Dragon Child is highly imaginative. The world-building is rich with details particularly with the dragons’ background story, their different ‘hails’ with their own unique attributes, their system of governance and the dynamics in their relationships. The plot is much more extensive and multifaceted than I expected, as readers will follow the ‘origin’ story of Kaida mostly from the perspective of the dragons and their effort to protect the world of Urthe from their wars, including the internal conflict amongst themselves. The battle scenes are well-depicted, full of tension and alarming moments. The characters are memorable; the bond between Kaida and Zlemtec is touching and wonderful. All in all, a solid first book in the series and a fantasy tale that YA readers will enjoy.