Read this to my children aged 12, 10, and 6. The ten year old enjoyed it the most. This is a perfectly fine dragon book for kids. Maybe a little lacking, but simple and fun. We loved that the dragons were the characters. And we're always rooting for an underdog.

So I loved the concept here and the characters, but it starts out in such a wild place with no context. I kept hitting back and forth on my Kindle to make sure I didn't miss anything. Then I thought ok, maybe this is not the first in the series. But it is. And then I was like ok, maybe it's a companion novel in a universe. But as far as I could tell it wasn't. I really hope that maybe my version just missed a chapter (but I don't think so because it started at 1) because I was just so confused about the setup. I can imagine children would be too because we have no introduction to anything and just have to figure it out as best we can along the way.

A fun, fast read reminding us to be ourselves and stand up for our beliefs. Filled with cute illustrations this book is perfect for young readers to build confidence with the easy to read, bite size text.
Thank you NetGalley and Yellow Morning Press for the arc.

I read this with my 7 year old and he seemed to really like it. I’d say this book would be best for probably late elementary school age children.

I liked the illustrations and my son particularly liked the picture of the dragons eating. The storyline was cute and engaging enough for a younger child, but might be a bit easy for middle school aged children.

Overall me and my child really enjoyed this book and definitely would read more.

Qigong City introduces readers to an enchanting world where young dragons compete in thrilling arena battles, blending martial arts and magic in a captivating tale perfect for readers aged 7 and up. The story centers on Fennec Swordtail, an underdog from the humble Redvale Village, who is unexpectedly chosen to compete for a spot in the prestigious Dragon League. Despite his small stature, short wings, and underdeveloped horns, Fennec’s journey is a testament to determination, grit, and the power of believing in oneself.

Set on the dragon continent of Valfaer, the novel immerses readers in a world where arena battles are not just entertainment but a deeply revered tradition. The narrative is filled with vibrant descriptions of Qigong City, a place teeming with elite junior dragons, each vying to prove their worth. Fennec’s struggle to stand out in a world where the odds are stacked against him is both heartwarming and inspiring, making him a relatable hero for young readers.

The competition in the Battle School is intense, with Fennec facing not only physical challenges but also the skepticism of his peers and the weight of his own insecurities. Yet, it’s Fennec’s unyielding spirit and his refusal to give up that truly drive the story. His journey from a small village to the grand arenas of Qigong City is filled with lessons about perseverance, friendship, and the importance of self-belief.

The richly illustrated pages add an extra layer of magic to the story, bringing the dragons and their world to life in vivid detail. Young readers will be drawn to the dynamic illustrations that capture the action and the unique personalities of the dragons competing for glory.

In summary, Qigong City is a delightful read that combines adventure, fantasy, and valuable life lessons in a way that’s perfect for young readers. With its engaging plot, lovable protagonist, and a world full of magic and martial arts, this book is sure to become a favorite for those who love tales of underdogs rising to the challenge. Whether you’re new to the world of dragons or a long-time fan, Fennec Swordtail’s quest to join the Dragon League is a journey you won’t want to miss.

It is not often nowadays that I reach for a middle grade, but this proves to me that I should. I was charmed with the young dragons from the beginning and their dreams. While the misfit trope is widely used I think it is pretty real with how people feel more often than not, so everyone can connect with our main character and understand what he is going through.

I loved the message overall. Never give up on your dreams, no matter how hard and impossible to achieve they seem. And always try to do it your way. Get inspired by others but find what works for you.

Sometimes, even adults need to remember this.

I recieved a free eARC of this book. Thank you for the opportunity to read it.

Young dragons who enter the dragon battle school have the opportunity to attempt to enter the cave of legends and bond with an elemental totem spirit. Young Fennec quickly becomes known as "bowling pin" because he's bowled over so often...but when he enters the cave, he finds a very, very unexpected totem.

This is a cute, short chapter book with nice line illustrations. It reads, in many ways, like an easier version of Wings of Fire. I admit to wishing it had been developed a little more and a little longer, as an adult. Still, I think Fennec's adventures will be enjoyed. This cute book is appropriate for school and class libraries and will likely be appreciated there.

Pretty good but easy. Seems like already read, already seen, but it works. It's fine, gonna be good for first readers

Unbelievably sweet and exciting, CAVE OF LEGENDS is a fast-paced fantasy for dragon-lovers who are too young for Wings of Fire. The school and tournament settings are a terrific structure for friendship and adventure. This is the sort of story kids will love to make fanfiction and fanart of as they imagine themselves in Fennec's world. Highly recommended!

This book is definitely geared towards upper elementary (3rd-5th grade). The story is fairly basic but can be very entertaining for that age, especially since the characters are dragons. The story seems to have inconsistent pacing but nothing too bad to detract from the story.

Fennec Swordtail of Redvale village never expected to be chosen to compete to win a coveted spot in the Battle School for dragons located in Qigong City.

Now he must take the opportunity to learn as much as he can about magic and martial arts in order to have a fighting chance of winning the opportunity to remain there.

And even if his fellow villagers, and the other Dragons who mock Fennec, have a low opinion of his chances, the young dragon is determined to give it his best shot.

Attractively illustrated, this captivating story will appeal to young readers. And in the process, they may learn some important lessons from Fennec's adventure. It gets 3.5 stars.

What’s not to like?
A perfect children’s book featuring Fennec, a young dragon proving he belongs in ‘Dragon School’ by showing his fighting qualities.
Kids will love this, plenty of action, superb illustrated and with touches of humour too. A moralistic message if you look for it, maybe a little wordy in places, but an enjoyable read.
Thanks to Netgalley and Yellow Morning Press for providing me with an Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

Dragon League: Cave of Legends is marketed as a middle grade beginner’s chapter book. However, I found it more appropriate for upper elementary students who are itching to join the dragon commotion in the book community. The language is straightforward and approachable. It has as many exclamation points as a child learning punctuation.

The book takes a direct approach to common topics like bullying and being unsure of yourself. Conflict is almost nonexistent. A problem is brought up in one chapter, then solved the next. No one gets hurt.

There are also many little things that don’t make sense. First fennec says he went to the school against his parents’ wishes, but several paragraphs later he says his parents reluctantly allowed him to attend. Likewise, Master Svala says the Cave of Legends is a restricted topic, then in the very next chapter Yaro braggingly info dumps the whole cave layout?

My younger assistant (8f) read the first chapter over my shoulder before getting bored. My older assistant (10m) liked the dragon battles but said the chapters were too short.