This post is sponsored by Sharique Zea. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.
MY REVIEW
Some kids have nightmares. Fionn Hurley wakes up with injuries. That’s the first warning sign in Lionborn by Sharique Zea, a fast-paced middle-grade fantasy that wastes no time pulling readers into danger. Fionn’s dreams aren’t just bad. They’re violent, detailed, and disturbingly real. Lava. Monsters. Dark voices whispering his name. And when those dreams start leaving scars behind, it’s clear something is very wrong.
At school, Fionn is the ‘monster boy.’ The kid nobody believes. The kid everyone laughs at. Even his parents brush off his fears. But when a mysterious lion cub begins appearing in reflections—and a shadow-filled world called ‘Arborea’ starts bleeding into his life—Fionn discovers the truth: he is ‘Lionborn’, and powerful forces want his blood.
Zea excels at building suspense. Each chapter drops another clue, another threat, another reason to keep reading. The villains are genuinely unsettling, the monsters feel dangerous, and the stakes climb quickly. But the story never loses its heart. Friendships with Ella and the fearless Tiny bring humor and warmth, balancing the darker moments.
What makes Lionborn especially effective is how it taps into a classic fear: being the only one who sees the danger. Readers will root for Fionn as he learns that being different isn’t a curse—it’s the key to survival. Perfect for fans of Harry Potter-style tension mixed with epic fantasy, Lionborn is a gripping start to a world full of shadows, secrets, and roaring courage.
GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win one of 10 signed paperback copies of Lionborn by Sharique Zea. A grand prize winner will also receive a signed copy plus a $50 USD Amazon gift card to explore even more magical reads.
Lionborn: Book GiveawayABOUT THE BOOK
Written by Sharique Zea
Ages 10+ | 228 Pages
Publisher: Sharique Zea (2025) | ISBN: 978-1-0682018-2-0
Publisher’s Book Summary: A Boy with Hidden Power. An Evil Sorcerer. Three Daring Trials to Test His Courage.
Fionn Hurley feels different. Worried his nightmares might be real, the twelve-year-old has visions of strange creatures and wakes up covered in mysterious marks that heal in a flash. But when a lion cub appears beside his reflection, the curious boy travels to a mystical land… and discovers he’s a Lionborn with powerful magic.
Fionn is shocked to hear an evil sorcerer wants him to bring back a dark overlord. But after finding a clue to defeating the wicked enchanter, the brave young hero discovers three perilous trials stand between him and victory.
With everyone out to get him, can Fionn embrace his abilities and save the people he loves?
If you like friendships full of courage, jaw-dropping surprises, and worlds bursting with magic, then step into Lionborn and let the adventure roar!
PURCHASE LINK
https://books2read.com/u/47poZL
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sharique Zea was born in Ranchi, Eastern India, into a family of educators. He is a chartered accountant.
His imagination took flight early, drawing him towards books and libraries. Entranced by worlds of smoke and dreams, he would spin fantastical tales as a child, a personal pastime that stayed with him even as he entered the world of finance in London.
He has kept his passion alive by creating stories whenever inspiration strikes, and although his day job crunches numbers, his heart beats for the magic of storytelling.
For more information, visit https://www.shariquezea.com/
