MY REVIEW
Lionborn and the Secret of Dark Rider by Sharique Zea is a fast-moving middle-grade fantasy packed with magic, mystery, friendship, and some wonderfully strange creatures. The story follows twelve-year-old Fionn, a Lionborn with unusual powers who can travel between the human world and the magical realm of Arborea with his shadow beast, Uks. When the dangerous Marrok attacks the village of Aseria, Fionn suspects an old enemy may be involved.
Meanwhile, Fionn receives a mysterious letter from his unknown father and an extraordinary gift: a baby dragon named Magnus. As Fionn, Ella, and Tiny investigate the growing threat, secrets surrounding Fionn’s family and a mysterious new friend begin to unravel.
Zea balances the bigger fantasy adventure with humour, school life, loyal friendships, and Fionn’s search for belonging. The twists become increasingly clever, particularly toward the finale, which reveals just how closely Fionn’s past and the danger surrounding him are connected. An imaginative, exciting sequel with a terrific cliffhanger!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Lionborn and the Secret of Dark Rider
Written by Sharique Zea
Illustrated by Manuel Šumberac
Ages: 10-14 | 238 Pages
Publisher: Silverhush Press (2026) | ISBN-13: 978-1-0669013-5-7
Publisher’s Book Summary: Some enemies seek power. This one seeks Fionn Hurley—but heroes don’t fall, they rise roaring.
Fionn Hurley thought life between London and the magical realm of Arborea couldn’t surprise him anymore. He was wrong. When his bonded shadow-beast whisks him back to Arborea and straight into a burning village, he fears that a banished enemy has returned.
As Fionn and his friends at Arborea’s school of magic wrestle with unpredictable powers, intense magical training, and a baby dragon who depends on him, unsettling clues surface: an aunt who suddenly can’t stand him and visions that suggest his ties to Arborea run deeper than he ever believed.
With enemies closing in, Fionn realizes there’s only one way to track the real threat before it finds him first: earn a coveted place on a magical investigations team.
The thrilling second book in the Lionborn series — a fast-paced middle-grade fantasy adventure packed with magic, courage and friendship, and the next step in Fionn’s journey from uncertainty to confidence.
Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson, Skandar, and the Amari series.
PURCHASE LINKS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sharique Zea was born in Ranchi, Eastern India, and grew up in a home where books were part of everyday life. With a headmaster for a father and a college professor for a mother, he spent countless hours in his local library, where his imagination took root in tales of magic, courage, and faraway worlds.
He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from St. Xavier’s College and an Executive MBA from XLRI Jamshedpur, one of India’s leading management institutions. Now based in London, Sharique works as a Chartered Accountant, balancing financials by day and building fantasy worlds by night. When he is not writing, he’s reading, collecting story ideas, or chasing that same sense of wonder that first drew him into fiction.
GIVEAWAY
Readers who follow along on this virtual book tour will have the chance to win one of 10 signed paperback copies of Lionborn and the Secret of Dark Rider by Sharique Zea. One lucky grand prize winner will also receive a $50 Amazon gift card.
*This post is sponsored by Sharique Zea. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.
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