Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in order to provide my honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Sharique Zea to bring you this post.
Have you ever wondered if there are other realms out there? Today we are sharing a middle grade fantasy novel with different realms and a group of kids who travel between them to save the universe. The book is Lionborn by Sharique Zea. There is a giveaway after my review.
About the Book:
Lionborn Written by Sharique ZeaAges 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/
From Me:
Fionn goes from the boy being bullied to hero in this book. He is living his life in England without many friends because he shared his weird monster dreams when he was younger. His dreams seem so real, but no one seems to believe him. When he makes a new friend, Tiny, he finally has someone who doesn't find his dreams strange. Then weird things begin to happen. The dreams are turning into reality and he and his friends, Tiny and Ella, end up fighting a demon on another realm and discovering a lot about themselves and their families.
The story grabs the reader from the start. The strange dreams that seem so real for Fionn. The mystery of strange happenings and then the typical shy middle school boy. The story adds twists and turns and keeps the reader wanting more. It is action packed and full of feeling. The characters are well developed and deal with feelings of belonging, relationships, and trust. The shy young boy discovers his powers and courage and faces a quest from which no one has returned. Plus, the book leaves an opening for more books which quite honestly excites me as a reader.
This book is perfect for the middle grade/young adult reader who loves action and drama. It is full of both but also has themes of working together and finding the people one can trust. There are themes of acceptance and forgiveness as well as loss. I can see this being an exciting book to read aloud as a class or to just read and discuss as a class or book club. It is also a fun read that most kids will enjoy as long as they can handle fantasy and things not being completely realistic. And yes, as a Leo, I am very jealous of Fionn and his connection to a lion. How fun to have a lion shadow that helps and protects you!
