Check Out My Book Review Of ‘Lionborn and the Secret of Dark Rider’ by Sharique Zea PLUS A Giveaway! #LionbornTour

This post is sponsored by Sharique Zea. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.

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

Amazon

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.

Website

MY REVIEW

After reading Lionborn, I knew I would be eagerly anticipating the next installment in Fionn Hurley’s story. The first book completely pulled me into his world, so I was thrilled to return to Fionn and the magical realm of Arborea for another adventure. If Lionborn grabbed my heart, then Lionborn and the Secret of Dark Rider held onto it and took me on an even bigger journey. I loved seeing how much Fionn has grown since the first book. He is still facing uncertainty and challenges, but there is a noticeable shift in him as he begins to recognize his own strength and the courage he carries within him. And with magic, danger, friendship, mysterious visions, and even a baby dragon thrown into the mix, there is never a dull moment!

What I especially enjoyed about this installment is how the story expands the world of Arborea while continuing to develop the characters I connected with in the first book. Fionn’s relationships with his friends remain such an important part of the story, and I loved watching loyalty and friendship continue to shape his journey. At the same time, the mystery surrounding his connection to Arborea adds another layer that kept me turning the pages and wondering what secrets would eventually be revealed. There is a wonderful balance of adventure and emotion here, making it feel like a true continuation of Fionn’s journey rather than simply another adventure.

The adventure is fast-paced and filled with magical training, unexpected twists, dangerous enemies, and plenty of heart. I especially enjoyed watching Fionn move from a boy who was unsure of where he belonged into someone who is beginning to understand that being a hero isn’t about having all the answers… it’s about having the courage to keep going when things get difficult. That message of self-discovery, friendship, and believing in yourself is once again woven beautifully throughout the story.

Fans of Lionborn will definitely want to continue Fionn’s journey with Lionborn and the Secret of Dark Rider, and readers who love middle-grade fantasy filled with magic, adventure, friendship, and a little bit of mystery will have plenty to enjoy here. Sharique Zea has created a world that feels imaginative and exciting while still giving readers characters and emotions they can genuinely connect with. I was so happy to finally get the second installment I had been looking forward to, and now I’m already wondering what comes next for Fionn. After everything he has faced, I have a feeling his story is far from over! A magical, adventurous, and heartwarming sequel that left me roaring for more.

TOUR SCHEDULE

Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Children’s Book Review
Book Review of Lionborn and the Secret of Dark Rider

Friday, October 2, 2026
Deliciously Savvy
Book Review of Lionborn and the Secret of Dark Rider

Monday, October 5, 2026
The Starlit Path
Book Review of Lionborn and the Secret of Dark Rider

Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Country Mamas With Kids
Book Review of Lionborn and the Secret of Dark Rider

Thursday, October 8, 2026
Cover Lover Book Review
Book Review of Lionborn and the Secret of Dark Rider

Friday, October 9, 2026
Q&As with Deborah Kalb
Author Interview with Sharique Zea

Monday, October 12, 2026
Crafty Moms Share
Book Review of Lionborn and the Secret of Dark Rider

Tuesday, October 13, 2026
@MaryLanniReads
Book Review of Lionborn and the Secret of Dark Rider

Monday, October 26, 2026
icefairy’s Treasure Chest
Book Review of Lionborn and the Secret of Dark Rider

Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Confessions of a Book Addict
Book Spotlight on Lionborn and the Secret of Dark Rider

Thursday, October 29, 2026
@nissa_the.bookworm
Instagram Post about Lionborn and the Secret of Dark Rider

NOW TO THE 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.

Click HERE To Enter Today Or Simply Click The Image Below! Good Luck!