Lionborn by Sharique Zea
On the blog today, we have a Q&A with Sharique Zea, author of Lionborn! The great questions and answers may inspire you to pick up a copy of this book.
Q&A with Sharique Zea, author of Lionborn
Lionborn is the story of 12-year-old Fionn who discovers he has the powerful magical gifts of a Lionborn, and he must master his newfound powers to save his friends. So, tell us, what exactly is a Lionborn?
In my story, Lionborns were otherworldly beings, now believed to be extinct. They were born with a second soul, that of a lion. Hence, the name Lionborn. I chose the lion as a metaphor for strength and courage, something that my protagonist, Fionn, develops over the course of the story and something I want readers to realise they all have within them. Unfortunately for Fionn, a Lionborn’s blood can be potent enough to resurrect the dead!
Your story features multiple realms and lots of action between them. How did you go about writing such an imaginative fantasy and what research did you do to help create this world?
As a reader, I’ve always been captivated by immersive world-building and found myself lost in those intricate details. Creating my own world brought that same sense of wonder—watching Arborea take shape with its own magic systems, cultures, and diverse inhabitants was truly magical.
Growing up, the works of C.S. Lewis, Tolkien, and Philip Pullman sparked my imagination and showed me how magical worlds could reflect profound truths about our own, and I wanted to do something similar with Arborea. It emerged through years of reading, watching, experiencing, and imagining. Everything I’ve encountered throughout my life—from stories and myths to personal experiences—merged with the landscape of my imagination and gave me the idea of how I wanted to tell this story.
What was the inspiration behind writing Lionborn?
Well, I wrote Lionborn for my boys. They are my true inspiration. But Lionborn is also something I wrote after enduring bullying as an adult. I was always a bit shy and introverted. I believe that gave bullies the perception that I was weak or unimportant. They saw someone who can be easily broken. But during my darkest hours, my friends in London and people around me showed kindness, compassion, and acceptance. Gradually, I realized there’s so much to life, and my passion for storytelling returned. It pulled me out of the deep end and gave me the purpose and courage to stand up for myself and say no to bullying. Lionborn is not just a book to me; it’s a proof of my survival.
What message would you like to give to readers, young and old, who might be being bullied now, and what do you hope readers will take from Lionborn?
I wanted to write a story that was fun and full of action and adventure. But the story is about perseverance, bravery, survival, and, more importantly, understanding that you are capable of so many things. Throughout Fionn’s journey, we witness his transformation from a fearful, anxious child into someone filled with courage and determination. Lionborn is my way of showing my sons, showing all children, that through perseverance and friendship, everyone can discover their strength to overcome challenges. And to those suffering from being bullied now, know this: you have something special within you that bullies don’t. Don’t get discouraged, and don’t doubt yourself, you are stronger than you think. Talk and seek help from people who you trust. Remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of intelligence. So, stay positive, stay strong, and be a Lionborn!
Views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the Federation.
