Lionborn and the Secret of Dark Rider (Lionborn 2) by Sharique Zea

What worked:

The book opens with Marrok ruthlessly slaughtering villagers, burning their homes, fields, and livestock.   He conjures and controls a pack of wolves, and Fionn, the protagonist, sees an image of Abigor in a flaming inferno. Fionn is shocked because in the previous book he cast Abigor out of Aseria and the human world. This leaves readers wondering if Marrok is following Abigor’s orders. Marrok continues wreaking havoc across Aseria and becomes aware of Fionn’s presence. Fionn doesn’t think he’s powerful enough to stop Marrok, so readers will anticipate a future showdown between them. Some of Fionn’s hazy dreams about his past gain clarity. He eventually discovers unbelievable memories about the identity of his birth father.

Fionn is joined by two allies, Ella and Tiny. Fionn is Lionborn, meaning he can shoot rays from his eyes, get visions of the future, and he’s bonded with Uks, an invisible lion with powers of his own. Ella has a special power too, and readers catch a glimpse of her potential, which is still raw and out of control. In the first book, Fionn knew little about his abilities or how they worked. In this book, he begins taking classes at the Phom to learn more about Aseria and improve his fighting skills. Readers will expect him to get better, but they’ll be shocked by the changes.

Fionn suspects Abigor is still trying to get Ella and him, and there may be more Abigor followers than Marrok. Middle-grade novels often have seemingly innocent characters turn out to be working for the antagonist. Consequently, readers may be suspicious when new “friends” enter the story. At Phom, Fionn meets an orphan boy, Alain, and they become fast friends. However, while practicing spells, Alain conjures a huge dragon made of water that attacks Ella. It looks like someone hijacked his spell and took control of the creature, but who is that powerful? Speaking of dragons, Fionn receives a dragon egg as a gift, and the mischievous newborn adds a little levity to the story.

What didn’t work as well:

Amazon indicates the book is for ages eight and older, but eight is probably too young. Also, Fionn is attacked late in the story, but surprisingly, he doesn’t use a powerful defensive weapon that he’s learned.

The final verdict:

Readers should expect to read the next book in the series, as this one ends at a dramatic moment. This book is full of action, mystery, and surprises, and I highly recommend that you check it out.