More great reads: the best books for 9 year olds
"Middle grade fantasy shot-through with magic, friendship and a stirring slow-burn journey to confidence."
Fast-paced and exuberantly fantastical, Sharique Zea’s Lionborn and the Secret of Dark Rider sees Fionn confront greater dangers, decisions and challenges than he endured in the first book in the Lionborn series. Existing almost in limbo between London and the magical realm of Arborea, his hero’s journey from insecurity to tentatively finding a sense of self-confidence is nothing but gripping and emotionally resonant.
Life in Crestview Academy feels at once relatably ordinary and extraordinary as Fionn and his friends Ella and Tiny eat lunch while discussing a monster, Marrok, who “leaves disaster and torment in his wake”. Then comes a visit from Fionn’s hyper-critical aunt, and a letter that might hold the key to unlocking more truths about his parents.
Through a carefully-plotted story of self-discovery that finely balances real feelings with epic magic, there are elves, monsters and a baby dragon, along with apparitions, and enemies at every turn. Richly written and mythic in scope, Lionborn and the Secret of Dark Rider offers age-appropriate insights into emotional themes (courage, friendship, tested loyalty, trust, and endurance) alongside being a rip-roaring read for Skandar fans.
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| Primary Genre | Indie Author Books |
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the best books for 9-12 year olds · the best books for teenagers
We return to Fionn’s magical world where a banished enemy looms as he faces challenges both at home and at school.
Diving straight back into the dual world of London and the magical world of Arborea, readers reunite with Fionn, Lionborn and steadily learn to navigate his powers alongside friends Ella and Tiny. This sequel is perfect for readers who enjoy magic academy books, with spell classes, fighting training and tense examinations that are much more dangerous than human tests. With unpredictable magic and his friends at risk, Fionn must come top of his class to be on the magical investigations team, tracking down the mysterious threat before it finds him first.
This book is perfect for readers who like magical adventures like Skandar, though I’d recommend starting with book one to be properly introduced to all the characters. The parallel of human life with his family offers moments of grounding and challenges all its own even as magic seeps into the hurley household.... Read Full Review
Available from Amazon Books2Read Link Some enemies seek power. This one seeks Fionn Hurley — but heroes don't fall, they rise roaring.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Lionborn and the Secret of Dark Rider and determined it is suitable for children aged 9-12 years old
Lionborn and the Secret of Dark Rider features in the following genres: Featured Books for 9+ readers, Featured Books for 11+ readers, Indie Author Books , Recommendations, Fantasy / Magical, Animal Stories, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational
Paperback, Hardback, Ebook. Not Available.
Lionborn and the Secret of Dark Rider was written by Sharique Zea and published by Independently published
Yes it is part of Lionborn series
