Sharique Zea talks ‘Lionborn’, Self-Belief & Bullying

Bullying is a daunting experience that can leave deep and lasting scars on an individual.

For author Sharique Zea, his own personal struggles with being targeted became the powerful catalyst for his new children’s fantasy novel, Lionborn.

In an exclusive interview with DESIblitz, Sharique Zea discusses Lionborn, self-belief, and bullying.

He reveals how the story of a 12-year-old boy, Fionn, mirrors a universal journey from fear to courage.

The author opens up about transforming his pain into a compelling narrative.

The South Asian community can include people of Indian, Sri Lankan, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Nepalese backgrounds.

He hopes to inspire readers, especially within the South Asian community, to find their inner strength and stand up for what is right.

Can you tell us about the story of Lionborn? How does it convey the anti-bullying message?

Lionborn follows the story of a 12-year-old boy, Fionn, who has visions where he battles terrifying beasts and wakes up covered in mysterious, fast-healing wounds.

When a lion cub appears in his room, he travels to a mystical land and discovers his powerful magical gifts.

After encountering an evil sorcerer, Fionn realises that his friends are in danger, and he must embrace his newfound abilities and hidden strength to begin an extraordinary journey facing three deadly trials.

Fionn’s journey throughout Lionborn explores the themes of bullying, bravery, and using our power for good.

Getting bullied is one of the most daunting and unpleasant experiences somebody can go through, leaving a lasting impact on one’s mental, emotional, and physical health.

At the start of Lionborn, Fionn himself is bullied and alone, but he ultimately finds his way through friendship and self-belief.

The book revolves around a group of friends working together, no matter the challenges.

Their actions encourage kindness, empathy, and standing up for friends.

I hope that my book shows readers that being a passive bystander is not okay, and if you see something, say something, or at least provide emotional support to those being targeted.

Ultimately, I hope readers can see that we are all so much more than bullies can make us feel.

What inspired you to write this book? 

Fantasy has always been my literary home. 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.

A few years ago, I was going through some difficult times, and like the protagonist, Fionn, I needed to show courage in the face of adversity.

So, I wanted to create a character who was a bit like me, faced with challenges, but I needed him to grow out of his fears, be resilient, and transform into someone filled with courage and determination.

Lionborn also allowed me to show my boys that we are all resilient and capable of more than we know, so a children’s book was the perfect fit to write my own fantasy.

Can you tell us a bit about your personal experiences of bullying and how they reflect in the book? 

I endured 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 could be easily broken.

I was mocked for being different, for being introspective, for being me. I was led to believe that I didn’t deserve to live.

But during my darkest hours, my friends in London and people around me showed kindness, compassion, and acceptance.

Gradually, I realised 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.

Working on Lionborn was truly a cathartic experience. It allowed me to express my emotions through Fionn.

Given that it is for children, I had to strike a balance between fun, adventure, and struggles.

But I did put Fionn through a lot of trials, testing his endurance to the limit.

How important is it to highlight bullying within the South Asian community, and what can be done to combat it? 

The South Asian community is such a diverse community, welcoming a variety of countries, regions, and religions.

On one hand, it adds to the community’s strength, varying perspectives, and growth mindset, but on the other, the differences in thoughts, beliefs, or interests can make it challenging, especially for young people, to adapt.

If left unchecked, it could lead to feelings of loneliness, frustration, and self-doubt – i.e., some of the recipes of bullying.

Collaborative efforts from all members of the community in creating a safe and supportive environment are crucial to winning the battle against bullying.

I believe fostering inclusive behaviour and open communication will surely encourage kindness and respect, propelling us forward.

What advice would you give to people experiencing bullying? 

First of all, know this: you have something special within you that bullies don’t, and they are looking to destroy it.

Don’t doubt yourself; you are stronger than you think, but do seek help from people whom you trust.

Do talk to them, whether they are parents, teachers, or a school counsellor, or if you’re an adult that may be a trusted friend, colleague or even therapist.

Remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of intelligence.

My struggles made me strong, and support from my friends brought a sense of belonging, but it was my passion that saved me.

So, if you are passionate about something, grab it with both hands and never let it go.

And stay positive, stay strong, and be a Lionborn!

What do you hope readers will take away from Lionborn? 

First and foremost, I wanted to write a story that was fun and full of action and adventure.

But the story is about finding courage, keeping pushing forward no matter the challenges, and more importantly, understanding that you are capable of so many things.

If you have the drive, passion, and the right motivation, you will unleash a torrent of boundless strength and potential that you didn’t know existed.

Sharique Zea’s Lionborn is more than a fantasy adventure; it is a powerful allegory for resilience.

Through his protagonist Fionn, Sharique channels his own experiences to deliver a vital message about confronting adversity.

His advice to those experiencing bullying is to never doubt their own strength and to actively seek support from trusted individuals.

The key takeaway is one of empowerment: by harnessing your passion and self-belief, you can unlock a hidden well of potential and courage, truly becoming Lionborn.

You can order your copy here.