Lions, space and magic, oh my! Mel Eldridge took on lockdown and made the best of a bad situation by writing the book he's wanted to write since overhearing a conversation on an airplane about a mission to protect lions in the wild and in captivity. Lion Quest is a great mix of magic and adventure for 9 - 12 year olds and your child's next great read!


In a different world, in a different universe, there stands an ancient prophecy which - if fulfilled - could change life as the Ribeons know it. Far from wanting to thwart it, the Ribeon leader forces Loretta, a light speck, out into the human world to fulfil the ancient prophecy. Although the vengeful Evil Eye warns her not to go, Loretta takes charge of her destiny. Hiding inside the head of an eagle named Robert, she flies to Scotland where the witch Granny McMartin converts her into a twelve-year-old girl with magical powers. Where to next?


In Paris she befriends the circus runaway, Tom. Together they release the lioness, Martha, then escape in a hot air balloon. After adventures and deathly encounters with the Evil Eye, Martha is delivered safely home to the Lion People. But although all seems safe, they all know the Evil Eye must be destroyed. Aided by her new friends, Loretta pursues him into the underworld for one final encounter.


Eastbourne-based Mel explains: "I was on a flight from Gatwick to Kos when I overheard a conversation about a lion that used to perform in a circus (illegal now) and the plight of lions in the wild. In a light bulb moment, it got me thinking and by the end of the holiday I had a two page draft. Lockdown gave me the time to write the book. For me, it's been the one good thing to come out of it."