A Lion's Head
Available in ePub, Paperback (ISBN 978-1069401878), Hardcover, and Audiobook. First Published, September 9th, 2025.
“A smartly plotted, ‘myths and legend’ adventure for young adults.” Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Editorial Review by The Wishing Shelf Book Awards ⭐️⭐️⭐️
"A smartly plotted, 'myths and legend' adventure for young adults." Wishing Shelf Book Awards
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our 15 readers thought:
- 9 would read another book by this author.
- 6 thought the cover was good or excellent.
- 15 felt it was easy to follow.
- 9 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
- Of all the readers, 10 felt the author's strongest skill was 'plotting a story'.
- Of all the readers, 2 felt the author's strongest skill was 'developing the characters'.
- Of all the readers, 3 felt the author's strongest skill was 'writing style'.
- 10 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
- 9 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers' Comments
"I think this will be the first book of a set. I enjoyed it. It's got a 'mythical' feel to it. I didn't like the cover much as it looks sort of boring. But I liked the story." Boy, aged 13
"Isha is the best character as he develops the most in the story. If you enjoy adventure books, I think you'll probably like this." Girl, aged 13
"It's not a very long novel, but that's okay. I liked the writing style. The beginning is slow, but the second half is better. If you enjoy myths and legends in school, this book is for you." Girl, aged 15
"Liked the plot. That was the best part." Boy, aged 14
"This is what I'd call a good fantasy story. But it' not a wow book. You know when you read a book that's so original, it's amazing - like Harry Potter or THGs. This book isn't so original. It's a myths and legends novel which is okay, but I couldn't relate to the character like, say, Katniss Everdeen. It lacks a character YA can root for and relate to." Girl, aged 15
"I felt the title was a bit off putting; it didn't pull me in. The writing style is good though. Will they defeat the king? There was good suspense. I'd read the second book. I'll try and get hold of a copy and see what happens next." Boy, aged 15
What readers are saying from Goodreads,
A Lion's Head by D.M. De Alwis
Audiobook Now Available on Audible, Apple Books, Kobo, Chirp, and more.
D.M. De Alwis is a Canadian-born Sri Lankan author who lives in Canada with a large family of three kids and three pets, who often serve as inspiration for her books. Her passion for researching and writing prehistoric fantasy grew while playing pachinko through several careers. When not writing, she can be found volunteering for the cadet corps and teaching.
Available Book Formats & Details
Format: Paperback
- Language: English
- Print Length: 244 pages
- ISBN-13: 978-1069401878
- ISBN-10: 1069401870
- Item Weight: 0.49 lbs (approx. 7.84 ounces / 222 grams)
- Dimensions: 5 x 0.61 x 8 inches
Format: eBook (Kindle)
- Language: English
- Print Length: Approximately 244 pages
- ISBN (Reference): 978-1069401885
- File Size: Approximately 484 KB
Format: Hardcover (Special Edition)
- Language: English
- Print Length: 270 pages
- ISBN-13: 978-1069666000
- Item Weight: 1.06 lbs
- Dimensions: 5.74 x 0.99 x 8.74 inches
General Publication Info
- Author: D.M. De Alwis
- Publisher: Ahasae Tharu Publishing
- Original Publication Date: ePub on September 9, 2025 (October 7, 2025 for print books)
- Series: Pawn of Samsara Duology (Book 1)
- Amazon: ASIN B0FMJTR9G1
Need More Information?
For a deeper dive into cosmology, the Hindu God Narasima, or my inspirations for retelling his origins in A LION'S HEAD, read this post.
If you are interested in THE PAWN OF SAMSARA DUOLOGY, you might also like:
- THE FOX WIFE by Yangsze Choo,
- CIRCE by Madeline Miller,
- THE GODDESS OF RIVER by Vaishnavi Patel,
- Gaiman's NORSE GODS and
- Katherine Kerr's Deverry Series.
- Valdemar Series by Mercedes Lackey
- Witchworld Series by Andre Norton
- Works of J.R. Tolkien
- Works of Tamara Pierce
- Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead by Tom Stoppard
- The works of Terry Pratchett
- The works of Tamora Pierce
Check out my bookshop for more on similar titles and those of social media friends writing the same genre.
Pawn of Samsara Duology
Also from this universe
- A Water Horse (short story)
The Pawn of Samsara Duology
A king is hell-bent on destroying the universe. Isha's pact with the tyrant grants safe passage for his people to go home. But everything goes wrong for him when the gods unleash their champion.