What do you think?
Rate this book
Sun & Blood: Sentinel Rising - Book 1
In a world of wolven, being average can get you killed.
Without a wolf spirit of her own, Violet Draven is basically a souped-up human and an easy target. When her twin brother Jax makes enemies with the future alpha from a neighboring clan, she tries to stop him. A concussion sends her to the Sentinel Clan's doctor where the results of her recent tests reveal more than she bargained for. Determined to prove her worth, Violet trains with the best in the clan, but she's still considered a liability. To protect her, Jax orders his best friend to guard Violet, making the fight against her forbidden feelings for her new bodyguard even harder to hide.
Meanwhile, retaining control over his wolf is vital if Patrick Cowen is going to keep his past a secret. After losing his family more than three years ago, Patrick found a home in Sentinel Clan and worries about what will happen if anyone gets too close to him. Holding everyone at arms-length is the only way he knows how to protect his new family, but his eighteenth birthday, and first shift, draw near, testing his tenuous control. His combative wolf spirit won't go down without a fight and if Patrick fails, everything he cares for will be lost. Driven by blood lust and the desire for power; rogue, red-eyed wolven begin attacking the clans. Their savagery knows no bounds. They have only one rule.
Submit or die.
Sun & Blood is the first installment in the Sentinel Rising YA paranormal romance series.
Without a wolf spirit of her own, Violet Draven is basically a souped-up human and an easy target. When her twin brother Jax makes enemies with the future alpha from a neighboring clan, she tries to stop him. A concussion sends her to the Sentinel Clan's doctor where the results of her recent tests reveal more than she bargained for. Determined to prove her worth, Violet trains with the best in the clan, but she's still considered a liability. To protect her, Jax orders his best friend to guard Violet, making the fight against her forbidden feelings for her new bodyguard even harder to hide.
Meanwhile, retaining control over his wolf is vital if Patrick Cowen is going to keep his past a secret. After losing his family more than three years ago, Patrick found a home in Sentinel Clan and worries about what will happen if anyone gets too close to him. Holding everyone at arms-length is the only way he knows how to protect his new family, but his eighteenth birthday, and first shift, draw near, testing his tenuous control. His combative wolf spirit won't go down without a fight and if Patrick fails, everything he cares for will be lost. Driven by blood lust and the desire for power; rogue, red-eyed wolven begin attacking the clans. Their savagery knows no bounds. They have only one rule.
Submit or die.
Sun & Blood is the first installment in the Sentinel Rising YA paranormal romance series.
395 pages, Paperback
Published November 20, 2022
13 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Crystal Frost
11 books13 followersCrystal Frost is a transplant, and current resident, to the snow-capped mountains of Utah. When she's not working on her writing, she spends most of her time being a mom to three rambunctious children. She can also be found reading, talking to herself, helping others through fitness, pretending to write, hanging out with her husband, quoting movies, attempting to be an artist, staring at the stars, obsessing over books, Harry Potter, Zelda, and mugs, and attempting to train her crazy, hyper-excited poodle Merlin.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 21, 2022
Frost's debut novel definitely packs a punch! ("Packs", get it? Sorry, just a little werewolf pun!) This action-packed adventure includes humor, heart, and some creative twists on familiar werewolf tropes.
I don't want to spoil things by saying too much, but if you love YA paranormal romances with strong-willed heroines, lots of fight scenes, fun banter from the main characters and side characters (Lexie, I'm looking at you!), then this book is for you!
Sun & Blood is the first book in a series, and Frost definitely leaves the door open for more with plenty of questions at the end. The romance is slow-burn, friends-to-lovers, and there are no bedroom scenes (but there are kisses!). There are a lot of exciting fight scenes, but they do include some violence, and there are some darker moments in the story--it's definitely geared for older YA readers.
I don't want to spoil things by saying too much, but if you love YA paranormal romances with strong-willed heroines, lots of fight scenes, fun banter from the main characters and side characters (Lexie, I'm looking at you!), then this book is for you!
Sun & Blood is the first book in a series, and Frost definitely leaves the door open for more with plenty of questions at the end. The romance is slow-burn, friends-to-lovers, and there are no bedroom scenes (but there are kisses!). There are a lot of exciting fight scenes, but they do include some violence, and there are some darker moments in the story--it's definitely geared for older YA readers.
January 20, 2023
2.5
If you like YA urban fantasy, then you'll probably enjoy this book.
Content Rated PG
Very mild, hinting-at-a-future-romance, no language, mild violence & fighting, mention of death.
If you like YA urban fantasy, then you'll probably enjoy this book.
Content Rated PG
Very mild, hinting-at-a-future-romance, no language, mild violence & fighting, mention of death.
March 26, 2022
There is nothing I enjoy more than a story that builds on traditional, accepted worlds, giving them a refreshing update. This book delivered on world building, romance, and storyline.
I love the way Author Crystal has created a society of wolven similar too but different from the old telling of werewolves and lycan. It had a modernized feel that drew me in. Add in a scintillating, slow burn, yet clean romance and this reader was hooked.
I look forward to seeing what's next on the horizon for Violet and Patrick while delving deeper into this fabulous world of wolven.
Note: I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I love the way Author Crystal has created a society of wolven similar too but different from the old telling of werewolves and lycan. It had a modernized feel that drew me in. Add in a scintillating, slow burn, yet clean romance and this reader was hooked.
I look forward to seeing what's next on the horizon for Violet and Patrick while delving deeper into this fabulous world of wolven.
Note: I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 26, 2022
Fantastic!
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel by Crystal Frost. Fantastic take on the urban werewolf. I got completely sucked in and absolutely struggled to put it down in order to take care of my family!
I love Violet! She doesn't let herself use her differences as an excuse but instead works hard to overcome them constantly. She also takes no crap from anyone and is extremely sassy. She loves her family, friends, and people so much. She does what she can to help and support them no matter what. And she isn't afraid to show that she cares.
Oh Patrick. I wish I could sum up how much I love him. He is such a good friend and is there for those he loves. I wish he would be a tad more open with certain people...but he is trying to do his best to protect those around him. I also enjoy the times where he snaps some sense into those around him.
Overall, I laughed. I cried. I cheered. I wanted to get my boxing gloves. I was yanked into this world and fell in love with it and the characters from the very first chapter. I'm excited to see what comes next!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel by Crystal Frost. Fantastic take on the urban werewolf. I got completely sucked in and absolutely struggled to put it down in order to take care of my family!
I love Violet! She doesn't let herself use her differences as an excuse but instead works hard to overcome them constantly. She also takes no crap from anyone and is extremely sassy. She loves her family, friends, and people so much. She does what she can to help and support them no matter what. And she isn't afraid to show that she cares.
Oh Patrick. I wish I could sum up how much I love him. He is such a good friend and is there for those he loves. I wish he would be a tad more open with certain people...but he is trying to do his best to protect those around him. I also enjoy the times where he snaps some sense into those around him.
Overall, I laughed. I cried. I cheered. I wanted to get my boxing gloves. I was yanked into this world and fell in love with it and the characters from the very first chapter. I'm excited to see what comes next!!
March 26, 2022
Wonderfully immersive
I was immediately immersed in the story of the Wolven Clan. Such vivid imagery is used- from the first chapter I felt I was on the field of the tourney.
This tells the story of Violet Draven as she comes to terms with her place in the clan. There is action, there is romance, there are rivalries, sleepovers and cookies. An absolute page turner!
I was immediately immersed in the story of the Wolven Clan. Such vivid imagery is used- from the first chapter I felt I was on the field of the tourney.
This tells the story of Violet Draven as she comes to terms with her place in the clan. There is action, there is romance, there are rivalries, sleepovers and cookies. An absolute page turner!
April 4, 2022
Clean and fun story
I felt that you could really feel what Violet feels. And I loved the banter. And another thing I really liked was the fact that this was a clean werewolf story. There are so few out there. I can't wait for the next book to find out more of where Violet fits in
I felt that you could really feel what Violet feels. And I loved the banter. And another thing I really liked was the fact that this was a clean werewolf story. There are so few out there. I can't wait for the next book to find out more of where Violet fits in
September 27, 2022
Engaging, exciting read!!
Within moments, you become totally engaged in this book. The characters are well rounded and you care what happens with them!! Can't wait for the rest of the series!
Within moments, you become totally engaged in this book. The characters are well rounded and you care what happens with them!! Can't wait for the rest of the series!
May 20, 2023
Oh my gosh! I’m so excited that book two is coming out this year! If you like young adult, clean, slow burn, werewolf/human, suspense content I’m sure you’ll love this! Frost expertly builds a world where wolven live alongside humankind. The clans are realistic and Frost sticks to the rules she created. The suspense is good with clan wars and looming change! Will the clan survive? There is something special about Violet and I can’t wait to find out!
March 26, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel by Crystal Frost. Fantastic take on the urban werewolf. I got completely sucked in and absolutely struggled to put it down in order to take care of my family!
I love Violet! She doesn't let herself use her differences as an excuse but instead works hard to overcome them constantly. She also takes no crap from anyone and is extremely sassy. She loves her family, friends, and people so much. She does what she can to help and support them no matter what. And she isn't afraid to show that she cares.
Oh Patrick. I wish I could sum up how much I love him. He is such a good friend and is there for those he loves. I wish he would be a tad more open with certain people...but he is trying to do his best to protect those around him. I also enjoy the times where he snaps some sense into those around him.
Overall, I laughed. I cried. I cheered. I wanted to get my boxing gloves. I was yanked into this world and fell in love with it and the characters from the very first chapter. I'm excited to see what comes next!!
I love Violet! She doesn't let herself use her differences as an excuse but instead works hard to overcome them constantly. She also takes no crap from anyone and is extremely sassy. She loves her family, friends, and people so much. She does what she can to help and support them no matter what. And she isn't afraid to show that she cares.
Oh Patrick. I wish I could sum up how much I love him. He is such a good friend and is there for those he loves. I wish he would be a tad more open with certain people...but he is trying to do his best to protect those around him. I also enjoy the times where he snaps some sense into those around him.
Overall, I laughed. I cried. I cheered. I wanted to get my boxing gloves. I was yanked into this world and fell in love with it and the characters from the very first chapter. I'm excited to see what comes next!!
September 6, 2023
Absolutely loved this! Deadly secrets, an over protective nagging but loving twin brother, a best friend who has made many promises, and Violet in the midst of it all. I loved the fighting scenes, the interaction and dialogue between characters, and the descriptive scenes with some very deranged shifters lol. I am downloading the next book in the series and can't wait for more to be revealed! Great YA paranormal romance, slow burn, and no spice!
June 10, 2024
I loved this book. This is one where you want to stay up until the early hours of the morning reading it. The characters were fun. The world was interesting. And I can’t wait to keep going!
December 12, 2023
This was a really enjoyable read! I highly recommend it for those who enjoy paranormal romance and want a clean option. I don't read a ton of paranormal romance and yet I gobbled this book up, so I think a variety of readers would really enjoy this. The book sucked me in right from the start and I grew to really like the characters, especially Patrick. The storyline is well done and intrigued me. I also like the romance! I really hoped for more resolve at the end of book 1. There were a lot of questions answered and there was some amount of resolve, but just be warned that you're definitely going to want to have the second book handy when you finish this book! (I read the entire book in only 3-4 days! So prepare for a great read and to be on the edge of your seat!)
I also really liked how magic was used and portrayed in the storyline. Very cool. There are enough details to make it feel real and immersive while also leaving the reader with enough questions to want to find out more about how magic works, what roles witches play, how different wolven abilities are expressed, how alliances between characters are made, etc.
Trigger Warnings:
A few gory/slightly graphic scenes
A lot of Male dominance and sometimes men treating the main character very roughly (It's portrayed as generally acceptable that the males push/shove/are aggressive toward each other and the female main character - and often towards females in general)
There were a few male characters who were very dislikable because of this- but that really adds to the storyline and the idea of the characters being wolven and living with a pack mentality. It made the character dynamics very interesting because as I reader I was often trying to discern between a guy's personality and his wolf instincts which felt realistic to me.
I also really liked how magic was used and portrayed in the storyline. Very cool. There are enough details to make it feel real and immersive while also leaving the reader with enough questions to want to find out more about how magic works, what roles witches play, how different wolven abilities are expressed, how alliances between characters are made, etc.
Trigger Warnings:
A few gory/slightly graphic scenes
A lot of Male dominance and sometimes men treating the main character very roughly (It's portrayed as generally acceptable that the males push/shove/are aggressive toward each other and the female main character - and often towards females in general)
There were a few male characters who were very dislikable because of this- but that really adds to the storyline and the idea of the characters being wolven and living with a pack mentality. It made the character dynamics very interesting because as I reader I was often trying to discern between a guy's personality and his wolf instincts which felt realistic to me.
September 24, 2025
If you're looking for a werewolf/shifter book that's:
- immersive
- spice free
- original
- and all around enjoyable...
then you're in the right place.
The world of the wolven was one of my favorite things about Sun and Blood. It was such an intriguing take on werewolves, with these hidden communities with their own political infrastructures and educational systems.
I also loved that Frost didn't shy away from real stakes and tough moments. There are some truly difficult circumstances and choices for the characters, but always with a thread of hope woven throughout.
The romance is sweet without being saccharine, with enough relationship barriers to keep the tension going. Things aren't easily wrapped up in some unrealistic perfect bow, which I appreciated, but there's plenty of romantic payoff.
There were a few things that I didn't understand or have answered by the end of the book, but I'm confident that those hanging threads will be picked up again in the rest of the trilogy. I'm excited to dive into book two!
- immersive
- spice free
- original
- and all around enjoyable...
then you're in the right place.
The world of the wolven was one of my favorite things about Sun and Blood. It was such an intriguing take on werewolves, with these hidden communities with their own political infrastructures and educational systems.
I also loved that Frost didn't shy away from real stakes and tough moments. There are some truly difficult circumstances and choices for the characters, but always with a thread of hope woven throughout.
The romance is sweet without being saccharine, with enough relationship barriers to keep the tension going. Things aren't easily wrapped up in some unrealistic perfect bow, which I appreciated, but there's plenty of romantic payoff.
There were a few things that I didn't understand or have answered by the end of the book, but I'm confident that those hanging threads will be picked up again in the rest of the trilogy. I'm excited to dive into book two!
May 5, 2025
Wow, this is better than expected
Sun and Blood is by a new to me author, so I had no idea what to expect. This story is well written with a plot that kept me engaged. I needed to read faster to find out what was unfolding. The characters are likeable and each have their own uniqueness. I love shifter stories and am thrilled to have found another good series to read. Patrick is the future Beta of the pack and Vi is twin to the future alpha. She does not have a wolf and is weaker than other wolves. Jax the future Alpha has Patrick protect his sister. Their is longing from both Vi and Patrick but they each promised Jax they would stay away from the other. Enemies attack, 18th birthday challenges happen and the story gets better and better the more you read. I cannot wait to read the next book and see what happens next. I really hope they get their HEA. There is talk of attacks but nothing gruesome is described.
Clean well written story. Love this
Sun and Blood is by a new to me author, so I had no idea what to expect. This story is well written with a plot that kept me engaged. I needed to read faster to find out what was unfolding. The characters are likeable and each have their own uniqueness. I love shifter stories and am thrilled to have found another good series to read. Patrick is the future Beta of the pack and Vi is twin to the future alpha. She does not have a wolf and is weaker than other wolves. Jax the future Alpha has Patrick protect his sister. Their is longing from both Vi and Patrick but they each promised Jax they would stay away from the other. Enemies attack, 18th birthday challenges happen and the story gets better and better the more you read. I cannot wait to read the next book and see what happens next. I really hope they get their HEA. There is talk of attacks but nothing gruesome is described.
Clean well written story. Love this
January 23, 2025
Oh My!
I just have one question. How could the author do this to me? The book was engaging from the start. I enjoyed every minute of it. And then it ended without any answers! So, if you're looking for a book that you can read the first and then stop... This isn't it. I think this was supposed to be an enemies to lovers trope, but it's not really. It's lovers-who-won't-or-can't-acknowledge-love to lovers. As for content, there's no sexual content and no language. There is some violence but nothing gory.
I just have one question. How could the author do this to me? The book was engaging from the start. I enjoyed every minute of it. And then it ended without any answers! So, if you're looking for a book that you can read the first and then stop... This isn't it. I think this was supposed to be an enemies to lovers trope, but it's not really. It's lovers-who-won't-or-can't-acknowledge-love to lovers. As for content, there's no sexual content and no language. There is some violence but nothing gory.
October 12, 2024
Teen aged main characters. Twin boy and girl with the brother’s best friend that is protective of his best friends sister.
Clean, closed door forbidden romance. No profanity.
It had interesting aspects. It wasn’t astounding but I did want to know how it ended so I read the next couple books.
There is violence, blood, and fighting.
Still unsure of someone the family hatred and animosity happening.
Clean, closed door forbidden romance. No profanity.
It had interesting aspects. It wasn’t astounding but I did want to know how it ended so I read the next couple books.
There is violence, blood, and fighting.
Still unsure of someone the family hatred and animosity happening.
October 29, 2024
I admit I read this book in one day. In fact I almost read the entire series in one day. But I'm not sure how much I actually liked the book. The first was definitely my favorite though the writing was a little immature. The amount of times the main characters "chocolate hair" was described had me very annoyed but the writing improved throughout the books. The story did draw me from page 1 though.
August 24, 2024
This book satisfied my cravings for werewolves. It’s clean with no smut, but has good character development. The characters are strong, but not unreasonably so. There’s mystery and quite honestly I don’t know what’s going to happen next in the series.
If you’re looking for a clean werewolf book with political intrigue and a bit of angst, this book is perfect!
If you’re looking for a clean werewolf book with political intrigue and a bit of angst, this book is perfect!
December 27, 2024
A good book, with fun teenage characters. The main characters are werewolves, so there is plenty of action. This book was only the introduction to a much longer series, and the long-term plots moved too slowly for my taste and I lost interest. I finished this book but don't plan to continue the series.
February 6, 2025
Enjoyed this book a lot, especially towards the end! Pretty interesting world and twist on normal werewolf stuff, which I'd say made it a lot better! Definitely want to read the sequel!
March 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this book and I really want to read the next one! (That ending!! What a cliff hanger!!) It was fun to read a YA book where the teenagers actually felt like teenagers! And they were all so fun to follow and get to know! I love how sweet and protective Violet and Patrick are as well as the banter between Jax and Lexie. Also, it would make me laugh every time Vikter would call Violet ‘Snack’ haha. Best nickname for an antagonist character to give the MC! It’s both menacing and creepy and funny all at once! The world of this book was also really interesting. I will say that there were a few times when it felt a tad info dumpy, but not enough to become frustrating. I really enjoyed the world of Wolven and that this was a sweet and very clean paranormal romance with a good amount of mystery! There is still so much to uncover! I can’t wait to read book 2!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews