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Elven Kingdoms #1
Rising Sun
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Donna Grant introduces a wickedly seductive new series with a ruthless, jaded elf and a bewitching human hiding a powerful secret—unlikely soulmates whose passion will test the boundaries of life and death.
Nothing could make Yasmin return to Shaldorn, the place of nightmares. But when she’s caught stealing, she’s given an ultimatum: take Ravi over the Dangerous Peaks to the stronghold or face imprisonment.
She has no choice but to agree, though she intends to escape the elf as soon as she reaches the mountains. Yet, as they battle nature itself, the two enemies find common ground—and an all-consuming passion.
Can they prevail in their dangerous heist, or be torn apart by a betrayal?
Nothing could make Yasmin return to Shaldorn, the place of nightmares. But when she’s caught stealing, she’s given an ultimatum: take Ravi over the Dangerous Peaks to the stronghold or face imprisonment.
She has no choice but to agree, though she intends to escape the elf as soon as she reaches the mountains. Yet, as they battle nature itself, the two enemies find common ground—and an all-consuming passion.
Can they prevail in their dangerous heist, or be torn apart by a betrayal?
Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2024
291 people are currently reading
8164 people want to read
About the author
Donna Grant
299 books4,767 followersDonna is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a hundred novels. Her most popular series is the breathtaking Dark King (aka Dragon King) series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.
In addition to her novels, Donna has written short stories, novellas, and novelettes for digital-first and print release. She has been dubbed as giving the “paranormal genre a burst of fresh air” by the San Francisco Book Review. Her work has been hailed as having “deft plotting and expert characterization” by Publisher’s Weekly and “sizzling” by RT Book Reviews.
She has been recognized with awards from both bookseller and reader contests including the National Reader’s Choice Award, Booksellers Best Award, as well as the coveted K.I.S.S. Award from RT Book Reviews.
Donna travels often for various speaking engagements, conferences, and book signings. She is also a frequent workshop presenter at national conferences such as RT Book Lovers Convention and Thrillerfest, as well as local chapters.
Born and raised in Texas, she also has ties across the border in Louisiana. Growing up with two such vibrant cultures, her Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding. She is never far from her faithful 80 pound dog, Sisko, or her three cats. She can often be found at the movies or bookstore with her children. Or buying makeup. And shoes.
You an find her at www.DonnaGrant.com
as well as her website devoted entirely to the Dragon Kings and all series that encompass the Dark World at www.MotherOfDragonsBooks.com.
In addition to her novels, Donna has written short stories, novellas, and novelettes for digital-first and print release. She has been dubbed as giving the “paranormal genre a burst of fresh air” by the San Francisco Book Review. Her work has been hailed as having “deft plotting and expert characterization” by Publisher’s Weekly and “sizzling” by RT Book Reviews.
She has been recognized with awards from both bookseller and reader contests including the National Reader’s Choice Award, Booksellers Best Award, as well as the coveted K.I.S.S. Award from RT Book Reviews.
Donna travels often for various speaking engagements, conferences, and book signings. She is also a frequent workshop presenter at national conferences such as RT Book Lovers Convention and Thrillerfest, as well as local chapters.
Born and raised in Texas, she also has ties across the border in Louisiana. Growing up with two such vibrant cultures, her Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding. She is never far from her faithful 80 pound dog, Sisko, or her three cats. She can often be found at the movies or bookstore with her children. Or buying makeup. And shoes.
You an find her at www.DonnaGrant.com
as well as her website devoted entirely to the Dragon Kings and all series that encompass the Dark World at www.MotherOfDragonsBooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 271 reviews
May 13, 2024
Rising Sun by Donna Grant
Elven Kingdom series book #1. Paranormal romance. Spin off from prior Dragon Kings series.
Nothing could make Yasmin return to Shaldorn. Until she is given an ultimatum of taking an elf into Shaldorn or face imprisonment for the rest of her life. Not really having a choice, she travels with Ravi through the freezing mountains for days, camping where they can find shelter. She refuses to face the place where she was a prisoner at the whims of the rich and sadistic. But Ravi is on a mission to save his people and he will do whatever necessary to save his world.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook narrated by by Shane East. He has a very deep and low voice for Ravi which had me upping the volume and slowing the playback from my preferred speed. On the other hand, when he is vocalizing Yasmin’s speaking voice or the children, it’s a slightly higher pitch and louder causing quite the variance in volume from male to female. By chapter 5ish, I got used to the variance until Chapter 31 has Ravi whispering with the opposite side from Yasmin. For the majority of the performance beyond this, I enjoyed the emotional and perilous journey of strangers to soul mates.
Heart thumping danger, passionate interludes, and a story enthralling enough to read in one sitting.
Fantastic hook in the last minute of the epilogue of dangers yet to come.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher Tantor Audio.
Elven Kingdom series book #1. Paranormal romance. Spin off from prior Dragon Kings series.
Nothing could make Yasmin return to Shaldorn. Until she is given an ultimatum of taking an elf into Shaldorn or face imprisonment for the rest of her life. Not really having a choice, she travels with Ravi through the freezing mountains for days, camping where they can find shelter. She refuses to face the place where she was a prisoner at the whims of the rich and sadistic. But Ravi is on a mission to save his people and he will do whatever necessary to save his world.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook narrated by by Shane East. He has a very deep and low voice for Ravi which had me upping the volume and slowing the playback from my preferred speed. On the other hand, when he is vocalizing Yasmin’s speaking voice or the children, it’s a slightly higher pitch and louder causing quite the variance in volume from male to female. By chapter 5ish, I got used to the variance until Chapter 31 has Ravi whispering with the opposite side from Yasmin. For the majority of the performance beyond this, I enjoyed the emotional and perilous journey of strangers to soul mates.
Heart thumping danger, passionate interludes, and a story enthralling enough to read in one sitting.
Fantastic hook in the last minute of the epilogue of dangers yet to come.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher Tantor Audio.
June 3, 2024
So, I really wanted to like this, and it seems like I may be the odd one out. I thought the cover was beautiful, and the description sounded interesting. For me, I felt like there wasn't a lot of showing and descriptions to envision what we are experiencing. This could be because it was told in third person, but I also feel like there were some gaps. The main characters go from "enemies" to wanting each other literally overnight, and then love by the end. There was no flirting or banter or even any sexual intimacy before that. There is just randomly two back to back scenes towards the end. There are story lines that just randomly pop up that don't get explained, and characters as well. I felt like reading this was just going like oh...we are going here...ok. It's unfortunate because I feel like there was so much opportunity with this, but I really have no idea besides surface level who most of the characters are and their personalities were a bit one dimensional at this point for me. It didn't make me invested. Hopefully things evolve for folks in the next book in the series, but it's a no go for me. I received the audiobook as an ALC from NetGalley and Shane East was the narrator. He did a fabulous job, as expected.
May 14, 2024
This was a fun audiobook to listen to. The adventure Yasmin and Ravi went on to retrieve a device meant to start a war was pretty enthralling. They start out as enemies being forced to work together and the author did a great job of showing the gradual growth between these two characters. Hearing about the place Yasmin was held captive and then seeing the things happening when she is forced to go back there was appalling. I got so angry on the victims behalf that I need to see this place dismantled as badly as Yasmin does. It's safe to say I am hooked on the start of this series and I can't wait to see where it will go.
April 24, 2024
⭐️High fantasy
⭐️Enemies to lovers
⭐️Angsty Slow burn
⭐️Check TWs
This is the first book I’ve read from Donna Grant and it’s fair to say I will be looking into more of her books after this instalment.
This book follows Yasmin, a courageous human woman with a dark past seeking answers to who she is, escaping her past and aiding to create a better world for others with a past as tormented as hers.
Ravi is a closed off and mysterious Sun Elf who is tasked to receive something that is in a place that links to Yasmins past.
The duo must work together to complete their mission, leading to a angsty journey through a will they/wont they slow burn, that had me almost ripping my hair out at points. The growth of the enemies to friendship to lovers of the two characters had me consumed whilst reading, following them both open up to one another as the book went on had my heart in a vice.
The descriptive high fantasy elements painted wonderful pictures of the world in this series and has me grasping for the next book to get the answers to the questions that had been introduced during the glimpses of reveals during reading.
This is a great book, the world building and magic system is superior and has left me wanting to know more and more after this first instalment.
I give this book 4 stars, possibly 4.5 at times, however, sometimes this book became slightly slow and dragged, not enough to lose interest, but it could have been less and more plot driven than descriptive. But over all I really enjoyed this novel and I can’t wait to read the next one.
*This was an ARC read, for my honest review*
⭐️Enemies to lovers
⭐️Angsty Slow burn
⭐️Check TWs
This is the first book I’ve read from Donna Grant and it’s fair to say I will be looking into more of her books after this instalment.
This book follows Yasmin, a courageous human woman with a dark past seeking answers to who she is, escaping her past and aiding to create a better world for others with a past as tormented as hers.
Ravi is a closed off and mysterious Sun Elf who is tasked to receive something that is in a place that links to Yasmins past.
The duo must work together to complete their mission, leading to a angsty journey through a will they/wont they slow burn, that had me almost ripping my hair out at points. The growth of the enemies to friendship to lovers of the two characters had me consumed whilst reading, following them both open up to one another as the book went on had my heart in a vice.
The descriptive high fantasy elements painted wonderful pictures of the world in this series and has me grasping for the next book to get the answers to the questions that had been introduced during the glimpses of reveals during reading.
This is a great book, the world building and magic system is superior and has left me wanting to know more and more after this first instalment.
I give this book 4 stars, possibly 4.5 at times, however, sometimes this book became slightly slow and dragged, not enough to lose interest, but it could have been less and more plot driven than descriptive. But over all I really enjoyed this novel and I can’t wait to read the next one.
*This was an ARC read, for my honest review*
May 17, 2024
First, I want to thank NetGalley, author Donna Grant, and publisher Tantor Audio for early access to this upcoming release. Keep an eye out for this romantasy adventure to be released in May!
This was such a fun read. It has an interesting world, that clearly has more yet to be discovered. As the first in the series, this book provides a glimpse of the politics, species, and conflicts that exist in this new fantasy world, but the epilogue hints that there is much more still to come.
The FMC is a strong, independent women who has survived through extremely difficult and traumatic experiences. She is partnered with a fiercely independent and distrustful elf to go on a dangerous mission. Think elf like Legolas, not elf like Dobby. 😄
I love the personality that is crafted into the two main characters. They are both wonderfully complex and work well together. The FMC has a lot of secrets, and their relationship deepens as she trust him enough to reveal more of herself. There are also several lovable side characters, who I hope will feature more prominently in future books in the series. This story is told in dual POV, and I loved how that gave a deeper look at the internal monologues of both of the main characters.
The big climax and third act breakup did feel a bit rushed, compared to the pacing and detail that is put into the beginning of the story. But it was still a really good read and I look forward to the sequel.
I listened to the audiobook, and narrator Shane East did a great job of giving the main characters distinct voices and the narration felt like a good fit for the story.
Key tropes: enemies-to-lovers, miscommunication, forced proximity, only one tent, hurt/comfort, (sort of) touch her and die.
Spice level: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
This was such a fun read. It has an interesting world, that clearly has more yet to be discovered. As the first in the series, this book provides a glimpse of the politics, species, and conflicts that exist in this new fantasy world, but the epilogue hints that there is much more still to come.
The FMC is a strong, independent women who has survived through extremely difficult and traumatic experiences. She is partnered with a fiercely independent and distrustful elf to go on a dangerous mission. Think elf like Legolas, not elf like Dobby. 😄
I love the personality that is crafted into the two main characters. They are both wonderfully complex and work well together. The FMC has a lot of secrets, and their relationship deepens as she trust him enough to reveal more of herself. There are also several lovable side characters, who I hope will feature more prominently in future books in the series. This story is told in dual POV, and I loved how that gave a deeper look at the internal monologues of both of the main characters.
The big climax and third act breakup did feel a bit rushed, compared to the pacing and detail that is put into the beginning of the story. But it was still a really good read and I look forward to the sequel.
I listened to the audiobook, and narrator Shane East did a great job of giving the main characters distinct voices and the narration felt like a good fit for the story.
Key tropes: enemies-to-lovers, miscommunication, forced proximity, only one tent, hurt/comfort, (sort of) touch her and die.
Spice level: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
November 19, 2024
This book was addicting. It was a little slow moving at the beginning but once I got a few chapters in I couldn't put it down. The two MCs were strong characters and I loved the character development they went through not only together but on a personal level too. The romance was a true enemies to lovers and slow burn. As much as I loved the MCs, I absolutely loved Dain. He always knew when to call someone out and had so much charisma. I can't wait to see what happens to them in the next book.
Thank you netgalley for the ARC!
Thank you netgalley for the ARC!
June 19, 2024
This fell kinda flat for me. Maybe it was the narrator. I liked his voice but the tone of his voice was hard to hear sometimes so I would turn it up and then there were other moments it was too loud so I feel like that distracted me from full submersing myself into this story
May 9, 2024
First, I’d like to thank you to NetGalley and DL Grant,LLC for the ARC.
Rising Sun has a compelling story that had me interested in what was to come. Set in a fantasy world where humans and elves coexist within a realm, the story follows a female human and male elf. The third person POVs jumped back and forth between the two characters.
Yasmin is captured by the DIA, a seemingly governmental faction similar to real-world CIA. She is forced to help the elf, Ravi, to complete his mission, as she is the only living being who has ever escaped the compound where he must retrieve a bomb. The DIA became aware of the bomb that would put them at war with the neighboring Dragon faction. Yasmin and Ravi must work together to neutralize the problem, but first need to travel by foot to the location. Yasmin has a severe distrust of elves from her past. It is revealed throughout their journey to the compound how Yasmin was abused by her former elf family and captors. In the beginning, Ravi doesn't trust her because he likes to work alone and has been betrayed in the past. I am unsure why Ravi dislikes humans so much other than an overlying arc of elf-to-human racism that is present for the entirety of the text. Through circumstances that brought them together during their journey, they do actually come together in the end.
While the storyline is interesting and kept me wanting to know more, I had a difficult time with the writing style. The sentence structure was very choppy and leaned on telling rather than showing. There was a lot of "and then, and then, and then" feelings when I was reading. I felt like I was being taken through their motions, but not actually gaining any insight. I could not tell you what Yasmin looks like aside from blue eyes and dark hair. At one point, it is said that she is attractive, but I didn't see any other evidence to show this. Based on each character's past, I found it difficult to believe that these two characters would actually fall for one another. I believe the whole timeframe spans about two weeks. It was difficult to follow the timeline as scenes jump around and then slow down to more detail. ...detail that didn't really tell or show me anything.
Unfortunately, I really struggled to finish this book even though I was interested in this story.
Rising Sun has a compelling story that had me interested in what was to come. Set in a fantasy world where humans and elves coexist within a realm, the story follows a female human and male elf. The third person POVs jumped back and forth between the two characters.
Yasmin is captured by the DIA, a seemingly governmental faction similar to real-world CIA. She is forced to help the elf, Ravi, to complete his mission, as she is the only living being who has ever escaped the compound where he must retrieve a bomb. The DIA became aware of the bomb that would put them at war with the neighboring Dragon faction. Yasmin and Ravi must work together to neutralize the problem, but first need to travel by foot to the location. Yasmin has a severe distrust of elves from her past. It is revealed throughout their journey to the compound how Yasmin was abused by her former elf family and captors. In the beginning, Ravi doesn't trust her because he likes to work alone and has been betrayed in the past. I am unsure why Ravi dislikes humans so much other than an overlying arc of elf-to-human racism that is present for the entirety of the text. Through circumstances that brought them together during their journey, they do actually come together in the end.
While the storyline is interesting and kept me wanting to know more, I had a difficult time with the writing style. The sentence structure was very choppy and leaned on telling rather than showing. There was a lot of "and then, and then, and then" feelings when I was reading. I felt like I was being taken through their motions, but not actually gaining any insight. I could not tell you what Yasmin looks like aside from blue eyes and dark hair. At one point, it is said that she is attractive, but I didn't see any other evidence to show this. Based on each character's past, I found it difficult to believe that these two characters would actually fall for one another. I believe the whole timeframe spans about two weeks. It was difficult to follow the timeline as scenes jump around and then slow down to more detail. ...detail that didn't really tell or show me anything.
Unfortunately, I really struggled to finish this book even though I was interested in this story.
April 25, 2024
• A R C • R E V I E W
• RISING SUN - DONNA GRANT •
• ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ •
Yasmin - A human living in a land predominantly populated by Elves, (there are seven different types) has experienced a difficult life
Ravi - A Sun elf who works as DIA agent.
Yasmin is caught stealing and given an ultimatum Help Ravi on a mission or go to prison, she agrees in order to save herself and the ones she loves.
Rising Sun had everything you could want in a novel, elements of Magic, and slow burn, it had found family. I must admit I was apprehensive when starting this book as I hadn’t read anything by this author but from the first chapter, I found the way Donna Grant writes to be captivating and she found a way to give a backstory to the characters without dragging in on pages. I knew five chapters in this book was something I was going to enjoy, Five stars immediately! I cannot wait for her next one to be released!
• RISING SUN - DONNA GRANT •
• ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ •
Yasmin - A human living in a land predominantly populated by Elves, (there are seven different types) has experienced a difficult life
Ravi - A Sun elf who works as DIA agent.
Yasmin is caught stealing and given an ultimatum Help Ravi on a mission or go to prison, she agrees in order to save herself and the ones she loves.
Rising Sun had everything you could want in a novel, elements of Magic, and slow burn, it had found family. I must admit I was apprehensive when starting this book as I hadn’t read anything by this author but from the first chapter, I found the way Donna Grant writes to be captivating and she found a way to give a backstory to the characters without dragging in on pages. I knew five chapters in this book was something I was going to enjoy, Five stars immediately! I cannot wait for her next one to be released!
August 31, 2024
"Rising Sun" by NY Times bestselling author Donna Grant is book 1 in the Elven Kingdoms series. It is a well written binge- worthy fantasy novel!
In this world, there are humans and several kinds of elves. None of them are allowed to have children, but children are brought in from somewhere and assigned to families.
Yasmin is a human who is caught stealing and has to decide between prison or joining a mission with an elf to go to Shaldorn, a dangerous place she had been kept prisoner at years ago and had sworn never to return to. She agrees to the mission and to work with this stoic, solitary, and sexy Sun Elf, Ravi.
So there is an enemies to lovers trope romance with an intense spicy part near the end.
Prior to that, there was a lot of danger and violence inside of Shaldorn. It was very exciting, actually! The elves each have their own kind of magic.
The narrator, Shane East, has a very deep smooth voice, and he is also able to do female voices very effectively.
This story does have a conclusion and does not really leave you hanging, but we do know it's the first book of a series. I'll be waiting and watching for the next book in this series! I highly recommend this book to fantasy lovers!
Characters - 4/5
Writing - 4/5
Plot - 5/5
Pacing - 5/5
Unputdownability - 5/5
Enjoyment - 5/5
Narration - 5/5
Cover - 5/5
Overall - 38/8 = 4 6/8
Rounded up to 5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley, Tantor Audio, and Donna Grant for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
In this world, there are humans and several kinds of elves. None of them are allowed to have children, but children are brought in from somewhere and assigned to families.
Yasmin is a human who is caught stealing and has to decide between prison or joining a mission with an elf to go to Shaldorn, a dangerous place she had been kept prisoner at years ago and had sworn never to return to. She agrees to the mission and to work with this stoic, solitary, and sexy Sun Elf, Ravi.
So there is an enemies to lovers trope romance with an intense spicy part near the end.
Prior to that, there was a lot of danger and violence inside of Shaldorn. It was very exciting, actually! The elves each have their own kind of magic.
The narrator, Shane East, has a very deep smooth voice, and he is also able to do female voices very effectively.
This story does have a conclusion and does not really leave you hanging, but we do know it's the first book of a series. I'll be waiting and watching for the next book in this series! I highly recommend this book to fantasy lovers!
Characters - 4/5
Writing - 4/5
Plot - 5/5
Pacing - 5/5
Unputdownability - 5/5
Enjoyment - 5/5
Narration - 5/5
Cover - 5/5
Overall - 38/8 = 4 6/8
Rounded up to 5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley, Tantor Audio, and Donna Grant for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
May 9, 2024
An action packed enemies to lovers, with secrets and so, so many layers.
We are following (mostly) Yasmin and Ravi as they are thrown together to work on a mission to prevent a war. They not only have to brave the dangerous trek to an elusive fortress but they also have to find a way to overcome their prejudices towards each other and work together to survive.
Yasmin is my kind of FMC. She is strong, she is smart, kind and brave. She has been dealt an awful hand in life but she still digs into herself to find bravery in the most unselfish ways.
Ravi is stubborn, closed off, and prefers to not get close to anyone ...until a certain inky haired human enters his life and threatens to make those hard built walls crumble down.
I loved getting to read through this adventure with these two. The way that they pushed each other and talked to each other made it so easy to get absorbed into that world.
The magic system is really cool. I like the different kinds of elves, and how their magic comes into play. Additionally, I found the politics and dynamics with humans to be very unique, and I hope we get to see more of that as we continue in this series.
This story was fast paced, steamy, gasp-worthy...all of the things that make up a great Romantasy novel.
Overall: highly recommend!
We are following (mostly) Yasmin and Ravi as they are thrown together to work on a mission to prevent a war. They not only have to brave the dangerous trek to an elusive fortress but they also have to find a way to overcome their prejudices towards each other and work together to survive.
Yasmin is my kind of FMC. She is strong, she is smart, kind and brave. She has been dealt an awful hand in life but she still digs into herself to find bravery in the most unselfish ways.
Ravi is stubborn, closed off, and prefers to not get close to anyone ...until a certain inky haired human enters his life and threatens to make those hard built walls crumble down.
I loved getting to read through this adventure with these two. The way that they pushed each other and talked to each other made it so easy to get absorbed into that world.
The magic system is really cool. I like the different kinds of elves, and how their magic comes into play. Additionally, I found the politics and dynamics with humans to be very unique, and I hope we get to see more of that as we continue in this series.
This story was fast paced, steamy, gasp-worthy...all of the things that make up a great Romantasy novel.
Overall: highly recommend!
April 26, 2024
4⭐️
I chose to listen to this as an audiobook and I loved Shane East voice, He was a great fit. He really brought it to life for me and I really enjoyed it. Ravi and Yasmin must make it through the mountains. They must reach the place she most fears. It was entertaining and well written. It was a fantasy romance that made me happy.
I recommend listening to this one.
Thanks Tantor Audio via NetGalley.
I chose to listen to this as an audiobook and I loved Shane East voice, He was a great fit. He really brought it to life for me and I really enjoyed it. Ravi and Yasmin must make it through the mountains. They must reach the place she most fears. It was entertaining and well written. It was a fantasy romance that made me happy.
I recommend listening to this one.
Thanks Tantor Audio via NetGalley.
April 25, 2024
This was my fist time reading a book written by this author, and I enjoyed myself immensely. I will be absolutely reading more books by this author and continuing this series.
We have enemies to lovers, slow burn, angst and more! I love anything high fantasy, and this certainly delivered.
Do pay attention to TWs.
We have enemies to lovers, slow burn, angst and more! I love anything high fantasy, and this certainly delivered.
Do pay attention to TWs.
April 21, 2024
Donna Grant crafted a tempting novel that will leave many questions about the series left unanswered
……
… until book 2 comes out.
If you adore spy’s, tragic pasts and quest this is a great book to dip into.
This was an ARC, the start of this series is filled with; fast paced action
A forced Quest.
An MC whose past makes them cautious of the future.
And slow burn.
High fantasy vibes.
I do have many questions I want answered. I am hopeful in the next book we can dive deeper into both of their past as the sample we were given hasn’t been enough.
……
… until book 2 comes out.
If you adore spy’s, tragic pasts and quest this is a great book to dip into.
This was an ARC, the start of this series is filled with; fast paced action
A forced Quest.
An MC whose past makes them cautious of the future.
And slow burn.
High fantasy vibes.
I do have many questions I want answered. I am hopeful in the next book we can dive deeper into both of their past as the sample we were given hasn’t been enough.
May 11, 2024
What an interesting departure on the new realm, Yasmin a human who has endured so many different experiences with the elves and the shadow world within this new world. Is she entirely human? The empathy she has towards everyone, and their experiences. How she is able to work at staying positive even through the most challenging times. She’s able to bring out the best in people even when they are struggling with their own issues. Ravi has grown within himself but with Yasmin he’s so much stronger. Donna has opened up so many new connections and characters with this book. I can’t wait to see where this world takes me next.
September 8, 2024
Contradictions in descriptions, such as for every 20 elves there was 1 human to - every 40 elves for 1 human population.
Then Yasmin only being considered attractive "for a human" to having "perfect pouty lips" and "graceful beauty" etc etc
The dialogue felt like robots conversing. A lot of repetitive thoughts and explanations of how things were going.
DNF 35%
Then Yasmin only being considered attractive "for a human" to having "perfect pouty lips" and "graceful beauty" etc etc
The dialogue felt like robots conversing. A lot of repetitive thoughts and explanations of how things were going.
DNF 35%
May 18, 2024
Elven Kingdoms. Fantasy. Romance. Magic. A jaded Elf. A Bewitching Human. Secrets.
Yasmin was never supposed to return to Shaldom, the place of her nightmares. A place of pain and torment. A place where our main lead endured horrors beyond imagination. Things that made me grimace while reading, that made me enraged that could pass in a where no one would save her. As a girl, she had to save herself.
Years after escaping death, attempting to bring important medicine to those in her charge, Yasmin is caught stealing by the Elves. As a Human, Yasmin is looked down on. They all assume the worst of her, of coveting children stolen from worried parents. Parents that in actuality, had beat those starving children, who did not care if they lived or died.
Yasmin would give her life for any of those children. Would trade her life for theirs. A choice that is more like an ultimatum is presented to her: take Ravi to the place of her nightmares, of the place that echoed with the sounds of her screams. Ravi needs to be taken to the Dangerous Peaks for his important mission, and if she doesn't, she goes to jail. No chance of seeing those cowering, dying children again.
The plan is to leave Ravi in the mountains. What does she care? He is her jailer, her blackmailer. Her prison guard, invisible shackles around her wrists, with him stealing away the key. Yasmin will simply slip away from him the mountains, the place where she once escaped others before. Easy. An adorable Enemies-to-lovers develops, with a little taste of slow burn romance.
A respect is built on that difficult trek. Ravi begins to understand this strange human girl that guides their way by feeling the stone and rock around her. He begins to notice her pain, of her crippling fear the closer they get to their destination.
He begins to feel for her, and suddenly, Yasmin is not just an assignment anymore. Not just a means to an end. This was a delish mix of elves and humans and grounds and harsh landscapes. Even the Forced Proximity scene delighted and thrilled me. Great read! 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 Stars!
Yasmin was never supposed to return to Shaldom, the place of her nightmares. A place of pain and torment. A place where our main lead endured horrors beyond imagination. Things that made me grimace while reading, that made me enraged that could pass in a where no one would save her. As a girl, she had to save herself.
Years after escaping death, attempting to bring important medicine to those in her charge, Yasmin is caught stealing by the Elves. As a Human, Yasmin is looked down on. They all assume the worst of her, of coveting children stolen from worried parents. Parents that in actuality, had beat those starving children, who did not care if they lived or died.
Yasmin would give her life for any of those children. Would trade her life for theirs. A choice that is more like an ultimatum is presented to her: take Ravi to the place of her nightmares, of the place that echoed with the sounds of her screams. Ravi needs to be taken to the Dangerous Peaks for his important mission, and if she doesn't, she goes to jail. No chance of seeing those cowering, dying children again.
The plan is to leave Ravi in the mountains. What does she care? He is her jailer, her blackmailer. Her prison guard, invisible shackles around her wrists, with him stealing away the key. Yasmin will simply slip away from him the mountains, the place where she once escaped others before. Easy. An adorable Enemies-to-lovers develops, with a little taste of slow burn romance.
A respect is built on that difficult trek. Ravi begins to understand this strange human girl that guides their way by feeling the stone and rock around her. He begins to notice her pain, of her crippling fear the closer they get to their destination.
He begins to feel for her, and suddenly, Yasmin is not just an assignment anymore. Not just a means to an end. This was a delish mix of elves and humans and grounds and harsh landscapes. Even the Forced Proximity scene delighted and thrilled me. Great read! 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 Stars!
May 14, 2024
An exciting new series from Donna Grant
Rising Sun is the first book in The Elven Kingdoms, a new series from Donna Grant that has spun off of the Dragon Kings and their broader world on Zora. This book begins to flesh out the types of elves that Ms. Grant has decided would inhabit and interact with her Dragon Kings.
Our first couple is Ravi, a Sun Elf, who is basically a spy. He has been given a job to get into a place than no one, except Yasmin, a human, has ever escaped from. Yasmin has become the de facto mother for human children who were placed with elven families as babies that were not exactly so kind & caring towards them. She has shut her memories of Shaldorn away where they could not prevent her from living her life & caring for the children.
Ravi’s boss, Durga, facilitated the capture of Yasmin for theft so that could be used as leverage to get Ravi inside. It is imperative that Ravi prevent the sale of a bomb that sources say is to be set off at the dragon border to start a war. Yasmin wants to help when she learns this but has to overcome a lot of emotions to go back to Shaldorn. Along their journey, Ravi & Yasmin grow closer, each learning more about the other’s species. They grow to respect each other and work together to prevent a worse outcome then even Yasmin returning to the horror of her past. She has a secret ability that assists them once they reach their destination, but will it be enough to conquer the evil that permeates Shaldorn?
Donna Grant is really building her world of beings on Zora. There are so many possibilities with the elves now – which elves will be allies to the Kings and which want only destruction for our beloved Dragons? I didn’t want to tell too much about the book – you need to discover it all on your own! I can’t wait to learn more about the elves – and am already really hoping that Dain will be getting his own book.
Rising Sun is the first book in The Elven Kingdoms, a new series from Donna Grant that has spun off of the Dragon Kings and their broader world on Zora. This book begins to flesh out the types of elves that Ms. Grant has decided would inhabit and interact with her Dragon Kings.
Our first couple is Ravi, a Sun Elf, who is basically a spy. He has been given a job to get into a place than no one, except Yasmin, a human, has ever escaped from. Yasmin has become the de facto mother for human children who were placed with elven families as babies that were not exactly so kind & caring towards them. She has shut her memories of Shaldorn away where they could not prevent her from living her life & caring for the children.
Ravi’s boss, Durga, facilitated the capture of Yasmin for theft so that could be used as leverage to get Ravi inside. It is imperative that Ravi prevent the sale of a bomb that sources say is to be set off at the dragon border to start a war. Yasmin wants to help when she learns this but has to overcome a lot of emotions to go back to Shaldorn. Along their journey, Ravi & Yasmin grow closer, each learning more about the other’s species. They grow to respect each other and work together to prevent a worse outcome then even Yasmin returning to the horror of her past. She has a secret ability that assists them once they reach their destination, but will it be enough to conquer the evil that permeates Shaldorn?
Donna Grant is really building her world of beings on Zora. There are so many possibilities with the elves now – which elves will be allies to the Kings and which want only destruction for our beloved Dragons? I didn’t want to tell too much about the book – you need to discover it all on your own! I can’t wait to learn more about the elves – and am already really hoping that Dain will be getting his own book.
April 29, 2024
Rising Sun ARC Review
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you to Netgalley, author Donna Grant and RB Media for providing me with early access to the audiobook of Rising Sun in return for an honest review.
Rising Sun is a high fantasy romance. Set in a world with elves, dragons, humans and an interesting magic system. Need I say more? This is a book you will not want to sleep on!
The FMC is a strong, independent human woman who has survived traumatic experiences and now has no choice but to venture back into danger to protect herself and the ones she cares for, when she is caught stealing and given an ultimatum. She must go on a quest taking her back to the dangerous land she had escaped, partnered with a grumpy, arrogant (and handsome!) elf who doesn’t trust her (or pretty much anyone for that matter).
The tension between Yasmin, the FMC, and Ravi (the MMC) had me glued to this book! I couldn’t put it down and had to know how it ended!
I loved the magic system in this book. There is clearly so much more to unravel and a lot of questions are unanswered which is why I will be getting my hands on the second book as soon as it is available - the epilogue reminded me there is so much more going on and our MC’s quest is just one small part of a much bigger story!
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Shane East. Shane does a great job in capturing characters' personalities and had me fully immersed in the story from the beginning.
One final note. I really need a whole book on Dain! 🔥
Tropes in Rising Sun:
-Enemies to lovers
-Angsty Slow burn romance
-High stakes
-Forced proximity/one tent
-Found family
-SPICE 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you for the ARC. I will post my review on Goodreads, Instagram and Audible.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you to Netgalley, author Donna Grant and RB Media for providing me with early access to the audiobook of Rising Sun in return for an honest review.
Rising Sun is a high fantasy romance. Set in a world with elves, dragons, humans and an interesting magic system. Need I say more? This is a book you will not want to sleep on!
The FMC is a strong, independent human woman who has survived traumatic experiences and now has no choice but to venture back into danger to protect herself and the ones she cares for, when she is caught stealing and given an ultimatum. She must go on a quest taking her back to the dangerous land she had escaped, partnered with a grumpy, arrogant (and handsome!) elf who doesn’t trust her (or pretty much anyone for that matter).
The tension between Yasmin, the FMC, and Ravi (the MMC) had me glued to this book! I couldn’t put it down and had to know how it ended!
I loved the magic system in this book. There is clearly so much more to unravel and a lot of questions are unanswered which is why I will be getting my hands on the second book as soon as it is available - the epilogue reminded me there is so much more going on and our MC’s quest is just one small part of a much bigger story!
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Shane East. Shane does a great job in capturing characters' personalities and had me fully immersed in the story from the beginning.
One final note. I really need a whole book on Dain! 🔥
Tropes in Rising Sun:
-Enemies to lovers
-Angsty Slow burn romance
-High stakes
-Forced proximity/one tent
-Found family
-SPICE 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you for the ARC. I will post my review on Goodreads, Instagram and Audible.
May 12, 2024
This foray into a new branch of the long running world for Donna Grant is beyond intriguing with dark and terrifying characters, tragic backstories, and magic that is fascinating. I am truly looking forward to this new undertaking and hoping for many more stories, starting with installment two, Dark Heart, coming soon. Yasmin is a human with just that little bit extra she has been hiding for a long time, but that has guided her to safety more than once. Now she is forced into a dangerous mission and one that she knows she may not make it back from, until she comes to truly care for and trust her partner. Ravi has no love for the humans around him, and even less for the criminal he is forced to partner with, but when she proves more than up to the challenges, they face he quickly comes to care for her. Together they are determined to stop tragedy and make it home, but the deck is stacked against them and neither of them is willing to risk the other’s life, so when the chips are down it might come down to a single fatal decision if they aren’t careful. I loved every moment of this story and despite the romance being subtle and more of a very slow build, there was a very sweet falling for both Ravi and Yaz and I look forward to seeing them together in the future books in the series as they continue their lives together. Grant never fails to give us an epic quest when she begins a new series, filled with beautiful world building, character development, terrifying villains, and you will not regret diving into Rising Sun. Well played, Ms. Grant, well played.
For full review check out the Blog at:
https://romancewitchreviews.blogspot....
For full review check out the Blog at:
https://romancewitchreviews.blogspot....
May 11, 2024
ARC Review:
Rising Sun by Donna Grant is the first book in the Elven Kingdoms series. This is an enemies to lovers fast-paced fantasy book. I had a lot of fun reading this book. This was the first book I read by Donna Grant and it definitely won't be my last!
The characters are very likeable. I really loved Yasmin. She was a strong badass FMC and I loved how she overcame her past trauma. Ravi was amazing. He was protective, strong, and mysterious. This duo was so much fun! Yasmin and Ravi are forced to work together to stop a terrorist threat from starting a war with the dragons. They absolutely hate each other in the beginning. Throughout their mission, they begin to realize that their assumptions of each other were wrong. I loved watching their relationship progress from enemies to unlikely friends to lovers.
This story had me hooked from the beginning. This was action packed and kept me engaged. The world building and magic system were easy to understand. The third act break up wasn't my favorite but I understand why the author did it. Overall, this was a great fun read! I recommend this book to anyone who wants an enemies to lovers fast paced fantasy book.
Thank you @dgauthor and NetGalley for the ARC of this book! I truly enjoyed this book and hope there will be more in this world soon.
P.S. Hoping to see more of Dain
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
HAPPY READING
Rising Sun by Donna Grant is the first book in the Elven Kingdoms series. This is an enemies to lovers fast-paced fantasy book. I had a lot of fun reading this book. This was the first book I read by Donna Grant and it definitely won't be my last!
The characters are very likeable. I really loved Yasmin. She was a strong badass FMC and I loved how she overcame her past trauma. Ravi was amazing. He was protective, strong, and mysterious. This duo was so much fun! Yasmin and Ravi are forced to work together to stop a terrorist threat from starting a war with the dragons. They absolutely hate each other in the beginning. Throughout their mission, they begin to realize that their assumptions of each other were wrong. I loved watching their relationship progress from enemies to unlikely friends to lovers.
This story had me hooked from the beginning. This was action packed and kept me engaged. The world building and magic system were easy to understand. The third act break up wasn't my favorite but I understand why the author did it. Overall, this was a great fun read! I recommend this book to anyone who wants an enemies to lovers fast paced fantasy book.
Thank you @dgauthor and NetGalley for the ARC of this book! I truly enjoyed this book and hope there will be more in this world soon.
P.S. Hoping to see more of Dain
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
HAPPY READING
May 1, 2024
If you’re a Romantasy fan, you need to add Rising Sun to your list of books to pick up. While the pacing is a little slow at the beginning, once it picks up you will not want to put it down. The plot was full of enough action, intrigue, and twists to captivate your attention. I really enjoyed how different and well developed the magic was particularly in relation to a certain characters ability to use stones. I’m a sucker for found family, and I absolutely loved how well Grant used the found family trope in Rising Sun. Additionally both the FMC, Yasmin, and MMC, Ravi, were complex, well fleshed out, and had interesting development arcs. Oddly enough, my favorite character was actually Dain and I can’t wait to see more of him. He has some truly sweet moments with children that are absolutely adorable and will melt your heart. I was also pleasantly surprised by how great a job the narrator, Shane East, did. I sometimes struggle to tell the difference in characters with male narrators but East did such a phenomenal job at distinguishing between Yasmin and Ravi. I really enjoyed his rendition of this story and would definitely listen to other narrations by East. I also recommend checking out Rising Sun as an audiobook to enhance your enjoyment.
✨
✨
ALC courtesy of Netgalley and Recorded Books Media
✨
✨
ALC courtesy of Netgalley and Recorded Books Media
May 23, 2024
It never ceases to amaze me that this author seems to have an unending ability to create new, compelling characters that live in fascinating worlds. Her stories weave danger, romance and emotion into complex situations that keep the reader coming back for more.
In this new spin off of the Dark Kings, we’re more intimately introduced to the seven races of Elves. Each race is distinguished by recognizable physical characteristics. Ravi is a sun elf, unwillingly forced to work with human Yasmin. The humans in their world are seen as lesser. But Yasmin is the only one who can get Ravi where he needs to go. They’ll need to find a way to work together and trust each other if they want to prevent war with the Dragon Kings.
As we’ve come to expect from Ms. Grant, the action is relentless, the romance passionate and the emotions intense. This is a wonderful beginning to the new series. I look forward to more journeys in this world.
In this new spin off of the Dark Kings, we’re more intimately introduced to the seven races of Elves. Each race is distinguished by recognizable physical characteristics. Ravi is a sun elf, unwillingly forced to work with human Yasmin. The humans in their world are seen as lesser. But Yasmin is the only one who can get Ravi where he needs to go. They’ll need to find a way to work together and trust each other if they want to prevent war with the Dragon Kings.
As we’ve come to expect from Ms. Grant, the action is relentless, the romance passionate and the emotions intense. This is a wonderful beginning to the new series. I look forward to more journeys in this world.
June 25, 2024
Rising Sun by Donna Grant
4/5 Stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
•••Spoiler free review below•••
Yasmin is given an ultimatum. She either brings Ravi to Shaldorn or she is imprisoned for life. With a group of children she cares for on the line and the first hand experience of what the prisons are like for humans, there is really no choice. She hates elves but must learn to work with Ravi anyway if they both want to come out of this expedition alive. Slow burn and filled with interesting adventure, this book will keep you hooked and wanting to finish in one sitting.
Read this book if you like:
-enemies to friends to lovers
-adventurous journey
-elves and faes and dragons and a couple of unfortunate humans
-strong FMC
-unlikely soulmates
Rising Sun is OUT NOW and if it’s not already on your tbr, it should be! Special thanks to Tantor Audio for sharing a free copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
Review on Instagram
4/5 Stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
•••Spoiler free review below•••
Yasmin is given an ultimatum. She either brings Ravi to Shaldorn or she is imprisoned for life. With a group of children she cares for on the line and the first hand experience of what the prisons are like for humans, there is really no choice. She hates elves but must learn to work with Ravi anyway if they both want to come out of this expedition alive. Slow burn and filled with interesting adventure, this book will keep you hooked and wanting to finish in one sitting.
Read this book if you like:
-enemies to friends to lovers
-adventurous journey
-elves and faes and dragons and a couple of unfortunate humans
-strong FMC
-unlikely soulmates
Rising Sun is OUT NOW and if it’s not already on your tbr, it should be! Special thanks to Tantor Audio for sharing a free copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
Review on Instagram
May 12, 2024
▪︎⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
▪︎🌶🌶🌶
I don't know where to begin.
This book consumed my mind the whole week.
I'm having a hard time moving on.
When I first read the first 10 chapters, I admit I was close to dnf'ing this book because it was so slow and nothing was happening.
I didn't even have any idea that it was a freaking slow burn 🤦♀️
But let me tell you, good thing I didn't stop because, HOLY MOLY!
The slow burn is burning soooo scorching hawt! 🔥
The tension between Ravi and Yasmin is off the charts! like jeeeeeez! my gosh! 🥵
And the spice?! *chef's kiss* it was divine! 🤤
Another thing is that I thought this was just another romantasy book about elves and fighting and all that, but hell, I did not expect this to be a dark, high romantasy book, and thats what caught my attention.
The writing style is impeccably good.
This is my first time reading from Donna Grant, and I'M A FAN! 😍🥰🙌
▪︎🌶🌶🌶
I don't know where to begin.
This book consumed my mind the whole week.
I'm having a hard time moving on.
When I first read the first 10 chapters, I admit I was close to dnf'ing this book because it was so slow and nothing was happening.
I didn't even have any idea that it was a freaking slow burn 🤦♀️
But let me tell you, good thing I didn't stop because, HOLY MOLY!
The slow burn is burning soooo scorching hawt! 🔥
The tension between Ravi and Yasmin is off the charts! like jeeeeeez! my gosh! 🥵
And the spice?! *chef's kiss* it was divine! 🤤
Another thing is that I thought this was just another romantasy book about elves and fighting and all that, but hell, I did not expect this to be a dark, high romantasy book, and thats what caught my attention.
The writing style is impeccably good.
This is my first time reading from Donna Grant, and I'M A FAN! 😍🥰🙌
May 14, 2024
Ravi must retrieve a bomb in Shaldorn that will start a war with the Dragons. He must take Yasmin with him because she is the only human that has escaped Shaldorn and lived. She agrees to help this Sun Elf because her alternative would be jail. As they travel to Shaldorn, their animosity towards each other begins to fade. As they begin to care for each other, feelings evolve. Can Yasmin trust this elf with her life? Can Ravi allow Yasmin to break down his walls? We meet other elves that help these two in their quest. These two finally arrive at their HEA with a little help. Loved this book and cannot wait for the next one!
May 14, 2024
Ravi works for Defense Intelligent Agency.
Durga is a Wood Elf and Ravi’s boss and mentor.
Yasmin a human helping kids out and on this mission with Ravi.
Manu is a mountain Elf.
Ravi and Yasmin met, when she was forced to help him with a mission to retrieve an explosive device. In the beginning they are at odds ( a love /hate relationship) .
Yasmin is a strong and independent female.
Ravi is a closed off loner and an alpha male.
You can see the slow development of attraction and chemistry.
Can they complete the mission and have a Happily Ever After?
This book has suspense, danger, intrigue , magic and angst.
Great pictures and description of the scenery .
Great Job Donna Grant !!!
Durga is a Wood Elf and Ravi’s boss and mentor.
Yasmin a human helping kids out and on this mission with Ravi.
Manu is a mountain Elf.
Ravi and Yasmin met, when she was forced to help him with a mission to retrieve an explosive device. In the beginning they are at odds ( a love /hate relationship) .
Yasmin is a strong and independent female.
Ravi is a closed off loner and an alpha male.
You can see the slow development of attraction and chemistry.
Can they complete the mission and have a Happily Ever After?
This book has suspense, danger, intrigue , magic and angst.
Great pictures and description of the scenery .
Great Job Donna Grant !!!
April 27, 2024
Nothing could make Yasmin return to Shaldorn, the place of nightmares. But when she’s caught stealing, she’s given an ultimatum: take Ravi over the Dangerous Peaks to the stronghold or face imprisonment. She has no choice but to agree, though she intends to escape the elf as soon as she reaches the mountains. Yet, as they battle nature itself, the two enemies find common ground—and an all-consuming passion.
Donna Grant has crafted a high fantasy in elaborate world building and slow burning action and romance. The new style of magic system is well planned and very believable. The beginning was on the slower side, working very hard to build but then steadily picked up and kept a good pace until the end. The enemies-to-lovers goes hard in Rising Sun and it will be perfect for anyone who loves a good love story with some grade-a spice.
I listened to the audio for my read through, and Shane East did a wonderful job. He has a voice that I could listen to all day. I feel like I may have enjoyed the read more in print though, as I do feel like I missed things and had trouble putting names to faces at some points during the read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Tantor Audio and Donna Grant for an advanced copy for review. Rising Sun is set for release May 14th, 2024.
Donna Grant has crafted a high fantasy in elaborate world building and slow burning action and romance. The new style of magic system is well planned and very believable. The beginning was on the slower side, working very hard to build but then steadily picked up and kept a good pace until the end. The enemies-to-lovers goes hard in Rising Sun and it will be perfect for anyone who loves a good love story with some grade-a spice.
I listened to the audio for my read through, and Shane East did a wonderful job. He has a voice that I could listen to all day. I feel like I may have enjoyed the read more in print though, as I do feel like I missed things and had trouble putting names to faces at some points during the read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Tantor Audio and Donna Grant for an advanced copy for review. Rising Sun is set for release May 14th, 2024.
May 12, 2024
Thank you NetGalley, Donna Grant, and Tantor Audio for this pre-release . Publishing 5/14/24. I enjoyed Shane East as the narrator his voice is calming and clear. The story is of Yasmin a human on a forced mission with a Sun Elf named Ravi. Making Yasmin confront her past. I liked how we got little bits and pieces of Yasmin’s past and her secrets. I can’t wait for the next book Dark Heart (Elven Kingdoms) release date 11/12/24
May 1, 2024
Well okkkkkkay cliff hanger. Guess I'll just be sitting here on this ledge "patiently" waiting for the next book to come out.
Close proximity, enemies To lovers, romantasy for the win. What do you get when you add humans with elves, well mass destruction obviously but also a great plot line with a lot of unique twists. In a genre that has become so flush with options, it was nice to have some genuinely unique story lines to get hooked on! Can't wait for book two.
Close proximity, enemies To lovers, romantasy for the win. What do you get when you add humans with elves, well mass destruction obviously but also a great plot line with a lot of unique twists. In a genre that has become so flush with options, it was nice to have some genuinely unique story lines to get hooked on! Can't wait for book two.
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