An interesting, engaging book for those interested in reading an adventure full of distrust and trials!

Rising Sun is a captivating blend of fantasy, romance, and magic that will pull you in from the moment the story picks up. While the beginning is a bit slow, once you get past the initial chapters, it’s impossible to put down. The two main characters are strong and compelling, and the development they experience—both together and individually—is beautifully written. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and the slow-burn romance adds a layer of tension and emotion that keeps you hooked.

What makes Rising Sun truly stand out is its rich combination of elements: magic, found family, and an enemies-to-lovers dynamic that will keep you on your toes. It’s a fantastic read for anyone who loves a well-crafted romance set in a magical world with plenty of character growth. If you're looking for a story with heart and depth, Rising Sun delivers on every level.

3.5 stars

I have been a fan of Donna for the past 10 years and I typically love her books but at some point I have lost some interest. Especially when her series just keeping going and going. So it was a welcome surprise to be able to read a book that's a first in a series, however, still technically a spin off in a way.

While I really wanted to love this book I can only wonder if maybe I have grown from this writing style or maybe this book just wasn't it for me. I wanted something absolutely fresh from this author and it is just another piece in a story that has been going on for years.

Thank you NetGalley, DL Grant and LLC for an ARC of Rising Sun!

Rising Sun by Donna Grant is an exciting, fast-paced read that captivated me from start to finish. Set in a world where danger and passion collide, the story follows an intriguing blend of complex characters and intense action, all wrapped up in a world of mystery and romance.
Grant does an excellent job of building suspense while developing strong, well-rounded characters. The dynamic between the protagonists is engaging, and their chemistry felt real and palpable. The plot is full of twists and turns, keeping you on your toes, though at times, I felt the pacing was a bit rushed in certain sections.
The world-building is rich, and Grant’s writing style is immersive, creating an atmosphere that’s both tense and thrilling. It’s clear the author has a knack for blending genres, with elements of romance, fantasy, and action seamlessly woven together.
Overall, Rising Sun is a thrilling and engaging read that fans of action-packed romance will definitely enjoy.

This is the first book I've read by Donna Grant and suffice it to say it will not be the last. I absolutely loved the world building. The slow burn ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥 had moments where it dragged a bit but overall this was a great read.
*This was an ARC read for my honest review

Rising Sun marks the captivating beginning of Donna Grant’s Elven Kingdoms series, seamlessly blending high fantasy, romance, and a touch of intrigue. Set in a richly imagined world populated by various elf factions and humans, this story hooks readers with its atmospheric setting, dynamic characters, and thrilling plot.

The novel centers on Yasmin, a human woman haunted by a traumatic past, and Ravi, a stoic Sun Elf on a mission to retrieve a dangerous device tied to Yasmin’s history. Forced to work together under perilous circumstances, their journey unfolds across treacherous mountains and the dark heart of Shaldorn, a place Yasmin swore never to return to. The narrative thrives on the enemies-to-lovers trope, balanced by moments of vulnerability, danger, and resilience.

Grant’s world-building is vivid and immersive, introducing readers to a complex society where humans and seven types of elves coexist, each wielding unique magic. The political intricacies, magical elements, and the foreboding mystery of Shaldorn provide a compelling backdrop that sets the stage for the series. Yasmin’s harrowing past and Ravi’s stoic determination add emotional weight to the story, making their reluctant partnership and eventual romance deeply satisfying.

While the pacing drags slightly in the beginning as the characters establish their partnership, the story picks up momentum during the perilous mission, delivering heart-pounding action and emotional depth. The romance is a slow burn, culminating in an intense and steamy connection that enhances the stakes. Side characters, particularly Dain, bring charisma and levity to the narrative, promising more intrigue in future installments.

The audiobook, narrated by Shane East, enhances the experience with his deep, smooth voice, capturing Ravi’s intensity and Yasmin’s resilience effectively. However, the variance in volume between male and female voices may take some adjustment for listeners.

The climax and resolution are satisfying, wrapping up key threads while leaving room for the series to expand. Though the third act’s pacing feels slightly rushed, it doesn’t detract significantly from the story’s overall impact.

Rising Sun delivers a thrilling introduction to the Elven Kingdoms series, combining danger, romance, and a richly crafted fantasy world. Fans of enemies-to-lovers romance, magical intrigue, and strong, complex characters will find much to enjoy. Donna Grant sets a high bar with this installment, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Yasmin and Ravi’s journey.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

I really enjoyed this book! It was a captivating read that held my attention from start to finish. The story was well-paced, and the characters felt real and engaging. I’m grateful to the publisher for providing an early copy—it was a pleasure to read!

As a major Donna Grant fan, I was delighted to read Rising Sun, the first book in her Elven Kingdoms series, and it did not disappoint! This gripping story follows Yasmin, a determined human, and Ravi, a moody elf, as they go on a treacherous adventure through the Dangerous Peaks. The tension between them is palpable, and I loved how their initial hostility blossoms into something more profound amid heart-pounding peril and magnificent scenery.

Grant's world-building is amazing, tempting us with hints of a rich history and fascinating politics. The split POV allowed me to identify with both characters, particularly Yasmin, who has suffered unthinkable trials. While I felt the romance progressed too quickly near the end, the overall tale kept me riveted to the page. I cannot wait to see where this series goes next! If you appreciate fascinating paranormal romance, this is the book for you!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy, Magic, Fae, Elves
Theme: Enemies to Lovers
Author: Donna Grant
Book Publication date: May 14, 2024
Page Count: 391 (Kindle)

Book Cover first thoughts: Love the book cover, it drew me in

Story Review / Summary:
Absolutely LOVE the map with a link to more information. I wish every fantasy book did this because most have a map that is barely readable. Then the next page is 7 Races of elves / Elf Glossary. Something that is also a plus! I often start reading a book and can’t remember this world building information in the first section of a book. Sometimes I never can remember depending on how many characters there are so this was a BIG positive.

I was not sure about the Elf storyline or if I would enjoy it. But I did enjoy the story and plot. The story starts off slow, which seems typical for Fantasy books. I did not think this would be a spicy book. LOL

This was my first Donna Grant book and I loved her writing style. Looking forward to reading #DarkHeart the second book in the #ElvenKingdoms series.

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Thank you to #NetGalley and DL Grant, LLC for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of #RisingSun
All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was May 14, 2024. This review is being shared on NetGalley, Goodreads and Amazon.

This is my first book by the author and after finishing it I'm sure it won't be my last. Rising sun is the first part of Elven kingdoms.


Rising sun had me hooked from the very start. I loved all the characters, Yasmin, Ravi, Durga, Dain and even Manu. Yaz is a human being in a world ruled by elves. Her life wasn't just difficult but she has survived a decade of pain at the hands of elves. So it is no wonder she doesn't trust any elf , rather hates them. And then she is forced to be on a mission with one of the rudest appearing elf she has ever come across.

Ravi is skeptical about the young human female and waiting for her to betray him. For him, his mission comes before anything and everything. What starts as hating each other, converts to being friendly and then friendship and then something else together. Even though about first 50 % of the book is about journey on a mission, it kept me interested coz of the storyline.


Later the action started and it intrigued me even more. The overall setting and the storyline is quite slow and it was hard sometimes but I was definitely into the characters and wanted more of both of them. It definitely would have been better if it had kept a fast and steady pace but I liked it nonetheless.

Thank you Netgalley and DL Grant, LLC publishing for the wonderful ARC in exchange of an honest review. I have requested the second book from the series too as I can't get enough for Ravi and Yaz but I think we are going to see more of Dain than Ravi and Yaz in the second book.

The premise of this book intrigued me but it was hard to get into! Not a favorite for me but i would read more from this author.

I enjoyed the emotional and perilous journey of strangers to soul mates. The hint at book two has me ready and begging for it! I cannot wait to see this series progress!

Rising Sun by Donna Grant is a captivating start to the Elven Kingdoms series, blending dark fantasy with a touch of romance. The story follows Yasmin, a human with a powerful secret, and Ravi, a jaded elf, as they embark on a perilous journey over the Dangerous Peaks. Their mission is fraught with danger, but it’s their evolving relationship that truly captivates.

Rising Sun is a refreshing start to a new series of paranormal fantasy and romance, while fitting in the usual tropes in a new fun way.
The dynamic between the 2 main characters had me captivated from the start, their contrasting but also similar (don't tell them that) personalities worked well together and were believable with their backstories.
Yasmin’s warmth and determination complement Ravi’s stoicism and depth, and because they both are used to being dependable lone wolves, they find it difficult to work with a partner in crime, with the plot putting them both in an impossible position of needing each other to complete their mission.
I thoroughly enjoyed this opening chapter to the Elven Kingdoms series, and look forward to the next chapter.
Thank you Netgalley and the author for the ARC of this lovely book!

OMG! Another new series from Donna Grant. Of course I had to request the arc. And she did it again: she totally blew my mind with this tale full of suspense.

Yasmin is a wonderful character: resilient, strong and a compassionate survivor. When she is being blackmailed into taking Ravi into Shaldorn, she thinks of ways to get out of her assignment. Distrust, anger and fear are her companions. It is great to see how Ravi and Yasmin learn to trust one another. And of course -or it wouldn’t be a real Donna Grant story, there are some unexpected twists and turns, before we come to the HEA of the book.

And I’m keeping my eye out for Dain, the elf, who helps Ravi throughout the story. I do hope that Donna will grant him (yep: pun intended) a story of his own. He deserves it! Five out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

Thanks to Netgalley & DL Grant, LLC for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed Rising Sun more than I thought I would. It was full of intrigue, drama, magic, and romance.
It took me a few chapters to really get into it, but after that I was hooked. I read it in a day, I just couldn't put it down.

Yasmin and Ravi were great main characters. Their chemistry was off the charts.
I look forward to reading more about them in the next installment in November.

4 stars from me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

She did it again and there's not possible not to enjoy a book from Donna Grant, also has elves and magical creatures so what else can a fantasy lover want?? Yasmin was such a great and well build character that it wasn't possible not to like her and the tension? Well don't even let me start talking about it..

I went into this one blind, not knowing what I was in for, and boy oh boy, was I in for a treat! I loved this. Everything about this story worked for me. The setting was unique, the characters well-written, and the plot was engaging. I loved the chemistry between Yasmin and Ravi. Wow, at points the heat was coming off the pages. The enemies-to-lovers trope works in this one. Believable. I cannot wait to read more by this author, they have a fantastic writing style that makes it almost impossible to put the book down.

First of all, I love when you can find information regarding the races or the magic system in a book at the beginning. It makes it easy to go back and check, especially when you are reading a printed book, when it comes to e-books, it can have the opposite effect, especially if there is too much information there.

What I liked most about this book, is how courageous the FMC is. In order to help Ravi achieve his quest, she has to go back to a horrible place (and oh my, the description of that place really made my hairs stand on end).

The only problem was that I felt a bit bored at times, during the journey to that place, but I'm still glad I read this book because it ended up being an interesting story with many troupes I enjoy.

If you want a high steaks adventure in a world with elves and humans, enemies to lovers, found family and forced proximity, I totally recommend giving a try to this book.

I really enjoyed this book. I hope the author continues to write more books in the future. I can't wait to see what this author releases in the future.