Rising Sun

Loved reading the mesmerizing and spellbinding story. Even though Yasmin does not want to return to Shaldorn,, she has to guide agent, Ravi, into the city to retrieve a device. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and a must read story full of mystery and romance. Can't wait to read the next story in the series by the phenomenal author, Donna Grant!

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 (thank you NetGalley) , 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.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Hold onto your cloaks and sharpen those elfin ears, because Donna Grant is whisking us away on a wickedly seductive ride in her latest series! In a tale where danger and desire blend as smoothly as a well-mixed potion, we meet Yasmin—a bewitching human with secrets as deep as the dungeons of Shaldorn—and Ravi, the deliciously ruthless elf who is as swoon-worthy as he is judgmental.

When Yasmin, a survivor with a heart cloaked in shadows, is caught stealing, she’s thrust into a treacherous bargain: escort the enigmatic Ravi across the Dangerous Peaks or face a fate worse than her darkest nightmares. But what starts as a journey teetering on the edge of animosity, blossoms into an all-consuming passion that could either be their salvation or their undoing.

With each step towards the impenetrable stronghold, their journey intensifies—full of peril, promises, and a slow-burning romance that’ll leave you breathless (and yes, Ravi is definitely worth the wait!). As they navigate the thin line between love and hate, secrets unravel, and the stakes soar higher than the peaks themselves.

Will Yasmin keep her word? Can this unlikely pair breach the fortress walls—and the barriers around their hearts? And more importantly, can they make it back out?

Grant’s narrative is a masterclass in world-building—complete with a glossary of Elf classes that’s as detailed as it is delightful. True enemies-to-lovers fans, gather round, because this is a love story with teeth and truth, wrapped in layers of lush, mythical intrigue. And let’s not forget more Dain—because, seriously, who could get enough of that?

This is why Donna has been one of my favorite authors since 2012. Get ready to be enthralled, enchanted, and utterly entwined with Yasmin and Ravi’s adventure. A five-star fantasy that’s as thrilling as it is transformative. Don’t miss this ride!

**This ARC was received from NetGalley for my honest review **

Review was posted on goodreads

A huge thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC for Rising Sun for an honest review.

Book: Rising Sun by Donna Grant
Series: Elven Kingdoms
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5

Review: Rising Sun is a fantasy romance book, based in a world with Fae and Humans. The Fae are categorised into the 7 races of elves (Sun, Moon, Star, Sea, Wood, Mountain and Dark elves) which each harness unique magic. This story follows Yasmin (MMC) a magic-less human who must work alongside an elf (Ravi / MMC) who works for an agency to stop a war from beginning within their realm. This book has high stakes, one-tent trope, trauma and growth from the characters and forced proximity. I really enjoyed following Yasmine she is a competent, strong FMC who holds secrets from her past and has a hatred towards the elves. I really enjoyed this fantasy book and I’m looking forward to seeing where the series goes from here! 🧚✨☀️🌙🌊

⭐️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*

Wow! This was a definite page-turner. From the time Yasmin agreed to go with Ravi back to a place where she experienced her worst nightmares, I was captivated. The strength of Yasmin to persevere through her fears because she gave her word, and along the way fell in love with Ravi, sucked me into the story. I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series! slow burn with spice. 4.5 out of 5 stars.

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.

This Fantasy novel written by Donna Grant 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!
Whenever possible, put the positive things about a book up front.

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.

This is an incredible read! Such an intricate weave of suspense, action, magic and love. At times it made me shudder, smile or rush to find out what happens next.

When Yasmin is caught stealing she’s given a choice, go to prison or help an agent get to Shaldorn and retrieve a bomb. Yasmin swore to never return after she escaped four years ago. Ravi is a DIA agent and a sun elf. He is to go and get the bomb before it can be sent to the dragons and cause a war.
Yasmin has a deep hatred of elves and being made to take one to Shaldorn is something she’d rather not do. Ravi doesn’t think much of humans and believes elves are more superior. The trek through the woods and over mountains brings them closer together. Once they reach their destination it will be tricky getting into the castle and finding the person responsible for selling the bomb. Can Yasmin and Ravi overcome their differences to work together or will they be torn apart by betrayal?
New series my Ms. Donna Grant and let me just say, what a way to start it. Action. Secret. Enemies to lovers. Yasmin has been beaten and abused but still has love in her heart. Ravi was betrayed and it’ll take someone special to trust again.

* Voluntarily read and reviewed for Netgalley *

Rising Sun was a fantastic, enemies-to-lovers romance story that was full of suspense, anticipation, survival, sacrifices, honor, honesty, mystery, abuse, revenge, steamy scenes and more. I don't want to give anything away because I will definitely be recommending this book to all of my paranormal romance loving friends. There was never a dull moment in this story. It's a story worth reading as I loved everything about this story from beginning to end. Yazmin is one tough cookie and there's more to her than what meets the eyes. The more time Yas and Ravi spent together, the more they opened up to each other, and the more they opened up the more I fell in love with them. I was completely happy with the way this story ends with Yaz, Ravi and the kids, however, things are far from over as Gita wants revenge and she will not stop. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.

This is hands-down one of the best fantasy books I've read in a long time! I was immediately drawn in by the impossible quest, hidden powers, and the chemistry between Yasmin and Ravi. Yasmin is tasked with taking Ravi, who is a secret agent, to a stronghold that only she has escaped. Returning is absolutely the last thing she wishes to do, but the chemistry between the two main characters becomes electric as the two face ever-dire circumstances. Their backgrounds and secrets are slowly revealed throughout the book. I DEVOURED this within 2 days. Absolutely recommended.

I also loved the audiobook of this. The narrator is a male with a sort-of British voice. It is very soothing and a delight to listen to. My only complaint is that I wish there was a female to narrate Yasmin's chapters. I would still highly recommend.

Tropes: fated mates, adventure, romantasy, found family, hidden powers, enemies to lovers, slow burn

NOW THAT IS WHAT I CALL A WELL-DONE ROMANTIC FANTASY!!! This was my first time ever reading Donna Grant and it will certainly not be my last!!

In Rising Sun, we meet Yasmin, the strong, selfless and brave human with a sassy attitude. After being caught stealing, she is forced to help Ravi, a broody sun elf find passage into the fortress of Shaldorn, a place from her worst nightmares. Tropes include:

- one tent
- forced proximity
- enemies to lovers
- elves vs humans
- found family
- trauma rep

I was immediately hooked when I started listening to my advanced reader copy. The banter between Ravi and Yasmin was so well done, and I loved the gradual development of their relationship moving from enemies to friends to lovers. Though their love story is a highlight, it is second to the plot line in the book. Yasmin’s background story and the secrets within the fortress had my heart aching. Watching Ravi finally overcome his prejudice and open his eyes was such beautiful character growth (which is always an important factor in my 5 star picks).

Thank you so much to the author, NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced listener copy in exchange for an honest review. All ratings and opinions are entirely my own, and trust me when I say you want to check this new fantasy romance out!

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!

Gosh, I love this authors writing. I love these elves, can’t wait for the next book. When a human and a elf set out to recover a device meant to kill dragon kings, they face more then they expected. Can Yasmin return to a place of terror to help Ravi complete his mission?

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you for allowing me to review

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!

The tension in this book. I am deceased. This was a seriously good slow burn with all the tension and stolen touches (my fav). I think this has the potential to be such a good series.

I also love the Elven magic and cannot wait to hear more about each sect of Elves and their capabilities.

Thank you again to Tantor, Donna Grant and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this title. I received an ARC of this book and I'm leaving my review voluntarily and honestly

While Rising Sun is the first book in the Elven Kingdoms series, that series is a spinoff of the Dragon Kings series. Since Rising Sun mentions characters and incidents from that series I went back to reread parts of those novels to put events into perspective. While it is not a prerequisite to have read about the Dragon Kings, it provides the background to some of the characters and events that are mentioned in Rising Sun.

Rising Sun caught my attention from the start and kept it throughout. The tension builds as we learn of Yasmin and Ravi's mission and the problems they face in their efforts to successfully accomplish it. Dain and Manu have their roles to play as well. The Epilogue hints at things to come. As always, eagerly awaiting Donna Grant's next book in this series, Dark Heart.

ARC Review: Thank you for this opportunity.

"Rising Sun," the first book in Donna Grant's new Elven Kingdoms series, is an incredible journey into a vibrant fantasy world where elves and humans coexist. This captivating opening installment sets the stage for a remarkable adventure, focusing on Yasmin and Ravi as they embark on a perilous journey through the Dangerous Peaks.

Yasmin, the story's heroine, drew me in with her complexity and the trauma she experienced in Shaldorn. She had every reason to avoid returning to that place, but when she's caught stealing, she has no choice but to make a deal: travel with Ravi to this stronghold or face imprisonment. Ravi, her elven companion, turns out to be equally intriguing, revealing unexpected layers as the story progresses and challenging Yasmin's preconceptions about elves.

The chemistry between Yasmin and Ravi is what really makes the book stand out. At first, they're cautious around each other, but as they face the dangers of their journey, their relationship begins to shift. Donna Grant's writing masterfully captures the slow build of their connection, blending tension, trust, and passion. The romance is subtle yet palpable, adding a deep emotional core to the adventure.

The pacing in "Rising Sun" was spot-on for me. The action scenes are intense and thrilling, while the quieter moments give us a deeper look into the characters' backgrounds and motivations. However, I did find that the world-building in the beginning took some time, which could feel a bit slow for some readers. But once the story got going, I was completely hooked.

Overall, I loved "Rising Sun." Donna Grant has crafted a mesmerizing world filled with complex characters and a storyline that kept me turning the pages. The mix of adventure, romance, and fantasy made it an absolute joy to read, and I'm already looking forward to the next book in the Elven Kingdoms series. If you're a fan of fantasy and love a story with depth and emotion, I highly recommend giving "Rising Sun" a try. I can't wait to see where this series goes next!

I was captivated by the descriptions of the characters in this book.
The novel kept you enthralled throughout.
All in all a wonderful story.

As someone who has been in a reading slump for weeks, I did not go into this book with high hopes. I started and could not stop. It has everything. I was instantly drawn into this amazing world. I could see everything, I could smells the smells, feel the feelings. I have not loved characters this much since TOG. The FMC was everything. This book had everything I have been craving for months. #Foundfamily, #ForcedProximoty, #Slowburn, #Romantasy and probably more I am not thinking of whole I ride the absolute high this book left me on. There are many tough topics that are explored through the eyes of the main characters and it was handled beautifully. There was action packed scenes and scenes that made my heart clutch. I cannot praise the story-telling enough, but it was like watching a movie and falling in love. Amazing. The ending left me excited that this was book #1.

A new series
A Fantasy with magic,drama,mysteries,twists,suspense,and romance.
Yasmin a human and Ravi a elf are sent on a dangerous mission to retrieve something from very evil place.
Things don't go as they plan.
Very intense story.
Voluntarily reviewed.

Thank you, Donna Grant, just when we think we know all the players in the Dark Universe, we find out there are more! This is fabulous news!! Seven genus of elves, nice! Enemy to Lovers is one of my favorite tropes as well. “Rising Sun” is the first book in the new series, “Elven Kingdoms.”

A human, Yasmin and the Sun Elf Ravi have a mission together. Yasmin and Ravi - who cannot tolerate one another, are sent on a mission together to Shaldorn to thwart an evil plot that will start a war with the Dragons. The journey to Shaldorn is just the beginning of this wild ride.. There is danger, not to mention the lies and deceit - even mystery and you won’t be able to put it down. I need to mention the magic, which rounds out this perfect novel; and the graphic descriptions of the beauty of Zora. It’s just like being there. Every.single.time..

It was an excellent read, with a few unexpected twists and turns, and Donna makes it all feel like the reader is present, watching it all play out. Thank you for this new addition to the Dark Universe, it’s a great read and well worth your time!

Four and a half
Wow this is an excellent start to this new spin off series from the Dragon Kings and I'm already loving the different types of Elves mentioned. Essentially we have Ravi, an agent sent to infiltrate a notorious, secretive resort that caters to based instincts as he commits to capturing a magical weapon. Yasmim escaped from Shaldorn and has absolutely no desire to return but when blackmailed to show Ravi how to get in she very reluctantly takes on the task. As a Sun Elf the inhospitable icy mountains are a challenge for Ravi but Yasmin might be human but she's not exactly helpless !
This was really fun and very entertaining and I particularly enjoyed the pace as the couple got to know each other. Ravi is very independent and doesn't trust easily but his kind nature just shone through. Yasmin has had awful things happen in her life and yet still has compassion in spades and she came across as very courageous and a worthy heroine. Whilst not exactly enemies to lovers this story had lots going on to recommend it and the epilogue means the author is already setting up to return to some of these characters and I for one will definitely want to read more.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the editor for sending me an advance copy of this upcoming title. Your hard work and dedication to this project are truly commendable, and I am incredibly honored to have the opportunity to review it before its official release.

The depth and quality of this work are a testament to your meticulous attention to detail and your passion for bringing exceptional stories to life. From the engaging narrative to the well-developed characters, it's clear that a tremendous amount of effort has gone into every aspect of this book.

I am genuinely excited about this title and eager to share my thoughts and insights. Having the chance to read it in advance has been a wonderful experience, and I am confident that readers will be just as captivated by it as I am.

Thank you once again for this incredible opportunity. Your support and trust in my feedback mean a great deal to me. I look forward to continuing to work together and witnessing the success of this fantastic book.

What a surprise Rising Sun, Book 1 of Elven Kingdoms, is! It has its own distinct otherworldly personality which leads you into a multifaceted plot of intrigue and romance. The author’s characters are diverse and well thought out creating a fast-paced storyline. The opening chapters take the reader on a wild goose chase trying to figure out who are the heroes and who are the villains. Slowly the author gives the reader more information entrapping them in the storyline creating the desire to read the book in one sitting. Even at the end of the book this reader was wondering on a few of the main characters.

For me I feel this book is a little more to the dark side with its characters which was an unexpected shift from her other series I’ve read and loved. I honestly became very fond of the characters in this book. Some took longer but they grew on me the further I got into the plot.
Some of my favorite characters were Jasmine the main heroine with a secret. Once I found out what her secret was, I was filled with compassion and understanding for her actions and thoughts. The two male characters that caught my attention was Ravi and Dain. Both exciting and diverse in opposite ways. I was surprised by which one caught Jasmine’s eye but you’ll have to read the book to see if you agree.

I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I can’t wait to see if Yasmin can move forward with her life. You can be sure it will be just as good if not better than this book.

I enjoyed this book and gave it 4.5 STARS.

I really enjoy Donna Grant's paranormal books. Well, to be honest I love all her books. The elves of Scotland and Ireland are particularly fun to read about. Grant has a vast imagination and creates another amazingly complex and infinitely interesting world.

Forced to guide Ravi to Shaldorn, Yasmin struggles to return to the scene of her worst nightmares from which she is the lone known escapee and to work with an elf. She's not given a choice but is promised a very worthwhile reward to help take care of the kids she loves and watches out for. The trip is as harrowing as they come and the two find themself fighting awful creatures and worse weather., narrowly escaping death more than once. When Ravi realizes how hard Yasmin will fight for herself, her wards and even him, he can't help but be impressed. She finds she may have held some not-fully-justified prejudices again him. As if the journey wasn't challenging enough, getting into and back out of the fortress and den of debauchery is every bit as difficult as Yasmin has portrayed it. When all seems lost, these two manage to work miracles, get out alive, and return to their starting point. Even then their love can't seem to exist and overcome.

Will these two find their HEA? It isn't easy but totally worth it. Another great read by Grant.

Thanks to the author and NetGalley for the ARC.

Wow, absolutely loved the storyline. The slow burn and the enemies to lovers dynamic were pure chef's kiss. I couldn't put this book down, I devoured it as fast as I could. When I realized I was nearing the end, I felt genuinely upset because I didn't want it to be over, but also excited for the next books.
This is my first time reading anything by this author, and I am thrilled to have discovered a new favorite. I'm now on a mission to devour all her books, I'm obsessed, and eagerly awaiting the next release and yes I will be preordering it for sure.
Also, I must mention that the cover of this book is stunning, and I can't wait to display it on my bookshelf, shrieks in excitement. 
I strongly recommend this book to anyone who loves a slow burn, enemies to lovers, close proximity, and a forced quest that brings a lot of delicious drama. A big thank you to the author for creating such a realistic world. It's been a couple of days since I finished it, and I'm still thinking about it and that's when you know you've read a good book!
Do yourself a favor and read this book. You won't regret it.I would also love to add that I am grateful for Donna Grant, and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this beautiful ARC that has now become my new obsession.

I've never read any Donna Grant books before! I've always thought about diving into her books but I wasn't sure where to start and it seemed overwhelming. I didn't realize until I was adding it to my goodreads that this is actually a spin off series apart of Donna Grant's Dark World Universe. Luckily, this does stand on it's own and I was able to follow everything well, I'm sure reading the previous books might add a bit more context or some fun teasers but you can read this alone! We follow Yasmin, a courageous badass human who just wants to find a place for her and other tormented young human kids to go where they'll be safe from the horrid ruling Elves. Ravi, is a closed off, sexy, mysterious Sun Elf that knows there are problems in their world but generally believes the best in their government until he truly sees what they have put Yasmin and others like her through. They are forced to travel together and of course get closer, this is s slow burn book with some spice towards the end. I really enjoyed their backstories and how it affected their choices! The ending was so sweet and wrapped up really nicely but gave us a little hint to the next book with one of the side characters (who I adored!!) will be the next MMC!

Nothing could prepare Yasmin for her return to Shaldron, but she must go in order to protect the kids.
Yasmin escaped the fortress that has captured humans for high society elves' darkest desires four years ago. Since then she has been barely scraping by trying to survive. When she is caught stealing she is forced to re-enter Shaldron to help stop a future bombing. Yasmin must guide the dark and handsome elf, Ravi, across treacherous ground and through the underworld of Shaldron if she hopes to return to her life. As Ravi and Yasmin survive numerous near death experiences they find that their guarded walls fall down and are replaced by love. But can they save more than one soul as well as their own on this mission?
LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! I lost sleep to finish this book! The slow burn, and star-crossed lovers was epic. I loved Grant’s writing style of the dual POVs. Usually when written from a male’s POV I feel there is too much unrelatable sexual innuendo....but not in this book it was so gritty and beautifully written. I thought at first I would have issues getting into a book narrated by a man. However, reading this tale was so intriguing and enjoyable. I can’t wait for the next book in the series and will be impatiently waiting……..

*Thank you to Donna Grant and Shane East, Netgalley and DL Grant LLC for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.