I had a fun time reading this book, overall. It was quick to draw me in, with smooth writing and quick paced action. The world-building was interesting, and I appreciated the glossary at the beginning of the book that discussed the various Elves of this world, their looks/homelands/cultures. That said, because we had this information available for reference, I wish some of the more clunky exposition moments, especially in the beginning, had been removed. Sometimes it just didn't make sense for a character (an Elf himself) to be reflecting on fairly basic information about his own peoples.

I liked the female main character quite a lot. She was spunky, but also practical and realistic about her place in a world set up against her, as a weaker woman. She also had an interesting back story that slowly came out over the course of the book, how she escaped a traumatic point in her life, what exactly happened etc.

The male main character started out fairly frustrating however. He's in a position where it's clear he's seen much of the world, but at the same time, he was incredibly naive about how much of the world worked, especially the ways that the humans suffered in their society. What's worse, he was pretty unlikable early in the book with the way he dealt with the FMC over this issue. His story is definitely one of coming to better understand these things, but it did start out fairly rough.

The plotting was ok, but the story itself felt fairly predictable, with many of the romance beats hitting in the exact way that one would expect for this sort of love story. This wasn't necessarily a bad thing, but I did find myself struggling to retain interest at times. That said, it was also written fairly well and will likely appeal to many romantasy fans!

Firstly, I extend my gratitude to Donna Grant and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this book. It was truly a pleasure to delve into its pages.

One of the most compelling aspects of this book is its portrayal of adult characters. In a genre often dominated by youthful protagonists, it's refreshing to encounter a main character who has weathered significant trauma and confronts her adversaries with a strength born of pure determination to honor her word.

Grant masterfully weaves together elements of enemies to lovers, dual points of view, Elven lore, intricate magic systems, Romantasy, and forced proximity, creating a tapestry of intrigue and emotion that will captivate readers.

I would definitely recommend reading this book, and I look forward to the next one in the series!

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.

I was really happy to get ahold of this book as an ARC and even more thrilled that I got to read it. I’ve already told my friend that she needs to read this when it’s released on May 14 because this was more fun than I was expecting and I plan on picking up the next books in the series when they’re released.

I won’t get too far into spoilers because I think the best part of this book is hopping on the ride and letting it take you on an adventure.

The first thing I loved about this introduction to the Elven Kingdoms series immediately was the characters. I adore Yasmin. She’s an independent FMC with a big heart despite all the things she’s been through. Trauma runs deep, but her ability to overcome and rise above throughout the story is beautiful. Her enemy/partner Ravi is a Sun Elf with his own trust issues. The development of their relationship was interesting and I appreciate how it was handled. It wasn’t forced but rather very organic.

There are also some “side characters”—I’m not sure if they’ll continue to be considered side characters in future books—that made me go “hey wait, who is that? I want to know more.” I hope we get to see more of them in the future.

The world building in this book was also very interesting. I would have liked to have seen more magic (especially from Ravi), but the amount of building we get to see — politics, segregation of species, etc— I think will be further explored and I truly look forward to it in the future. Speaking of exploration though, the journey to Shaldorn gives us a physical glance at the world and the different creatures that inhabit this unique place. I feel like this ‘journey” our main characters embark on was the best way to show the lay of the land even if it is focused on just a portion of the world.

The story itself was 4.5 out of 5 stars. It was giving quest energy and heist, while developing characters and relationships. Once I got to the climax, I found myself refusing to put my kindle down to figure out how our MCs were going to get through the mess. There is a third act breakup. I’m not usually a fan but in this case I think it was necessary to resolve the “what’s next for us” question. It may have been a bit forced as the characters do a lot of back-and-forth over their reasoning for it.

I do want to give credit where credit is due though. This could have easily been another fae-related story with cookie-cutter MCs but it wasn’t.

Overall though, I enjoyed this ARC and I’m looking forward to seeing the world expanded in upcoming installments.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 ★★★★✫
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

Read this if…
You enjoy reading journey/quest-like stories that also involve a heist. Also if you enjoy hurt/comfort, only one bed, enemies-to-partners-to-friends-to-lovers.

If you love a medium-paced fantasy with a dash of steamy spice this book is for you!

This is book 1 of the Elven Kingdoms and has a unique world building.

Tropes:
☀️One tent
☀️Enemies to lovers
☀️Quest
☀️Strong FMC

Loved this book! Thank you so much for the ARC! I really enjoyed this book, the story line and character descriptions got me hooked from the start, will definitely be reading more of Donna’s books

This book was so fun! The start was a little off for me because this is my first book about elves and I felt like every line said the word elf in it but at first it helped you figure out who was who and then they switched to names and it made it flow better. The main character Yaz was my favorite, I was literally laughing out loud while reading because of the way her thoughts would just trail off in the most random moments! I think the author did a great job at showing just how well somebody can handle trauma but also be shattered by it. I am definitely looking forward to book 2 in November!!!

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!

This was a great book!!! I Yasmim, and Ravi must journey together to stop the death of thousands. While on this harsh journey some truths both like and dark is revealed. This is a slow burn with great great plot and mysteries.🙂😉
Thank you for this ARC!!!

3 ⭐ 2 🌶️

The Rising Sun by Donna Grant is a captivating and exhilarating read. Yazmin and Ravi are sent on a mission to collect a bomb from the heart of a well hidden, dangerous fortress in the mountains where Yazmin swore she would never go back to after escaping 4 year ago. With many challenges along the way.
Donna did a great job of explaining the characters back stories and showing the growth of the characters and making you care for them.
it is a good book and I can see how many people will really enjoy this series.

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

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!

I had a fun time in this world, I have never read about Elves before (Think LOTR Elves). I really enjoyed this world, and did enjoy the plot as well.

There was something this story was missing for me, sometimes it was extremely slow, and I had some issues connecting with the main characters. And speaking of the main characters, I would like to discuss them.

Let’s start with our female protagonist, Yasmin. Out of our two main characters I liked Yasmin the most, she was very vulnerable, even though she had been through some terrible hardships, and I loved seeing her be raw and real with her emotions. I know he driving force was the kids, but it felt like we forgot the kids entirely until it was convenient to bring them up, Ravi seemed to become Yasmin’s full focus about a little over a quarter of the way into this book, and then the kids came back up conveniently for our third act break up. I wish maybe we had a bit more background on Yasmin and the kids? Maybe we’ll receive that in the next book!

Secondly, Ravi. There was just something I was not feeling for him. It was hard to understand exactly what it was, but basically, he felt shapeless, I didn’t really see him having a lot of personality. Really he only cared about Yasmin, and that’s it. We have a bit of background on him, but really, all I gathered from this whole story about him, was how much he loved Yasmin.

Overall, the plot was good, and I enjoyed myself, and I would suggest this to people who are starting out on a fantasy reading journey! I would read the second book, and I am happy I read this book. I hope we get more information on both our characters in the next novel.

4 stars from me!

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.

Thank you netgalley and Donna Grant for sending this book for review consideration. All views are my own.
A sun elf, Ravi, and a human, Yazmin, begrudgingly set out on a journey together to stop a potential threat from causing harm to thousands of elves and humans. Ravi’s an agent and in his world, everything is black and white, there’s a proper solution to everything. Yazmin, a human living amongst elves, understands life isn’t what is seems on the surface, and to survive you must be willing to take chances and sacrifices. They journey to a place no one has ever escaped from alive, no one besides Yazmin. Enemies to lovers, high fantasy, slow burn, and sexual tension. This story has something for everyone. I liked the story, and my only complaint is that i wish there was a little more depth to the writing. Short sentences, short non descriptive scenes. Questions were left unanswered, maybe the answers will be in book two.

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 *

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.

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.

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.

Rising Sun dives into the Elven Kingdom. There are seven different kinds of elves as well as humans. Yasmin is a human who has survived severe trauma and will do whatever it takes to save the children in her care.
There is adventure and mystery as well as a slow burn romance.
Please check the TW as I was not prepared for the abuse mentioned and showed on the page.