Varum is a sea elf and while in the water he saw a ship and sea elves helping it. The Masters have been kidnapping elves and he knows of sea elves going missing. Varum sees a human swimming up from the deep and bop one of them in the head. A battle begins and the female is hurt so Varum takes her back to his house. No one is allowed in their city except for sea elves so he sneaks her in. Kalyani awakes in a strange house and in pain. She wants to go back to the surface but her captor can’t let her go just yet. Neither trusts the other. They both want to destroy the Masters. Varum starts to interrogate her because he saw something strange and wants her explanation. Kalyani doesn’t know what he is talking about. But when they are discovered, both Varum and Kalyani are taken in and interrogated by the Tidewarden but they both know its death for them. Unless they can escape.

This is such a good story. Suspense. Sea elves. Secrets. Surprises. Steamy. Varum doesn’t trust because his family threw him down and left him when he was young. Kalyani is beautiful and the ocean has always called to her and it gets her in trouble. Voluntarily read and reviewed this book for Netgalley.

Loved reading the mesmerizing and spellbinding paranormal story. While Kalyani, a human, chained and sinking after trying to save humans from the masters' slave ship, Varium, a sea elf, saves Kalyanii and brings her to his home hidden in the water deep below, and if she is found, both of them killed. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written full of mystery and intrigue, and another must read riveting and engaging romance story by the phenomenally talented author, Donna Grant.

What a thrilling read this is. Kalyani is full of sass, courage and surprises. So many unexpected situations had me eagerly turning pages. Highly recommend it.

This was really engaging from start to finish. I would absolutely check out more from this author. I would recommend this one to my followers.

I absolutely loved this read.

Kalyani is a human set out to help her people defeat the Masters in any way she can. Varum is a sea elf determined to keep the Master out of the sea elf city. When their paths cross he takes her to the sea elf city to find out more information. Danger surrounds them as humans are strictly forbidden from entering the city. They must figure out if they can trust each other and find the information they need to protect their people and get out alive.

There are so many things about this book that I loved.
Despite this being the fifth book in a series, it read almost like a standalone. Still connected to the other books however, we were given enough information that it wasn’t hard to follow the connections and the overall goals for the characters.

Kalyani was so strong and determined to help. She is fiery, stubborn and so brave in the face of the dangers around her - everything I want in my FMCS. Varum is reserved and insistent in his intentions to protect the city with a wall up to protect himself from the disappointment of others - a swoon worthy book boyfriend. I loved how their relationship developed, each giving a little bit into their forbidden desire.

I will absolutely be going back and reading the other books in the series and cannot wait to continue this story further!

Great high fantasy world building and fun names and character names

Very unique magical ocean vibes

Love the people and types of characters

Very fun action filled and unique

Another great read in the Elven Kingdom sequel! This is Varum and Kalyani’s story. Will keep you reading long into the night. Donna Grant has a way to keep you interested no matter what her subject is. There’s romance , suspense and enough action to keep you reading for hours. If you like paranormal romances these are for you!

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

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Great book, love all the characters. Highly recommend to everyone.

This is Varum and Kalyani’s story in the Elven Kingdom's series. I highly recommend reading the other books in the series first in order to catch all of the hint drops of the overarching issue (the masters) in the series. This is the first book to really give a glimpse of the Sea Elves. Very beautiful descriptions of their artistry, etc. I was surprised by the late twist in the story. Highly recommend.

Quick Summary: A multi-layered, under the sea fantasy romance

My Review: Burning Sea by Donna Grant is book #5 in the Elven Kingdoms series. This novel is categorized as "Romance | Sci Fi & Fantasy." It was released on 5/11/26.

About the Book: "Desire runs deeper than the ocean…

...a captivating story of forbidden desire, dangerous secrets, and impossible choices..."

In My Own Words: A Sea Elf warrior and a human (yet something more) find themselves in close proximity, working to deal with the Masters and more.

My Final Say: This was an intriguing read. It had so many layers and details that I liked. At times, I felt like I was dropped off in the middle (and I was, since I had not read any other books in the series.). There were other moments that I could easily fall in line and understand what was happening. One thing that was immediately obvious was the tension and pull between the leads.

This is the certainly the type of story I could lose myself in...in the right conditions. That is meant in the positive. I want to know more than I know, therefore I shall keep reading. I will likely go back to the beginning and work my way up. I don't want to miss a thing.

Other: I would love to listen to this entire series in the audiobook format.

Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Level: 💛
Format: 📱
Series: Yes
Cover: +

Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (DL Grant, LLC), and to NetGalley. Thank you for providing access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. I am grateful for the opportunity.

Burning Sea introduces several new characters in the fight against the Masters: Varum, a Sea Elf, and Kalyani, a human. The two of them meet in the midst of danger resulting in a shaky start to their relationship. But circumstances change and romance grows until a final reckoning with the Sea Elves. The mysterious One makes an appearance at a time of need. Is he friend or foe? There is a bit of a cliffhanger ending, with Dain's condition left pending. As always, Donna Grant provides a sizzling romance with amazing world building and richly detailed characters. I'm eagerly awaiting the next book in this series, Dark Ruin, to learn what happens next in the Elven Kingdom.

This was gothic atmospheric and beautifully written - I had not read anything by Donna Grant, but she is definitely going to be on my watch list for upcoming works.

Finally, we get to see the world of the Sea Elves; where they stand in regard to the Masters and the location of another Shaldorn (read book 1 of this series for the back history of Shaldorn).

What I like best about this book is how author Donna Grant creates an underwater world that makes one feel like they are in the Atlantis of Elves.

Human Kaylani is drawn to the water and has never understood why her brother Rohan (who's story is in Storm Wood Book 3 of the series) fears for her life every time she goes into the water. Her affinity to water creates a surprising storyline that finally gives her resolution to her unknown abilities and shocks everyone around her

Varum, a sea elf, takes Kaylani hostage and tries to discover what and who she really is. This is against the rules of sea elves and is instant death for both when caught.

This book is about finding one’s identity, self-love, and doing the right things. It’s about loving someone so much that you let them go.

I recommend this series for it's creative world of elves. I give it 5 STARS.