I really enjoyed this book! This is a very well done YA fantasy. I really appreciate that it developed a really sweet relationship without adding intimacy. The premise was entirely fascinating! I loved the feel of the setting and the mystery surrounding the magic and Empyreans. The main character is sheltered and naive, but her growth was very gratifying. I would be interested to read more in this world!

☀️🌊 Luminous Rise 🌊☀️

📖 Bookish Thoughts

My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.

✨ What to Expect
• Elemental Magic
• Slow Burn Romance
• Cozy Fantasy
• Hidden Secrets
_ _ _

📅 Pub Date: July 28, 2026
Thank you to Portal Publishing, LLC and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

Beautiful book. I loved the characters, the magic system, and the overall storyline. The pacing was perfect and did not feel slow. While this is a standalone, I would not mind reading more books from this world.

This fantasy completely pulled me into its beautifully imagined world. Sara Knightly creates memorable characters, rich world-building, and just the right balance of adventure and emotion. The stakes continue to grow throughout the story, and I found it difficult to put down. A fantastic read that left me eager for more.

This was a wonderful fantasy romance set in an alternate world full of elemental magic. The descriptions of the sun garden, the different elemental houses, and the magic were vivid and really transported me into the world. I thought the world building and lore were appropriately interspersed throughout so as not to feel too much like info dumping. I was surprised by a few of the plot twists and betrayals and didn't have any idea how everything would work out in the end.

The romance between Cyra and Atlas was so sweet and cute. I loved that we met Atlas in chapter one and got to watch their relationship grow from beginning to end. I also loved that Atlas was immediately protective of Cyra, coming to her defense on the first day they met. They had so many cute private moments throughout the story that had me grinning and looking forward to the next.

I did feel the resolution to the main conflict and the ending as a whole was rushed and a little too easy, and that the allusion between the Divine in this fictional world and God in the real world was a little heavy-handed. This is the reason I rated this story 4 stars instead of 5.

The ending wrapped most everything up, but there were a few loose ends that could lend themselves to more story if the author decides to write more. I would certainly like to read about Cyra and Atlas's future adventures since I loved the characters and their love story so much.

Spice Level: 0/5 🌶️ - a few kisses

I received a free ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

🌬🔥🌊🌳A Breath of Fresh Air in YA Fantasy: Deeper, Brighter, and Completely Captivating!

💫A massive thank you to Sara Knightly and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of Luminous Rise in exchange for an honest review. This book is an absolute five-star triumph!

If you love the high-stakes, addictive vibes of Zodiac Academy but are looking for a clean, YA-friendly, and faith-inspired alternative, this is your next obsession. Knightly delivers a brilliantly structured elemental magic system with a unique twist that integrates flawlessly with the plot and character development.

At its core, the story features Cyra and Atlas, whose beautifully pure dynamic instantly won me over. But Luminous Rise offers far more than just an engaging fantasy romance. Underneath the magical framework lies a sharp, dystopian reflection of our modern world—delving into how history can be rewritten and exploring the spiritual warfare surrounding human potential. It serves as a powerful, resonant allegory: when we align ourselves with the Divine, our path is illuminated, and we are reminded that we never fight our battles alone.

This book is incredibly deep, beautifully written, and an absolute must-read. In fact, it has earned a permanent spot on my daughter’s reading list. As my introduction to Sara Knightly’s work, Luminous Rise has made me an instant fan, and I am already eager to dive into The Everlight Series! Highly recommended

Wow great YA Fantasty! I just love Atlas and Cyra so much!! The world building was amazing and I can’t just picture how beautiful Sanska is. I will definitely be reading more from Sara Knightly!

Review of Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley and the author.
Publication Date: July 28, 2026

4.25 stars!
Oh my goodness, this book was absolutely enthralling!!! With a richly developed world, a unique magic system, and strong leading characters, Luminous Rise by Sara Knightly is a stunning story of hope, justice, and following truth (The Divine in this novel) instead of the ways of the world. It was so hard to put down this book as every chapter draws you deeper into a vibrant world!
Cyra is a strong FMC with a gentleness and naïvety drawing a sense of realness into the story. Atlas… he’s honestly such a wonderful MMC. He has genuine care for others as well as a strong drive to protect them. Both demonstrate kindness, mercy, and forgiveness, though both are not without faults and stumbles of their own.
Now, I do wish the characters (mainly the side characters) could have been fleshed out a little bit more. There was the push and pull to some extent, but at times the characters felt as if they were missing that aspect of a relationship. The ending also felt a little rushed— that wanting for more from the resolution— but overall the pacing felt natural!
This is a clean read: no spice (non-descriptive kissing occurs two-to-three times) and no swearing! Thank you, Sara Knightly!!! Other content considerations: magic system (though there is no ‘dark’ magic), manipulation, deception as well as non-graphic scenes involving (or touching on) violence, injury, and death. The creator of the world within the book is known as the Divine, who longs for a personal relationship with his people, though there are a group who manipulate the people in believing they are not ‘good enough’ to know the Divine and must trust this group to do it for them. The magic is element-based and a gift from the Divine.
Overall, this was such an incredible read, and I highly recommend if you enjoy fast-paced, clean, YA, slow-burn, cozy, unique mythology/magic system, and beautifully written books!!! Also, the setting was exquisite as it is based in the Greek Isles.
Happy reading :)

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Portal Publishing, and Sara Knightly for providing this ARC of Luminous Rise in exchange for a free, honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

ARC review. Great young adult fantasy standalone novel. Elemental magic that has some twists to it. Good world building with a plot that feels different from so many fantasy plots out there which was refreshing.

This book feels like sunshine, from the very first moment to the very end.

I enjoyed learning about each magical element and the intrigue that leads you into entangled paths of mystery and power (and the corruption it brings forth). The main character, Cyra, is kind and intelligent along with an endearing sense of naivete. Her path to truth and empowerment is supported with genuine friendships and the sweetest slow burn first love. I loved the chemistry between Cyra and Atlas - and the immediate trust amidst so many unknowns.

The world building and character development are in-depth and slowly build up the story for the first half, then the mystery and hunt for truth pull you all the way in. This journey includes unexpected results and plot twists, magical trials, mysterious strangers, secrets, and learning who to trust.

This is a perfect summer read! It highlights believing in self and divine guidance over blind trust, as well as forgiveness, and the power of community. I felt so much unconditional love written in these pages - this book truly feels so delightful and heart-warming to read.

So much gratitude and thanks to the author, NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and Portal Publishing for an ARC of this book.

This book is spice free.
Content: Very lite/gentle undercurrents of de*th, grief, and m*rder