Rising Sun (Elven Kingdoms 1) by Donna Grant-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 14, 2024

A ruthless, jaded elf and a bewitching human hiding a powerful secret—unlikely soulmates whose passion will test the boundaries of life and death.

Nothing could make Yasmin return to Shaldorn, the place of nightmares. But when she’s caught stealing, she’s given an ultimatum: take Ravi over the Dangerous Peaks to the stronghold or face imprisonment.

She has no choice but to agree, though she intends to escape the elf as soon as she reaches the mountains. Yet, as they battle nature itself, the two enemies find common ground—and an all-consuming passion.

Can they prevail in their dangerous heist, or be torn apart by a betrayal?

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REVIEW:RISING SUN is the first instalment in Donna Grant’s adult ELVEN KINGDOMS paranormal / fantasy romance series, a spin off, set in the author’s numerous interconnected series including Dark Kings and Dragon Kings. This is sun elf Ravi, and human Yasmin’s story line. There is a slight cross over with Dragon Lover (Dragon Kings 5).

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Ravi and Yasmin) RISING SUN focuses on the search for a weapon that may be used to take down the Dragon Kings. Yasmin is struggling to feed the many mouths of the children she has chosen to raise but branded a thief, Yasmin must choose between imprisonment or returning to the place that all but destroyed her life. A cross-country journey with sun elf Ravi forces Yasmin to face her darkest fears including the revelation that Yasmin is much more than she appears to be.

The world building is set in a fantasy world with seven kinds of elves, and the return of the Dragons, once thought to be a myth. Someone is determined to destroy the dragons, and in doing so, control the order and the elves.

The relationship between Yasmin and Ravi begins as an assignment. Ravi works for the DIA, and has been tasked to retrieve an explosive device meant to destroy the mythical dragon but Yasmin is struggling with betrayal, and the memories of a place so dark and depraved that very few people make it out alive. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.

There is a large ensemble cast of magical and power beings including the return of Dragon King Kendrick and his mate Esha, as well as several elves including dark elf Dain, and Mountain Elf Manu. The requisite evil has many faces.

RISING SUN is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, jealousy and madness, acceptance and love. The slow building and familiar premise is engaging and interesting; the romance is subtle, there is little palpable sexual attraction; the characters are desperate and dynamic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Donna Grant is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the sizzling Dark King series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.

She was born and raised in Texas but loves to travel. Her adventures have taken her throughout the United States as well as to Jamaica, Mexico, and Scotland. Growing up on the Texas/Louisiana border, Donna’s Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding.

Despite deadlines and voracious reading, Donna still manages to keep up with her two children, four cats, and one long haired Chihuahua.