Free Book Review — Rising Sun (Elven Kingdoms Book 1) by Donna Grant — A Comprehensive Review
🌄 A Quote to Remember
“So here he was, walking through the Rainwood with an enemy he'd rather be taking to prison than towards a place that, if he wasn't careful, could end his life.”
This powerful line from Rising Sun captures the tension and stakes within the Elven Kingdoms. It gives us a glimpse into the protagonist's struggles, where alliances are fragile, and trust is a rare currency. Donna Grant uses moments like these to weave suspense, making readers feel the high stakes and the challenges the characters face in a world teeming with danger and complex loyalties.
📖 Book Summary
Title: Rising Sun (Elven Kingdoms Book 1)
Author: Donna Grant
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
Pages: Approx. 320 (Kindle Edition)
Publication Year: 2023
Available on: Amazon, Kindle Store
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✩ (4.5/5)
Rising Sun is the opening act of the Elven Kingdoms series, a fantastical narrative steeped in politics, warfare, and ancient magic. In this story, we follow the ambitious Elven prince Eryndor as he navigates a world that teeters between harmony and chaos. Charged with the daunting task of protecting his people, he must confront internal strife, forging alliances while discerning foes within and outside his realm.
The central conflict revolves around the Elven Kingdom’s survival amid impending war with rival factions. As tensions escalate, Eryndor’s ability to lead and his choices play a pivotal role in shaping his kingdom's destiny. Donna Grant successfully intertwines court intrigue with sweeping action sequences, ensuring readers remain fully immersed in this captivating world.
📌 Key Facts: Unfolding the Story’s Appeal
Accolades: Although new, Rising Sun has garnered widespread praise within fantasy circles for its depth in world-building.
Endorsements: The book is highly recommended by multiple New York Times bestselling authors, including some known for fantasy sagas themselves. Their endorsements bolster Rising Sun as an emerging fantasy favorite.
Awards & Recognitions: It’s a prime candidate for a Goodreads Choice Award in Fantasy for 2024.
📚 10 Books Similar to Rising Sun
A List of 📚 10 Books Similar to Rising Sun
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie
The Elven by Bernhard Hennen
The Witcher: Blood of Elves by Andrzej Sapkowski
The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
The Inheritance Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
✍️ About the Author: Donna Grant’s World of Fantasy
Donna Grant is a seasoned fantasy writer with a background in weaving intricate, magical worlds. Known for her imaginative plots and strong character arcs, she has penned multiple fantasy novels that captivate a loyal readership. With Rising Sun, she draws upon her experience to create a realm where the stakes are high and every choice matters. Her deep understanding of mythical storytelling shines through her work, making her one of today’s notable voices in fantasy fiction.
📖 Writing Style Report: A Story That Resonates
Grant’s writing is a balanced blend of lyricism and clarity, appealing to both fantasy enthusiasts and readers new to the genre. Her descriptions transport readers to lush, ancient lands, yet she keeps the prose accessible, focusing on emotions and action without excessive embellishment. This style amplifies the characters' personal struggles and the gravity of their decisions, adding depth to the narrative. Grant excels in both world-building and pacing, creating a story that is as visually rich as it is compelling.
💡 Key Takeaways from Rising Sun
🌿 Courage in Leadership – Eryndor’s journey reveals that real leadership involves tough choices and sacrifice.
⚔️ Power and Responsibility – With power comes the burden of safeguarding those who rely on it.
🌍 Unity Over Division – The story encourages the idea that unity can overcome even the most enduring rivalries.
💔 The Cost of War – War may be unavoidable, but it always leaves scars on both victors and the vanquished.
✨ Embrace the Unknown – Embracing the mystical and the unknown can lead to unexpected strength.
🎭 Masks and True Faces – Even in trusted circles, loyalty can be tested; knowing whom to trust is a valuable lesson.
🏰 Legacy and Honor – Eryndor learns that his actions will shape the kingdom’s history and legacy.
🔥 Passion as Power – The right motivations drive characters to achieve greatness, but misplaced passions can lead to ruin.
🧙♂️ Ancient Magic and Modern Realities – The book explores how tradition interacts with the evolving realities of the world.
🌠 The Journey is the Destination – The road to achieving one’s destiny is as meaningful as the end result.
🌠 What’s Unique about This Book?
Rising Sun sets itself apart from other fantasy series by combining a richly detailed world with relatable, human challenges. While many fantasy books focus on epic battles or spells, Grant hones in on the psychological toll of leadership, trust, and identity. The Elven Kingdoms feel alive, thanks to her intricate storytelling, making readers feel connected to both the world and the characters’ emotional struggles.
⭐ It’s A Great Book for Fantasy Lovers
With its compelling storyline and engaging prose, Rising Sun is a solid four-star read. It is a Great Book for those who enjoy a thoughtful, well-crafted fantasy that doesn’t skimp on action or intrigue. Though it’s part of a series, this first installment provides a satisfying arc while hinting at grander adventures to come.
🎯 For Fans of Epic Fantasy
If you are a fan of intricate worlds with complex characters, Rising Sun is for you. Readers of Sarah J. Maas, Samantha Shannon, and Patrick Rothfuss will find Donna Grant’s story equally thrilling. This book will also appeal to readers who appreciate a blend of action, politics, and a touch of romance in their fantasy reads.
📚 Top 5 Titles by Donna Grant
Darkest Flame
Soul Scorched
Dragon King
Firestorm
Everbound
📆 Suggested Reading Plan for the Elven Kingdoms Series
To fully immerse yourself in the Elven Kingdoms, read Rising Sun over a weekend when you can really dig into the plot.
👥 Top Authors in the Genre
Sarah J. Maas – A Court of Thorns and Roses
Patrick Rothfuss – The Kingkiller Chronicle
N.K. Jemisin – The Broken Earth Trilogy