A review by nikkisbooknook
Rising Sun by Donna Grant

emotional inspiring mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Yasmin, is a grifter, a thief, a survivor.  She is also surrogate big sister to a group of rag-tag abandoned and abused human children.  When she picks the wrong pocket she finds herself facing prison and she knows neither she or the children will survive her captivity.  When the Elf in charge offers her a way out she reluctantly goes along with her plan.  But returning to Shaldorn could be the end of her...she escaped once, she may have used up all of her luck.

Ravi detests humans about as much as Yasmin hates Elves.  But on the journey to Shaldorn he cannot help being impressed by this resilient and determined woman.  She drip-feeds him parts of her story and he finally understands just what she went through behind those imposing walls.  And he can't seem to help himself wanting her!

The intricate differences between types of Elves, their powers and politics all make for a super interesting backstory.  High fantasy, romance and action blend well together.  Yasmin is prickly, plucky and a true survivor.  Ravi begins as this aloof and arrogant elf but Yasmin chips off some of those edges and by the end he's kind of a big-hearted softie!

The world building is fabulous and descriptive enough to suck you in but not enough to bog you down. Great start to a new offshoot series in the Dragon Kings Universe!
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