I never wanted to fall in love. My sister’s disappearance damaged me for such things. I’ve devoted my life to finding her—no matter where that leads me.
I could never have imagined it would bring me to him. A human with haunting celadon eyes and a determination that rivals my own. He’s strong, brash, and gorgeous.
Maybe that’s why I was caught off guard when he acknowledged that I was a covert agent. It’s a secret few know, and if word gets out, I’m as good as dead.
Too much rides on my identity remaining hidden. I have no choice but to help him navigate the perilous depths of the Below—and all who reside there.
But the lines that were once so vivid between us slowly begin to blur. We have only each other to survive and trusting him with my life is one thing. With my heart…that’s something I can’t even consider.
Yet, I can’t stop wondering what his lips would feel like against mine. I can’t help the ache I feel to be near him. And I can lie to him, but not myself. I crave his hard body next to me.
I never wanted to fall in love…but he stole my heart before I had a chance to safeguard it.
Now fate is pulling us apart, but I intend to fight for him. For us.
Even if it means my death.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Donna Grant weaves a captivating story of daring choices, unlikely alliances, and the enduring strength of hope in the thrilling third installment of her acclaimed Elven Kingdoms series.
Donna is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a hundred novels. Her most popular series is the breathtaking Dark King (aka Dragon King) series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.
In addition to her novels, Donna has written short stories, novellas, and novelettes for digital-first and print release. She has been dubbed as giving the “paranormal genre a burst of fresh air” by the San Francisco Book Review. Her work has been hailed as having “deft plotting and expert characterization” by Publisher’s Weekly and “sizzling” by RT Book Reviews.
She has been recognized with awards from both bookseller and reader contests including the National Reader’s Choice Award, Booksellers Best Award, as well as the coveted K.I.S.S. Award from RT Book Reviews.
Donna travels often for various speaking engagements, conferences, and book signings. She is also a frequent workshop presenter at national conferences such as RT Book Lovers Convention and Thrillerfest, as well as local chapters.
Born and raised in Texas, she also has ties across the border in Louisiana. Growing up with two such vibrant cultures, her Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding. She is never far from her faithful 80 pound dog, Sisko, or her three cats. She can often be found at the movies or bookstore with her children. Or buying makeup. And shoes.
I’m really struggling with this spin off series and I think it ends here for me.
I adore the Dragon Kings, The Reapers and The Druids and The Warriors but the Elven Kingdom which is part of the same universe it just isn’t grabbing my attention.
I find the characters difficult to connect with. They lack personality, backstory and chemistry. The slavery plot line is not being treated with the seriousness and horror that it deserves and I’m finding myself bored and having no desire to continue reading.
I got about 13 chapters in and then skimmed the rest and found book 3 was basically a repeat of book 2 and gave up.
So, I have to tell you I am more and more surprised by this series and being a hard-core romance reader I have mixed feelings about it. I can’t truly say that I would categorize this series as being romance, though each one revolves around a new couple on some grand adventure and they do ultimately find some way to form a relationship that turns out to be love. That said their relationship is way off the radar as being the main plot driver and is often what I would feel is just an after-thought. The third installment is even more so this way in my opinion, with the couple, Farah and Rohan being mistrustful and enemies through the first portion of the book, then becoming reluctant partners and finally friends later on as they come depend on one another for their safety, but it’s not until almost the very end that they come to show any kind of romantic interest beyond a few random statements about sexual attraction that they both stringently deny even to themselves and fight hard against. Farah is a wood elf that has been undercover in the darkest and most depraved environment looking for her missing sister for years, but now her entire mission and her very life is at stake thanks to the human male that has ruined it all. Rohan has become the defacto leader of his entire tribe of humanity since his father’s death and with the abductions thinning his settlement, and more importantly the kidnapping of his sister, he is willing to do whatever it takes to save and stop the evil. Now Roan and Farah are forced to work together and find a way to trust one another if they want to stay alive as they try to get back Rohan’s people and both of their sisters. But that level of evil is never that simple or easy, and soon when dark truths are uncovered, Farah and Rohan along with a few old friends will have to come to terms with the truth and defeat their enemies even if it means giving up their missions in the more deadly of ways. This story was filled with twist, turns, and lots of darkness, but I am enjoying the way Donna is giving us a glimpse of the darkness of humanity, politics, and commerce and why we should always fight for our freedom, stand up for what’s right, and never give up the goodness inside us for an easy life. While I would say if you were looking for a simple romance or something that is along the lines of one of Donna’s other romance series, this isn’t going to be your cup of tea, as it is much more a Dark Fantasy with a romantic twist here and there. But if you are willing to look into that darkness in our society and souls and fight against it as she parallels it in this world of Elves and magic, grab your copy of this series and dig right in.
This is a good series, why isn't it takes about more? Very slow burn, very slow. Great character development and world building. All the characters are depicted in book 3, but I love Farah and Rohan. Of you haven't read this series, do it!
This book took a little more time to get into. Mainly because these characters weren't in the first two books and the story line of enemies to lovers was so similar to the other books in the series. But even with that, once I got about a third of the way in I didn't mind at all because once again I was hooked.
Farah works for the DIA and has been undercover looking for her sister. While she's undercover she's kidnapped by Rohan, who also went to look for his sister and townspeople. He takes her back to his village to heal her wounds the best he can so he can use her to go back to the below and find his people. As they make their trek back to the below a lot of misconceived notions are challenged and they begin to see each other in a new light. But times running out and its pretty dangerous, especially when there's a new hit on Farah's head.
I was sad there was no cameo of the Yaz and Ravi, but we did get to see Arya, Dane, and Jai again so I wasn't too disappointed. Thoughout this series Donna has been writing some bad ass FMCs. That has not changed because Farah was just as tough and resilient. I loved her and her constant fight. She didn't let anything stop her and even though she didn't think too highly of herself, her heart was in the right place.
Rohan got on my nerves a bit but only because I was screaming in my mind to stop judging her! But watching his perception of elves evolve was so satisfying. He may not be my favorite of the MCs this series but he still has a special place in my heart. His dedication to his people and his family is admirable.
I am DYING to know about One though. I have been since the first book, but with each one the need to know who he is is getting a bit desperate. I don't know if his motives are altruistic but he's definitely got my attention and I can't wait to find out more in the next book.
The next book can't come quick enough because I have so many unanswered questions.
Another great book by Ms Grant. Farah and Rohan meet during an attempt to take her from Morthan. He needs her to help him locate his sister who is imprisoned in Morthan. They both begin as enemies but once Rohan, who is human, sees that Farah is a Wood elf that loves her family, he realizes that he was wrong to hate all elves. They agree to help each other find their sisters. These characters eventually allow their feelings for each other to result in love. There are many twists and turns with loyalty, espionage, sacrifice and forgiveness present. Their journey was action packed. Cannot wait for the next book.
Storm Wood is book three in the Elven Kingdoms series written by Donna Grant. This is Rohan & Farrah’s story. I’m sorry to say, but this series just isn’t my cup of tea. This book has a slow start I have difficulty immersing myself in. I feel like the characters show no attraction to each other until past the half way point. The action was centered around a slavery theme which never was a favorite of mine. But I find Donna Grant is a favorite author of mine and am anxiously awaiting the next book in her other story series.
Always enjoy a Grant book! Action, danger, cool setting, and good spice and sweetness! Enjoy the magical elements and the whole world Grant has throughout many of her series. Farrah and Rohan start out with a bit of a contentious relationship, but they soon realize working together to help those they care for is better than working alone. Another entertaining story!
Loved this book! It had unexpected twists that kept me guessing. Donna Grant is a new author for me and I’ve enjoyed reading the first three books in this series. I can’t wait to read the next book and I’m hoping it’s about Dain!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
I love Donna's writing and the yearning between each couple. I was really hoping for more depth in the fantasy I think that's what is really holding me back from loving this series. I don't feel like there has been enough world building to really develop the plot.
I am absolutely in love with Shane East doing the audiobooks. The characters do run together a little but that just might be me
Thank you to Donna and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this title. I attest that I am leaving my review voluntarily and honestly.
Wrestling with this series, the cruelty of these elven slavers is soul crushing. Not sure how many books are in this series but I am hoping that we are at the half way point so that this series can be resolved. At one point, I nearly rated this a 1 or 2 star because I did not like how Farah was treated by a human. I also did not like the insidious disregard for life by the villains in this depraved kingdom. It showcases the worst in humanoid species and leaves me feeling angry, depressed, and violent.
Farah is an undercover elf doing her best to survive the utter sewage of the corrupt slavery cities. Why? Because she must find her sister.
To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website.
This whole series is amazing! I secretly love Dain though in ALL of the books - and I can NOT wait for the next one. Each couple that comes from this series are swoon worthy - but even more so they have relatable characters. It's more than just enemies to lovers - they overcome biases and there's so many real world contexts that can be taken from it. The world building is extremely easy to follow & so are the elven powers. None of the FMCs are powerless & they each have different strengths and the MMCs fall head over heels so fast! Love the writing style of this series so much - the descriptions are beautiful, the feelings are wonderfully explained. If you're looking for some adventure and a little spice and a magic system - these are totally for you!
3.75stars- STORM WOOD is the third instalment in Donna Grant’s contemporary, adult ELVEN KINGDOMS paranormal/ fantasy series- a spin off from the author’s numerous interconnected Dragon Kings and Dark Kings series. This is Wood Elf Farah, and human Rohan’s story line. STORM WOOD can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Rohan and Farah STORM WOOD follows Rohan and Farah as they go in search of someone they lost. Days earlier,having worked undercover for the group known as the DIA Farah escaped the Masters of Mortham but in doing so found herself injured and recovering at the home of two human siblings. Struggling to heal, Farah continues to focus on the future, and the rescue of her sister Nitya, a future that now included Rohan. Rohan’s younger sister is also missing, a possible victim of the elven slavers. Thousands of people have gone missing from his village, and with only a dozen remaining, Rohan is determined to bring home the people he lost. As Rohan and Farah begin their journey together, Farah will discover she is a wanted elf, a price on her head, and someone may be pointing a finger in her direction.
The world building is, once again, detailed and complex, focusing on the torture and trafficking of humans and elves, and the existence of Moon, Star, Dark and Wood Elves; Healers and Readers. Someone is forcing the elves and humans into slavery, and our couple are hoping to free the people they love. The Council of Masters continues to seek power and control, while the DIA (Defense Intelligence Agency) and the CCD (Counter Corruption Division)
There is a large ensemble cast of interesting and often questionable secondary and supporting characters. We are reintroduced to DIA agent Sun Elf Ravi and his lover Yasmin (Rising Sun 1), Arya and Jai (Dark Heart 2) , Dark elf Dain, Solil and Durga; Rohan’s sisters Lita and Kalyani; and Farah’s sister Nitya. The requisite evil has many faces.
The relationship between Rohan and Farah begins as enemies to frenemies to compatriots then to lovers, as our couple endeavor to rescue their missing siblings but the deeper our couple journey, the more dangerous and familiar the enemies. The $ex scenes are limited yet intimate but I did not feel the growing attraction or sexual energy.
STORM WOOD is an interesting story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, family and dysfunction, acceptance and love. The premise is intriguing and captivating with a familiar writing style and assertion; the romance is limited; the characters are energetic and determined.
"Storm Wood" by Donna Grant: A Darkly Enchanting Elven Romance
Donna Grant returns with "Storm Wood," the third installment in her "Elven Kingdoms" series, and it’s a captivating journey into a world shrouded in peril and desperate hope. This fantasy romance delivers a compelling blend of suspense, action, and a simmering, intense relationship that will keep readers hooked from beginning to end.
At its heart are Farah, a determined wood elf deeply committed to finding her missing sister, and Rohan, a human driven by the equally urgent quest to rescue his kidnapped sibling. Their paths converge in the treacherous depths of Mortham, a shadowy realm where danger lurks around every corner and trust is a luxury few can afford. Grant masterfully sets up an intriguing dynamic between them, blurring the lines of who can be trusted as they navigate the treacherous "Below."
What truly shines in "Storm Wood" is the unfolding relationship between Farah and Rohan. Their initial encounters are fraught with suspicion and a compelling tension, perfectly embodying an enemies-to-lovers trope. Watching them slowly chip away at their biases and build a fragile, yet powerful, alliance amidst the chaos is incredibly rewarding. Both characters are fiercely loyal and resilient, making them easy to root for as they face formidable challenges.
Grant's world-building, while part of an ongoing series, manages to immerse readers effectively. The "Below" is a vividly imagined, dangerous place, and the stakes feel consistently high. The overarching fight against evil adds a compelling layer of urgency to Farah and Rohan's personal quests, making their journey feel significant within the larger narrative tapestry. The pacing is generally strong, with a good balance of action sequences and character development.
While "Storm Wood" is a strong entry, there were a few minor points that kept it from being a five-star read for me. (As this is a general template, a specific reviewer might insert: Perhaps a slight repetition in some internal monologues, or a secondary plot thread felt slightly less developed.) However, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise engaging and well-crafted story.
Fans of dark fantasy romance, intricate world-building, and high-stakes adventure will find much to love in "Storm Wood." Donna Grant delivers a moody, atmospheric tale of survival, unlikely alliances, and the enduring power of love in the face of overwhelming odds. It's a testament to loyalty, defiance, and the light that can be found even in the darkest of places. Highly recommended for those who enjoy a touch of grit with their magic and romance.
Enemies become lovers in a time when it seems like evil is gaining the upper hand.
Rohan and Farrah started out with a wary, temporary truce between them and some shared goals. Their travels took them all over the place where they discovered a few hard truths about themselves and each other. Like the previous books, our heroes ended up stumbling about in the forest and the city of Mortham, looking for their family members and their own salvation, barely making it out in one piece. The plot started out slow and picked up speed towards the end, with frantic magic battles, devastating betrayals, and finding allies in unexpected places.
The romance between Rohan and Farrah began as a strong physical attraction despite the obvious distrust between them. Obligation threatened to keep them apart, but love won in the end, as it should. The beautiful, bittersweet reunion between Rohan and Farrah delivered an emotional punch to the heart.
This book was about how different things motivate different people, that some people are more susceptible to giving up their morals for the right compensation, and that everybody, no matter who they are or what they look like, craves a place where they feel like they belong.
The Elven Kingdoms series forms part of the wider world of Donna Grant’s Dark Universe and can be a good starting point if you’re new to all of this. I think it’s best to read the books in order, though it’s not strictly necessary. Each book introduces a new couple finding their happy-ever-after, but there is a central plot that carries on from book to book.
I can highly recommend this entire universe of books if you like shifters, fae, elves, magic, thrilling action, and steamy romance.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Like many others have mentioned, it’s not necessary to read the first two books in the series and that’s a good thing because I definitely came into this blind. If you’re someone who is already vested into this universe, I think the story will be a nice continuation of things for you. It’s easy to read with immersive descriptions and easy to follow plot lines (even if you’re brand new to the series). Things definitely start to pick up around the 45% mark when our FMC and MMC get to Amberstar and the book transitions from purely fantasy into the romantasy genre. (That was a major win for me). It’s generally a fun read and has good pacing throughout.
Now for my major complaint (and this might just be a me thing…): As someone new to the world of the Elven Kingdoms, I found the names of people and places incredibly distracting. There were names like Dain and Rohan and Farrah which were all “our world” enough to be easy to read but then you get random bag of letters names thrown in there for other characters and it feels like a weird ping pong between fantasy and real life. Add to that the fact that I absolutely could not handle Mortham as a place name (I kept reading that as either Gotham or Mothman) and Shecrish (it’s like “Secrets” with your teeth clenched together) and Siguk (is it a people group? Or their village name? Why doesn’t it sound like a cat at 3 am). But don’t worry - all those mystical, magical places are overseen by The Masters (golf tournament?) or protected by the Defense Intelligence Agency and Counter Corruption Division (what in the Jack Reacher is that about?). I simply couldn’t stay in story the whole time.
Ultimately I think my time in Shecrish will end here but the I don’t regret the read - this storyline simply didn’t do it for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read an ARC in exchange for review!
Thank you to Netgalley and Donna Grant for the e-ARC!
Wood Elf Farrah is trying to maintain her cover for the DIA in the underground Masters' stronghold where all kidnapped victims are taken for 'processing'. Her plans are upended when she is taken hostage by a human named Rohan who wants to use her to sneak back into the compound in order to find his missing sister. Along the journey, they end up forming a tentative alliance as they bond over lost family members and their strong sense of loyalty. Will they succeed on their mission and will they fall in love along the way?
I have to say I was rather disappointed by this installment of the Elven Kingdoms series. Although Farrah and Rohan give very strong 'Pride and Prejudice' vibes in their romance, the book seemed to trying to set up book 4 and not standing on its own merits. In fact, the plot and the ending chapters were super rushed and then cut off without a satisfying conclusion. (I am also still confused as to how Rohan got Farrah out of the underground compound in the first place. That was never explained.)
The book's strong point is the budding relationship between Farrah and Rohan. They start out.(like Lizzie and Darcy) with preconceived notions of one another that are proven wrong after multiple complications on the journey to find their sisters. The development of both their characters is done very subtly and deftly by Grant and I wish the plot had received the same care. I also thoroughly enjoyed the descriptions of the rainwood as our intrepid heroes travel through it. It sounds gorgeous and I would like to visit it.
I do also wish that we had gotten more information on the various intrigues perpetrated by the Masters, the CCD and the DIA.
And goddamn it, when are we getting our Dain book?!!!! I've been so patient!
Storm Wood is the 3rd book in the Elven Kingdoms series set in Zora on the other side of the barrier from Dragon Territory. While you could read Storm Wood as a standalone book you’ll be missing key details from Dark Heart as Storm Wood picks up after Shaldorn is destroyed (we meet several characters from the first two books in Storm Wood)..
Storm Wood is the story of Farah and Rohan. Their story begins when Farah whose spent months working to gain the trust of Dark Elves at Mortham is injured in an explosion that was planned by Rohan to be a diversion to find his younger sister who was captured to be a slave / prisoner of the Masters. Rohan kidnaps Farah to heal her and to force her to help him in his quest since he knew her secret - she was a DIA Agent working undercover against the Masters who was close to ferreting out some key intel for the DIA.
Farah had her own reasons for working at Mortham and agrees to help Rohan in his quest since she needed to get back to Mortham to continue her mission while also searching for her older sister Nitya who was kidnapped seven years before (even if it was just to have closure).
Along their way back to Mortham Farah and Rohan become allies and an unplanned kiss while taking refuge Amberstar forces the both of them to think about eachother differently. As they continue on their journey, they meet the Asavori Rangers and Savita the Reader does a reading for them telling them to trust soon to be found allies. They also join forces with Dain, Arya, and Jai and find out that One from Shaldorn is still alive; but that he seems to have his own goals.
This is a fast paced book with several unexpected twists and turns. Looking forward to seeing what happens next in Mountain Fire!
Donna Grant has delivered another captivating and tension-filled story with STORM WOOD, book #3 in the Elven Kingdoms series. It is an enemies to lovers, forced proximity, found family, fantasy romance which constantly had me on the edge of my set. This is the story of Wood Elf Farah and human Rohan, born enemies and reluctant allies.
Farah, a member of the DIA, has been working undercover at Mortham, an underground complex run by the Dark Elves. She's searching for her missing sister, but the tasks she performs are beginning to affect her, she's losing her sense of self, the elf she truly is. Rohan's sister is also missing, taken from their village. Hoping to find her, Rohan travels to Mortham where he causes chaos and kidnaps a severely injured Farah. Rohan knows Farah's secret and uses that knowledge to get her to help him.
I enjoyed Farah and Rohan's story. Their journey was fraught with many dangers, unexpected help, and exposed secrets. I was intrigued watching their relationship evolve during their journey , it was obvious they had chemistry and there was definitely an attraction, however it was the interest in learning about the person and their unfamiliar cultures and lives which I enjoyed. I didn't mind their heat either!
STORM WOOD was filled with action and drama, was fast-paced, and had numerous twists and turns. I loved the world Donna is creating with the different cities, forests, beings, and cultures. I can't wait see what's next.
As I ponder the story after finishing the book, I wonder if perhaps the previous books would have provided background and information about the characters in this book that would have helped me feel more strongly about the characters and their story. I have loved books by this author but do know that with most series, coming in late can work better sometimes than others.
There is a disturbing theme of Masters enslaving elves and humans, torturing to tame them, and too much enjoyment of the evil but in this book, it was inferred and not detailed. Both main characters had lost family and others to slavery and were invested in finding and saving their loved ones even. The fact that Rohan is human and Farah is a wood elf that has been undercover working for the Masters has set them up for a rough enemies to lovers sort of relationship arc.
This story starts explosively with Farah being taken by Rohan for healing and his own purposes. There is distrust between the two as they begin on this story of traveling while being chased, running through the treetops, thwarting those chasing them, finding others to collaborate with, and eventually finding out what happened to those they loved. It is fast paced and action packed. I never really saw what Rohan and Farah saw in one another or felt chemistry between them but did enjoy their journey. I did enjoy some of the side characters and am more curious about them than I was about Rohan and Farah.
Did I like this book? Kind of Would I read the next book in this series? Maybe
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
Storm Wood (Book 3 of Elven Kingdoms) by Donna Grant is an immensely satisfying read with a dark dramatic beginning, a dangerous fast paced storyline, and a satisfying ending that setups a delicious next book to the series.
In the front of the book the author provides the readers with a map of Zora and descriptions of the 7 Races of Elves to refer to while reading this series. It help readers with the vast number of characters in this series.
Readers will delight in the descriptive scenes that create a world that keeps you glued to the pages reading. I always plan my reading so I have enough hours to read any book by Author donna Grant in one sitting.
Farah is the tough as nails main female character who is an agent trying to find her missing sister. Readers should be prepared for how deep she is into this hidden community of evil doers as there are some very graphic scenes. That being said it didn't interrupt my sleep and was handled with finesse.
Rohan, male main character, is more than he appears and I knew within a few pages that I'd be deeply satisfied with him. His tough as nails but very caring manner are a great personality combination.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series and hope it involves Reva and Dain.
Not to be remiss but I really recommend that you read “Rising Sun” book one of the Elven Kingdoms to get the full flavor of this series.
I gave it 5 STARS.
I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Storm Wood is another highly imaginative novel by Grant. Filled with great characters, intense action, conflict and a tender romance it is entertaining from start to finish.
Farah and Rohan were involved in the explosion at the end of the last book and we pick up there story there. Rohan has kidnapped Farah. He needs to rescue his sister and a large number of his people and believes Farah will give him leverage. He knows her secret and knows neither she nor her agency want to expose their covert operation. He expects a huge fight from her and/or escape attempts but Farah can see the wisdom of cooperating. Their shared goal is to get back to Morthan where they both believe their sisters are held as slaves. The road back is perilous with threats coming from all sides. No one can be trusted. They team up with other undercover agents from Farah's group. Still woefully outnumber and underpowered the crew can only hope the element of surprise gives them enough advantage.
Can they even get into the city without being captured or killed? Can they find their sisters? Can they free them and others? Can anyone get a win large or small against this most violent, most evil organization?
Farah and Rohan are tried in every way possible but despite their adversity they begin to like each other. An attraction forms one for the other. They're enemies. How can this happen? When their ragtag team arrives in the city Farah, finds something she never dreamed could occur and must deal with a threat she never expected. I'll stop here to avoid spoilers but you should read the book to find out for yourself.
I recommend this to lovers of paranormal, romance, action and adventure.
Wood elf Farah has been undercover in the dark for far too long. She's knows it and so does her handler for the DIA. Before he can convince her it's time for her to come out, she's injured and taken out by human, Rohan. She wakes to find herself in his home. There is no trust between them, but they discover they both have the same objective. So they agree to work together, even if it means going back into the dark with the possibility they may not make it back out.
Unfortunately, had a hard time getting into this story. I just couldn't connect with Farah She felt very two dimensional. Even as she knew she was growing close to burn out, as she realized she was crossing lines, there was just no emotion behind it. I couldn't get a handle on her personality. Rohan was a much more interesting character, a more sympathetic character. I felt for him and his feelings of guilt, of frustration the weight of the responsibility he carries on his shoulders.
This is the third in the Elven Kingdom series. While it can be read on its own, it will have more meaning if the first two are read before reading this one. Note, this series is a bit more serious then the Dark Kings, the Reapers or the Fae. It doesn't carry the same sense of camaraderie or that little touch of humor that lightens the intensity of the other stories.
Thank you to Donna Grant for a copy of this book. The thoughts and opinions are my own.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ /5 Genre: Dark Fantasy | Romance | Magic | Elf | Suspense Theme: Enemies to Lovers, Betrayal Author: Donna Grant Book Publication date: May 13, 2025 Page Count: 359 Kindle Edition Book Cover first thoughts: I have loved every cover in this series! The art is beautiful.
One Liner: High fantasy with dark elements and a touch of forbidden romance!
Story Review / Summary: This might be my favorite thus far out of the series. I recommend this entire series to anyone who likes fae / elf / magic fantasy. This book could be a standalone read even if you haven’t read the others. The world building is done so good by Donna, as was in the other books as well. A little of a slower and darker start compared to the others with less romance and romance late on if that matters to some. I also liked that each book in the series has a “mission” / a goal essentially. I will definitely be reading Mountain Fire, the next in the series.
Thank you to #NetGalley and DL Grant, LLC for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of #StormWood from #ElvenKingdoms series by #DonnaGrant All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is May 13, 2025. This review is being shared on NetGalley, Goodreads.
Storm Wood by Donna Grant is the third book in her dark and gritty Elven Kingdoms series – and wow, this one hits hard. The characters feel like something out of a spy thriller: tough, determined, and not afraid to get their hands dirty. There’s definitely this sense that the end justifies the means – and yes, sometimes those means are violent or cruel. But considering that both Rohan and Farah are desperately trying to find their kidnapped sisters, it’s understandable. Desperate people do desperate things.
The romance between Rohan and Farah is a slow burn, and it works perfectly in this story. For a long time, they think they’re on opposite sides, which adds tension and depth. Like most of Donna Grant’s series, it’s best to start from the beginning to really get the full picture – but Storm Wood does a decent job of giving you the background if you're jumping in here. Still, I’d recommend reading the books in order to enjoy the full impact.
This series is nothing like the Dragon Kings – it has a completely different feel, different kind of enemy, and a much edgier tone. Honestly, I think this might be Donna Grant’s boldest series yet. I’m definitely curious (and maybe a little nervous) to see where it goes next!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntary.
Our couple in this story is Farah and Rohan. Farah is working undercover(for the DIA) to get info on the city of Mortham, where abducted people are being trafficked and sold. It is also personal for her as her sister had gone missing, and Farah felt she was abducted. Rohan, whose sister is also missing, plus others from his small village, is determined to get into the city and find them.
Will they be able to work together to find their loved ones? Will they survive the danger ahead?
I found this book to be a little slow in the beginning. Usually with Donna's books, my interest is grabbed from the first page but this was a little different. It didn't last long though. I was soon pulled right into the story as I usually am. Farah is a Wood Elf and Rohan a human, and neither had really dealt with other species before. I would say that Rohan was a bit more prejudiced and didn't want to even give Farah a chance.
Through their trials, they get to know one another and come to respect each other and even find love, but that love comes with danger and betrayal. There is a twist, of course, that really throws one of the characters emotionally, which really endangers their life.
All in all, I liked these characters and enjoyed their journey.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review.
Let’s be real: we’re somewhere around book eighty-something in Donna Grant’s sprawling Dark Universe, and somehow—somehow—she’s still serving fresh ideas, sharp twists, and characters that crawl under your skin (and occasionally stab you in the back). That kind of creativity? Legendary.
Storm Wood is another dark gem—less a romance, more a high-stakes dance between trust, survival, and truths that bite. Farah, a wood elf on a mission gone sideways, and Rohan, a human leader shouldering more than any mortal should, are forced into uneasy partnership. Sparks? Maybe. Tension? Absolutely. The romantic thread is barely visible—but it’s there, tangled in angst and necessity.
This isn't your light-hearted lovers’ tale. It's gritty, twisty, and brimming with moral complexity. The ensemble cast is rich, the danger is constant, and the stakes—emotional and literal—just keep climbing.
Donna Grant proves once again that the darkness she writes is never hollow—it’s layered, bold, and full of meaning. If you're here for brooding intensity and shadowy truths with just a dash of romantic heat, Storm Wood won't disappoint.
And honestly? I’ll keep following wherever this dark, glorious universe leads. Nearly 90 books and still going strong—that’s magic.
Donna Grant always takes her readers on an adventure. It may be dangerous, but it’s always got a happily ever after at the end. Storm Wood is an enemies to lovers story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Rohan and Farah are on the same mission, but yet neither one knows exactly what the other is doing. Both have lost their sisters, both have put their lives on the line to find them. An attempt to save his sister Rohan embarks on a wild plan that involves kidnapping Farah and using his leverage to be able to have her help him find his sister. Rohan may know exactly what Farah is, but he does not know her reasons. Each of them have their motives and each of them will do what it takes to save their loved ones however, what they didn’t count on was overtime actually developing feelings for one another.
I said it before and I will say it again Donna Grant is a master world builder, and her imagination comes up with amazing stories. Storm Wood is a dark, dangerous and magical journey of two people trying to find their loved ones that end up finding love themselves. From where their journey begins to where it ends, Rohan and Farah discover a lot about themselves and the people that they love.
This is the 3rd installment of Donna Grant's Elven Kingdom series. It ties into the larger Dark World as it takes place on Zora, which is where some of our Dragon King’s are dealing with some problem of their own. In this book, we get a glimpse into more of the interaction / prejudices between the races of Elves and humans. Our main characters are Farah, a Wood Elf, and Rohan, a human. They both have lost people and don’t trust each other but they need each other to try to get back into the Below. Their journey has them crossing paths with Jai, Arya and Dain. We learn that what is going on in the Below is even more twisted than we thought from the previous books. I had a bit of a hard time getting invested in our main characters for some reason. The story matter is a bit difficult with the torture & slavery, but these Eleven Kingdom stories will tie into the overall drama and issues on Zora. Donna Grant’s writing & world building are amazing. I know we are heading somewhere important (like Dain’s story) so I am very invested. We’ll just have to wait to see where the Elven Kingdom stories go next.
Farah is a Wood Elf and is a DIA agent,Defense Intelligence Agency, working undercover in Mortham looking for her sister. She disappeared seven years ago and Farah has never given up on finding her. Rohan is human and is also in Mortham looking for his sister and several of his villagers. They disappeared several months ago and Rohan let himself be captured so he could look for them. Rohan has help setting off an explosion and then takes Farah. Farah is badly injured and Rohan and his sister doctor her up. Rohan knows Farah’s secret and blackmails her into helping him. They travel through woods to get back to Mortham and start their search but they end up with some extra people with them. Will they find their loved ones and take down the ones enslaving people? Secrets. Enemies to lovers. Elves and humans. Steamy at the end. Rohan was raised to believe elves are all bad. Farah just wants to find her sister. I’m sorry if this doesn’t make sense but I don’t want to give anything away.
Donna Grant returns to the world of Zora in Storm Wood, the third installment in her Elven Kingdom series. A compelling blend of magic, espionage, and reluctant alliances, this novel further expands the rich mythology spun off from her popular Dragon King series. The story centers on Farah, a brave but mentally scarred wood elf who has risked everything by going undercover in the ominous territory of Mortham. Her mission: gather intelligence from within the dark stronghold. But the toll of being in such a twisted place leaves her injured vulnerable—both physically and emotionally. Enter Rohan, a desperate human with no magic, no allies, and a burning need to save his sister from Mortham's grip. He stumbles across an unconscious Farah and sees an opportunity: force her to help him, no matter the cost. What follows is an uneasy partnership built on necessity, one that slowly shifts into something more powerful as the two uncover secrets, face dangerous enemies, and challenge their own perceptions of trust and sacrifice.