It’s nice to take a break from a genre once in a while, even if it’s a favorite. But when you return to something truly good, it’s incredibly rewarding.
Book Review: Spark of the Everflame
- Author: Penn Cole
- Series: Kindred’s Curse
- 438 pages, Kindle Edition
- First published June 1, 2023
While much of my appreciation for romantic fantasy is based on emotion, it’s been a long time since I’ve picked up the first book in a series without reading any reviews beforehand, only to be completely drawn in. I ended up devouring Penn Cole’s book in about 48 hours and immediately ordered the next one.
I was pleasantly surprised to learn that this fantasy series is the debut work of an author who describes herself as a Texas girl living in France, with a love for wine, pastries, and literature. I may not live in France, but I certainly share her interests.
When I began reading Spark of the Everflame, I was quickly introduced to the world, history, magic, and intrigue that Cole masterfully weaves together from the start. Her writing style is descriptive and engaging without being overly elaborate. The atmosphere she creates puts the reader at ease, making the story feel inviting.
Storyline in Spark of the Everflame
The world of Emarion is divided into nine kingdoms, each ruled by so-called Descendants or Children of the Gods, also known as the Kindred. Each kingdom is named after the Kindred who created it by bonding with a mortal and imbued him with magic. The Descendants were meant to bring peace between the two races, but, as you might expect, the gap between mere mortals and the privileged immortals has only widened over time.
Each kingdom has used its magic to impose harsh laws that, instead of fostering order and peace, have led to discrimination between mortals and Descendants. Naturally, the humans are at a disadvantage, sparking unrest and violence.
Characters in Spark of the Everflame
Diem Bellator, our protagonist, embodies the traits of a “badass” young woman in her prime, struggling to come to terms with her surroundings. Bold, impulsive, and sharp-tongued with a great sense of humor, she quickly became one of the few strong female characters I genuinely like and find entertaining. At the same time, her mindset and demeanor match that of a 20-year-old, which explains her impulsive actions and occasional recklessness, making her character all the more believable.
Naturally, Diem isn’t just an ordinary girl, though she may not fully realize what she’s carrying—or she could just be cleverly fooling herself, much like her family has done to her.
Diem’s inner monologue is really funny, allowing the reader to quickly step into her shoes.
The story includes familiar elements: the childhood friend secretly in love with Diem, the mysterious Prince Luther (a Descendant) with a “stony” face that sends chills down a girl’s spine, family secrets, royal intrigue, and a slow-burning romance. Yet, these are presented in a way that I thoroughly enjoyed and in just the right measure.
My review of “Spark of the Everflame”
The chemistry between Diem and Luther is palpable, but it doesn’t overshadow the rest of the plot. I’m eager to see if the Prince becomes my new fantasy crush, but that doesn’t distract from the other important plot points. Beyond the budding romance, the book offers interesting internal dilemmas, serious family dramas, and a mystery that only deepens with each revelation. All of this makes for a compelling start to a series that will capture readers’ imaginations and leave them eagerly anticipating the next installment. The pacing is spot on, and the ending is definitely nailed.
Thanks to this book, I’m staying on the romance bandwagon, hoping for more good stories because, frankly, everything else was starting to get boring.
“Glow of the Everflame” Book #2
“Heat of the Everflame” Book #3
When old secrets catch fire, everything will burn.
In a mortal world colonized by the gods and ruled over by the Descended, their cruel offspring, Diem Bellator yearns to escape the insular life of her poor village.
Her mother’s sudden disappearance—and the discovery of a dangerous secret about her past—offer Diem an unexpected opportunity to enter the dark world of Descended royalty and unlock the web of mysteries her mother left behind.
With the dying King’s handsome, mysterious heir watching her every move, and a ruthless mortal alliance recruiting her to join the growing civil war, Diem will have to navigate the unwritten rules of love, power, and politics in order to save her family—and all of mortalkind.
Spark of the Everflame is the first book in The Kindred’s Curse Saga, a four-book fantasy romance series. This slow burn, enemies-to-lovers epic is perfect for lovers of magic, dragons, angst, and banter and will appeal to fans of books like A Court of Thorns and Roses, From Blood and Ash, Gild, and The Serpent & the Wings of Night.
