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Spark of the Everflame

Book 1 in the series:The Kindred's Curse Saga

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Who Would Like This Book:

If you're a fan of slow-burn fantasy romance with immersive worldbuilding and nuanced characters, "Spark of the Everflame" is a must-try. The enemies-to-lovers tension between Diem and Luther is deliciously drawn out, and Diem shines as a headstrong, relatable heroine grappling with complicated choices and the weight of family secrets. Packed with court politics, rebellious mortals versus magical elite, layered mysteries, and a unique magic system, this is perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Amanda Bouchet, and readers who love a gradual romantic build alongside high-stakes fantasy plots.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Readers who crave fast pacing or quick romantic payoffs may find the series a tough sell - it's one of the slowest burns out there, with romance and major twists unfolding over multiple books. Some find Diem frustrating, citing her impulsiveness or perceived naivete, and if you dislike characters who make mistakes or take a while to grow, she might not be for you. Those looking for heavy spice or constant action may get impatient with the detailed world setup and political maneuvering.

A highly addictive, slow-burn romantasy with rich worldbuilding and intense character tension - perfect for patient readers who live for long-term angst, found family, and epic fantasy intrigue.

About:

In "Spark of the Everflame," readers are introduced to Diem Bellator, a mortal healer who embarks on a journey of self-discovery after her mother's disappearance and her foray into the world of the Descended. The book intricately weaves together elements of mystery, romance, and fantasy as Diem navigates through a world where mortals are mistreated by the ruling Descended. With engaging world-building and character development, the story follows Diem's evolution from a sheltered healer to a courageous individual facing the complexities of power, love, and loyalty. Penn Cole's writing style effortlessly captures the reader's attention, blending intricate plot twists with emotional depth and captivating storytelling.

Characters:

Characters are well-developed, with the protagonist facing personal growth and complex relationships amid external conflicts.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is captivating and accessible, effectively conveying the story's depth and complexity.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative centers around a protagonist's quest to unravel family secrets while grappling with societal conflicts and personal relationships.

Setting:

The setting is an intricately crafted fantasy world that underpins the conflict between mortals and the powerful beings that govern them.

Pacing:

The pacing is deliberately slow, emphasizing character growth and narrative depth while leading to high tension later in the series.
A stream of inebriated revelers stumbled through the dusty alleys of Mortal City, their catcalls and slurred words an unwelcome refrain on my walk home. Though I gave their roaming hands a wide berth,...

Notes:

The main character, Diem, is a mortal healer with hidden powers.
Diem's mother, a healer for the king, goes missing, prompting Diem to take her place.
Diem struggles with feelings of attraction towards Luther, the king's nephew, despite their societal differences.
The book features a slow burn enemies-to-lovers romance between Diem and Luther.
The story involves political intrigue and a brewing war between mortals and powerful beings known as the Descended.
Diem's emotional state impacts her decisions, leading her to engage with a rebel group, The Guardians.
The series has detailed world-building, including original lore about gods, magic systems, and the history of conflicts
Diem grapples with her identity and the expectations placed on her as she uncovers her family's secrets.
The writing features engaging character conversations, making the characters feel real and relatable.
The story balances fantasy elements with romance, with the romance developing gradually across the books.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of child death, mild gore, passive suicidal thoughts, and references to violence.

Has Romance?

There is a significant romantic element, but it is more of a subplot with a focus on character development and plot progression.

From The Publisher:

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 epic fantasy romance series that follows our fiesty, bad*ss heroine Diem Bellator in her fight against injustice and oppression, her struggle to survive in a royal palace full of betrayal and intrigue, and her journey of self-discovery and finding true love. This slow burn, enemies-to-lovers series is perfect for fans of unique magic systems, dragons and other mythical creatures, angst and romantic tension, and hilarious banter. This book will appeal to fans of plot-heavy, character-driven romantasy such as A Court of Thorns and Roses, Throne of Glass, From Blood and Ash, Gild, Shadow & Bone, and The Serpent & the Wings of Night.

May 2023
427 pages

Ratings (241)

Incredible (41)
Loved It (90)
Liked It (56)
It Was OK (34)
Did Not Like (12)
Hated It (8)

Reader Stats (611):

Read It (240)
Currently Reading (5)
Want To Read (294)
Did Not Finish (11)
Not Interested (61)

4 comment(s)

1 week

DNF

 
It Was OK
1 week

this book slaps

Great world building, slow burn, amazing chemistry between the mmc and fmc. I feel that the magical aspects, and the fantastical world that this is set in, are all pretty original ideas. Can’t wait till the next one!

 
Incredible
3 months

This was one of those books when I read the first 15 pages I knew it was gonna be a banger .this had everything that I love,there’s nothing I would change about it the ending was soo good it blew my mind even tho I saw it coming I had to reread the epilogue because my thoughts were all over the place after that .would highly recommend

 
Hated It
10 months

Dime character really annoys me, i loved Luther and her small interactions with him but i just see the writing on the wall a little too well with the plot. it’s not enjoyable if i can see all the twists coming

 
 
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