![[ARC-Review] Spark of the Everflame #1 by Penn Cole](https://www.insamyniac.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/B0C4W42TXG.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_SX500_-315x473.jpg "[ARC-Review] Spark of the Everflame #1 by Penn Cole")
Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole Series: Kindred's Cursed Saga #1
Published by Penn Cole on 10th May 2023
Genres: Fantasy, Romance
Pages: 436
Format: ARC, eBook
Spark of the Everflame is an Epic Fantasy Romance by Penn Cole and the first book of the Kindred’s Curse Saga.
When her mother suddenly vanishes, Diem’s search for answers forces her out of her poor mortal village and into the dark world of the cruel demigods known as the Descended. Bloodthirsty rebels are recruiting her to join the civil war, but the King’s handsome, mysterious heir watches her every move. Diem must navigate a dangerous game of love, power, and politics to save her mother—and all of Mortalkind.
Spark of the Everflame Book Review
Thank you to NetGalley and Penn Cole, who provided me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
As soon as I started reading, I barely could put it away. It’s everything I’m looking for in a book. The only tricky part is waiting for the second book, but thankfully, that’ll be soon enough!
The first chapter already provides a lot, as Diem’s mother vanishes without a trace; she’s looking for answers. After a while, she follows in her mother’s footsteps by being a healer at the palace to secure her family’s place.
I felt with the main character, besides her being incredibly relatable – who isn’t easily irritable at times and prefers to eat and nap the whole day? – she’s also passionate and has so many emotions that make her conflict seem even more real. I haven’t had the chance to think about what could happen next or was able to predict what was happening next, which made me even more invested in the story.
As Diem grew up in a sheltered environment, sometimes you may feel like some decisions make you want to scream, but I’m for sure 100% rooting for her.
Let alone her desire to help others, her kindness, and her inner warrior who only wants to FIGHT.
I can’t wait for the second book as I see some fantastic development and growth in her.
Even tho it’s slow-burn, it is precisely the right timing not to get too dragged out or happen too fast.
It was a fantastic read, as I received this as an eARC and finished it in almost one setting – I needed sleep, after all. I often found myself laughing after one of her snarky comments to someone – especially those people she actually should not behave like this. As I love sarcastic main characters, she’s the best. She’s also tough as nails, trained in combat by her stepfather – and former commander, she can go toe to toe on reasonable ground.
The relationships with her family and Henri – aka childhood sweetheart – are significant. The last few chapters are rough but great. And Prince Luther, for sure, is one hell of a fantastic morally gray character. I love MMCs like him. They are very violent and broody.
Final Thoughts
Spark of the Everflame is one of my five-star reads of this year so far. As a fantasy romance fan, it’s everything – and more – I could ask for.
It also is finally a reasonable hate/ anger within the character. Most reasons to hate one another are not convincing enough, but with Diem being uncontrolled, moody, and more easily getting on her nerves because of unknown reasons, it finally feels real.
If you love found family, slow-burn I-despise-you-to-lovers romance, sassy characters, support of women’s rights, and lots of magic, then this is for you!
I’m already excited for more of Pen Cole’s work and to get a hand on a physical copy!
POV: Diem POV
1st person
Spiciness: 2/5
To be released on May 31st, 2023
Have you heard of Sparks of the Everflame? Since the release is already happening, do you plan on reading it?
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
