Member Reviews

Helllo could not put it down and gorgeous cover of a book. This series, friends!! 😍😍😍😍
It’s rare that I like a second book in a series more than the first, but I definitely fell in love with Glow more than Spark. WOW, this book and these characters. The twists had my jaw drop and for some reason I am loving the slow burn of this series. The beautiful covers are just an added bonus.

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Good lord, Luther Corbois is EV-ERY-THING. The epitome of a cinnamon roll book boyfriend who willingly kneels at his Queen’s feet.

Diem is still insufferable, but Sorae & Luther more than make up for it.

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Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steam Level: 🔥🔥 (fade to black-ish)

Diem's life has just changed in a completely unexpected way. Now, her enemies must become her allies, and she'll have to face some truths that she's been running from.

This book was even better than the first one! There was so much more information revealed about the Descended and the politics of Lumnos. I loved meeting new characters- both villains and allies. There's even a bit of a found family dynamic that I'm hoping will be built upon even more in book 3. We got more magic and learned more about what the other realms are capable of with their unique abilities. The end of the book had some super suspenseful moments that had me gasping and wondering what would happen next. I've definitely got a few theories about where this might be going. But the greatest moments were when the romance came into play. Technically this is a love triangle, but it's obvious who is the endgame here. I was dying from the tension and swooning over the words of adoration that came from this man's lips 😍🥵🔥 Yes, I'm keeping it vague to avoid spoilers, but trust me when I say this book has the perfect fantasy boyfriend in it. I'll be diving into book 3 very soon!

Thank you Netgalley and Atria Books for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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Penn Cole's second book in The Kindred's Curse Sage, Glow of the Everflame, picks up right where the cliffhanger in Spark of the Everflame left readers gasping in disbelief. The FMC, Diem Bellator, is thrust into an entirely new life with the Descended royalty. It's a book about political intrigue, dangerous bargains, and challenges to the death. She needs an alliance (and training) if she is going to come out alive.

As she begins to learn more about Luther and House Corbois, the picture of the Descended that Diem held her entire life begins to unravel. Many Descended are still dangerous, posturing beings who thirst for power. Yet not all. While grieving the life that she leaves behind, Diem finds friendship, and love, in some of her darkest moments.

Cole's writing is masterful. The reader journeys with Diem through anger, helplessness, and deep, soul-rendering despair. Slowly, Diem learns that the flame inside of her burns brighter than she ever realized. Soon, her power illuminates the page. It's a story about discovering who you are, remembering where you came from, and trusting those who help you rise from the ashes.

"You are fearless. You are strong. You do not cower in the faces of gods nor kings. You are fated for greater battles than this, so you do whatever it takes, and you fight like hell."

Glow of the Everflame grips you and pulls you right out of your seat. By the final few chapters, I was metaphorically covering my eyes, yelling "Oh no, I can't watch!", and also completely unable to put the book down. Cole will leave you out of breath.

Spark of the Everflame, Glow of the Everflame, and Heat of the Everflame are out now. The release of Cole's fourth and final book in the series, Burn of the Everflame, has yet to be announced. Start reading now, friends. Trust me. You won't regret it.

If you have already read Glow of the Everflame with its first release in July 2023, you still want to pick up the Atria hardcover edition released on December 3, 2024. Not only is the book redesigned with gorgeous artwork, but

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I'm convinced that this book had crack in it. I struggled to get through Spark of the Everflame because it was a little bit of a slower-paced book, but Penn Cole brought everything to Glow! I would say she brought the Heat...but maybe those are thoughts for the next book?

This was one of the best fantasy books I've ever read. Daddy Luther might be my new favorite fictional character...like just read this swoony-worthy quote:

"I want to burn alive in that fire in your eyes. I want it to melt me down and forge me into the weapon you need me to be. I want to stand by your side for the rest of my life, and I don't need you to marry me and make me a fucking king to do it."

While I do have an indie copy of this book, thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest opinions. This book was traditionally published on December 3, 2024.

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First of all... I'm obsessed.
Without going too much into plot, this book picks up right where the first book ended. This book focuses more on the Descended and the politics of the throne. We are introduced to several new characters whom I love.
Luther is one of my new fav MMC.

This book has it all: great world building, light & shadow magic, a SLOW burn (in the best possible way), found family, he falls first. I could go on and on.

I can't wait to read book 3!
A very full 5 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the arc!

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It’s official. If Penn Cole writes it, I’m going to read it…and get a bookshelf trophy of said book as well.

Book Two in the Kindred’s Curse series did not disappoint. The incredible tension and prolonged slowburn were perfection (aside from me wanting to shake Diem, our FMC). The political labyrinth was artfully woven as well as the character development for a slew of new characters. The found family found me, and I’m fully invested. Some characters had me wishing for a cozy hug. Others constantly had me cackling. A few had me seeing red, and one had me swooning. “I was drowning in this man.” Yeah, we all are!

Thank you NetGalley, Penn Cole, and Atria Books for allowing me to binge this incredible book in exchange for an honest review!

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If you haven’t read Spark of the Everflame yet, what are you waiting for? Stop what you’re doing, go read it right now, then read this one right afterwards, and come chat with me about it. I adore this series, and if you’re looking for a romantasy filled with politics, rebellion, betrayal, secrets, magic, destiny, and the most delicious slow burn romance ever, this is the one for you! Diem and Luther’s relationship is the angstiest thing I have ever read. Their interactions are bursting with chemistry, tension, and banter, and it was the most torturous slow burn I have ever read. I could hardly stand it, but I also loved it at the same time. Luther is perfect. He is broody, grumpy, and dangerous, but also protective, loyal, and selfless. He would burn the world for Diem, and I am so here for it. This book picks up right where the first book ends, and it’s packed with action, danger, intrigue, and a swoony romance. This is such a great romantasy series, and I am absolutely feral for the next book. I highly recommend it!
👑
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️
👑
Read if you like:
▫️immortals with light and shadow magic
▫️court politics and deadly trials
▫️slow burn angsty romance
▫️he falls first and harder
▫️reverse “who did this”
▫️found family
👑
Thank you to Atria Books, Simon & Schuster, Penn Cole, and NetGalley for the ARC. I received an advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

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Glow of the Everflame is book two in the Kindred's Curse Series by Penn Cole.
I enjoyed this book so much! The world which makes for such an intriguing society. I loved the fantasy world. The world-building was phenomenal.
This is fast-paced and action-packed. This story draws you. The plot is embroiled in mystery and captivates the reader with a sense of tension and suspense. The characters are courageous and compelling. I cannot wait to see where this story goes next.

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Another beautifully written installment of this amazing series. The chemistry of the characters mixed with the vibrant world building sucks you in and captures your attention. This book was difficult to put down. The tension, the relationships, and the plot were top notch!

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👑 I was so excited to jump back into this series after that cliffhanger of an ending in Spark of the Everflame! Sometimes we read books and we escape briefly into these different worlds but I’m pretty sure I live in Lumnos now since I can’t stop thinking about this book! The book starts right where Spark ends with Diem, FMC, grappling with a new life altering reality. Everything she’s known has been a lie and she needs to figure out what to do with what she does know. Look the struggle is real sometimes with Diem. I can’t tell you how many times I yelled at her in frustration because sometimes that denial of hers put “us” yes, “us” I was right there fighting with her 😂 Anyway, it put us in plenty of unnecessary predicaments. But also I get it Diem this whole situation is overwhelming, who do you trust, who is self serving, this whole new world which you were not prepared for at all. Thanks Auralie, missing parental unit of first book.

Also Luther 🥹 the hoops Diem put him through and ma’am he just wants to serve you in every which way 🥵

One of my favorite things about this book is the emotional journey and character development of Diem. You really get immersed in her battle of who she is and the consequences of her decisions.

If you’re looking for a slow burn, funny banter, bad🍑 FMC who is trying her best but makes mistakes, court intrigue, found family, you need to read this series! It has been one of my absolute favorite series of the year and it is up there with TOG and Fourth Wing for me. This was 5⭐️ for me, no notes.

🔥Brief Synopsis: Diem isn’t who she thought she was and she needs to make decisions fast or she could lose her life. She needs to figure out who from the Royal Family, House Corbois, is ally or foe. She’s got thirty days to figure out her new role and life while finding friends in unexpected places and a brooding Prince that isn’t all that he seems either. Will Diem make the right choices but what is “right” anymore?

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This book was honestly everything I needed and so much more. Kindreds Curse is one of my favorite series of all time, and Penn Cole is just nothing short of a phenomenal author. I really don't have the words to truly put how much I truly love this book into words.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for this e-Arc in exchange for my honest review!

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I am so happy that I got to read Book 2 after finishing Book 1 so recently. The way Book 1 ended had me in shambles so I knew I had to pick this up ASAP. It continued pretty much exactly where we left off with perfect pacing from there on out. This was so enjoyable and I personally don't understand the complaint that Diem is annoying or continues to make stupid decisions. For me, I understand the choices she makes and while maybe I wouldn't make them myself, they still. make for a tension filled enjoyable read.

The relationship between her and Luther is growing so slowly and deliciously I ADORE a slow burn. I was literally kicking my feet and found myself jumping ahead and looking to see when they were on page again together.

There was also so many moments that had me gasping with shock and twists that I was not expecting. This book has so much packed in it, it is so much more than a romantasy.

I cannot wait to continue the series and I hope I will be blessed with an ARC of the third so I can also gush about that one. I've already gotten a few of my friends on this series and I can't wait to share the joy this book brought me with others.

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I’m absolutely obsessed with this series! I was so excited to return to this world and I’m equally excited to dive into the next book!

First off, I do think the middle of this book dragged a bit and that it did not need to be so long. And secondly, I like Diem, but her decision making was cringey at times in this one. (Ex: the whole Henri vs. Luther thing just became overdone here for me, but homegirl finally figured it out)

Other than that, this book was flawless. I am actually *obsessed* with Luther 😍 He is perfect and his protectiveness and adoration of Diem was heart melting. I could not have loved him more!

I found the plot, once it really got going, to be so intriguing. I struggled to put the book down! Politics in books is really hit or miss for me, but this one had me so invested. I loved meeting the houses, the realm leaders and representatives, etc.

Maybe most of all, I LOVED the found family that developed in this book! To me, the side characters (Teller, Lily, Alixe, Taran, Eleanor, even Sorae) really made this book SHINE (or…glow? 🤣😏) I truly couldn’t get enough of the scenes that included them and I need more in the next book!

All in all, if you love romantasy (and don’t mind a VERY slow burn), this series is a must read!

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thank you Atria for the eGalley!

I loved this book so much! There were some minor things, but not enough to knock down rating. I can't wait to read Heat!!!

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I received a physical copy of this arc, and I adored it! I loved the first one in the series, and the second was just as good. I'm excited to continue the rest on kindle unlimited and can't wait to see what else Atria does.

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Overall: 4.5 ⭐️

The way this series is consuming me should be criminal ! I can’t remember the last time I read a series that had me wanting to read the next book immediately. And this book gave me exactly what I was missing in book 1. There were times where Diem had me wanting to go through the pages and say what are you doing 🤦🏽‍♀️ But at the same time I couldn’t help but love her and don’t get me started with Luther. Gosh, he was perfection! And their friend group was exactly the found family she needed. The ending was a bit predictable but I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to arc read this rerelease.

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I am obsessed with this series. Diem is a powerful yet imperfect FMC and I feel she is so real! She is navigating her entire world being flipped upside down and determining what is reality vs what is not whilst also navigating politics. Your girl is going through it. Luther is one of the best MMCs of all time. The scene where they look at each other's scars is impeccable. The slow burn is burning and I love the tension.

The plot was fast paced, side characters were supporting and so good in their own right! They're all so likeable (except a choice few).

One of the best romantasy series out there. It's SO freaking good.

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Picking up immediately after the events of Spark of the Everflame, Diem's journey continues as she finds herself facing a myriad of new challenges. All eyes are on her, and her crown. She'll have to navigate a world she's never encountered before while not knowing who she can trust.

Read if you like:
-Intrigue
-Finding your strength
-Pining
-Secrets

I enjoyed this book must more than the first in the series. There was so much to love, from the courtly intrigue and maneuvering to Luther's obvious pining. Diem, if you don't want him, I do! I'm completely invested in this story now, particularly after that cliffhanger.

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Thank you Penn Cole. NetGalley for the ARC of this novel- reprinted!
I first read the Spark of the Everflame series earlier this year on Kindle Unlimited. When I saw that the books were being published for mass market, I was ecstatic!

Glow of the Everflame is the second novel in the series, and picks right up in all of the action. THAT CLIFFHANGER in book one made men immediately want to start this book. The author does such an excellent job really building the world out even more, fleshing out the main characters and their backstories, and getting the reader to really root for them on a whole. I’m obsessed with Diem and Luther! I wish it would have had a little less angst and a little more spice, this is my only complaint.

Excellent book!

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