
Member Reviews

Romantasy readers: You’re going to get LOST in this world. You’re going to lose sleep. You’re going to have to rethink your TBR. And you’re going to love every minute.
I’ve been talking about how much I love this series for months – and I’m not done yet! The Kindred’s Curse saga is simply sensational, a masterclass in the slow burn. I mean, you think you know slow burn? Buckle up.
Glow of the Everflame is an incredible follow-up to Spark. I was particularly impressed with the character work in this second book.
Hear me out. The story is told entirely from Diem’s (our FMC’s) perspective, but we know exactly how those around her feel and who they are. We know who we can trust, who we should fear.
Ultimately, Penn Cole trusts her readers and it shows. There’s nothing heavy-handed about how she teaches us about this world. Subtle details that create a memorable cast of characters. I mean, think about it - we ADORE Luther and connect with him, we trust, understand, and root for him. But we only meet/see him through Diem’s perspective. That is not easy to achieve. That is the style of storytelling that that haunts. It's the kind of world you will get lost in and forget you're reading (in the best way).
And, when an author chooses single POV, I think they are choosing the harder road. A series like Penn Cole’s is proof of the payoff.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria books for the advanced copy of this read.

What an incredible sequel. I enjoyed every moment of this story and I look forward to the next installment. Diem is my favorite FMC and Luther, as the MMC, does not disappoint.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Atria Books for the eARC of this amazing book.

I love this series! But this book fell a bit short compared to the first one, mainly because I think it was setting up a lot of the series and new storylines, but I don’t know! I felt like some of it was a bit cliche especially with the Guardians stuff, but I think that also part of Diem’s personality too.
But I do think this book (while hard to get through at times) was essential to the series. I have read the third book already and know it’s worth reading the second book to get to third!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
The second book in this trilogy picks up where we left off with Diem becoming Queen after the death of the king. While Diem continues to be a strong female character, we see her lose some of her sass as she tries to find her way through the politicking of the many houses. Who is friend and who is foe? Pledging herself to the House of Corbois in a bid to stay alive and increase her chances of making it to her coronation, Diem tries to stay to herself and her mortal values while also trying to find out about her mother. She is also torn between two different men vying for her heart: the powerful Prince Luther and her childhood love Henri. As the day of the Challenging relentlessly comes closer, Diem is fraught with confusion of finding out who she is and trying to stay alive against a battle with challengers who want the throne. Even though she has able to show her power, understanding it and calling it has been beyond her grasp.
I really enjoyed the first book and liked this book even more as we find Diem deep into the battle for power and the politics between houses. It's a slow burn in the romance department that keeps you hanging on to the edge of your seat. While it is a major component in the story, it is not THE story. There are many hints sprinkled among the pages of what is in store for book 3. I loved the political intrigue, the depth of characters, and the action. I devoured this book within two days.
I highly recommend this if you're a fantasy reader or just getting into the fantasy genre. Can't wait for book 3!

Reviewed for NetGalley:
The sequel to Spark of the Everflame. I was so happy to be able to continue on with the series and Diem's story.
Cole's world and character building continues and does not disappoint. Now, Diem's life in the palace and her newly claimed family in House Corbois has all the trials and tribulations of a royal family to keep the story interesting.
The love and loyalty found in Luther is to die for, as well as his budding relationship with Diem.
I could have done with Henri dying off, but I guess there always need to be a villain.
Cannot wait to continue on with Diem's tale.

I enjoyed this second book so much more than the first. Yes, the first is necessary to get the whole story and for character development, but it doesn’t have the depth of what happens in this second book. There is alot of action, a lot of questions answered and big scenes with imagery that rivals Hollywood movies. It was like watching it unfold in my mind! I can’t wait to continue this series!

This series has entirely captivated me. Such good bingeable books! So exciting to see this debut authors series soar and getting the love and attention it deserves. HIGHLY recommend 🥰
Thanks for the arc!

4.5 stars rounded up to 5!
I absolutely eat this series up I love it. Its so fun to have a romantasy with a strong fantasy plot, and this gives me literally everything I'm looking for. I love Diem, I love the little starts of romance. This book is over 600 pages long and I wanted to read the whole thing in one sitting that's how invested I was. I need the next book in this series and I can't wait to see what Penn Cole writes because she's definitely solidifying herself as a favorite author for me!
Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

4.5 stars rounded up to 5!
I absolutely eat this series up I love it. Its so fun to have a romantasy with a strong fantasy plot, and this gives me literally everything I'm looking for. I love Diem, I love the little starts of romance. This book is over 600 pages long and I wanted to read the whole thing in one sitting that's how invested I was. I need the next book in this series and I can't wait to see what Penn Cole writes because she's definitely solidifying herself as a favorite author for me!
Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

After the first book in this series, Spark of the Everflame, ended so quickly (at least in my opinion), I wasn't sure if this one would do a good job filling in missing pieces. I am happy to say that it did do a good job and grabbed my interest further. It's been a while since I started a series that I immediately needed to start the next book in the series, but Glow of the Everflame did a great job of grabbing me in and making me grab the next one! I need to know when the final book will be out, because I know I'm going to fly through the 3rd book!

** Thank you once again to Atria books for sending me an ARC for review! **
Wow wow wow. I was sure that there was no way Book 2 could compare with Spark, but boy was I wrong. Everything I loved about Book 1 was amplified tenfold in this follow-up: political intrigue, the magic system, the slow burn angsty romance, and the building of the found family is SO perfect. The new characters add SO much to the story and world (Taran actually had me laughing out loud in parts). The dynamic between Diem and Luther constantly had me giggling and kicking my feet, but also completely out of breath.
The series has me completely hooked - I read the second half (~300 pages) in one day if that tells you anything, I simply could not put it down. Jumping straight to book 3!

“Glow of the Everflame” by Penn Cole is the second book in the Kindred curse saga. I absolutely loved the first book and feel this fantasy series will be in my top three for the year. The second book really expands on everything from the first book. The romance, world building and the character development are great. You do have to read as a series, these are not standalone books.
Highly recommend- now onto book three!

Glow of the Everflame is a dazzling, heart-pounding sequel that sweeps readers into an epic fantasy world teetering on the edge of war. This book is as thrilling as it is immersive, packed with adventure, romance, and intrigue. With a gorgeous new hardcover edition featuring stunning endpapers and an exclusive bonus chapter, fans will be thrilled to add this gem to their collection.
Picking up where Spark of the Everflame left off, we follow Diem Bellator as she faces a volatile alliance with the powerful Corbois family, navigates court politics, and wrestles with loyalties that are more complex than they first appeared. Diem’s character growth is compelling; she’s fierce, determined, and flawed in the best ways, making her a heroine you can’t help but root for. The author does an incredible job developing Diem’s inner struggle as she confronts her own biases and uncovers truths that challenge everything she thought she knew.
The world-building is beautifully crafted, with a rich history and complex social structures that feel alive. The Descended elite add a layer of tension, and the author brings to life their court full of manipulation and dark secrets. Diem’s interactions with House Corbois are fraught with suspense, and the constant threat of danger keeps the story feeling urgent and intense. The book also explores powerful themes of identity, loyalty, and the cost of survival, adding depth to an already gripping plot.
And then there’s the romance! Caught between an old flame and a simmering new connection, Diem’s love life adds a delicious layer of tension. The author captures the emotions beautifully, making readers feel every longing glance and stolen moment. Both love interests are complex, and the romance is equal parts swoon-worthy and heart-wrenching.
Glow of the Everflame is a captivating mix of fantasy and romance, with high stakes and even higher emotions. Fans of strong heroines, intense world-building, and love that defies the odds will be enchanted by the author's storytelling. This sequel is a triumphant continuation that builds on everything we loved about Spark of the Everflame, leaving us breathlessly awaiting what’s next for Diem and her world.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I went into this undecided whether I wanted to continue this series or not but everyone told me to power through it. They were right. Not only is the romance highlighted more but the characters and plot genuinely improved. The cliff hanger this one ended on has me patiently waiting for the third to come out.
4.5⭐️s

The way this book ended and the fact that I can't immediately go to the next book is CRIMINAL!
I am loving the politics of this world, the revolution that is happening and of course, the romance is starting to build and I am HERE for it!

OH MY GOSH I loved this book so much I could not put it down! Luther and Diem are absolutely perfect and I literally LOVED everything about them. This is one you won’t wanna put down! The romance, the world building, the story, the characters… all of it is amazing.

What an awesome follow up in this world!! This one is a lot more political, but I loved the character growth!
It also reminded me a lot of A Court of Mist and Fury, in a good way 😉
It has the slowest of slow burn romances ever. But I also loved every second of it??
I just love how easy this series is to follow. There’s no confusing elements or tons of people to keep track of. It’s a single POV and the main character is someone I actually want to read about.

Glow of the Everflame takes the world Penn Cole established in Spark and expands it even more. This felt more like the plot-heavy fantasy I was promised, and it was absolutely addictive to read.
I read this book in 24 hours. It definitely keeps moving, even if some of that movement is around in circles. There were multiple times I put the book down due to frustration or anxious anticipation, but I always picked it back up ready to see what happened next.
There were probably two things that kept this from being a five star read for me. One was Diem, the POV character. I realize this is an intentional choice, but she was so frustrating to read. Sometimes I wanted to smack her upside the head and make her actually think through her actions and the actions of the people around her.
The other thing I think held this book back from being for me how much information was given to me in a way where it felt like Diem also should have known it. I love guessing plot twists, but when other characters in the book have also guessed the twist and are trying to tell Diem, and she won’t listen to them, that was frustrating to me. It felt obvious instead of earned, and I want to earn it damn it!
That being said, I will definitely be continuing with this series! Here’s hoping we get a release date for book four soon, because Heat of the Everflame is high up on my TBR.
I will post my review to IG no more than 14 days before publication, and on Amazon on publication day

This book is everything, I can't even express how much I loved it. The slow burn, the LONGING. The best found family I've read in a long time. The heartache. The loyal gryvern. I couldn't put it down to save my life. This is absolutely, without question, a new favourite book and series.

Spice level: 🌶️/4 (mostly a lot of tension)
Diem has unexpectedly been crowned queen of Lumnos, but how can that be if she's human? Everyone was certain the crown would go to Luther, the strongest in the magic of their region. Now Diem has the power and position to take down the Descended from the inside, of she can survive the period of Challenging and learn to use her new power. Who can she trust now on the thick of those she once hated? She'll learn pretty quickly it's not as black and white as she once believed
"You are the fate my heart was spared for. As long as it beats, you will never fight alone."
Wow, book 2 of this series packs quite a punch! I will admit that Diem is not my favorite for much of this book because it's hard when she's just missing all the signs. That said, Luther leaves quite an impression. Get ready for some court intrigue and power struggles (internal and external).
Thank you to Atria Books for an ARC on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I'll be adding an Instagram post the week or so before the pub date.