Heat of the Everflame cements this series as one of my all-time favorite romantasy reads! Penn Cole delivers everything—slow-burn tension that burns, breathtaking world-building, and a romance so intense it’s impossible to put down. The character arcs are perfection, the emotions run deep, and every twist keeps you hooked. If you haven’t started this series yet, you’re missing out. Absolutely unforgettable!

Let me just say - the chokehold this series had on me through the entire month of February was relentless. I read all three books without stopping and lost so much sleep to them! They are so insanely addicting! The level of attachment I feel to these characters is like no other - they seriously feel so real to me, the character development in these books is top notch. I absolutely love Luther, despite his respect for Diem when she's making very bad decisions... see above. I would also die for Sorae and probably Taran too.

The book was definitely 200 pages longer than it needs to be and there was a lot of wandering around different forests that it started to feel repetitive. Also how many times can one girl make the same dumb decision? Stop ignoring everyone around you and take some advice for once! The part of the book in Umbros was definitely my least favorite, it brought out the worst sides in both Diem and Luther. Diem pissed me off so many times through this series but especially in this third book. I constantly had to tell myself that she's young and impulsive... but she also has zero control over her emotions and temper and makes very poor decisions. She threatens everyone she comes into contact with but yet she's annoyingly set on not killing people - that contradiction really started to drive me nuts. Either kill people or shut up. Sometimes people just need to be unalived! And yes I obviously mean in books, not real life - this is fantasy, some people deserve to die. Diem's denial of facing the obvious really got annoying - I would figure something out (not praising myself... certain things were VERY obvious) and then it would take 300 pages for her to come to the same conclusion. Girl, come on already. WAKE UP.

The ending of this book was a little odd to me, it just didn't really make sense given how well we know Diem and Luther... especially Luther. The fact that he missed so much was mind boggling to me. I feel like maybe the author just knew where she needed the story to go and this was the only way she could think to get us there? After all the character development and growth we saw in Diem (she's still annoying but there was some growth!), it felt uncharacteristic for her to end up where she did. I know how I want the fourth book to begin and I will be very sad if it goes any other way!

Despite Diem driving me absolutely insane I still think these are great books. I always try to remind myself that liking the main character is not a prerequisite of being a great book... though it does make the experience more enjoyable. The only other thing I'm mad about is how long I now have to wait for the fourth book. I need it now!!

Well this is going to be tricky to be spoiler free, but I will find a way!

Phew, slowest slow burn in all of history. I hated it so much that I LOVED it. The tension was amazing, their deepening care for each other *perfection*.

It was a true romantasy, but I loved that there were still strong fantasy elements and it wasn’t just about their relationship. But their care for each other was so deep it had me in tears by the end.

At the start of the series I wasn’t sure I would ever remember the other regions, kindred, powers, etc. But by the end of this book it was so engrained in me. I loved that I didn’t have to memorize it to keep going and make sense, that it was woven into the story so well that it just became part of it, not something I had to work for or was confusing.


This is going to be excruciating to wait for book 4, but I can’t wait to see how this continues!

Thank you To NetGalley and Atria books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

This book is an exciting and fast-paced continuation of the series that immerses readers in a world filled with magic, danger, and intense romance. The story follows a strong-willed protagonist who must confront a mystical force while grappling with personal conflicts and relationships. Cole’s world-building is vivid and engaging, with a rich backdrop that draws you in from the start. The chemistry between the main characters adds an emotional depth to the plot, balancing the action with heart. While the pacing can be relentless at times, it’s a thrilling ride for fans of magical adventures and high stakes. Heat of the Everflame delivers a compelling blend of fantasy, romance, and action.

This series is one of my top favorites series ever! The writing is so beautiful and easy to understand. And the banter between the main characters is so good!

3.50 stars

This is book 3 of a series and I found it was relatively easy to pick back up into the story. The book is massive and at times it seemed to be repetitive and drag on. My connection to the world and characters are only mid level when it should be more by now. It's a good book but hoping the next one blows me away

Book review of Heat of the Everflame:

Tension between Mortals and the Descended are at an all time high. Diem is fighting a losing battle trying to stay impartial between the two groups and the lines between good and evil are getting blurrier as time goes on.

When Diem and Luther travel across the continent, Diem finds answers about her unusual heritage, and it’s not what she’s expecting. Diem begins to question everything. Who is really on her side? Why is Luther hiding his feelings? Who can she trust? She’s not so sure anymore.

I can’t say too much more about the plot without giving away spoilers, so I’ll leave it at that. 😉 This book was AMAZING! Edge of your seat action, lovable and complex characters, devout friendships, and let’s not forget about the love interest, Luther. He’s giving off major “who did this to you?” vibes and we’re here for it! He starts out all broody and serious, but underneath that he’s a protective, starry-eyed man in love.

If you have not read this series yet, please go do it now! Begin with Spark of the Everflame, then Glow of the Everflame, and finally Heat of the Everflame. I can’t wait for book four!

Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️ 2/5 (A couple open door scenes)
Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was a strong third entry in the Kindred's Curse Saga series, it had that element that I was hoping for from the previous two books. The world was great getting back to and was invested in what was happening. It continued the story perfectly and the characters were everything that I wanted. Penn Cole was able to weave a great world and am excited for more from Penn Cole.

Heat of the Everflame is the third book in the Kindred’s Curse Saga by the extremely talented Penn Cole. I loved getting to read Luther and Diem’s story continue. It was like catching up with long lost friends. I love that Diem will do anything for those that she loves. It was great seeing Diem grow and open herself up to love. I can’t wait to read what happens next for this duo.

"It is not just my body that craves you...It is my heart... My scarred, ruined scrap of a soul. Your smiles, your affection, the way you look at me, the way you see me... that is my lifeblood.
I would sooner wither without food or water, sink into the sea until my lungs burst, abandon my magic and let my godhood burn me alive from within than endure one more day of life without you in it." 🔥🔥

I'm sorry, WHAT?! No. No! I refuse. She did not just do that. That is the most ILLEGAL cliffhanger I have ever read in my entire life. What the actual f*** am I supposed to do now?? The end said the 4th book was out in 2024 and I was like oh thank God...Sike! It's been delayed and it's not out yet 😭😭
I honestly think this is a worse cliffhanger than Onyx Storm. It made me physically rage. If you know, you know.
That being said, I loved it. The author sucked me in from book one and I read all 3 in 6 days. Luther has my whole heart and I love Diem... The world, the magic, the characters...it's just phenomenal, BUT I really need to know what happens next, or I might actually go insane.
SOS.

this book is massive. with how long it was, I dont know if their was a good spot to possibly split it into two books, but it was good. It just took me longer than normal to finish.

I did pick up super easily on what was viewed as one of the twists of the book, but interesting that Diem's additional ingredient added to her medicine was not shared so we will see if the people of the continent will realize they need her.

Everyone acted childish and that got my nerves a few times.

but overall I did enjoy the book.

I plan to share this title on my instagram on Monday, March 10th over at www.instagram.com/robinashleyreads

Thank you Netgalley for this book.
AMAZING & can’t wait til the next one is released. LOVED the story and was completely captivated for the most part, hit a few slow areas so 1026 pages was just a little excessive and repetitive at times. But I love it.

This series is SO GOOD! I am hyperventilating at the ending. Cole knows how to write a good cliff hanger. I can't wait for the next book!

Heat of the Everflame has it all. Third books are ususally make or break for me in a series, and this definitely MADE it. Diem's journey through navigating the politics, her own heritage, her relationship with Luther... I cannot say enough great things about this series.

It felt like no time passed at all while reading this book! By now, we are still being introduced to new parts of the world, but have a strong grappling of what is going on plot-wise and where certain places are located. The romantic tension between the main characters did feel a little faded out compared to the last few books, but not to the point where I stopped rooting for them. And the magic? Still just as phenomenal! I'm on the edge of my seat for what's to come in the next installment and the stakes that have been set out for our heroes. I cannot recommend this book enough for those who are avid lovers of romantasy and resilient characters.

I swear, I would read Penn Cole's grocery list. This series has me in a chokehold and I am SO EXCITED AND READY for the next book in the series. With every book in the Kindred's Curse Saga, I get pulled even further into my love of their world, magic systems and characters and this book is no different. Diem is a character who feels so real to me. I am so invested in her journey and her love story with Luther. She is such a bad a** and I can't wait to read more!!!

What a great third book to the series. I truly enjoyed book one. I thought book two was fine enough, but book three is fantastic. While book one set the scene wonderfully and gave readers a glorious taste of the slow burn romance, book two focused enormously on the drama. I will say, however, that aside from the relationship drama, everything in book two was a necessary stepping stone to book three. Penn Cole is proving to be masterful in plot building and has an excellent handle on the slow burn romance. This book was everything I hoped it would be with its half hidden secrets to be meted out by ravenous and careful readers, devastating near misses, and the continuing theme of further discovery and acceptance of self. This book is a triumph for the romantasy genre. I cannot wait to read book 4.

I have loved every moment of the kindreds curse Saga. Penn Cole has made such a delightful slow burn come full circle in Heat. I loved getting to experience more of the world. And more of the leaders. I’m very impatiently waiting on the edge of my seat for Burn after that cliffhanger. Diem and Luther have such a great romance and I was so excited to dive back into it with Heat it did not disappoint!

Thank you NetGalley and Penn Cole for the eARC. I can’t with for our readers to enjoy it as much as I did.

‘Heat of the Everflame’ is the third installment in Penn Cole's captivating series, and it does not disappoint. The war has arrived, and Diem finds herself torn between her duty to protect mortals and her growing bonds with those on the other side of the conflict. Cole masterfully deepens the stakes, pushing Diem into a world of betrayals, shifting alliances, and painful truths about her heritage.

The chemistry between Diem and Luther is electric, sizziling to the point of exploding giggles. The journey across realms adds layers of intrigue and adventure, and the well-crafted world building makes every moment feel alive.

This book pulls you into its world with powerful emotions, unforgettable characters, and a plot that’s so heart pounding as it is thought provoking. I can’t wait to have the copy in my hands! Fans of the series will find themselves utterly consumed by ‘Heat of the Everflame’ (don’t forget to start from book 1). This is an an absolute must-read!

Another cliffhanger great book. Perfect for 3 out of 5. Sometimes predictable but overall couldn't put it down.

3.5/75 ⭐️

solid book!!!! i think her writing is getting better with every release and the plot is, well, she’s starting to make a bit more sense after what felt like a lot of tropes thrown together to make a fantasy book. i simply cannot wait for the next book and i am high key eating this series UP!!!