I started this book at lunch one day and got to chapter 2. I then came home from work around four pm and started reading it again, and finished it at eight pm. Spark of the Everflame is probably one of my favorite books that I have ever read.
This book is so well written. The inner monologue of the main character is really good, and I really love the Penn Cole’s writers voice. Everything just flows so naturally and it’s a super fun read. I didn’t want to stop reading it (obviously I didn’t)
The flow of the story was good, and the way that the character makes decisions. Sometimes I was like “Oh my gosh, why?” and I could feel Diem’s anger and emotions. Some of her decisions -though I didn’t always agree with them- kept me on the edge of my seat and brought much more intrigue to the storyline.
The characters are all very strong and standout. Diem’s snarky attitude is perfect, and so is her will to fight and be heard. In Henri you can see the fervent core beliefs that he lives by. He tries to protect her from his world at first, then he’s proud of her cause he thinks she believes the same things he does. I love the Prince Luther. He’s so broody and larger than life in Diem’s eyes. I love that you can see that he cares about Diem. Even Diem’s familial relationships are written so well and are so strong. You want her dad to be proud of her, you want her little brother to be in the gifted school, you want her teacher Maura to believe in her. The character conversations are excellent. The characters are what pull you into the story, and make you feel like you are right there with Diem.
The world building is beautiful. The author describes the beauty of the Descended castle and town, the mortal slums and all its smells. It’s very easy to build a picture of what Diem is seeing in your minds eye.
The storyline is really good. There’s no super clear antagonist (yet). There are some antagonistic characters throughout the story, but there’s not a specific antagonist. However the story builds up like it’s going to have one. If you look at it – the war that is brewing and the fighting between the mortals and the Descended is the antagonistic part of the story, which I really like. But the storyline is still clear – bad things are happening to her and she is trying to adjust and fight. It’s just so good.
Like I said, this has got to be one of my favorite books that I’ve read, and definitely one of my top books of 2023.
The spice is really good – it’s tastefully done and hasn’t gotten super spicy yet, but it’s so good. 2 or 3/5 on the spice scale. 5/5 stars. I recommend this for anyone who loves the MC finding power within themselves, enemies to not-quite-lovers, (but the feelings are there), and found power. It’s just a really great read with a great storyline, a beautiful world with strong characters that you get attached to so quickly.
It comes out June 1st – and I recommend it!
I received a free copy of this book from the author - all opinions and review is completely voluntary and 100% honest
Spark of the Everflame: The Kindred's Curse Saga, Book One
4.4 | 34,573 ratings
Price: 4.99
Last update: 12-25-2024
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Top reviews from the United States
Taylor Lea Pratt | The Bashful Bibliophile
A new favorite! YOU SHOULD READ IT!
Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2023
Heather Tunison
Intrigue, Betrayal, and Cliffhangers in 'Spark of the Everflame'
Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2024
Heather Tunison
Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2024
Diem Bellator is a young woman who dreams of escaping her small village. When her mom vanishes without a trace, she's suddenly thrown into a world of Descended royalty, sinister secrets, and a political landscape full of danger. As she navigates this new territory, Diem finds herself surrounded by allies that are less than trustworthy and complex relationships that are anything but straightforward.
Every interaction between Diem and the king's enigmatic heir is charged with energy and tension. There is an undeniable pull with him and she doesn’t know why. At the same time, she’s struggling to understand if her childhood best friend, who seems like the obvious choice is the person she should spend the rest of her life with. This story is all about the slow burn, the suspense, and the carefully orchestrated moments that will keep you eagerly flipping the pages.
The world-building is refreshing, not overly complex, and was perfect for me who needed a book with a lighter mental load. The magic system is unique, and the characters are layered, each hiding their own secrets. There's plenty of action, mystery, and intrigue, and just when you think you have it all figured out, the book hits you with an epic cliffhanger. You'll want the 2nd book ready right away.
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Kathleen Thach
Beautifully Written
Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2024
Joelle Aguilar
Long winded but worth it in the end
Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2024