Spark of the Everflame

The Kindred's Curse Saga, Book 1

By: Penn Cole

Narrated by: Amanda Dolan

Length: 13 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

When old secrets catch fire, everything will burn.

In a mortal world colonized by the gods and ruled over by their cruel offspring, the Descended, Diem Bellator yearns to escape the insular life of her poor village.

Her mother's sudden disappearance—and the discovery of a dangerous secret about her past—offer Diem an unexpected opportunity to enter the dark world of Descended royalty and unlock the web of mysteries her mother left behind.

With the dying king's handsome, mysterious heir watching her every move and a ruthless mortal alliance recruiting her to join the growing civil war, Diem will have to navigate the unwritten rules of love, power, and politics in order to save her family—and all of mortal kind.

Spark of the Everflame is the first book in The Kindred's Curse Saga, a four-book epic fantasy romance series that follows our feisty, bad*ss heroine Diem Bellator in her fight against injustice and oppression, her struggle to survive in a royal palace full of betrayal and intrigue, and her journey of self-discovery and finding true love. This slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers series is perfect for fans of unique magic systems, dragons and other mythical creatures, angst and romantic tension, and hilarious banter.

©2021 Penn Cole (P)2024 Podium Audio

Should I say - Watch out ACOTAR? - just because this might be my new favorite. NOT comparing the two series yet..

"Spark of the Everflame" offers a refreshing departure from my usual reads, delivering a captivating story that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The book balances its intricate politics and world-building effortlessly, providing just enough detail to keep you guessing about the various factions within the realm. Amidst a backdrop of a ruling class and rebels, the forbidden romance adds an intriguing layer of tension. There's also violence and SA, I appreciate these tropes in a story and bringing awareness to a reader when it's so real in our world as well.
What sets this book apart is its authenticity in language—it doesn't shy away from using real swear words, adding a raw and genuine feel to the characters and their world. The cursing is well-integrated into the narrative, enhancing rather than distracting from the story.
As I reached the end, I found myself questioning everything—I have a strong sense that there's more beneath the surface than meets the eye. This uncertainty has me eagerly anticipating diving into the second book of the series. "Spark of the Everflame" is a must-read for anyone craving a thrilling, immersive fantasy with a hint of mystery and rebellion.

Amazing

This book is amazing from the first page. It is action packed and exciting. The story moves along quickly and doesn’t overwhelm you with hundreds of characters. The anticipation that is built around the love story is done well. I am buying book 2 right now.

The ending!!!

This book had me at the edge of my seat…especially the ending….so so good! I can’t wait to start book 2!

Couldn’t stop listening!

An intelligent storyline that beautifully unravels thought-provoking social & interpersonal challenges, with just the right amount of romantic mystique. The relatable inner dialogue, perfectly narrated, made for an indulgently non-productive weekend of non-stop listening that I’m not really mad about. ‘Preparing to devour book 2 now!

So many questions!!!

This book leaves you wondering what is going to happen next in the best possible way. It’s captivating and the audiobook makes it so easy to listen to. The narrator does a wonderful job throughout the entirety of the book. Love everything about it!!!

Great main character and world

What I liked:
❤️‍🔥Slow burn, enemies to lovers romance
❤️‍🔥Feisty main character. Diem takes action 1st, thinks 2nd
❤️‍🔥Found family
❤️‍🔥Finding your place in the world
❤️‍🔥Great audiobook narration

Final thoughts: This was a fantastic start to a series with great writing, perfect pacing and a slow burn with epic banter. I loved the mix of a mortal living in the world of the Descended, their magic and searching for truths.

Loved loved loved!

These books rose up my rankings in 2023 and became part of my top 5 of all time favorites series.

The first book in the series, Spark of the Everflame, just came out on audiobook earlier this month and you better believe that I had already pre-ordered it and squealed when I saw it instantly download in my Audible app.

If you are not familiar with this series, Spark of the Everflame is a new adult fantasy romance, but really light on the romance particularly in this first book. There’s angst, sass and amazing tension. We have one hot and heavy scene rolling around in the woods and an incredibly soul, consuming kiss but this is really a story of our main character Diem her self discovery and her fight against the injustices of the Realms.

Experiencing Spark of the Everflame as an audiobook after already reading all three books that are out, was such a great experience. I feel that the narrator really captured Diem’s sarcasm and attitude perfectly. As a second time “reader” I had soo much fun finding all the Easter eggs that Penn put into Spark and even though I knew exactly was going to happen I found myself sitting on the edge of my drivers seat anxious and eager to hear more.

My love for Spark never waned but listening to the audiobook absolutely fueled my flame for this series.

Please, do me a favor, do your self a favor and read or listen to this book. I know you’ll fall in love like me!

Love this!

I read the whole series so far on Kindle Unlimited in the span of a week so when this was available I had to get it as soon as possible. I am an avid fantasy reader and the plot is good. I love the slow burn of the romance. If you are questioning it because I’ve seen some critique that it is a little slow at first to build the world and build Diem’s perspective, please stick with it! Can’t wait for the next book! Amanda performs it well also. I haven’t listened to her work before but I like her inflection and reading.

Can’t wait for more

I think book one is going to be a great introductory to the remaining 3 books! There are so many possibilities and directions she can take this series.

A fun listen

The narrator for this story was great! The story has some little plot holes, but overall was a good plot with a deliciously well filled out fantasy world.