A Spark So Bright

The Kingdom Below, Book 3

By: Emma Hamm

Narrated by: Nina Yndis, Will Thorne

She hides from the world. He's the monster who refuses to let her vanish.

Rose has spent her life running. From hunger, from pain, from anyone who dared to care for her. Once a street thief, then a reluctant priestess, then a prize in a gladiator's arena, she's learned that safety only comes from silence. From disappearing into dreams and a false reality that has always kept her safe.

Until Gunnar finds her.

The troll warrior with eyes like storm clouds and hands that could shatter stone. The moment he sees her, he knows she's his, and that claiming her will take more than brute strength. It will take patience. Trust. The slow, dangerous surrender of her heart.

But the realm is changing. Humans are flooding into the troll kingdom, and the king has declared bridal games—a brutal contest to bind humans and trolls in marriage. Rose is fragile, untrained, and has no wish to compete. Gunnar can't bear to see her offered to another.

So he enters the games himself. To fight for her. To prove his worth. Even if it means pretending he could ever want anyone but her.

Because monsters may not dream, but for Rose, Gunnar will tear apart the waking world itself.

©2026 Emma Hamm (P)2026 Podium Audio

An Emotional Romance That Was Worth the Listen!

I really enjoyed this audiobook! Emma Hamm continues to impress me with how much emotion and depth she brings to her characters, and Gunnar and Rose’s story was no exception.

What I loved most was how different their relationship felt from a typical monster romance. Gunnar might be this intimidating troll warrior, but he’s honestly such a sweetheart when it comes to Rose. Their relationship is built on patience, trust, and understanding rather than just physical attraction.

The dual narration by Nina Yndis and Will Thorne worked really well for this type of story. With so much of the book focused on the characters’ emotions, I appreciated getting to experience both perspectives.

I will say that this book deals with some heavier subjects, and there were moments when I wished the pacing was a little tighter. The romance is also more of a slow burn with less spice than some readers might expect.

Overall, though, I loved the characters, the emotional journey, and getting another piece of this fantasy world. Definitely recommend the audiobook if you’re already invested in The Kingdom Below series!

A healing journey

I cried several times throughout this book. Rarely have I felt a character so relatable. Her thoughts have been mine, her body reactions, mine. Her mind just leaving while her body remembering everything, as well as Her guilt and dance with death seemed to tell the story of my life. But what struck me the most was how respectfully it was presented, how understanding, tender and patient her healing journey was told. It somehow healed something in me I didn’t know could be healed. Overall a heartwarming and healing story

The romance

My favorite book from the series by far. I love how Gunnar was very patient with Rose and how their relationship became to be.