Having turned the final page of Heat of the Everflame, I’m awash in adrenaline and anticipation, Diem’s coronation exploding into chaos thrust her into the brutal heart of a war where her loyalties are tested from every direction, and discovering the truth of her heritage reshaped everything she thought she knew. Her resilience in the face of betrayal, especially after being drugged and shackled, made her transformation into a strategic, powerful leader feel hard-earned and deeply satisfying. The slow-burn romance with Luther crackles with tension and tender banter, giving emotional weight to the stakes at play. The worldbuilding and magic system are immersive, and the political intrigue kept me turning pages even when the pace slowed. The ending hit me like a cliff-hanger grenade (raw, brutal, and utterly effective) leaving me desperate for the next installment .

heat of the everflame was an intense, sprawling journey full of magic, shifting loyalties, and a romance that somehow made the chaos feel a little less sharp.

plot ―୨୧⋆ ˚ this book was long. like, really long. but the wild thing is, the pacing actually held pretty steady the whole way through, so it never felt like I was dragging my feet through it. the stakes were high from the first chapter and only kept climbing—wars brewing, allegiances questioned, secrets about Diem’s heritage unraveling in ways I did not expect. I loved the realm-hopping, the political maneuvering, and how the mysteries were layered, even if sometimes I wished Diem made decisions more like someone wearing a crown and less like someone who stumbled into it. still, the plot had this steady pull that made me want to keep turning pages.

diem + luther ―୨୧⋆ ˚ their dynamic was honestly one of my favourite parts of the book. there’s just something about how grounded Luther feels next to Diem’s whirlwind that worked so well—he challenges her but also supports her in a way that feels natural. their relationship had warmth and tension, and I loved the way their connection deepened throughout the story. that being said, sometimes diem was just plain stupid

overall, this was a big, ambitious fantasy that juggled romance, politics, and family secrets all at once. while not every moment landed perfectly, the worldbuilding and emotional threads were strong enough to keep me invested. and that ending?? absolutely ruthless. it answered just enough to feel satisfying but still left so many questions hanging in the air—it was infuriating in the best way.

“Show me your worst, my darling, and I’ll show you how far my love can go.”

THAT ENDING WAS FUCKING CRIMINAL??

4.5 stars
The third book in the Spark of the Everflame takes across all the kingdoms and we see Diem and Luther pushed to their limits. Diem unlocks new secrets about herself and we get a real sense of what is at stake before being left on an enormous cliffhanger at the end of the book.
Luther is a great MMC - he worships the ground that Diem walks on, although perhaps he could try to rein in her silly decisions a little better. Diem is certainly not a perfect person, she constantly makes questionable choices, but I hope we get to see her maturing in the final book. I do love their relationship and omg the slow burn is insane but the pay off is superb!
The side characters are varied and interesting. I love Taran he is so funny - need more of him next book please! We met so many different kings and queens and they were all fleshed out and unique.
Penn Cole is a fantastic writer and I will read anything she writes <3

Heat of the Everflame by Penn Cole is the third book in the Kindred's Curse Series and it's fast paced, big and full of drama. Personally, I enjoyed book 1 and 2 more, probably because of the size of this book. There's a lot happening in this book, we are introduced to new characters and there's a lot of places being visited, and a lot of developing in the magic.

While I enjoyed this book, I felt like it was a bit chaotic, with a lot happening in this book. Also, I got a bit annoyed because the FMC sounded a bit annoying and like she was just acting on impulse and based on whims instead of planning her next step a bit better. However, i did enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the next one. There were so many emotional moments and i'm eager to see how the author will get her characters out of this chaos in her next book.

I liked the first two books in the series but I loved this one! So much happens and the world/plot is all so intricate. Everything is so detailed but nothing is predictable - especially Diem! Can't really go into what happens without spoiling the rest of the series which I hate to do but this is worth the read and has a huge cliffhanger that has left me desperate for book 4!!!

4 stars

Heat of the Everflame book 3 in the series delivers another compelling chapter in The Kindred's Curse Saga. However I liked the first 2 books more.

It's still a very captivating romance amidst a backdrop of intriguing magic and political tension. The central relationship evolves satisfyingly, and the world-building remains rich and immersive.

While the pacing was sometimes a bit slow and some side characters could be more developed, the book successfully builds suspense and raises the stakes for the next book. Overall, a strong and enjoyable read for fans of romantasy, and I will be definitely picking up the next book in the series.


Thank you Netgalley for providing me an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Penn Cole has such a way with words and this may be my favourite story of hers so far. Enchanting writing, a magical setting and characters you root for.

Headlines:
All the lows
Power-up
Slooowww burn

This Everflame installment was a fast-paced, whiplashed kind of read that took me ages (because hello, page count) but I felt very invested in it. It was high on drama and the lows were immense. Cole is clever because she kept me reading with the slow burn and the need to see what was going to happen to Diem and Luther in general as well as in their relationship.

The guardian-descendant perspective grew in this story. I felt like I found out more particularly in relation to the guardians and their machinations. Vance was especially vile. We got many reveals about Diem's mother and some unexpected paternal reveals.

What was interesting about book three was that Diem travelled across the lands and met many of the crowns. That resulted in some unexpected outcomes and placed the reader face to face with the different magics which I enjoyed. I enjoyed seeing any of the gryverns on page and learning their differences. Sorae being the favourite of course.

I have to mention the length of this book. It's over 1000 pages and while it kept my interest totally, I did feel like there were 2-3 books in here and looking back, it's a lot of detail to consume and retain. I remain highly invested in this series, the characters and the magical world. I cannot believe she left us like that though!

Thank you to the publisher for the eARC.

Okay hear me out... I am really enjoying this series, however it does feel a little drawn and Diem did get a little on my nerves. HOWEVER it did feel like the deep breath before the epic finale which I am here and ready for, so although this probably was not y favourite of the series, I cannot wait for the epic finale because that ending has me in a chokehold.

This was such a good read - it is part of a series and what an awesome series it is. I cannot wait for the next book and honestly after that ending I need it asap!

The first two books in this series were amazing. When reading the first book I forgot the entire world around me, had no idea if we were anywhere near my bus stop and was just absorbed by this world and the characters. When I saw an arc for this book on Netgalley I therefore had to request a copy, even though my physical copy was already ordered. I was very happy that Headline granted me a review copy, but reading took more time than I anticipated. What a brick!

I have to admit that this book didn't have the same effect on me as the first two books. I think that's partly because there is so much happening in this book. A lot of new characters are introduced, a lot of new places are visited, a lot of new magic is discovered. We've barely recovered from one reveal and there's already another one. The book therefore feels a little chaotic and all over the place, which is made worse by the heroine of the story.

Our heroine is quite impulsive, and that's an understatement. And since she spends this book kidnapped, hunted and attacked, it means that she's constantly reacting to everything that's going on. There is little planning and therefore it feels like the heroine is just acting based on whims instead of thinking things through. There were quite a few moments where I could already predict what would go wrong, since it was easy to see why something was flawed to begin with.

However, despite all the chaos there were also quite some emotional and beautiful moments in this book. Luther might be one of the most amazing book boyfriends in history. I have to admit that his devotion goes a little far at times, but his love is so pure and real and unconditionally. He's the main reason I still cared about what was happening. I'm really really curious how the author is gonna get her characters out of this mess in the next book, though....

I am totally in love with this series and Heat of the Everflame does not disappoint! I absolutely devoured this and love the characters of Diem and Luther! I have loved seeing their relationship develop throughout the books so far although Luther is in my bad books for the secrets he's been keeping from Diem!! There is definitely a ramp up in plot and pace in this book with so many twists and turns I did not see coming.

This book made me feel all the emotions - I have laughed and cried my way through this in equal measure and after that cliffhanger ending (no spoilers but its a toughie) I cannot wait to see what happens next!!!!

This is a total must read for those into fantasy reading with spice, enemies to lovers and lots and lots of peril!

Could this be the best book in the series so far? I've been completely drawn into Diem's story from the very beginning and this book kept up the intrigue, political struggles, plot twists and romance that I enjoy. Though it's a really long book, there was plenty going on without it ever feeling like the story was being drawn out and dragging on. It held my attention throughout and I was absorbed in the twists and turns that Penn Cole took us on, following Diem's journey after the big cliffhanger of and ending in the second book. We see a lot of different settings in this book, with great descriptions to give us a taste of the lands and their people without being bogged down in it. There are new and old characters, friends and foes, descended and mortals. It was interesting to see the changes in some of Diem's relationships as the book progressed, with secrets revealed and dangers faced. Her path with Luther also faces its own challenges but you'll have to read for yourself and see if they finally get some time alone.

I did suss out several plot twists really quickly so I was finding it a little frustrating having this in my head as I'm reading - especially as for some, the reveals didn't come until much later in the story. That was, I think, the only draw back otherwise I was thoroughly enjoying seeing Diem grow into her power and her role, tackle the difficult political landscape and struggle with her morality when faced with challenges and enemies alike.

I received a free copy of this book. All views are my own.

This third book in the series picks up where the previous book left off. It cannot be read as a standalone. We follow Diem as she deals with the revelations from book 2 and develops her relationship with Luther.

This was a longer read than book 2 but was just as gripping. Plenty of action, new revelations, twists and some spice. I can't wait for book 4, which should complete the series, but has no pub date as of yet.

Thank you to Netgalley and Headline for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is the third book in the series and pretty much picks up where the other left off.
I think in this one Diem doesn't always make the best decisions and I felt it was quite a long book and it dragged a bit in sections.
I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first two but maybe it will pick up in the next one.
Diem will maybe be given the time to grow and I want to give it a chance as it is a good series.
Thanks Netgalley and the publisher.

Heat of the Everflame is a chunk of a book so I was worried about pacing issues. I shouldn’t have worried, so much happens and the anxiety at numerous points had me staying up late to read. This series is highly addictive and absorbing.
Diem had less character development in this instalment for me, I like her morals but maybe question her ability to make good decisions. She’s consistent in her decisions in that she literally just impulsively reacts.
Luther is by her side and there are so many amazing moments between the pair to warm the heart. He is utterly smitten but to have to wait till I think the last 10% of the book for there to be any spice was beyond frustrating for me. I feel it’s like the slow burn started all over again in that respect.
The action scenes are amazing, it’s vivid, intense and emotional. I’m still getting over half of this book!
Highly highly recommend this for any romantasy fan. This is one of those series that I would read again as there’s so much action, fun, impact and story to sink into.
The cliffhanger was extreme and I can’t believe I’m left waiting now!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.

Diem's journey leading up to this book has been one of growth and resilience. Starting this instalment as the newly crowned Queen of Lumnos, she embarks on a monumental journey. The book is packed with action, suspense, and excitement, as well as fantasy politics, battles, and wars. The world-building in this series is so incredibly immersive that it's easy to get lost within its pages.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, though at times it did feel a bit too long. It could easily have been split into two more digestible novels. There was a great deal of information to process, and the characters' growth from beginning to end is truly significant.

Diem and Luther remain our absolute favourites, but the miscommunication trope felt somewhat jarring at times, and occasionally Luther’s affection bordered on obsession. The slow burn lived up to its name, but it was rewarding to finally see these characters communicate openly and be together. I can't wait for the next book!

Continuing Diem’s story - I was so excited to read this one, I LOVE this series. The slow burn romance is done so well. I’m so invested in Luther and Diem!

Starts where book 2 ends so immediately back into the story. Some revelations are made and Diem’s reign does not start smoothly!

I love the found family in this series - how she gains close loyal friends and how her romantic relationship with Luther develops. The sense of loyalty and love between their little group is just my favourite!

This is such an emotional rollercoaster - I was well and truly hooked! I can’t wait for the next instalment, whenever that may be - it’ll defintely be worth the wait! That cliffhanger though - I’ll be thinking about it on the daily till the next book is out.

ARC copy provided by Headline & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

<b>“I intend to be a Queen that works for the good of all her people, regardless of their blood.”
</b>
Diem could burn me and I would probably accept I deserved it.

This one is slightly more slow-going, with more focus on the building of relationships, dealing with a lot of injuries, recovery; and discovering history and unravelling secrets . I did like the glimpse into the wider world and the other courts and how they conduct themselves. I low-key want to experience Umbros’s markets myself.

One slight grievance with this book - Diem just doesn’t learn. Her anger and big mouth keeps getting her into trouble. Whilst I love sassy, fiery, burn-down-the-world fmcs, it got frustrating how much trouble and notice she could have avoided if she just used common sense.

Whilst I enjoyed this, book two is by far my favourite (OBSESSED), perhaps because this one was a lot more romance heavy. Of course, this is a romantasy series, so it’s to be expected and I’m actually impressed how long it took for the spice to ramp up!

All that being said, I cannot wait until book four!

P.s. I LOVE TARAN

<b>”Everything alright?” Taran asked.
“Fine,” I snapped.
He looked back at Luther, then at me. “You two really need to just fuck this out of your system already.”</b>

I would recommend this if you enjoyed A Court of Thorns and Roses, Throne of Glass, The Serpent and the Wings of Night, or Book of Azrael.