Heat of the Everflame: The Kindred's Curse Saga, Book 3

Jennifer

Romantasy readers rejoice - great plot, good spice, and a shadow daddy

"This series was recommended to me on my Kindle after finishing another series, and I thought the cover looked cool so I read it (yes, I am swayed by cute covers). And I got hooked. First, this book is meaty. Like, super meaty, but don't let that deter you. I flew through it. It feels shorter than it is because it is riveting and packed with action, and you get so invested that time slips away. The characters are still amazing to read; Diem is a badass and I love her character arc. We get to see her grow into herself, her role, and her power, and it all still feels believable. She also keeps her personality and doesn't adopt that of the MMC, which is a breath of fresh air from many romantasy books. Now, onto Luther. A possessive, hot, shadow daddy. Does he fit into a bit of a romantasy stereotype? Yes. Do I care? Nope. I love him. I also want to kick him to the moon sometimes. Maybe that's why I love him, because I have the same feelings about my real-life husband. Luther makes noble choices and makes things difficult for our main girl (of course...side eye), but it does make you feel more invested in their story and makes you root for them even more. Also, his one-liners are pretty swoon-worthy (especially if you like shadow daddies that praise the FMC...). Even when Diem and other characters do things that make you wonder wtf they are thinking and you want to throw hands, you can't be *as* mad because the author does a wonderful job as presenting these characters as flawed beings acting on bad information and weird instincts, just like all of us in real life. That's been my favorite part of the series. The characters feel real, and I sometimes want to get violent with them because of it. (So...thanks, Penn?) Even though I will (most likely?) never have magical powers or live in a world like Diem's, the stakes feel real. When Diem is upset, I really feel it, in a way I haven't from books like these in a long time. The side characters are still incredible. I love Taran, Alix, and the rest of crew. I am always a sucker for the found family trope and this one really hits the spot. Also, Sorae! She is perfect and majestic and I would die for her. Heat of the Everflame is a twisty-turny emotional ride. I have been a hardcore romantasy reader for the past 20 years and I don't often get super emotional from books anymore. That said, I legitimately cried in this one. You get sucked in with characters and a story you love and then BAM! Emotional damage. I did receive a copy of this from the author, but this is an honest, voluntary review. I loved it so much that I immediately bought a copy when it became available for purchase and I'm starting a reread this weekend! ["

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September 12, 2023 Verified Purchase

Kindle Customer

Drifting between 3.5 and 4 stars

"The writing and the storyline aren't the issue. The writer is very talented. Her world building is insane. It's so detailed. There's different origins and laws and realms. I can't go on enough about that. I've always loved her idea of the continent being a circle. There's some humor sprinkled in that's laugh out loud. The bad? The MC. I loved her in the 1st book. By the end of the 2nd book in my review I'm pretty sure I put that she was pushing a thin line to the realm of unlikable. I hoped she would learn and grow up a bit, but she just doesn't. Her childish behavior is just playing out on a bigger stage now with higher stakes and more dire consequences. She goes on and on about how the descended and the mortals don't trust her. I wouldn't either. Some of her big ideas are just idiotic. She isn't fit to be queen. When it matters the most, she chooses to follow Luther instead of what's best ultimately for the realm, mortals, and descended. I forgave some of her transgressions in the first 2 books, but at this point it's like come on, 900 pages of watching Diem screw up. The guardians are literally murderous maniacs and she refuses to kill a single one. Literally 80% of their problems could be solved by killing one mortal who deserves it and she gets multiple opportunities. I get the moral thing the author is going for here but it just missed the mark. Spoiler ahead: Diem insists on breaking her mother out of prison and bringing her back to live in the palace with her. Like what? She's trying to earn the trust of the descended. They literally have to physically intervene to stop her from landing at the palace with her traitor mother, who honestly is terrible. She's lied about so many things who can even keep track. I don't blame the descended for pushing back against her. Just bad decision after bad decision. By the end I was actually rooting for someone to take her out. I think perhaps this is more of a YA read and that's why I'm struggling with it. It's like the MC just can't kill anyone. I can't imagine I'll read the next book. I'm just not invested in Diem at all. I don't why Luther doesn't just throw her off her own gyvern. ["

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September 19, 2023 Verified Purchase

Teesh

Epic Story of Love Sacrifice and Magic

"Heat of the Everflame is a gripping continuation of a series that captivates from cover to cover. Initially drawn in by its enticing cover and Instagram recommendation, I found myself pleasantly ensnared by its rich narrative and compelling characters. One of the most striking aspects of this installment is its substantial depth. While its length might seem daunting, the narrative is so engrossing that time seems to slip away effortlessly. The book is brimming with action, ensuring that the reader remains glued to its pages, eagerly awaiting each twist and turn. Central to the story are its characters, particularly the protagonist, Diem. Her evolution throughout the series is remarkable, as she navigates her growth, role, and power with remarkable believability. What sets her apart is her unwavering personality, distinct from the typical romantasy archetype, which is a refreshing departure from the norm. Luther, Diem's counterpart, is equally compelling, despite fitting into certain romantasy stereotypes. His complexities add layers to the narrative, eliciting a range of emotions from the reader, mirroring real-life relationships with their highs and lows. The dynamic between Diem and Luther is fraught with tension and passion, making their journey together an emotional rollercoaster. The supporting cast adds depth and dimension to the story, with characters like Taran, Alix, and Sorae shining in their own right. The found family trope is expertly woven into the narrative, enriching the reader's experience and further immersing them in the world. What truly sets "Heat of the Everflame" apart is its emotional resonance. Despite its fantastical setting, the characters feel remarkably real, grappling with flawed decisions and navigating through uncertainty. This authenticity makes the stakes feel genuine, eliciting genuine emotional investment from the reader. Furthermore, the world-building in this book is nothing short of phenomenal. From the intricate details of various realms to the vivid descriptions that transport readers to another world, the author crafts a setting that feels tangible and immersive. The evolution of Diem's journey throughout Emarion is captivating, as she navigates the complexities of war, magic, and sacrifice. Her burgeoning confidence and growth serve as a driving force for the narrative, propelling the story forward with each new revelation and challenge. Of course, it wouldn't be a romantasy without a slow-burn romance, and "Heat of the Everflame" delivers in spades. Diem and Luther's relationship is put to the test, culminating in a breathtaking crescendo that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment. I eagerly await the next chapter in this enthralling series. ["

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March 25, 2024 Verified Purchase

177egan

The Kindred's Curse Saga is My New Roman Empire

"*****This review is for the first three books because I just read them all together 😂**** Spark: 423 pages Glow: 637 pages Heat: 1024 pages And I devoured all 3 in 6 days because I could NOT get enough of this story, these characters, this world! I loved the fantasy part of the books. It was different and not overdone. There were mortals, but also the Descended who were not fae, but descendants from matings of gods and mortals. The world building was PERFECTION. I felt like I could vividly feel the vibe of each realm. I understood each realm without Penn having to overdo it on the description There was enough diversity in the characters, but allowing the eye colors to determine each Realm's Descended. Let's talk romance! The slow burn is so, so, so good! There's points where it becomes comical (in a good way) where the main characters are SOOO CLOSE and you just KNOW they are going to get interrupted in some way and when they do, I just yell out "CALLED IT!" Classic enemies to lovers trope as well that is deliciously written with these characters. I could not get enough. Speaking of characters.... Diem is EVERYTHING. I've never related to a character so much ever in my life. Her not wanting to be tied down, but wanting to love. Her wanting to help everyone. Seeing the good in everyone. Wanting to fight all the injustices. Empowering women. Sassy & spicy & genuinely good. Her daddy issues. Her badassery. I would actually yell and clap and cheer at her speeches like I was really there. Luther. Mother F*cking. Corbois. He has surpassed the Bat Boys to become my #1 Book Boo. As I said I relate to Diem in her fear of love & commitment and Luther's unconditional devotion to her as Queen and his declarations of his admiration for her and all that she is, good and bad, I felt that in my soul. I know these fictional men are setting unrealistic expectations for women, but why is it unrealistic to expect your partner to love you unconditionally? That's a rant for another day, but my point is this: Luther set the bar for my next relationship. If I have to pull scenes from the books to make a lesson plan for the next man, I will. Thank you, Penn, for creating a beautiful example of what unconditional love should look like. This is a Romantasy series and it has the romance and the fantasy and there's action and adventure, but on a deeper level, there's the topic of all the injustices that are perfectly disguised in context of Emarion, but are easily recognized in our own world such as racism, classism, sexism (looking at you, Ignios), lack of access to resources, health care, knowledge, systemic oppression, erasure of culture and history... I could go on and on. And this series is inspiring because you want Diem to unite the people and right all the wrongs and it stirs something inside you to want that for our own world too. And lastly, I want to say that I love Penn Cole and she is an amazing author for several reasons, BUT SHE IS ABSOLUTELY EVIL FOR THE WAY "HEAT" ENDED. I will NOT get over this any time soon, Penn. 10/10 would recommend and I am telling everyone about this series until the Rite of Endings is recited to me. ["

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March 23, 2024 Verified Purchase