Not much to say other than I LOVED THIS BOOK! 5 stars!
Spark of the Everflame is a book you may want to pick up if you’re looking for something with:
- great world building
- strong characters and development
- found family
- SLOW burn
- demi-gods

I quickly realized that some of the chapters are quite long and that can often cause me to lose interest. I did not lose interest and instead had a hard time putting the book down. I loved the characters (except for Henri, iykyk), especially Luther 😍.

Highly recommend!

Thank you Atria Books and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for review.

Captivating. Unique. Intriguing.

♾️Stars

Penn Cole Absolutely freakin’ delivered with this book!

I love a book that makes me FEEL something. This book gave me all the feels! I was captivated so quickly, and needed to keep turning pages to see what was going tp happen next!

What else did I love?

Y’all characters aren’t just one dimensional. You see humanity portrayed. You see imperfections and I LOVE that.

I am SO excited to see more of characters I loved: Diem, Luther, Teller, and Lily!

MY HEAD IS STILL SWIRLING WITH QUESTIONS…I am hoping Penn Cole will answer in book 2!!

SO thankful to Atria books & Penn Cole for the earc on Netgalley!

I own her indie physical books, but will for sure be supporting her journey in trad publishing as well!!!

How did I not know about this series sooner? This was soooooo good. I am so invested in this series. I'm pretty sure I devoured this book in 24 hours.

Henri is maddening and sometimes I want to shake the characters. But, the magic is super cool, I can tell that the character arcs are going to be worth it, and the world is very appealing. I've never been so ready for war.

Exciting, magical- could not put down! A fantasy story to rival all of the other big names out there! Cannot wait to read the rest of the series!

I really enjoyed the storyline in this book as it was a different take on fae and humans. It had a few tangents going on and it’s still a little murky on where it’s going but that’s to be expected in book one. I will admit the main character started to annoy me a little about half way through. I’m not even 100% sure why she did, but I found myself wanting another POV to read for a while. I really enjoyed the last bit that was Luther’s POV and wish that had been throughout the story. I look forward to reading the rest of the series because I really want to know how it all turns out.

Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole not what I expected at all. (in the best possible way) I really connected to the main character Diem. That’s getting harder and harder for me to do with these barely 20 year old main characters. Maybe because I have a 20 year old. She wants to do the right thing but as with real life it’s not always so easy to actually know what the “right” thing to do is and at what cost. I will absolutely be reading the second book and if as good as the first all her others. Her writing for me is similar to Rebecca Ross or Adalyn Grace. Thank you Atria Books for my ARC copy for my honest review. Overall 4.5⭐️. The only thing that keeps it from being a 5 ⭐️ for me is there were several predictable things that occurred but I still enjoyed the ride.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Diem is a strong female, with lots of depth built into her character. Gods, magic, and dragons all the makings a great series. Already planning on reading the next book.

Thank you so much for this arc ! I did enjoy this and it was a solid romantasy . A little predictable and while I did like it I don’t think I’ll be continuing the series .

3.75 stars ⭐️

This was a fairly low stakes fantasy romance that I enjoyed reading. It heavily follows the “blueprint” of fantasy romance which makes it perfect for a certain reader or mood.

It goes into topics such as class divide while also bringing enjoyable tropes such as slow burn romance and enemies to lovers.

Our FMC Diem is feisty and determined but she brings the book down a bit with her inconsistent character arc. She was a bit dense which was hard to read but was used as a plot device. Her ending was predictable to me but I’m excited to see where she takes us.

Luther was a great MMC. Stereotypical romantasy mmc but I eat that up. I’m excited to see him get more page time in further books.

Overall I plan to continue the series and am eager to see where the books take us.

This fantasy book is a fast-paced and enjoyable read, perfect for a quick escape into a magical world. The plot moves swiftly, keeping the pages turning with just enough action and intrigue. The characters are likable, though not deeply developed, making it easy to follow their journey. While the story may not break new ground, it’s a fun and light adventure that’s satisfying in its simplicity. Overall, a solid 3.75 stars for delivering an entertaining experience.

Woo boy. Glad I stumbled upon this series - I loved the concept of Descendants of the Gods being able to mate and intermix with mortals creating an entire new world.

It had a Hunger Games feel to it, expecting the unexpected with an underlying war coming to head.

My only complaint is I really needed Diem to get it together … But as I finished the series I see why she is the way she is! Get ready for a slow burn

Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for the advanced copy of this book, I’m so excited for it to be widely published and for the final book!

Holy moly. I loved this book! I was invested in the characters from start to finish. I loved the family dynamics between Teller the Commander and Diem. The romance between Henri and her was reminiscent of first love. My only complaint is that Diem and Luther really didn't get much time together to make their bond believable. She spends half the time between apathy and compassion to angry and wanting to kill everyone. Her feelings for Henri were too complex to believe she also was lusting for Luther after he hatred for the Descendants exploded. I need to know what is going on with her mom. Will definitely read book 2.

I was fortunate enough to receive an ebook from NetGalley and the publisher, Atria Books. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.

This story is a fantasy describing a world with humans and the descended. The descended are godlike people that are able to conjure magic and be near impossible to kill. Due to these attributes there is a class struggle between the two.

We follow our main character that struggles with where she fits as a human healer that is sent to tend to the descended. It's her story on self discovery and history. I did find that the main characters core values shifted rather drastically from the beginning compared to the middle and end. This made her character inconsistent.

I'm not going to lie, I was heavily influenced by Bookstagram to read this and I was not disappointed. I overall enjoyed it and am eager to read the next one.

Thoroughly enjoyed this one! Loved the characters, the slow burn tension and romance between the main leads and the magic system. Definitely buying this for our collection.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC! This was INCREDIBLE. I had a fantastic time reading this. I'm dying to get my hands on the next book, and honestly, this might end up being one of my favorite romantasy series. Easy 5 stars.

In Spark of the Everflame Penn Cole weaves a gripping tale of power, deceit, and secrets set against the backdrop of a world shaped by the whims of gods and their Descended. The novel invites readers into the life of Diem Bellator, a young woman ensnared by her humble beginnings and her yearning for something greater. With prose that ignites the senses and characters who breathe life into every chapter, Cole crafts a narrative that is equally enchanting and harrowing. Diem's journey begins with the sudden disappearance of her mother, an event that reverberates through her life and sets her on a path she never envisioned. As she unravels the mysteries of her past, the stakes rise dramatically. Cole's world is one of stark contrasts: the oppression of mortal life under the tyranny of the Descended and the allure of power that comes with proximity to their dark, enchanting realm. The author does an excellent job of bringing this dichotomy to life, immersing the reader in the struggles faced by those at the bottom of the societal hierarchy, while simultaneously highlighting the privileges and perils of royalty.
Diem’s character development is a highlight of the story. She evolves from a girl desperate to escape her village into a fierce, resilient woman determined to confront the dangers of her newfound reality. Her relationships are complex, particularly with the King’s son, whose enigmatic charm adds layers of intrigue. The romantic tension between Diem and this character is palpably executed, grounding the fantastical elements of the novel in relatable emotions.
The introduction of a rebel alliance fighting back against the oppressive regime adds urgency to the narrative. Diem finds herself caught between these conflicting forces, adding moral complexity to her decisions. Cole skillfully navigates themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the weight of choices, allowing readers to ponder the cost of survival in a world where every ally could become an enemy. Cole's writing shines with vivid imagery and a richly built world that feels both vast and intimate. The atmosphere is electric with tension, and the plot unfolds with pace and dexterity. Each revelation about Diem’s past leaves you craving more, as old secrets catch fire in a way that feels both inevitable and shattering.
Overall, Penn Cole has crafted a compelling blend of fantasy, romance, and rebellion that invites readers to explore the darker aspects of power and the lengths one will go to save those they love. As Diem fights to reclaim her family and her identity, the flames of her journey will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on readers’ hearts.

Diem Bellator's life takes a dramatic turn when her mother disappears and leaves behind a secret. Diem is searching for her mother and following in her footsteps as a healer. The god's descendants rule her world, the Descended, who have magical abilities and are ruthless to maintain their power. Their cruelty has created a growing divide between them and the mortals they govern. Diem, who dreams of escaping her impoverished village, is thrust into the dangerous world of serving the royal Descended, where she must navigate treacherous relationships while trying to uncover the mystery of her mother's disappearance.

This story weaves an intricate plot with elements of mystery, political intrigue, and rebellion. Diem's journey is a deeply personal exploration of identity and power. The secrets she uncovers about her past challenge her understanding of herself and her place in the world. The stakes are high, as she finds herself caught between the dying king's new heir and a rebel alliance that sees her as a potential key to overthrowing the Descended. Both sides want her to give a piece of herself that goes against everything she believes herself to be. Diem is a fighter and explosive; which side will burn? Readers will enjoy her feisty determination and sometimes feral motives. She must make difficult choices about loyalty, love, and survival that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I AM HERE FOR IT!

Themes of power, politics, and identity are at the core of this story. Diem's world is constantly shifting with the burdens of inherited power and challenges of power. This dark fantasy will appeal to readers who enjoy tales of survival and sacrifice and where the past and the future are inextricably linked.

I received an ARC ebook for my honest review. Thank you, NetGalley and Atria Books.

This book was great! I loved the tension and I cannot wait to read the second book! Enemies to lovers, fantasy, dragons, I love it all!

I really enjoyed this book. Diem is a breath of fresh air when it comes to FMC. The world is intriguing and well thought out. Since reading Spark, I have found the next two of the series on kindle unlimited and have already started reading. I look forward to seeing how the world expands and dive deeper into the characters.

I am absolutely in love with this series and was so thrilled for Penn when she announced her partnership with Atria and the re-release of Spark. If you haven’t stated this series yet, now is the time to do it!!!

Diem is a feisty FMC who suddenly finds her world turned upside down as she searches for clues about her mother’s disappearance. In doing so, she starts questioning everything she thought she knew, and embarks on an even deeper journey to find her true self.

The world building between the mortals and the demigods know as the Descended was easy to submerse yourself in, but I know we’ve only cracked the surface of the secrets buried underneath.

And can we talk about the angsty banter between Diem and Luther?! 🥵 That man can do no wrong. You definitely need this shadow wielding prince in your life! Plus, the bonus chapter from his POV is everything I didn’t know I needed!!!

Simply put, you need this book!