Mortals and magic and secrets, oh my!

After her mother disappears without a trace, Diem is left with more questions than answers and the secrets keep piling up.

I couldn’t put this down! Right from the beginning of the story, I was completely sucked into the world of Mortals vs Descended’s and then the rebels were introduced and bam! This just kept heating up! I love a story that keeps me entertained and questioning what will come next and Spark did that for me.

I’m so excited to see what comes next in this series!

Let me start off by saying that I have been on a bit of a contemporary romance kick lately, so did I find this book slow and difficult to get into in the beginning? Yes, I absolutely did, but once I got past that, I literally couldn’t put this book down.

The magic in this story was absolutely breathtaking, the secrets had me constantly begging for more, and Prince Luther, well he’s something for sure🤭

Diem is such a complex character with so many conflicting emotions which made this story seem so raw. I loved how gutsy she remained to be and how strongly she stood on her morals😩

Did I run to KU to download the next book in the series? Absolutely, and I will not waste any time jumping right back into this universe to see what happens next😋

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!!

Loved. Obsessed. Best fantasy I’ve read to date. I don’t think I’ve ever highlighted as many times in a book as I did with this one.

Some of my favourite quotes:
✨ Every hair on my neck stood on end as he turned his lips to my ear, his voice low and rough. "Something I cannot have."
✨ His chin settled on top of my head, and we burned together for a tiny eternity, saying nothing and too much all at once.

If you liked the Throne of Glass and From Blood and Ash series, you’ll definitely like this series. Diem, the main character, reminded me of Aelin (TOG), but more badass, chaotic, and unpredictable. I’m really looking forward to her character growth!

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and was so happy to get Luther’s POV at the end!! Please read this, I’m begging you!

Thank you to Atria Books and Netgalley for a gifted advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

This was a blast to read! A completely immersive fantasy experience, that really held my interest the entire time! Usually first books in the fantasy series are slow or just wild, this was amazing! I’m very excited for the second one.

This is a fantastic start to a fantasy romance series! In this world, humans are treated as the inferior beings to the Descended, a race of long-living magical beings. We follow Diem, a healer, as she tries to discover why her mother went missing, while also fulfilling an oath her mother made to the royal family that she has only ever known to be cruel.

There is romance (super slow burn), forbidden love, mystery, rebellious plots, and I think we are going to get some great political intrigue in the next book.

If you love fantasy romance, pick up this book!

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my review!

Spark of the Everflame opens this series with interesting characters, a strong story, and lots of threads I want to see get tied together.

I really enjoyed reading this book! I read most of it in one day, and it was hard to put down and very easy to pick back up again.

That being said, I’m not sure that it’s as plot heavy as it’s advertised. It’s definitely *story* heavy, but Diem doesn’t have any strong goals that she works toward throughout the book. This felt like a lot of exposition, and that’s fine since it’s the first book in a four book series, but I wanted her to have a little more agency.

I will definitely be continuing with this series! 4 stars!

My review will be posted to Amazon on publication day and to Instagram on October 2nd

I enjoyed this book but it mostly felt like it was setting up the rest of the series. I wish Luther and Diem would have been on-page together more because they were the most interesting part of the story. They had great chemistry and good banter. I didn't care about Henri at all and never really found their relationship that believable but I think that's because Diem didn't seem to like him that much either. I can't wait to read book 2!

I read this on another platform and absolutely loved it. I appreciate the approval from the publishers, will be buying myself a copy and recommending to others.

I really enjoyed this book! I'm normally a slower reader, and I read about 200 pages of this in one sitting. I think that says a lot!

One of the things I loved about this book was the world building. It is unique to anything I have ever read, and I read a ton of romantasy! I'm always on the hunt for unique stories and I think this one delivered in that aspect. I also enjoyed the characters, particularly Diem, our fmc. I appreciated that she wasn't necessarily the typical "damsel in distress" type character, as those can get kind of repetitive. She was super fiesty and witty which I enjoyed. I liked Luther as a character (our mmc), and can see myself becoming more interested in him as the series goes on. However, the romance was a bit too slow burn for me. So let me tell you, when they say slow burn, they mean the SLOWEST of slow burns. I am typically a fan of slow burn, but I found this to be too drawn out if I'm being honest, but I think that is just a personal preference. It was really the pacing that I found to be off at times. With that being said, the plot and the mystery aspect of this book was still intriguing to me! I think this book was a good set up to the world and whatnot, even if it was a bit slow at times. I'm excited to jump into the other books in the series!

I would definitely recommend this book! Just beware, it is SLOWWWW burn.

Read if you love:
- very slow burn
- enemies to lovers
- broody mmc
- feisty fmc
- touch her and die
- intricate world building and lore
- mystery

Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for sending me an early copy of this book! All opinions are my own!

I have been craving a new fantasy series to fall in love with and take up all of my time and thoughts, and oh my goodness I think I've found it. This book really gave so much to learn, so much to ponder, and so much to feel. It set up such a unique world and then gave characters who are compelling to the point that I absolutely need to know more right this second about both their pasts and their futures.

I loved the way that this book really focused on character development and battling a lifetime of prejudices and personal beliefs in the face of cruelty and injustices. My only qualm was that it felt a little slow at times, but I think that I will love that because the slow burn is going to be oh so sweet.

I can't wait to see where this romance goes, as it is already so compelling and makes me need even the shortest of touches and the briefest of glances. Luther is definitely already becoming someone I could fall in love with, and I love the "he falls first" aspect that really isn't often woven into fantasy.

I cannot wait to see where this series goes! I'm very hopeful that it will be a new all-time favorite!

Oooookay I get the TikTok obsession! Don't be afraid of this one, it is worth the hype! This is a must read for romantasy readers. Be prepared to get sucked into another awesome fantasy world. The world-building is good and does not take much time to understand. The plot is well-paced with lots of good twists and turns. The characters are well built out and imperfect (we love a flawed MC). I did not mind that our FMC Diem is incredibly naive, as that leaves a lot of room for her growth in this series. The characters had good chemistry with each other and I appreciated that there were good side characters!

The romance is a slow burn and I am nervous about whether we have found the right one because I am so in love with them right now.

Be prepared for the cliff-hanger ending. You'll want to immediately jump to book 2!

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing an eARC of this book! I am so excited for the special edition- already preordered the physical copy!

This is SUCH a great book. I love, love, love the MMC. ❤️ Highly recommend if you are looking for a book that will draw you right in and a unique world.

Spark of the Everflame
4.25 ⭐️

Dang it. Now I’m sucked into another fantasy series to read! 😅

But in all honesty, I was kind of scared to start this one with how much people love it. When I got a copy on @netgalley I figured it was worth trying! And I’m so glad I did. I will definitely be picking up the other books in the series because that ending 🤯

Wow. Just wow. I love this world and the characters in it. Do you love strong, snarky FMCs with a fondness for daggers? Look no further. There's mystery. There's drama. There's magic. There's slowwwww burn romance. It's all here, people.

Penn writes world building in a way that feels natural and does not heavily frontload you with information you'll probably forget. She also writes imperfect characters and that is so refreshing. People make mistakes and have to figure out how to move forward from them.

I read Spark as an indie release and it is so exciting to see that it has been picked up by a publisher! The bonus chapter included in this edition is *chef's kiss* perfect.

Thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for an eARC this book for an honest review.

Beautiful books. I didn’t really want to give feedback because I almost didn’t finish it through no fault of the book. I loved the book, it was a fun time.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

I was so excited to get a copy of this book.

I have heard so many good things about this book so I could not wait to start it and let me tell you it did not disappoint. I did find Diem a little bit frustrating at first, but I ended up warming up to her fairly quickly. I cannot wait to pick up the second book to find out if there is more of Luther in it because I need more of him immediately.

I had a feeling that Henri was going to be like a Tamlin situation and I ended up hating him with such a passion. I also have a feeling he’s just going to get worse now that the book ended with that cliffhanger.

It did start out a bit slow, only for maybe the first 10% or so for me. But I also feel like this is fairly typical for fantasy because you have all the world building and character building.

All in all I really enjoyed this book. I cannot wait to dive into the second one. I would highly recommend this and I give it five out of five stars.

Spark of the Everflame is the perfect blend of slow-burn romance, epic fantasy, and heart-pounding intrigue that sets the stage for an unforgettable series. This book pulls you into a world where gods rule from the shadows and their magical offspring, the Descended, control everything—except Diem Bellator’s fierce will to protect her family.
From the very first page, you’re thrust into Diem’s gritty, mortal world where survival is a daily battle. But when her mother mysteriously disappears, Diem is forced to plunge into the deadly politics of the Descended and unravel her own hidden past. The rich world-building and dark, oppressive atmosphere intensify as Diem steps into the royal court, facing dangers that test both her courage and heart.
What truly sets this book apart is the slow-burn romance. The simmering tension between Diem and the King’s enigmatic heir is palpable, keeping readers on the edge of their seats, desperate for more. At the same time, the complex political landscape and looming civil war add layers of intrigue and suspense, making every decision Diem faces feel like a life-or-death gamble.
With its intricate plot, vivid characters, and a romance that burns brighter with every turn of the page, Spark of the Everflame is a must-read for lovers of romantasy. This is the kind of book that leaves you breathless, eagerly awaiting the next installment. A truly magical start to an epic journey!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

This book was captivating from the start! Each chapter left me wanting more and more.

Loved this unique world and magic system. Each character felt real and the writing was easy to digest. I literally binged this book in one day that's how entranced I was while reading it! Also, the tension between the main female character, Diem, and one of the main male characters, Luther, was FANTASTIC and the pacing between their relationship development was perfection (it was the perfect definition of a sloooooow burrrrrn!!!!).

Henri reminded me of Gale from the Hunger Games - if you know you know (haha).

The ending left on such a dramatic part that I can wait to pick up book 2! Overall, I was thoroughly entertained while reading this book and will recommend it to all of my friends.

Thanks NetGalley & Atria Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Penn Cole’s *Spark of the Everflame* ignites the first book in an enthralling slow-burn romantasy series, set in a world where mortals struggle beneath the oppressive rule of the Descended—magical beings born of gods. This BookTok sensation has captivated readers, and it’s easy to see why.

The novel follows Diem Bellator, a young woman from a humble village whose life takes a sharp turn when her mother mysteriously disappears. Diem’s journey from obscurity to the dangerous, power-driven world of the Descended is propelled by her discovery of a dark secret about her past. This revelation pulls her into a world where loyalty, love, and politics collide, testing her strength at every turn.

One of the novel’s strengths lies in its intricate world-building. The contrast between Diem’s impoverished life and the cold, glittering court of Descended royalty is vivid, and the oppressive power dynamics between mortals and their godlike rulers heighten the stakes of Diem’s struggle. Cole excels in blending high-stakes political intrigue with personal, emotional battles, as Diem grapples with alliances on both sides of a brewing civil war.

The romance is slow and simmering, centering around the enigmatic heir to the throne, who watches Diem with equal parts suspicion and fascination. Readers will appreciate the gradual build of tension between them, as Cole skillfully teases out their relationship amidst the larger plot. The slow burn is balanced by intense moments of action and rebellion, keeping the pacing engaging.

Cole’s characters are compelling—Diem is a relatable, strong-willed protagonist whose determination to protect her family and survive in a hostile world drives much of the plot. The supporting cast, including the mysterious heir and a ruthless rebel alliance, adds depth to the story as Diem must decide whom to trust.

*Spark of the Everflame* offers more than just romance. It’s an epic fantasy with themes of sacrifice, family, and power, and its exploration of these themes gives the book a weight that resonates beyond the page. Fans of romantasy and readers who enjoy rich, immersive worlds filled with secrets and betrayal will find much to love in this book.

The collectible hardcover edition, featuring stunning endpapers, an intricately designed cover, and a bonus chapter, adds a special touch for those who enjoy the tangible beauty of a book. This edition feels like a treasure to match the story within.

In conclusion, *Spark of the Everflame* is a captivating start to a promising series, with just the right balance of romance, fantasy, and intrigue. Penn Cole has created a world that readers will be eager to return to, and Diem’s journey is only just beginning.

Did you like ACOTAR & FBAA?! I just found your next Kindle Unlimited read!

Wow! I’d heard great things about this book so I went in with high hopes and was not disappointed.

This story had me hooked from the beginning. I was chomping at the bit to get back to reading at the end of each day to find out what happened next. It had everything I enjoy in a great fantasy novel; banter, romance, strong FMC, mystery, mythical creatures, magic, secrets and adventure.

The best way I can describe the writing style, is as if you were receiving a warm hug. Something about the authors choice in words and the way she strung them together whisked me away into story. Highly recommend this book!

Can’t wait to continue on with book 2!
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 :)