I loved the other two, but unfortunately, this one fell flat for me. I adored the slow burn and the found family aspects. While I adore fantasy, especially fantasy romance, this one felt incredibly drawn out (almost like it could have been two books).

This series continue to get better and better. Penn Cole's world building, plot, writing is perfection. It was an emotional journey but one I do not regret taking.

What you'll find:
- Slow burn romance
- light fantasy (not too much world building)
- magic
- single POV

🙈 This one was a miss for me. For one thing, it was too long. 1000 pages! The plot was unnecessarily repetitive and the slow burn is slooooow. I don't want to spoil it by saying more, but I have a lot of reasons this didn't hit for me. I am clearly in the minority judging by the Goodreads reviews. It ended on a cliffhanger. Will I pick up book 4 when it comes out? Tbd.

I am going to try and form my thoughts as best as I can. I want to touch on a few things readers will enjoy about Heat of the Everflame and why these things are also the reason I did not enjoy the book.

This book starts off pretty quick and we are thrown into action right away with some fight scenes. Diem is learning how to work her magic and gains self-confidence. What I struggled with during these fight scenes is placing myself in the main character’s shoes and imagine what was happening. The imagery for these scenes did not make sense to me, and I found myself lost or uninterested. The pacing was fast and then slowed down to work in more of the magic system giving me whiplash.

The magic grew significantly during Heat of the Everflame as we learn more about the other territories, their rulers, and what special powers they have. While it was great getting more background, I felt it was incredibly overwhelming. A lot of it could have been spread out between the first two books and not crammed into this massive story. It felt like we were trying to fit far too much information here.

Since we are exploring more of the map, we get to see some cool places and see new information about the magic systems. While this was fun, I felt like we never spent enough time in each place and maybe there were too many places the characters were supposed to travel to. I think this information could have been spread across the first two books and into this book to make the information dump more manageable. Diem’s rash choices and behavior made us travel quickly from place to place, as well, not allowing the full scope of the area to be explored.

As more magic was introduced, I felt like it was only for convenience. It was there to help the main characters on their journey leaving no real peril for me because I knew the magic would fix any issue.

Luther will be well-loved through this series. He is everything a lot of the book community looks for in a main male character of a romantasy book: a “shadow daddy,” protective, extremely handsome, witty, knows his way around a sword, dirty talking. To me, he turned incredibly soft and went from a main character into a side character in this story. He would follow along with Diem’s plans no questions asked even when they made no sense.

The utter amount of miscommunication or zero communication drove me mad. I understand we will get this trope in most every book, but to the extent it was used here felt wrong. A huge chunk of the relationship Diem and Luther built in Glow of the Everflame was around trust and that was constantly broken in this book. The plot line that had the most miscommunication took the overall plot off the rails, and I felt like it wasted a lot of time (and pages).

The author does a great job of foreshadowing. As readers, we know pretty early on what is going to happen; however, I was frustrated because we would know what is going to happen, and then wait fifteen chapters for Diem to catch up to us.

Finally, I appreciated how more fantasy elements were brought in and introduced to the readers. I think this change of pace is something others would like, but something I thought fell flat. There were almost too many things added in this book not allowing us to fully understand what was happening.

I do think this book has all of the right elements to be extremely popular with a large audience. After this book, I have realized this series is not for me. I would also market these books as fantasy romance books where the romance is a major plot point. Without Luther and Diem’s relationship, I believe this story’s plot would crumble.

Thank you to Atria books for an ARC of Heat of the Everflame and a finished copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4.5 stars!!

Ok, first off, this is the slooooooowest of slow burns. Like seriously. I’ve never read a series that took three books to get to the good parts, at 95%. 😂 Crazy.

Second, THIS IS HOW IT ENDS‽‽

What in the world‽‽ Thank God I wrote chapter notes of everything, so I won’t forget.

Penn Cole has done it again - another masterpiece! I am going to only be half living until July 2026 when the final book in the series is released. I will admit, the FMC, Diem, did irk me a few times in this book compared to the previous two books. Overall, Diem's obliviousness was easily forgotten with the author's masterful writing and creation of Emarion realms and magic systems. I will be recommending this series to everyone who asks for romantasy recommendations.

The third installment of the Kindred Saga series did not disappoint, except for the fact that the next book isn't out yet! This series gets better and better. I wasn't convinced about the hype after the first book, but I was very wrong. Definitely pick up the first one and immerse yourself in this amazing world!

I loved the first two books in this series, and I expected a little bit more for this book!

The plot was good and the characters were as loveable as always, I just wish we actually finally got to see them together! I feel like the romance is getting dragged out a little long.

Diem made some questionable decisions in this book, which isn't unlike her, but it was getting a bit repetitive in the third book.

I was glad to see some more focus on Diem's mother in this one. I feel like she's always kind of mentioned during the books as a sidenote, but then right at the end, they bring her in to have some action before she's forgotten about again.

Overall, I thought this was good and I'm excited to see where it goes!

So good but book four isn't here and ready! What am I supposed to do with that cliffhanger! This series still remains an all time fav of mine even though book three was my least favorite so far. 1 & 2 we clear 5 stars for me. While the plot was super interesting I had to dock points for Diem’s nativity… it was starting to get out of hand. ALSO this was the slowest of slow burns I’ve ever read! You’re telling g me we have to wait until chapter 70 something of the third book for finally some spice. I am baffled by that ending and idk how the heck this series is gonna end now but I can tell you right now I will not be breathing until book 4 is in my hands. And then I will not be breathing until it is done.

4.5 Stars. OMG THAT CLIFFHANGER!!

I am not over that ending at all! Penn gave us over 800 pages of story and every word was worth it! This book gave me every single feeling in the world and I am now numb from how she ended it. HOW DO WE WAIT FOR BOOK 4?!

The story picks up pretty much RIGHT where book 2 ended. Diem is in a very perilous situation and the book starts with the reader at max anxiety levels! Heat has a major journey plotline throughout, where we get to see and explore a lot of the different realms in the continent. Once again, this story is pretty plot and politics heavy, with the slow burn that burns just so good!

I really enjoyed how in depth Diem’s personal story arch goes. Every book she is learning more and more about herself and her powers, after a lifetime of them being repressed and hidden from her. I love seeing her learn more about who she is and what she can do!

I also love how much of this book is about doing something good in a bad situation. While there are some just truly bad characters, so many of them are people who are just doing their best. We met even more new faces this book and I got some new favorite characters (looking at you Z)!

This book was very long (over 800 pages) but I honestly am not mad because SO MUCH HAPPENED. These characters had me stressing with everything that happened to them and I was SCREAMING about a certain poultice’s special ingredient. I am so glad that Penn didn’t split this one up or take anything out. Everything was so needed for the full development of the plot!

And the slow burn that we’ve been waiting for has finally LIT! Penn teased us so much this book (honestly, it was a bit of torture), but it finally FINALLY paid off! I am in love with my man Luther. He is perfection and Penn actually has taken me out with how much I need him to be real! There was also a bonus scene included from Luther’s POV in the new Atria copy and it was SO GOOD. I honestly need these books to be dual POV because seeing his yearning and need for Diem has me on my knees.

I don’t even want to talk about this ending. I was already traumatized by all the events that were unfolding and then THAT happened?? I need book 4 RIGHT NOW.

Thank you Atria for the copy of the book!

Book 3 of the Everflame series…

I CANNOT BELIEVE IT ENDED THERE!!!! This was one of my favorites of the entire series and that cliffhanger was absurdly good!!! I started reading this series knowing the fourth book was going to be out by the time I finished the first 3… and the.mn low and behold, it was postponed for eternity and I AM STUCK WITH THAT ENDING?!?! Penn Cole… you mean mean person!!! Luther is still one of the favorites of all time, and the whole “touch her and die” and “I will follow you to the ends of the earth” vibes are sooooooo good! I love his devotion to her and in turn I love the way she loves him back! I’m slowly wasting away to nothing over here while I wait in shambles for the final book!!!!

This quickly has become one of my favorite Adult fantasy series, and I cannot recommend it enough to people. This story is so fun and interesting while also leaning into the fantasy stories that have come before it. I definitely think this is a story that people need to read and experience.

I’m speechless actually… I cannot believe the way this series has consumed me. When a book reaches the 800 page mark I sometimes raise an eyebrow, but I so loved the first two that I dove in with confidence. It was very well placed. I loved everything about Heat. When I think about the characters, especially Luther and Diem, and who they were in Spark compared to who they are at the end of Heat, I’m stunned at how much they’ve changed and yet how natural the progression of their growth felt.

The series tackles hard questions about oppression and oppressors and righteous war, and Diem is the perfect character to front the complexity and difficulty of navigating that environment.

I honestly think this series IS what some of the most popular romantasy series WANT to be. The way this deserves the level of hype I’ve seen elsewhere…

I think I’m done with this series, I just really can’t get over Diem, she really annoys me. It’s too bad though, I like most of the other characters and the plot is really interesting. I was really enjoying the slow burn romance but I just can’t continue on

I love this series and need more people to be talking about it. It’s an excellent romantasy with strong world building, fast paced action, complex characters, and a compelling storyline. The first half deals with Diem’s capture and rescue, and the second half is Diem and Luther trying to find allies, getting answers to important questions, discovering secrets, and dealing with betrayals. Diem’s character arc from the first book through this one is fantastic. She’s changed and grown so much, and I’ve loved seeing her go from questioning herself, her beliefs, and her abilities, to stepping into her role and power as a queen. Luther has always been absolutely perfect, but this book fully cements him as top tier book boyfriend material. He’s fiercely protective, staunchly loyal, and willing to fight and die for Diem. I love their relationship, and the slow burn romance stretched over three books is so worth it! P.S. The ending was brutal and I need book four immediately.
🔥
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
🔥
Read if you like:
▫️epic romantasy
▫️immortals, gods, and goddesses
▫️elemental magic
▫️slow burn, angsty romance
▫️court politics
🔥
Thank you to Atria Books, Penn Cole, and NetGalley for the ARC. I received an advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

WIth this third installment of the Kindred's Curse Saga we find out more about Diem and the magic she wields, however it seems very long and drawn out with not a lot of action. I really enjoyed aspects of this book and will continue with the series but I hope to see less of Diem defending the mortals and seeing that there are threats against her that she needs to deal with.

4 stars!

I absolutely love the Kindred's Cursed Saga and this book was no different. Every installment in this series I am excited and astounded by the plot twists and turns and how I'm literally eating up thousands of pages. I think where this book in the series is not my absolutely favorite is that Diem did start to frustrate me, and I think I'm ready for more answers in general, but I am excited for the last installment in the series. PLEASE COME SOON!

Thank you to Netgalley and Atria books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Heat of the Everflame is book three in the series and they just keep getting better!! This book was thicccc! There is so much happening and a lot of information gathering and secrets revealed! There were some insane battles and so many ohmygod moments that were jaw dropping! I am completely obsessed with this series! Diem is such a strong, badass, female main character! I love the connection between her and Luther, he is so completely enamored with her and would literally sacrifice anything to keep her safe! I don’t want to give too much away, some friends aren’t through book 2 yet and others who haven’t started yet! But I will say, if you have read Fourth Wing thru Onyx Storm and are looking for your next great romantasy, look no further!! They each have ended on the most insane cliffhangers and this one is no exception! I need book four immediately!!

Heat of the Everflame is EVERYTHING! This third book in The Kindred’s Curse Saga is high-octane, heart-pounding action and searing romance. Diem is at her fiercest and most powerful yet. She is constantly torn between loyalty, love, and her past. She’s always fighting for justice and the people she loves. Honestly, I do know how she has the energy. She is looking for alliances, but they are razor-thin, and the betrayals cut deep.

Is the chemistry between Diem and Luther still exciting? It is scorching this time around. She is toying with him every chance she gets. I love that he is honest with her and keeps her grounded. Their relationship grows into something more profound. They make each other better. The twists will blow your mind. The danger comes to a head as the Crowns vie for power and an unexpected alliance that could change everything. You are screaming and swooning as you flip pages like your life depends on it. This book was an experience, and you need it. Top Tier!

Thank you, NetGalley and Atria Books, for the opportunity to review and provide my honest feedback.

I was given an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. Review contains spoilers.

I was so lucky to receive an ARC of this book! I devoured Books 1 and 2 in days. Heat of the Everflame is even more exciting than Books 1 and 2. Diem is finally coming into her own and forging a path no one has taken before her.

In terms of fantasy, the plot, world, and magic really expand in this book. As Diem’s powers grow, so does her knowledge of the world and people outside of herself. In this book, Diem finally starts to learn to trust people other than herself. Diem is a wonderfully flawed main character. She tries to make the choice she feels will bring the least harm. Even though she doesn’t always get it right, she learns, grows, and tries again.

The slow burn between Diem and Luther finally gets some spark in this book!