by Penn Cole
- Romance
- Fiction
- Romantasy
Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole is the first book in the Kindred’s Curse Saga, introducing us to Diem Bellator, a young healer whose sheltered world begins to fracture when her mother suddenly disappears. Forced beyond the safety her parents carefully constructed around her, Diem steps into a dangerous and politically complex world they never wanted her to see.
This very much feels like an introductory novel, the foundation stone for what promises to be a much larger story. The world-building, political tension, and layered social divides take centre stage, creating a solid fantasy backdrop that’s easy to settle into. It’s accessible, immersive, and a comfortable read for anyone easing into fantasy romance.
That said, it did feel predictable at times. Certain twists and revelations were easy to anticipate, particularly surrounding Diem’s powers. Her continued denial, even when the signs feel glaringly obvious, sometimes leaned a little too heavily into naivety. However, that can also be read as part of her coming-of-age journey: a young woman raised on carefully crafted truths trying to reconcile the reality in front of her with the story she’s always been told.
Interestingly, despite being marketed as a fantasy romance, the romance itself feels more understated. Rather than dominating the narrative, it weaves quietly through the political intrigue and Diem’s personal growth. I actually appreciated this, it felt more natural and less overwhelming than some romantasy titles where the romance overshadows everything else.
While this first instalment left me feeling that I could predict parts of the journey, it also left me with far more questions than answers and that’s what makes me want to continue. There’s clearly a bigger picture unfolding, and I’m curious to see how Diem evolves as her world expands and truths come to light.
Overall, a solid and accessible start to a series that feels like it has much more to give.
Leave a Reply