I just finished reading Glow of the Everflame, the second book in The Kindred’s Curse Saga by Penn Cole, and I can’t wait to share my thoughts! As a lover of epic fantasy and strong heroines, the premise of Diem Bellator’s journey, caught in a deadly struggle for her identity and her people, drew me in. I was intrigued by her battle against the royal family of House Corbois and the complexities of loyalty woven throughout the story.
From the start, I was captivated by how Diem’s unexpected gift could change everything for her, despite the fact that keeping it might cost her life. The looming threat of war adds an exciting tension that kept me engaged throughout the book. Readers have mentioned Diem’s strong personality and how she grapples with newfound powers and prejudices, and I couldn’t agree more. Her fierce determination inspired me as she navigated the treacherous world of the Descended elite.
One of the highlights of the story was the depth of character development. Diem evolves as she encounters the complexities of those she once viewed as enemies, particularly Luther Corbois. The emotional connections between characters—whether built on loyalty, love, or betrayal—are vividly explored. I found myself fully invested in their relationships, and the raw and real character work truly resonated with me. Reviewer Elinor Johnson perfectly captures this by noting the complexities of Diem’s journey, which I found echoed throughout my experience as well.
However, it’s not without its drawbacks. Some readers remarked on the pacing of the story, and I can see where that may have challenged some. While I enjoyed the slow burn, certain parts felt like they dragged a bit too long without enough action. Similarly, I noted frustrations with Diem’s gullibility; at times, I felt exasperated by her trust in those who had proven they weren’t always on her side. Reviewer Sandra pointed out similar concerns, reflecting a balance of admiration and irritation toward Diem’s choices.
Despite these points, what I appreciated most about Glow of the Everflame was the intricate world-building and the unique magic system. Cole expands on the lore surrounding the Descended and their relationships with mortals, bringing a rich tapestry to life that reflects both wonder and danger. The evolution of the magic systems was compelling, and I found it to be one of the strongest aspects of the book, as noted by multiple reviewers.
The book culminates in a way that surprised me—I truly didn’t see some plot twists coming, which only adds to my excitement for the next installment. I can’t deny that my heart ached through several crucial moments; the emotional weight of Diem’s journey is palpable. Reviewer Chapman mentions her own emotional reactions, and I found that I, too, laughed and cried throughout, proving just how effectively Cole delivers an engaging narrative.
In conclusion, I feel that Glow of the Everflame is a noteworthy sequel that generally met my expectations. Despite some pacing issues and moments of frustration with Diem’s choices, I wholeheartedly recommend this book to fans of fantasy and romance alike. The complexities of the characters and the depth of the plot make it an enthralling read. If you’re looking for a narrative that weaves together themes of love, loyalty, and self-discovery amid a richly developed world, I suggest you pick this one up. I, for one, cannot wait to see what the next chapter brings for Diem!