Honest Book Review of Glow of the Everflame
Author: Penn Cole
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Penn Cole has officially mastered the art of emotional damage.
Just when I think I’m finally about to get the payoff I’ve been waiting for when I read Spark of the Everflame, she dangles it in front of me… and then rips it away. Glow of the Everflame had me completely hooked from the first chapter with shocking revelations, political intrigue, character growth, and a slow burn that somehow manages to keep getting slower.
If you’re jumping into this book after a break, I highly recommend checking out my Spark of the Everflame Recap first. There are so many moving pieces in The Kindred’s Curse Saga, and having a refresher makes all of Penn Cole’s twists hit that much harder.
By the time I reached the final page, I had exactly one thought:
Wow, Penn Cole… you really built a cliffhanger and then shoved me right off of it.
The Stakes Keep Getting Higher
One thing Penn Cole continues to do exceptionally well is expand the world without making it feel overwhelming.
Every book pulls back another layer of the mystery. New alliances form, old loyalties are tested, and the political tension becomes just as captivating as the romance. There were several moments where I thought I had everything figured out, only for Penn Cole to casually reveal another secret that completely changed my perspective.
I love when fantasy romance actually gives equal attention to the fantasy. Yes, I want romance. Yes, I want tension. But I also want kingdoms on the brink of collapse, impossible decisions, betrayals, hidden truths, and enough plot twists to keep me guessing.
Glow of the Everflame delivers all of that.
Diem Isn't Perfect... and That's the Point
I’ll admit it.
Diem wasn’t my favorite character in this installment.
There were moments where I found myself thinking, “Girl… what are we doing?”
She hesitates. She questions herself. She second-guesses decisions that seem obvious from the outside. At first, I found that frustrating.
But the more I read, the more I realized Penn Cole wasn’t writing a weak heroine—she was writing a realistic one.
Diem is desperately trying to hold onto the person she used to be while the entire world expects her to become someone completely different. She’s grieving, questioning her worth, and trying to find confidence in powers and responsibilities she never asked for.
Growth isn’t always a straight line, and while I occasionally wanted to yell at her through my Kindle, I appreciated that her journey felt earned instead of rushed.
By the end of the book, I finally started seeing glimpses of the leader I know she’s capable of becoming.
Luther Is Officially Shadow Daddy Material
Can we all just agree that Luther deserves to be inducted into the Shadow Daddy Hall of Fame?
Protective? ✔️
Powerful? ✔️
Loyal? ✔️
Broody enough to make me question all of my life choices? Also yes.
If you’ve ever wondered why readers are completely obsessed with mysterious, morally gray book boyfriends, Luther is Exhibit A. If you’re new to the term, check out my What Is a Shadow Daddy? guide. And if you’re curious which fantasy heartthrob is actually your perfect match, don’t miss my Who’s Your Shadow Daddy? Quiz.
Now…
Penn Cole…
Respectfully…
How much longer are you planning to make us suffer?
The slow burn is STILL burning.
Every interaction is packed with tension. Every conversation feels like it’s building toward something bigger. Every almost moment had me kicking my feet only for Penn Cole to remind me that she controls my emotional well-being.
Normally, I don’t have endless patience for slow burns. I need progress.
But somehow Penn Cole keeps making it work because every interaction deepens their relationship. Instead of feeling repetitive, the anticipation just keeps growing. Every protective gesture, every lingering glance, and every conversation makes you want the payoff even more.
Would I like just a little more romance?
Absolutely.
Am I still completely obsessed?
Unfortunately… yes.
A Fantasy Story That Never Loses Momentum
One of my biggest fears with longer fantasy series is that one of the middle books will feel like filler.
That wasn’t the case here.
Every chapter pushes the story forward.
Every revelation uncovers another mystery.
Every answer somehow creates three more questions.
Instead of slowing down, the story keeps building toward something much bigger, and by the final 20% I physically couldn’t stop reading.
I knew Penn Cole was about to do something.
I just wasn’t prepared for what she did.
If you’re looking for more fantasy romance series that balance incredible world-building with addictive romance, you’ll probably enjoy my Ultimate Guide to Spicy Fantasy Romance or browse my list of Romantasy Spice Book Library for your next obsession.
That Ending Should Be Illegal
Without spoiling anything…
HOW DARE YOU.
Seriously.
Penn Cole answered several questions I’d been carrying since book one… only to end the novel with one of the most brutal cliffhangers I’ve read in recent memory.
I finished the last page, stared at my Kindle, refreshed it just to make sure there wasn’t another hidden chapter, and then accepted my fate.
There wasn’t.
Just emotional damage.
My Final Thoughts
Every book in The Kindred’s Curse Saga somehow gets better.
The world continues to grow, the characters become more layered, and the emotional investment only gets stronger. While Diem frustrated me at times, I understand why Penn Cole wrote her this way. Watching her slowly let go of who she once was while stepping into who she’s destined to become made her journey feel authentic.
The romance continues to torture me in the best possible way. Luther continues proving why readers can’t stop talking about him. And that ending…
I’m still recovering.
If you love fantasy romance with incredible world-building, political intrigue, unforgettable characters, and a slow burn that will have you screaming into the void, Glow of the Everflame absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR.
Just do yourself one favor.
Have the next book ready.
Trust me.
📚 This One Deserves a Spot on Your Shelf
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