Heat of the Everflame is a gripping continuation of a series that captivates from cover to cover. Initially drawn in by its enticing cover and Instagram recommendation, I found myself pleasantly ensnared by its rich narrative and compelling characters. One of the most striking aspects of this installment is its substantial depth. While its length might seem daunting, the narrative is so engrossing that time seems to slip away effortlessly. The book is brimming with action, ensuring that the reader remains glued to its pages, eagerly awaiting each twist and turn. Central to the story are its characters, particularly the protagonist, Diem. Her evolution throughout the series is remarkable, as she navigates her growth, role, and power with remarkable believability. What sets her apart is her unwavering personality, distinct from the typical romantasy archetype, which is a refreshing departure from the norm. Luther, Diem's counterpart, is equally compelling, despite fitting into certain romantasy stereotypes. His complexities add layers to the narrative, eliciting a range of emotions from the reader, mirroring real-life relationships with their highs and lows. The dynamic between Diem and Luther is fraught with tension and passion, making their journey together an emotional rollercoaster. The supporting cast adds depth and dimension to the story, with characters like Taran, Alix, and Sorae shining in their own right. The found family trope is expertly woven into the narrative, enriching the reader's experience and further immersing them in the world. What truly sets "Heat of the Everflame" apart is its emotional resonance. Despite its fantastical setting, the characters feel remarkably real, grappling with flawed decisions and navigating through uncertainty. This authenticity makes the stakes feel genuine, eliciting genuine emotional investment from the reader. Furthermore, the world-building in this book is nothing short of phenomenal. From the intricate details of various realms to the vivid descriptions that transport readers to another world, the author crafts a setting that feels tangible and immersive. The evolution of Diem's journey throughout Emarion is captivating, as she navigates the complexities of war, magic, and sacrifice. Her burgeoning confidence and growth serve as a driving force for the narrative, propelling the story forward with each new revelation and challenge. Of course, it wouldn't be a romantasy without a slow-burn romance, and "Heat of the Everflame" delivers in spades. Diem and Luther's relationship is put to the test, culminating in a breathtaking crescendo that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment. I eagerly await the next chapter in this enthralling series.

*****This review is for the first three books because I just read them all together 😂**** Spark: 423 pages Glow: 637 pages Heat: 1024 pages And I devoured all 3 in 6 days because I could NOT get enough of this story, these characters, this world! I loved the fantasy part of the books. It was different and not overdone. There were mortals, but also the Descended who were not fae, but descendants from matings of gods and mortals.  The world building was PERFECTION. I felt like I could vividly feel the vibe of each realm. I understood each realm without Penn having to overdo it on the description There was enough diversity in the characters, but allowing the eye colors to determine each Realm's Descended.  Let's talk romance! The slow burn is so, so, so good! There's points where it becomes comical (in a good way) where the main characters are SOOO CLOSE and you just KNOW they are going to get interrupted in some way and when they do, I just yell out "CALLED IT!" Classic enemies to lovers trope as well that is deliciously written with these characters. I could not get enough.  Speaking of characters....  Diem is EVERYTHING. I've never related to a character so much ever in my life. Her not wanting to be tied down, but wanting to love. Her wanting to help everyone. Seeing the good in everyone. Wanting to fight all the injustices. Empowering women. Sassy & spicy & genuinely good. Her daddy issues. Her badassery. I would actually yell and clap and cheer at her speeches like I was really there.  Luther. Mother F*cking. Corbois. He has surpassed the Bat Boys to become my #1 Book Boo. As I said I relate to Diem in her fear of love & commitment and Luther's unconditional devotion to her as Queen and his declarations of his admiration for her and all that she is, good and bad, I felt that in my soul. I know these fictional men are setting unrealistic expectations for women, but why is it unrealistic to expect your partner to love you unconditionally? That's a rant for another day, but my point is this: Luther set the bar for my next relationship. If I have to pull scenes from the books to make a lesson plan for the next man, I will. Thank you, Penn, for creating a beautiful example of what unconditional love should look like.  This is a Romantasy series and it has the romance and the fantasy and there's action and adventure, but on a deeper level, there's the topic of all the injustices that are perfectly disguised in context of Emarion, but are easily recognized in our own world such as racism, classism, sexism (looking at you, Ignios), lack of access to resources, health care, knowledge, systemic oppression, erasure of culture and history... I could go on and on. And this series is inspiring because you want Diem to unite the people and right all the wrongs and it stirs something inside you to want that for our own world too.  And lastly, I want to say that I love Penn Cole and she is an amazing author for several reasons, BUT SHE IS ABSOLUTELY EVIL FOR THE WAY "HEAT" ENDED. I will NOT get over this any time soon, Penn.  10/10 would recommend and I am telling everyone about this series until the Rite of Endings is recited to me.

I love the story, Peron does a great job continuing to spin a tale. And if you've read the first two, you'll have to read this one. I'll be honest tho, what I loved about the first two was missing in the third. It was tougher to get through and at some points that's all I was trying to do. There's a point in saturation where delaying the desire becomes too much and too old. And for me, it got to that point in this book. Stop delaying the inevitable, stop alluding to the truth. Stop with the twists. The relationship also got a little too sappy for me. I loved a good story where the two mates are equals and go after each other, but I hate when the female loses her edge or the male for that matter. I get it, it's a romance, but that sappy stuff has never been for me when the love is "too" meant to be. But this book does give us some answers, it's not all bad. And for that, I am looking forward to the next one and still recommend the series overall. Especially if you're a fantasy romance fan. I am not a fast reader and I read the first three in three weeks. Enjoy fellow readers!

I started the Kindred's Curse Saga on a whim, but Penn Cole's ability to weave a rich world I didn't want to leave had me turning page after page. The characters are nuanced and their struggles are relatable, and the story arc is both believable and still interesting enough to keep me wondering what will happen. I don't often buy actual books anymore as my library is packed to the brim, but I'm definitely ordering these. Can't wait for the next book to come out!