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A review by ash_valkyreader
Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Firstly, I want to thank the author Penn Cole for letting me read her book as an ARC!! It’s the first ARC I’ve had the chance to read and I’m so thrilled it’s a 5 star!
I can’t believe this is Penn’s debut novel! I enjoyed this from page one to the very last word. The plot felt very unique and I enjoyed how the FMC, Diem explored her warring view of the world. The romance was addicting, I wish there had been more of it!
The conflict between the Mortals and the Descended is a great catalyst for the plot and Diems awakening to the complexities of the issue feel real. With her mother disappearing, the carefully woven world she was expected to operate under begins to dissolve. Diem begins learning who she is and what she wants. Her future seemed laid out in front of her before that and it seemed like a pretty good one but as Mara put it
“Whatever you do, sweetheart, do it for yourself. Don’t choose a mediocre life for a mediocre man. Go be exceptional. If he’s worth it, he won’t judge you. And if he’s really the one, he’ll come along for the ride”
I loved how flawed and angry Diem was. The world often tells women to only be pleasant and her rage was cathartic to me.
“I was made for swinging fists and rash words, my edges too jagged and my temper too hot. Nothing about me was delicate”
As far as romance goes I like that Diem struggles to understand the complexity of love and doesn’t just go for the default option presented to her. She’s young and doesn’t know much about love or relationships. When she asks for her fathers story, it was touching. Especially this part:
“We never needed to see all of each other to love all of each other” because it’s true. Or at least in my life. I’ve been with my partner for 12 years and we are still getting to know one another! I didn’t need to turn over every stone to know he was my partner.
Now we can talk about Luther. Brooding, “Are you hurt”’ “Fucking touch her and I’ll rip your arms off”, scarred, and powerful fucking Luther. I loved his character even though aspects of his character were heavily trouped - it’s troupes I die for. And the passion you finally get in this slow burn:
“You think I fear my own death?” He whispered in my ear “Everyday I draw breath is as much a curse as a gift. I’ve been living on borrowed time for longer than you can imagine. If you’re the way my fate finally catches up to me, I can’t fathom a more beautiful end’”
Omg. I needed more of this and the next book better deliver! For those wondering I would rathe the spice a 1. Just a step over fades to black for one scene.
You should read this if your into enemies to lovers, powerful main characters, feisty badass FMC, a unique setting and plot, and plot twists to delight you!
I can’t believe this is Penn’s debut novel! I enjoyed this from page one to the very last word. The plot felt very unique and I enjoyed how the FMC, Diem explored her warring view of the world. The romance was addicting, I wish there had been more of it!
The conflict between the Mortals and the Descended is a great catalyst for the plot and Diems awakening to the complexities of the issue feel real. With her mother disappearing, the carefully woven world she was expected to operate under begins to dissolve. Diem begins learning who she is and what she wants. Her future seemed laid out in front of her before that and it seemed like a pretty good one but as Mara put it
“Whatever you do, sweetheart, do it for yourself. Don’t choose a mediocre life for a mediocre man. Go be exceptional. If he’s worth it, he won’t judge you. And if he’s really the one, he’ll come along for the ride”
I loved how flawed and angry Diem was. The world often tells women to only be pleasant and her rage was cathartic to me.
“I was made for swinging fists and rash words, my edges too jagged and my temper too hot. Nothing about me was delicate”
As far as romance goes I like that Diem struggles to understand the complexity of love and doesn’t just go for the default option presented to her. She’s young and doesn’t know much about love or relationships. When she asks for her fathers story, it was touching. Especially this part:
“We never needed to see all of each other to love all of each other” because it’s true. Or at least in my life. I’ve been with my partner for 12 years and we are still getting to know one another! I didn’t need to turn over every stone to know he was my partner.
Now we can talk about Luther. Brooding, “Are you hurt”’ “Fucking touch her and I’ll rip your arms off”, scarred, and powerful fucking Luther. I loved his character even though aspects of his character were heavily trouped - it’s troupes I die for. And the passion you finally get in this slow burn:
“You think I fear my own death?” He whispered in my ear “Everyday I draw breath is as much a curse as a gift. I’ve been living on borrowed time for longer than you can imagine. If you’re the way my fate finally catches up to me, I can’t fathom a more beautiful end’”
Omg. I needed more of this and the next book better deliver! For those wondering I would rathe the spice a 1. Just a step over fades to black for one scene.
You should read this if your into enemies to lovers, powerful main characters, feisty badass FMC, a unique setting and plot, and plot twists to delight you!
Content Warnings
Minor: Medical content