In the realm of young adult fantasy romance, few elements captivate readers quite like the exploration of identity through the lens of magical powers and forbidden love. Penn Cole’s Glow of the Everflame, the second installment in The Kindred’s Curse Saga, masterfully weaves these elements into a compelling narrative that builds upon the foundation laid in Spark of the Everflame while setting the stage for the upcoming Heat of the Everflame and Burn of the Everflame.
The Story Unveiled
The novel continues the journey of Diem Bellator, our fierce protagonist who discovers she’s not the simple mortal healer she believed herself to be, but rather the newly crowned Queen of Lumnos. With only thirty days to survive before her coronation and a growing list of enemies eager to challenge her right to rule, Diem must navigate the treacherous waters of Descended politics while protecting those she loves.
Strengths That Shine
Character Development
Cole excels at crafting complex, flawed characters who evolve naturally through their experiences. Diem’s transformation from a defensive, anger-driven rebel to a more nuanced leader who questions her preconceptions is particularly well-executed. The author doesn’t shy away from showing her struggles with identity and power, making her journey feel authentic despite its fantastical setting.
World-Building
The nine realms of Emarion come alive through rich detail and cultural complexity. The author has created a fascinating magic system based on the concept of “godhood,” where each realm’s Descended possess unique abilities tied to their divine ancestry. The political intrigue between the Twenty Houses adds layers of complexity that keep readers engaged without becoming overwhelmingly convoluted.
Romance
The romantic tension between Diem and Luther Corbois is masterfully crafted. Their relationship evolves from mutual distrust to reluctant allies to something more, all while maintaining the forbidden aspect that makes their connection so compelling. The author succeeds in making their attraction feel earned rather than instant, with each interaction building upon previous encounters.
Areas for Improvement
Pacing
While the novel maintains steady momentum, some readers might find the middle section, particularly during the House Receptions, slightly repetitive. These political meetings, though important to the plot, occasionally slow the narrative’s otherwise engaging pace.
Secondary Character Development
Though Cole has created an intriguing cast of supporting characters, some, like members of the Twenty Houses, blend together and could benefit from more distinctive personalities. The sheer number of Corbois cousins can be overwhelming to keep track of at times.
Worldbuilding Details
While the magic system is innovative, certain aspects of how the godhood functions remain unclear, particularly regarding its limitations. Additional clarity about these mechanics would help readers better understand the stakes of magical confrontations.
Notable Elements
Themes
The novel expertly explores themes of:
- Identity and belonging
- The complexity of prejudice and discrimination
- Power and its corrupting influence
- Family loyalty versus personal conviction
- Love across social divides
Writing Style
Cole’s prose strikes a careful balance between descriptive and direct, with particularly strong dialogue that reveals character while advancing the plot. The author excels at emotional scenes, especially those involving family relationships and romantic tension.
Series Progression
As the second book in a four-part series, Glow of the Everflame successfully builds upon the groundwork laid in Spark of the Everflame while avoiding the middle-book syndrome that often plagues series. It deepens the mythology established in the first book while raising the stakes for the upcoming Heat of the Everflame and Burn of the Everflame.
Target Audience
This novel will particularly appeal to readers who enjoy:
- Strong female protagonists who grow into their power
- Slow-burn romance with extensive emotional development
- Political intrigue in fantasy settings
- Complex family dynamics
- Exploration of class and social prejudice
Comparison to Similar Works
Fans of Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses and Jennifer L. Armentrout’s From Blood and Ash will find familiar elements here, but Cole brings her own unique voice to the genre. The political intrigue rivals that found in Shadow and Bone, while the romantic tension matches the best moments of The Serpent & the Wings of Night.
Final Verdict
Glow of the Everflame is a good read for its compelling character development, intricate world-building, and masterful handling of romantic tension. While there are minor issues with pacing and secondary character development, these don’t significantly detract from the overall reading experience.
The novel successfully builds upon its predecessor while setting up intriguing possibilities for the remaining books in the series. Cole has created a world that readers will want to return to, populated by characters whose fates we become invested in.
Reading Recommendations
For maximum enjoyment:
- Read Spark of the Everflame first to understand the full context
- Pay attention to the political relationships between Houses
- Take note of the different types of magic associated with each realm
- Keep track of character relationships using the context provided
Glow of the Everflame stands as a testament to Cole’s growing prowess as a storyteller, promising even greater developments in the upcoming installments. Despite its few flaws, it’s a worthy addition to any fantasy romance reader’s library and leaves us eager for Heat of the Everflame to continue the saga.
