In a genre saturated with chosen ones and magical destinies, Penn Cole’s Glow of the Everflame stands out as a masterful exploration of identity, loyalty, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. As the second installment in The Kindred’s Curse Saga, this novel 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.
Plot and World-Building
The story continues to follow Diem Bellator, now thrust into the role of Queen after the events of the first book. Cole expertly weaves political intrigue with personal stakes as Diem navigates the treacherous waters of the Descended elite while harboring plans to dismantle their very system of power. The world of Emarion expands significantly in this installment, introducing us to the complex dynamics between the nine realms and their respective Crowns.
The author’s masterful world-building shines through the intricate details of Descended culture, from their mating bonds to their carefully guarded bloodlines. The magic system, centered around the concept of “godhood,” is both unique and well-developed, offering a fresh take on traditional fantasy elements.
Character Development
Strengths
- Diem’s evolution from reluctant Queen to strategic player is compelling and believable
- Complex supporting characters, particularly Luther, whose layers are gradually peeled back
- Strong familial relationships, especially between Diem and her brother Teller
- Well-crafted antagonists with understandable, if not sympathetic, motivations
Areas for Improvement
- Some secondary characters, particularly among the Corbois cousins, could use more distinction
- The relationship between Diem and Henri feels somewhat underdeveloped compared to her chemistry with Luther
Romance and Relationships
The romantic elements in Glow of the Everflame are masterfully crafted, avoiding common tropes while maintaining genuine emotional resonance. The tension between Diem and Luther is electric, their scenes together crackling with unspoken feelings and conflicting loyalties. However, the triangle with Henri occasionally feels forced, serving more as a plot device than a genuine emotional conflict.
Writing Style and Pacing
Cole’s prose is elegant yet accessible, striking a perfect balance between descriptive richness and narrative momentum. The author excels at:
- Creating vivid, emotionally charged scenes
- Balancing multiple plot threads without losing focus
- Writing compelling dialogue that reveals character
- Crafting action sequences that are both exciting and easy to follow
The pacing does occasionally lag during political discussions, but these slower moments are generally necessary for world-building and character development.
Emotional Impact and Themes
The novel tackles complex themes including:
- Identity and belonging
- The nature of prejudice and systemic oppression
- The cost of revenge versus the power of forgiveness
- Family loyalty versus personal conviction
The emotional crescendo of the story, particularly following a devastating personal loss, is handled with remarkable sensitivity and impact.
Critical Analysis
Strengths
- Rich world-building that expands naturally from the first book
- Complex political intrigue that feels authentic rather than contrived
- Strong character development, especially for the protagonist
- Well-balanced mix of action, romance, and political drama
Areas for Improvement
- Some plot points feel telegraphed too early
- Certain supporting characters could use more development
- The romance triangle occasionally detracts from stronger plot elements
- Some magical elements could use more explanation
Series Progression
As the second book in a four-part series, Glow of the Everflame successfully avoids middle-book syndrome. It builds upon the foundation laid in Spark of the Everflame while setting up intriguing possibilities for Heat of the Everflame and Burn of the Everflame. The stakes are raised organically, and new mysteries are introduced without neglecting existing plot threads.
Comparison to Similar Works
While the series draws inevitable comparisons to works like Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses and Jennifer L. Armentrout’s From Blood and Ash, Cole carves out her own unique niche. The political intrigue recalls elements of Shadow and Bone, but with a more nuanced approach to power dynamics and social inequality.
Final Verdict
Despite some minor flaws, it’s a compelling addition to the fantasy romance genre that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment. Cole has created a rich, complex world populated by equally complex characters, delivering a story that satisfies while promising even more to come.
Recommended for Readers Who:
- Enjoy political fantasy with strong romantic elements
- Appreciate complex magic systems and world-building
- Like morally gray characters and challenging themes
- Want strong family dynamics alongside romance
The novel succeeds not just as a fantasy romance, but as a thoughtful exploration of power, identity, and the cost of change. While it may not be perfect, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a worthy addition to any fantasy reader’s library.