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readwithria's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Spark of the Everflame opens this series with interesting characters, a strong story, and lots of threads I want to see get tied together.
I really enjoyed reading this book! I read most of it in one day, and it was hard to put down and very easy to pick back up again.
That being said, I’m not sure that it’s as plot heavy as it’s advertised. It’s definitely *story* heavy, but Diem doesn’t have any strong goals that she works toward throughout the book. This felt like a lot of exposition, and that’s fine since it’s the first book in a four book series, but I wanted her to have a little more agency.
I will definitely be continuing with this series! 4 stars!
Thank you to Atria and NetGalley for the eARC and the opportunity to share an honest, voluntary review.
I really enjoyed reading this book! I read most of it in one day, and it was hard to put down and very easy to pick back up again.
That being said, I’m not sure that it’s as plot heavy as it’s advertised. It’s definitely *story* heavy, but Diem doesn’t have any strong goals that she works toward throughout the book. This felt like a lot of exposition, and that’s fine since it’s the first book in a four book series, but I wanted her to have a little more agency.
I will definitely be continuing with this series! 4 stars!
Thank you to Atria and NetGalley for the eARC and the opportunity to share an honest, voluntary review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Racism and Classism
Minor: Death, Sexual content, Abandonment, and Sexual harassment
rioreadsbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
4.25
Spark of the Everflame (Kindred's Curse Book 1)
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
Format: Kindle/Audiobook
“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.”
“What if our story isn’t over, Diem Bellator? What if it’s only beginning?”
------------------------------------------------
Spark of the Everflame is probably the fastest I have ever read a fantasy book. I really felt Hunger Games/Fourth Wing vibes. While there was world building, it was fairly easy to understand and only added when needed. The characters and plot took center stage in this story, and I had fun guessing what would happen next. I will say that the plot was fairly predictable. However, the ending did get me! I did not see that coming. Even though there was a predictable nature to the book, I absolutely could not put it down and just had to keep reading.
The characters of this story had me in my feels. The fmc, Diem is strong and courageous. However, at times, I found her to be rather niave and impulsive even when she knew she shouldn't be. I am looking forward to see her character grow throughout the series and really come into her own. Henri, Henri, Henri. I thought I liked you, but no. At this time, I do not. Luther, now I am here for him! I want more scenes with him, and I sincerely hope he's included more in the next book.
Overall, I am very excited about this series and look forward to continuing it with book 2.
⚠️Warning⚠️
Language, low spice, adult content, battle, assault, violence
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
Format: Kindle/Audiobook
“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.”
“What if our story isn’t over, Diem Bellator? What if it’s only beginning?”
------------------------------------------------
Spark of the Everflame is probably the fastest I have ever read a fantasy book. I really felt Hunger Games/Fourth Wing vibes. While there was world building, it was fairly easy to understand and only added when needed. The characters and plot took center stage in this story, and I had fun guessing what would happen next. I will say that the plot was fairly predictable. However, the ending did get me! I did not see that coming. Even though there was a predictable nature to the book, I absolutely could not put it down and just had to keep reading.
The characters of this story had me in my feels. The fmc, Diem is strong and courageous. However, at times, I found her to be rather niave and impulsive even when she knew she shouldn't be. I am looking forward to see her character grow throughout the series and really come into her own. Henri, Henri, Henri. I thought I liked you, but no. At this time, I do not. Luther, now I am here for him! I want more scenes with him, and I sincerely hope he's included more in the next book.
Overall, I am very excited about this series and look forward to continuing it with book 2.
⚠️Warning⚠️
Language, low spice, adult content, battle, assault, violence
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Sexual content, Violence, and War
jo_cbooks's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Holy cow what a ride!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, Sexual harassment, and War
anabelkruse's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content and Violence
venomtancitaro's review against another edition
adventurous
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Interesting characters and enjoyable female lead. Primarily character focused and plot was a little slow, but pace overall was moderate. Plot was a little predictable but characters are definitely not black and white so there’s plenty of potential for plot twists! Overall pretty enjoyable :).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Murder
Moderate: Child death, Sexism, Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: War
heidirgorecki's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Really hard to put down. I liked Diem as a main character - while reckless and often foolish, she wasn’t afraid to stand up to anyone and it came from care for others.
The Romance part felt a bit of a cliche with a contrast between male love interests, I thought they were both crafted well, and I liked the story had good moral/ethical dilemmas to (literally) war with.
Overall I really enjoyed it and look forward to the next one.
The Romance part felt a bit of a cliche with a contrast between male love interests, I thought they were both crafted well, and I liked the story had good moral/ethical dilemmas to (literally) war with.
Overall I really enjoyed it and look forward to the next one.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Violence, and War
lauraelovesbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
An engaging, easy to read fantasy romance. I found the world building far less overwhelming than with some fantasies
Being the first in a series, this book is light on the actual romance. But the setup is certainly promising!
I look forward to reading more in this series!
Being the first in a series, this book is light on the actual romance. But the setup is certainly promising!
I look forward to reading more in this series!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual content and War
etymoye's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-paced
4.0
Genres: New Adult Fiction, Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal / Supernatural
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Love Triangle, Magic, Slow Burn
Available on Kindle Unlimited
This was a quick, fun read for the most part. I liked the setting and worldbuilding, both of which were fairly unique. The biggest drawback IMO is the heroine, Diem, who frankly acted more like 16 than 20. It’s pretty obvious to the reader within the first 20% or so what the big “revelation” is going to be (I can’t really call it a twist since the only person surprised by was Diem), yet for some reason it never even occurs to our heroine. Also, her behavior doesn’t always line up with the way other characters describe her. For example, Diem is a healer, and her mentor says how patient and good she is with patients, even the difficult ones. But we almost never see this side of Diem, and more often than not, she’s temperamental and impulsive.
Complaints about Diem aside, I immediately jumped into book 2 to see what would happen next. So clearly that cliffhanger of an ending worked on me.
Safety Stats:
Ages:Diem is 20. Prince Luther’s age is not specified though he is referred to as “several years older” than Diem. So he’s presumably in his mid to late twenties.
Cheating: See OM/OW note.
Other OM/OW: Love triangle. Diem has a boyfriend, Henri, but is attracted to Luther. There is a kiss scene between Diem and Luther, and a sex scene between Diem and Henri.
Separation: This is a slow burn, so the couple isn’t really a couple yet in this book.
Triggers: Some mention/description of violence, including the death of children. Additionally, due to the love triangle, some people might consider Diem's behavior cheating.
HEA/HFN?:Cliffhanger. First book in a series.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Sexual content, and Violence
Some mention/description of violence, including the death of children.valkyrietalesandtrails's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I love this series but on a re-read it is harder to understand why Diem fights so hard to ignore what's right in front of her face.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
howboutjane's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This was really good! More focused on fantasy than romance so it's not a spicy one - although the romance is still good with a healthy amount of tension and steam. Strong FMC but reckless. This story really sees her grow and struggle with trying to find her path in life. Interesting world and political dynamics. Morally grey everywhere. Solid plot, however, I did find it a bit predictable. There's a lot of repetition and the foreshadowing is more direct than I think was intended, making it feel a bit like telling and overexplanation. Overall though, a great read!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gore, Sexual content, and Violence
Minor: Child death and War