#from Everflame books!

[siderealxmelody]

Connections??

Origins of the ACOTAR courts? Like where their bloodlines come from? The "Great Houses" to their "vassal houses" kinda thing?

Lumnos, Realm of Light and Shadow A light which burns, while shadows bite Their eyes of blue haunt day and night - Night Bloodline

Fortos, Realm of Force and Valor With eyes and swords enrobed in red They’ll mend you whole or strike you dead - Adarlan Bloodline

Faunos, Realm of Beast and Brute Fur and feathers, beasts that crawl Their yellow eyes control them all - Autumn Bloodline

Arboros, Realm of Root and Thorn Eyes of moss bring nature’s scorn The prettiest flowers have poison thorns - Spring Bloodline

Ignios, Realm of Sand and Flame Flame in spirit, flame in sight The desert holds their fiery might - Terresan/Mala Bloodline

Umbros, Realm of Mind and Secret Irises black, with hearts to match A kiss, and soon your mind they’ll snatch - Doranelle Bloodline

Meros, Realm of Sea and Sky A gaze to match the vengeful seas In water deep, they’ll drown your pleas - Summer/Lunathion? Idk (Drakon, Achlys? Creon?)

Sophos, Realm of Thought and Spark The cunning spark of wisdom true Rose eyes will be the death of you - Day Bloodline

Montios, Realm of Stone and Ice Violet stone to match their gaze Beware their ice at end of days - Winter Bloodline

@starlsssankt

@luxmaeastra

@sankta-alina-s

[books-and-strawberry-tea]

Downloaded a bunch of new books this week🥰

I’m so excited 🥰🥰

[nickel156]

All my book girlies! 📚

I need spicy Romancy book series recommendations pleeeease! 🙏🏻

I'm dying over here with my indecisiveness.

I definitely prefer the fantasy to outweigh the smut. But I still want the smut 😅

Spark of the Everflame is on my list but it's apparently a super slow burn and I don't want to wait that long 😩

Help a girlie out please!!!

Xoxo

(Was going to listen to From Blood and Ash but the audiobook narrator is the same as acosf and her voice is so grating)

[watchnrant]

Spark of the Everflame: A Fiery Tale of Magic and Rebellion

Spoilers Ahead!

Alright, let’s dive into Spark of the Everflame—a lush fantasy from Penn Cole that serves up an irresistible mix of magic, political scheming, and forbidden love. If you’re into stories that blend world-shaking stakes with deeply personal struggles, this book might just steal your heart (and your sleep).

The World and Story Setup

From page one, Cole drops you into the realm of Emarion, where nine distinct kingdoms are under the sway of the Descended—semi-immortal beings born of literal gods (no pressure, right?). The world-building here? Chef’s kiss. It’s sprawling and intricate but still totally accessible. Plus, the magic system is a standout—uniquely tailored to each character, which adds some real flavor without bogging you down in arcane explanations.

The story follows Diem Bellator, a young healer whose life flips upside down when her “chronic illness” turns out to be her suppressed magical abilities. (Cue the gasps.) As she weans off her flameroot meds and her powers awaken, Diem gets pulled into a storm of political drama, family secrets, and—you guessed it—a touch of romance.

Oh, and did I mention her mom’s mysterious disappearance ties into the dying king and a rebellion brewing between mortals and gods? Yeah, that kind of drama.

Characters: Not Just Pretty Faces

Diem Bellator is the heart of this story, and she earns her place in the spotlight. Her role as a healer isn’t just window dressing; it’s baked into her identity and adds a layer of complexity to every tough choice she faces. Watching her navigate impossible situations—like deciding to save Descended soldiers from a fire she’s partially responsible for—is equal parts thrilling and gut-wrenching.

Then there’s Prince Luther, the morally gray heartthrob with enough layers to make an onion jealous. His slow-burn romance with Diem is packed with tension, witty banter, and a lot of “should-we-or-shouldn’t-we” moments that actually feel earned. Add in a supporting cast that’s just as fleshed out—each with their own agendas and moral baggage—and you’ve got a character lineup that’s impossible to forget.

Themes That Hit Hard

At its core, this book is about identity, power, and the cost of rebellion. The titular “Everflame” is more than just a plot device—it’s a symbol of resilience and defiance, both for Diem and the oppressed people of Emarion. Cole weaves these themes in seamlessly, so you’re never hit over the head with “big ideas,” but you still feel them simmering beneath every plot twist.

The Pacing Rollercoaster

The first half of the book is like a slow, simmering stew—it’s all about laying the groundwork and building Diem’s personal stakes. Then the second half? Boom. It’s an explosion of action, betrayal, and major plot reveals. My only gripe? A few emotional beats (like Diem’s falling-out with her dad and childhood bestie Henri) felt a little rushed compared to the meticulous character work earlier on.

Writing That Packs a Punch

Cole’s writing is a vibe. The dialogue snaps, the action sequences are vivid without being overwhelming, and the emotional moments hit hard. Diem’s healing scenes, in particular, are beautifully written and give you a real sense of her internal struggles. Oh, and if you’re a sucker for witty repartee, her scenes with Luther are pure gold.

Final Verdict

This book doesn’t just tick the boxes for epic fantasy—it sets them on fire and dances in the ashes. With its morally complex characters, rich world-building, and a plot that keeps you guessing, Spark of the Everflame is a must-read for fans of fantasy with some teeth.

That said, this one isn’t for the faint of heart. It tackles some heavy themes—child death, thoughts of suicide, systemic oppression, and more—so tread carefully if those are triggers for you.

If you loved the gritty rebellion of The Hunger Games or the romantic angst of Twilight but crave a more intricate world with deeper stakes, this book is your next obsession. The cliffhanger ending will leave you scrambling for the sequel, so clear your schedule now—Penn Cole’s just getting started, and trust me, you’ll want to be along for the ride.

[l3ominor]

candyfloss?

Candyfloss is a thing me and one of my writer friends co-author! It's essentially a crossover between both our books, where her character(Teresa) and my character (Noctis) end up meeting and falling in love! Most of it is fluff and feels and cuteness as they help each other out and are generally just adorable together. It's written like a roleplay, and takes place in one of my personal worlds.

Here's a bit of one of the scenes we wrote! Word count is 835

Noctis: I set my backpack down on the floor with a muffled thump, running a hand through my hair before flopping down on Teresa’s bed. “Whoomph… sparks, it’s been a day, hasn’t it?” I say to the air, running my hands down my face. I am gonna be sore tomorrow… but that’s what I get for spending most of the day trying to wrestle a machine into functioning. I sit up slightly, grinning a little at Teresa. “How’ve you been?” I can finally ask that, now that we’ve got Milo and Laelynn distracted and leaving us alone. Not gonna lie, I love hanging out with them, but I don’t have as much energy for that today. I mostly just wanna hang out with my favorite person.

Teresa: I grin back. His smile is infectious. I grab my book, coming to sit down on the bed beside him. “Oh, you know. Surviving. How are you doing?”

Noctis: I laugh a little, nodding. I definitely get that. “I’m doing pretty good. Spent most of today working on projects and all. I’m making some good progress on my hover stuff. I can actually get off the ground with it now. But I still have a lot of work to do on the stabilization so… I may have crashed a few times,” I rub my shoulder a little. It is a bit bruised from being landed on so many times, but it’ll be gone by tomorrow, so it’s nothing to worry about.

Teresa: “With you on it? I thought there was supposed to be standards for that type of thing, you know, testing.” I nudge his arm gently, settling back against the end of the bed. “I could heal you, probably. If it’s bugging you. I haven’t used much magic today since training hasn’t started yet…” I trail off, giving him time to respond.

Noctis: “oh yeah, there’s standards and all, and I was following them, so I didn’t get banged up too bad. Just the standard testing scrapes and bumps. But yea, how else would I test it to see if it worked? And you don’t have to worry about healing it or anything. I mean, unless you want to, I won’t stop you… but yeah it’s not too bad.” I smile a little, shrugging slightly. It really isn’t too bad but also… I kinda like it when she heals me. It feels nice and also kinda… shows that she cares.

Teresa: I reach out, taking his hand in mine. “I wouldn’t know. Unmanned tests? Drone flights? Remote control? I’m not good at the techy stuff.” I breathe out for a moment, focusing on his hand as I try to focus the everflame.

Noctis: I nod a little in thought, holding her hand. “Yeah… yeah I could do those. But then I wouldn’t really get a good feel for how it worked. Machines and computers can tell you a lot, but experience is the best teacher. At least in my opinion.”

Teresa: It’s really hard to concentrate when he’s holding my hand, or at least, find the right emotions. Warm ones are easy, when there’s casual embarrassment burning away at the tips of my ears, or surprise, or just that burbling hope and happiness melting in my chest. The cool ones are a problem, though. “If you say so.” I lean over kissing the side of his cheek before pulling away, hardly taking my attention off his hand. It’s easier to focus on when it’s a problem I’m still trying to solve. “Maybe not if it’s getting you thrown into a wall, but I believe you if you say it’s all according to plan. And I trust you to be safe.” … Most of the time. The everflame sparks in my fingers, just a drop. He was right that it wasn’t too bad, but still… it’s nice to heal him, and it’s got to be nice not to have bruises everywhere. I let it spread, dismissing it when there isn’t anything left to heal. “There,” I say, looking up. And- he’s staring at me. I look away automatically, a blush rising to my cheeks. “What?”

Noctis: I can’t stop myself from grinning a little. “Just… you’re amazing.” I say, a little breathlessly. I gently kiss the back of her hand, then smile up at her again. “Thank you,” Sparks, fire can’t even begin to describe the feeling in my chest. Gosh, I love her so much. How did I manage to get this lucky? To be with her. Her. she could have chosen anyone in the world, and she chose to say yes to me.

Teresa: My blush deepens. I can’t look at him. I pull away nudging him slightly. If I end up closer at the same time, well. There’s nothing I can do about that. There’s nothing I can say to that. “You’re a dork. Thank you.”

Noctis: I laugh, giving her hand a squeeze before reaching up to poke her in the side. “Love you,”

[gccdstories]

So I needed to put down a place where I listed all the "knowledge" that I have regarding certain fandoms/muses that I have on this blog. Considering some of the ones I write have multiple forms of media and/or are things currently still in progress, there are sometimes things I haven't yet become aware of.

Example: I have only seen the SHOW forms of GRRM's material. Not the books.

I will update this as things change, etc. But rather than constantly updating places in the rules or whatever, here's a handy "list".

MAASVERSE

Have read the following:

Throne of Glass series in entirety

A Court of Thorns & Roses series in entirety

Crescent City series in entirety

Posted: 09/02/2024

GRISHAVERSE

Have read & seen the following:

Shadow & Bone Netflix series in entirety

Shadow & Bone trilogy in entirety

Six of Crows duology in entirety

King of Scars duology in entirety

Posted: 09/02/2024

EMPYREAN SERIES

Have read the following:

Fourth Wing

Iron Flame

Onyx Storm

[ All three Xaden POV released bonus chapters (FW ch9, ch16, ch27) ]

Posted: 02/02/2025

WIZARDING WORLD

Have read & seen the following:

Harry Potter series (books 1-7)

Harry Potter films (movies 1-8)

Fantastic Beasts films (movies 1-3)

Posted: 09/02/2024

FROM BLOOD & ASH / FLESH & FIRE WORLD (JLA)

Have read the following:

From Blood & Ash (fbaa book 1)

A Kingdom of Flesh & Fire (fbaa book 2)

The Crown of Gilded Bones (fbaa book 3)

The War of Two Queens (fbaa book 4)

A Soul of Ash & Blood (fbaa book 5)

A Shadow in the Ember (f&f book 1)

A Light in the Flame (f&f book 2)

A Fire in the Flesh (f&f book 3)

Born of Blood & Ash (f&f book 4)

Fall of Ruin & Wrath (awakening book 1)

Posted: 12/31/2024

GAME OF THRONES / HOUSE OF THE DRAGON

Have seen the following:

Game of Thrones series (seasons 1-8)

House of the Dragon series (seasons 1-2)

Posted: 09/02/2024

MISC. LITERATURE / TV

Have read / seen the following:

Thea Guanzon's Hurricane Wars books (The Hurricane Wars)

Lauren Roberts's Powerless books (Powerless / Powerful / Reckless)

Carissa Broadbent's Crowns of Nyaxia books (The Serpent & the Wings of Night / The Ashes & the Star-Cursed King / Six Scorched Roses / Slaying the Vampire Conqueror)

Lisette Marshall's Fae Isles books (Court of Blood & Bindings / Lord of Gold & Glory)

Amber V. Nicole's Gods & Monsters books (The Book of Azrael / The Throne of Broken Gods / The Dawn of the Cursed Queen)

Penn Cole's Kindred's Curse books (Spark of the Everflame / Glow of the Everflame / Heat of the Everflame )

Callie Hart's Fae & Alchemy books (Quicksilver)

Scarlett St. Clair's Adrian x Isolde books (King of Battle & Blood / Queen of Myth & Monsters)

Posted: 12/31/2024

MEDIA CURRENTLY IN PROCESS

The following:

Nothing in reference to the muse list at this moment

Posted: 02/02/2025

[thecatwars]

Books that I read in May 2024

Ahh, I'm a little late with my May recap. I've been posting book content on TikTok and have been busy trying to finish writing my Master's thesis. As always, my brief reviews contain no spoilers, except in my review of Spark of the Everflame I do mention a spoiler in the form of a trope.

2024 Reading Masterpost

Let's be friends on GoodReads

The Frost Queen's Blade: This book exceed my expectations. I tend to keep enemies to lovers expectations low and this one was fairly well done. Considering that this book was a romantasy book, the world building was fairly well-done. The one thing that I noticed and many others have said about the book is that the twists and turns are fairly predictable, but I felt like its predictability did not distract me from enjoying the story. This is part of a duology, but the second book has not yet been released. I plan on reading the sequel. Overall, I would recommend this book if you are looking for romantasy enemies to lovers. This is a book that I read on Kindle Unlimited and I'm not sure if I plan on owning it. I gave this book a 4/5.

Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole: This book also exceed my expectations, granted I wasn't quite sure what to expect of this book because I came into reading it totally blind. This book is set in a world where there are two types of species, the Descended and mortals. The Descended are a species of people born from the coupling of immortal beings that are no longer in this world and humans. From this kind of union, the Descended have powers and are stronger than mortals. As such, the Descended rule the realm and do not mingle with mortals as to not dilute their powers. The FMC is a mortal living in this realm and her story is that of coming to terms with who she is and trying to figure out where she belongs in this world. The thing that I really liked a lot about this book is that it's a real slow burn and the story is pretty good. The FMC can be a bit grating, but that didn't ruin my reading experience. This is a book that I read on Kindle Unlimited and I plan on owning it. I gave this book a 5/5.

Glow of the Everflame by Penn Cole: This book picks up right where book one left off. As I mentioned previously, I found the FMC to be a little grating, and in the beginning of this book this is explained and from there I was able to enjoy this series more. The slow burn in this book continues and I love it. I also enjoy how the FMC grows and develops as her circumstances changes and she is forced to face the fact that things are not as black and white as she would like them to be. Like the first book, this one ends on a cliffhanger and I was eager to dive into the third book. This is a book that I read on Kindle Unlimited and I plan on owning it. I gave this book a 5/5.

Heat of the Everflame by Penn Cole: Out of the three books that are currently published in this series (there will be 4 total), this one was my least favorite. This book had a lot go on in it and it's not that I didn't like what happened in this book, it's just here is a lot that goes on in the story and there isn’t much room for pause. The FMC is constantly moving around from place to place and as the story continues, more problems arise. The FMC has now accepted that the world is not as divided as she once thought it was, but now she is having to face the price that must be paid to win the war. Don't get me wrong, I still like this book, it was just a lot. This is a book that I read on Kindle Unlimited and I plan on owning it. I gave this book a 4/5.

Song of the Abyss by Emma Hamm: The much anticipated sequel to Whispers of the Deep set in a world of merpeople and humans did not disappoint. The thing that I appreciate a lot about this book is that despite the fact that this book is a romantic fantasy, the author is able to create a story about two people (in this case a merman and a human woman) that are working to overcome challenges. In the case of the FMC, she is working to stand up against her father, literally and figuratively, and the MMC is coping with a loss that has left him disabled. Together, the FMC and MMC overcome their obstacles, and especially the MMC learns to see himself in a new light. This is a book that I read on Kindle Unlimited and I plan on owning it. I gave this book a 5/5.

Life and Death by Stephanie Meyer: One thing that I wished I did before reading this book, was to read Twilight so that I could compare this story-line with it. I had low expectations coming into this book, especially since I didn’t like Midnight Sun, and interestingly enough, this book was not as bad as I thought it would be. The author did pretty good with gender-swapping the characters. I do wish that the overall story played out differently, but I understand that wasn’t the intent of this book. I read this book on Libby and do not plan on owning it. I gave this book a 2/5.

Circe by Madeline Miller: I read this book on a whim, while waiting for code to finish running and I can say that this is a book that I will not soon forget. From the first few chapters, it was clear to see that Circe would be unlike any book that I have read this year. I knew that I would be finishing this book with the utmost rapt. When I read this book, I truly feel as though I am reading a story. Circe has so much to it, the yearning to be seen, to belong, to love, and the heartache that comes with these desires. This book now belongs among the short list of books that got me to cry. Circe is a beautiful story and I would highly recommend reading it. This is a book that I read on Kindle Unlimited and plan on owning it. I gave this book a 5/5.

Dream by the Shadows by Logan Karlie: I did not finish this book. I really wanted to finish it and I took a break for a while from reading it in hopes that maybe it was just a mood thing, but I gave up at 44% through the book. I don’t know that I can say this book is bad, but I can say that it didn’t do it for me. The best way to sum up this book for me is that some things, and yet nothing happens. None of the characters interested me, nor their stories. This is a book that I read on Kindle Unlimited and do not plan on owning. I gave this book a 1/5.

Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands by Heather Fawcett: Like its predecessor, this book was a fun and cozy read with Emily Wilde. The world that Heather Fawcett has created continues to be enchanting and I can’t get enough of it. My favorite parts of this book was seeing side-characters from the first book and the cute romance between the two main characters. Overall, a great read and would highly recommend it if you like historical fiction and faeries. I own this book. I gave this book a 5/5.

[fiveflatcutie]

2024 Reads

Here’s everything I read throughout the year along with my ratings and some of my favorite quotes from them. Feel free to also send me your recommendations! 📚

Reading tally: 43 books

Books I read:

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas (3.5/5)

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas (3.75/5)

Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas (4/5)

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas (4.5/5)

Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas (5/5)

Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas (4.75/5)

Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas (6/5)

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas (3/5)

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas (4.25/5)

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas (4.5/5)

A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas (4/5)

A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas (4.5/5)

House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas (5/5)

House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas (5/5)

House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas (4.5/5)

The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston (4.25/5)

Book Lovers by Emily Henry (4.5/5)

Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross (4/5)

Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo (4.5/5)

Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo (4.75/5)

The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent (4.75/5)

The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King by Carissa Broadbent (4.5/5)

Love Redesigned by Lauren Asher (4.75/5)

Bride by Ali Hazelwood (3.5/5)

When The Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker (6/5)

Exception to the Rule by Christina Lauren (4/5)

These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong (4/5)

Our Violent Ends by Chloe Gong (4.5/5)

The Poppy War by RF Kuang (5/5)

What The River Knows by Isabel Ibanez (4/5)

A Fate Inked In Blood by Danielle L. Jensen (4.75/5)

The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata (3.75/5)

House of Beating Wings by Olivia Wildenstein (3.75/5)

House of Pounding Hearts by Olivia Wildenstein (4/5)

House of Striking Oaths by Olivia Wildenstein (4.25/5)

The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston (4.75/5)

Flame and Sparrow by S.M. Gaither (5/5)

The Way I Hate Him by Meghan Quinn (3/5)

Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole (4.5/5)

Glow of the Everflame by Penn Cole (4.75/5)

Heat of the Everflame by Penn Cole (5/5)

Happy Place by Emily Henry (4.5/5)

The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren (4.75/5)

[littlebookishblog]

Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole ❤️‍🔥✨🔥⚡

Synopsis: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123471760-spark-of-the-everflame

Genres: Adult, Romantasy, Magic, Fiction, Dragons Tropes: enemies to lovers, rebellion, slow burn, feisty fmc x broody mmc, "touch her and die"

Warnings: death (on page child death), suicide ideation, violence, sex, refrencing sa (off page), blood, gore

SE Purchased: LitHavenBooktique Special Edition Spark & Glow Dates Read: January 2, 2025- January 8, 2025 / 438 pgs / Kindle Spice: 🌶️ - more so open door steam Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Review: I absolutely adored this book! From the very first page, it captivated me with its lush world-building and compelling characters. The author masterfully creates a setting that’s both intricately detailed and effortlessly immersive, allowing me to fully dive into the story without feeling overwhelmed by unnecessary complexity. The world feels alive, rich with history and depth, and I couldn’t help but get lost in it.

The romance in Spark of the Everflame was a perfect blend of tension and slow-burn chemistry. FMC starts the story with a deep bond to a childhood friend--someone she’s known and trusted for years. Their connection seems unshakable, but as the plot unfolds, the FMC is faced with unexpected challenges that force her to reassess everything she once believed. These shifting dynamics add emotional weight to her journey, and I was hooked by her struggle to navigate complex feelings and new allegiances, especially as she began to grow closer to the mysterious and brooding MMC.

Enter the MMC--an enigmatic and fiercely protective Descendant prince who seems like everything the FMC should hate. Despite their initial animosity, there's an undeniable pull between them that neither of them can fully understand or control. Their relationship is full of tension, with the FMC fighting her growing attraction while the MMC is determined to protect her at any cost. The chemistry between them is intense and mysterious, leaving you guessing what lies beneath their connection and how it will evolve.

Though the book is marketed as an Enemies to Lovers story, it feels more like a Forbidden Lovers tale, where the stakes are high, and the relationship is fraught with uncertainty and dangerous undertones. The twists and turns kept me on my toes, and even though some plot points were somewhat predictable, they didn’t take away from the enjoyment. Instead, I found myself completely invested, eager to see how the FMC and MMC would navigate the growing complexity of their world and their feelings.

And that ending?! I need book 2 now. The way the story wrapped up left me craving more, and I can't wait to see how things unfold for these characters. If you're a fan of slow-burn romance, forbidden connections, and high-stakes drama, Spark of the Everflame is an absolute must-read!

[seething-river]

5 Star reads for 2024

We’re a week (and a day) into 2025 but I suppose this information doesn’t really expire, does it?

I read extensively in 2024 because I didn’t have much else to do while recovering from the previous two years.

My criteria for a 5 star read is that it made me feel a strong emotion. I don’t really cry at books, but maybe I got misty eyed. Maybe I got angry. Maybe I got so scared I had to put the book down a minute. Most often it’s because I laughed out loud at something, but my sense of humor is…something.

Anyways, here are the 5 star books I read in 2024 (with the 4 star books coming at a later date.)

CW for you minors: I read smut so some of these books are 18+ and I don’t always remember which are which so…ask your parents, I guess.

The Hollow Places - T. Kingfisher

City of Thorns - CN Crawford (18+)

A House With Good Bones - T Kingfisher

The Wonder Engine - T Kingfisher

Thorn Hedge - T Kingfisher

Spark of the Everflame - Penn Cole*

Glow of the Everflame - Penn Cole*

A Darker Shade of Magic - VE Schwab

Paladin’s Grace - T Kingfisher

A Conjuring of Light - VE Schwab

Gallant - VE Schwab

A Soul to Revive - Opal Reyne (18+)

A Touch of Chaos - Scarlett Sinclair (18+)**

Superbia - Collette Rhodes (18+)

Vengeful - VE Scwab

Saving Grace - Collette Rhodes (18+)

Nocticadia - Keri Lake (18+)

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue - VE Schwab

The Book that Wouldn’t Burn - Mark Lawrence

Empire of Gold - SA Chakraborty

*The final book of the series was supposed to be published in May and never was, the series is currently unfinished and each book ends on a cliffhanger **by my own rules I’m obligated to give this one 5 stars instead of 4, but it’s only because of the epilogue

[taragreenfield]

Spark of the Everflame (and a little rant)

So, I've finished another unfortunate fantasy book.

The first half was fun. It was interesting to learn about this new world, about the characters. But then it started going downhill. The main character, Diem, is getting increasingly annoying as the book goes. I'm guessing she's supposed to be fiery and "strong", but sadly, as the plot progresses, her ambitions seem to be more and more misplaced. She wants to be a badass so badly, but chooses the worst possible moments to show her "badassery". She starts an absolutely pointless argument over a quite reasonable rule of not bringing weapons to the royal palace, which endangered both herself and her colleague over absolutely nothing. I mean, she didn't even need those knives! She seems to be so preoccupied with solving her mother's disappearance, but when she gets the chance to talk about it with the person who might have the answers, she chooses to storm off because she's oh-so-offended that he doesn't trust her. He's seen you three times; of course he doesn't trust you! Her denial about being one of the Descended (aka having magic) also seems incredibly drawn out. Her confusion might have been understandable if she lived in a non-magical world and denied the existence of magic. But no, she's completely aware that magic exists, she doesn't know who her biological father is, her mother went to great lengths to conceal his identity, her appearance is different from other mortals, she can do things that are impossible for mortals, her hands glow with the strange light when she's healing someone and the wound disappears without a trace, she incinerated a goddamned wolf with that light, and she still can't put two and two together? Come on. I understand she might experience an inner conflict since she's not too fond of magical people, but when everything is already absolutely clear for a reader and the character keeps being clueless - it's getting tiring very fast. The romance with Henri is the epitome of everything I loathe about the childhood-to-lovers trope. It's so awfully, dreadfully boring and mundane. The actual love interest appears in like 25% of the book and is absolutely inexplicably fond of the FMC, even though she's being an immature spoilt brat almost 24/7. I looked up the second book, and it starts with the FMC trying to convince herself that another manifestation of her magic was a hallucination. Again. For the 100th time. God no, please, stop. We are very tired.

That's pretty much my pet peeve in a lot of fantasy books. The world is ending, the country is torn by 7 wars at once, people are starving, dying and brutalized, and I'm supposed to feel bad for a snotty sheltered brat of a proagonist endowed with an incredible power because she has-gasp-expectations and responsibilities placed on her? No, I don't care. She's not a victim here. And I don't care she's a teenager and a poor teenie-weenie baby either.

A big problem of YA fiction is protagonist-centric morality, where the MC's wants, needs, and hurt feelings are put above everything and everyone else. I hate it.

[thecloudybookshelf]

Glow of the Everflame by Penn Cole

This book….I straight-up devoured it. This book is so good. Everything about it was top-tier. The drama and action never ended, everyone schemed and planned, and BIG things were revealed. The ending left me with my mouth hanging wide open and frustration coursing through my veins. That is probably the one thing about this book that I wasn't a huge fan about; the frustration. Like obviously, a book is good if it makes me feel, but some of these characters DROVE ME CRAZY—especially Diem. There were so many moments when I wanted to grab Diem and shake some sense into her. I'm not sure she has ANY critical thinking skills at this point. It's not that Diem is stupid; she is very smart. It is just the fact that she STILL is determined to expect the worst from Luther and the Descended even after EVERYTHING they have done for her. Also, her whole thing with Henri made me want to gouge my eyeballs out. I almost screamed at one point. Diem WAS being stupid when it came to Henri, and I understand that to an extent, but GIRL, how many times does he have to disappoint you for you to realize he NEVER truly loved you? PLUS, the fact that multiple other characters told Diem girl this dude is bad news. UGH. Besides Diem being an actual mess, the other characters completely stole my heart. I am absolutely in love with Luther (he can do no wrong), Eleanor, Taran, Alixe, and of course, Lily and Teller (my baby angels). But why was Sorae my favorite character? Probably because she acts like a puppy, lol. Overall, this plot is BONKERS; the magic is wild, and the worldbuilding just keeps on getting better and better. I literally can't believe the ending, and I NEED to find out WTF Diem's mom is up to and why Diem's blood was gray.

[books-and-strawberry-tea]

Why must I gravitate towards series...

(Part 1)

I was planning out my tbr for next year, and I thought I'd go through the series I wanted to finally tackle (they've been on my list for a while), and I discovered to my horror...90 books...90 books (94 including ) I will have to read to read all the series I want to read...fuck me. Alright, lemme show you the list:

The Binding Chronicles: 4 Books

What could be worse than an arranged marriage to a vampire prince? When Luna is sold into marriage to the Prince of Darkness, she thinks she knows what to expect. Arranged marriages happen all the time, right? Wrong. No one could have prepared her for the reality of being married to the vampire prince. Ever since the day he was Made, Sebastian has been living according to Queen Marguerite’s rules. After all, he’s only alive because of her. When she orders him to marry and Bind himself to Luna, a human hailing a neighboring kingdom, he has no choice. He agrees to the marriage but never expects to feel anything for Luna. When their Binding Ceremony goes awry, and they are magically Tethered, everything is thrown into upheaval. Unable to leave each other’s presence, they must learn to live with each other. Or die. Tethered is a slow-burn arranged marriage epic romantic fantasy and is filled with forced proximity, magical bindings, vampires, and world-building. Vampire, Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal, Magic

A 4th stand alone book released yesterday also.

Kindred's Curse: 3 Books + 1 to be released (TBR)

When old secrets catch fire, everything will burn. In a mortal world colonized by the gods and ruled over by the Descended, their cruel offspring, Diem Bellator yearns to escape the insular life of her poor village. Her mother’s sudden disappearance—and the discovery of a dangerous secret about her past—offer Diem an unexpected opportunity to enter the dark world of Descended royalty and unlock the web of mysteries her mother left behind. With the dying King’s handsome, mysterious heir watching her every move, and a ruthless mortal alliance recruiting her to join the growing civil war, Diem will have to navigate the unwritten rules of love, power, and politics in order to save her family—and all of mortalkind. Spark of the Everflame is the first book in The Kindred's Curse Saga, a four-book fantasy romance series. This slow burn, enemies-to-lovers epic is perfect for lovers of magic, dragons, angst, and banter and will appeal to fans of books like A Court of Thorns and Roses, From Blood and Ash, Gild, and The Serpent & the Wings of Night. Dragons, Romance, Fantasy, Magic

Crown's of Nyaxia: 4 Books

Human or vampire, the rules of survival are the same: never trust, never yield, and always – always – guard your heart. The adopted human daughter of the Nightborn vampire king, Oraya carved her place in a world designed to kill her. Her only chance to become something more than prey is entering the Kejari: a legendary tournament held by the goddess of death herself. But winning won’t be easy amongst the most vicious warriors from all three vampire houses. To survive, Oraya is forced to make an alliance with a mysterious rival. Everything about Raihn is dangerous. He is a ruthless vampire, an efficient killer, an enemy to her father’s crown… and her greatest competition. Yet, what terrifies Oraya most of all is that she finds herself oddly drawn to him. But there’s no room for compassion in the Kejari. War for the House of Night brews, shattering everything that Oraya thought she knew about her home. And Raihn may understand her more than anyone – but their blossoming attraction could be her downfall, in a kingdom where nothing is more deadly than love. Vampires, Romance, Magic, Paranormal

Scapegracers: Book 3

Skulking near the bottom of West High’s social pyramid, Sideways Pike lurks under the bleachers doing magic tricks for Coke bottles. As a witch, lesbian, and lifelong outsider, she’s had a hard time making friends. But when the three most popular girls pay her $40 to cast a spell at their Halloween party, Sideways gets swept into a new clique. The unholy trinity are dangerous angels, sugar-coated rattlesnakes, and now–unbelievably–Sideways’ best friends. Together, the four bond to form a ferocious and powerful coven. They plan parties, cast curses on dudebros, try to find Sideways a girlfriend, and elude the fundamentalist witch hunters hellbent on stealing their magic. But for Sideways, the hardest part is the whole ‘having friends’ thing. Who knew that balancing human interaction with supernatural peril could be so complicated? Rich with the urgency of feral youth, The Scapegracers explores growing up and complex female friendship with all the rage of a teenage girl. It subverts the trope of competitive mean girls and instead portrays a mercilessly supportive clique of diverse and vivid characters. It is an atmospheric, voice-driven novel of the occult, and the first of a three-book series. Witches, Urban Fantasy, Lesbian, Paranormal

The Bone Season: 7 Books + 2 TBR

The year is 2059. For two centuries, the Republic of Scion has led an oppressive campaign against unnaturalness in Europe. In London, Paige Mahoney holds a high rank in the criminal underworld. The right hand of the ruthless White Binder, Paige is a dreamwalker, a rare and formidable kind of clairvoyant. Under Scion law, she commits treason simply by breathing. When Paige is arrested for murder, she meets the mysterious founders of Scion, who have designs on her uncommon abilities. If she is to survive and escape, Paige must use every skill at her disposal – and put her trust in someone who ought to be her enemy. Fantasy, Dystopia, Adult, Romance, Paranormal

The War of Lost Hearts: 3 Books + 0.5 Novella

A former slave fighting for justice. A reclusive warrior who no longer believes it exists. And a dark magic that will entangle their fates. Ripped from a forgotten homeland as a child, Tisaanah learned how to survive with nothing but a sharp wit and a touch of magic. But the night she tries to buy her freedom, she barely escapes with her life. Desperate to save the best friend she left behind, Tisaanah journeys to the Orders, the most powerful organizations of magic Wielders in the world. But to join their ranks, she must complete an apprenticeship with Maxantarius Farlione, a handsome and reclusive fire wielder who despises the Orders. The Orders’ intentions are cryptic, and Tisaanah must prove herself under the threat of looming war. But even more dangerous are her growing feelings for Maxantarius. The bloody past he wants to forget may be the key to her future… or the downfall of them both. But Tisaanah will stop at nothing to save those she abandoned. Even if it means gambling in the Orders’ deadly games. Even if it means sacrificing her heart. Even if it means wielding death itself. Fae, Romance, Fantasy, High Fantasy

The Roots of Chaos: 2 Books (2 books sure but man are they HUGE)

A world divided. A queendom without an heir. An ancient enemy awakens. The House of Berethnet has ruled Inys for a thousand years. Still unwed, Queen Sabran the Ninth must conceive a daughter to protect her realm from destruction – but assassins are getting closer to her door. Ead Duryan is an outsider at court. Though she has risen to the position of lady-in-waiting, she is loyal to a hidden society of mages. Ead keeps a watchful eye on Sabran, secretly protecting her with forbidden magic. Across the dark sea, Tané has trained to be a dragonrider since she was a child, but is forced to make a choice that could see her life unravel. Meanwhile, the divided East and West refuse to parley, and forces of chaos are rising from their sleep. Dragons, Fantasy, Adult, Lesbian

Zodiac Academy: 14 Books

You have been selected to attend Zodiac Academy, where your star sign defines your destiny. If you're one of the Fae, elemental magic is in your blood. And apparently it's in ours. As twins born in the month of Gemini, we're a rare breed even in this academy of supernatural a-holes. Changelings were outlawed hundreds of years ago but I guess our birth parents didn't get the memo. Which means we're totally unprepared for the ruthless world of Fae. Air. Fire. Water. Earth. No one has ever harnessed all four of them, until we arrived. And it hasn't made us any friends so far. As the rarest Elementals ever known, we're already a threat to the four celestial heirs; the popular, vindictive bullies who happen to be some of the hottest guys we've ever seen. It doesn't help that they're the most dangerous beasts in the Academy. And probably on earth too. Our fates are intertwined, but they want us gone. They've only got until the lunar eclipse to force us out and they'll stop at nothing to succeed. We never knew we had a birthright to live up to but now that we do, we intend to claim our throne. We can't expect any help from the faculty when it comes to defending ourselves. So if the dragon shifters want some target practice, the werewolves want someone to hunt or the vampires fancy a snack then we have to be ready. But we've been looking after each other for a long time and fighting back is in our blood. Today's horoscope: totally screwed.

The Shadows Between Us: 2 Books

Alessandra is tired of being overlooked, but she has a plan to gain power: 1) Woo the Shadow King. 2) Marry him. 3) Kill him and take his kingdom for herself. No one knows the extent of the freshly crowned Shadow King’s power. Some say he can command the shadows that swirl around him to do his bidding. Others say they speak to him, whispering the thoughts of his enemies. Regardless, Alessandra knows what she deserves, and she’s going to do everything within her power to get it. But Alessandra’s not the only one trying to kill the king. As attempts on his life are made, she finds herself trying to keep him alive long enough for him to make her his queen—all while struggling not to lose her heart. After all, who better for a Shadow King than a cunning, villainous queen? Magic, High Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult

The Locked Tomb: 3 Books + 1 TBR

The Emperor needs necromancers. The Ninth Necromancer needs a swordswoman. Gideon has a sword, some dirty magazines, and no more time for undead bullshit. Brought up by unfriendly, ossifying nuns, ancient retainers, and countless skeletons, Gideon is ready to abandon a life of servitude and an afterlife as a reanimated corpse. She packs up her sword, her shoes, and her dirty magazines, and prepares to launch her daring escape. But her childhood nemesis won't set her free without a service. Harrowhark Nonagesimus, Reverend Daughter of the Ninth House and bone witch extraordinaire, has been summoned into action. The Emperor has invited the heirs to each of his loyal Houses to a deadly trial of wits and skill. If Harrowhark succeeds she will become an immortal, all-powerful servant of the Resurrection, but no necromancer can ascend without their cavalier. Without Gideon's sword, Harrow will fail, and the Ninth House will die. Of course, some things are better left dead. Science, Fiction, Adult, Lesbian

Empire of the Vampire: 2 Books

From holy cup comes holy light; The faithful hand sets world aright. And in the Seven Martyrs’ sight, Mere man shall end this endless night. It has been twenty-seven long years since the last sunrise. For nearly three decades, vampires have waged war against humanity; building their eternal empire even as they tear down our own. Now, only a few tiny sparks of light endure in a sea of darkness. Gabriel de León is a silversaint: a member of a holy brotherhood dedicated to defending realm and church from the creatures of the night. But even the Silver Order could not stem the tide once daylight failed us, and now, only Gabriel remains. Imprisoned by the very monsters he vowed to destroy, the last silversaint is forced to tell his story. A story of legendary battles and forbidden love, of faith lost and friendships won, of the Wars of the Blood and the Forever King and the quest for humanity’s last remaining hope: The Holy Grail. Vampires, High Fantasy, Adult, Dark Fantasy

This is Part 1: Click here for Part 2

Click here for the Wrap Up

[watchnrant]

Magic Meets Raw Humanity: Glow of the Everflame

In “Glow of the Everflame,” the second installment of the Kindred Curse Saga, Penn Cole crafts a masterpiece that transcends the typical boundaries of fantasy romance. This isn’t just another story about magic and destiny – it’s a profound exploration of identity, grief, and the complicated bonds that both strengthen and burden us.

SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

Writing that Burns Bright

Cole’s writing style is nothing short of mesmerizing. She possesses a rare talent for weaving together the grand scope of epic fantasy with intimately human moments that leave you breathless. The prose shifts seamlessly between elegant formality for world-building and raw emotional authenticity for personal scenes. Her metaphors aren’t just beautiful – they’re devastating in their accuracy. When she describes armor as “both shield and cage, keeping the arrows out while trapping the monster in,” it captures perfectly how we sometimes imprison ourselves in our own defenses.

Character Depth that Resonates

At the heart of the story is Diem Bellator, a protagonist whose journey feels achingly real despite its fantastical setting. Her struggle with identity – caught between mortal and Descended worlds – serves as a powerful metaphor for anyone who’s ever felt caught between two worlds or versions of themselves. What makes her compelling isn’t just her strength or her magic, but her very human flaws: her impulsiveness, her struggle with vulnerability, and her complicated relationship with power.

The supporting cast is equally well-crafted. Luther, with his complex mix of duty and buried humanity, makes for a fascinating foil to Diem. Their slow-burn romance crackles with tension, built on a foundation of mutual distrust that gradually evolves into something deeper. Teller, Diem’s brother, provides some of the most powerful emotional moments in the book, especially in scenes where he cuts through her self-doubt with the kind of brutal honesty only siblings can deliver.

Emotional Impact that Leaves Marks

Where this book truly excels is in its handling of grief and family bonds. The scene where Diem discovers her father’s death is gut-wrenching not just in its immediate impact, but in how it forces her to confront the regret of their last interaction. Cole doesn’t shy away from the messiness of loss – instead, she leans into it, showing how grief can be both a weight that drowns us and a force that shapes us.

The family dynamics are particularly well-rendered. The relationship between Diem and Teller feels authentically sibling-like, complete with the ability to oscillate between exasperation and unconditional support. The flashbacks of their father, who “never saw me as weak because I was a girl, who taught me to embrace it as my strength,” add layers of depth to both the character relationships and the themes of identity and power.

World-building with Purpose

While the fantasy elements are rich and well-developed, they never overshadow the human element of the story. The conflict between mortals and the Descended elite serves as more than just plot fodder – it’s a vehicle for exploring prejudice, power, and the possibility of change. The magic system, particularly Diem’s growing powers, works as both literal plot device and metaphor for personal growth and responsibility.

A Few Shadows in the Light

The complexity of the political dynamics and large cast of characters can occasionally feel overwhelming, and some readers might find Diem’s impulsive decisions frustrating. However, these elements ultimately serve to make the world and characters feel more authentic rather than detracting from the story.

Verdict

“Glow of the Everflame” is a rare achievement – a fantasy romance that delivers not just on the promise of magic and romance, but on deeper themes of identity, family, and the price of power. Cole has created something special here: a story that entertains while it moves you, that builds a fantastic world while never losing sight of the very human heart beating at its center.

This is a book for readers who want their fantasy with depth, their romance with complexity, and their characters with real, messy humanity. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt caught between worlds, struggled with their identity, or grappled with the weight of expectations versus personal desire.

A solid 5/5 stars – this is the kind of book that stays with you long after you turn the last page, leaving you both satisfied and eager for the next installment.

Content Warning: The book contains themes of death (including parental death), violence, grief, and complex family dynamics.

[moplayspoke]

I’m finally done with this book. I’m FREEEE. Never again. SPOILERY mini-review inbound for These Hollow Vows. 2.5/5⭐️

Ok not only did this take me FOREVER to finish because of how dragged out certain moments were, but when I finally finished all I could think was, what was the point? I honestly should have DNF’d this.

I had so many things that annoyed me throughout this. The FMC is one of the most naive and infuriating characters I have ever read to the point where I was almost in disbelief (winner goes to FMC from Spark of the Everflame).

I felt like there was a lot of focus on this mini moments with Finn and co and “Sebastian” but other areas lacked development/world building.

Also the fact that the FMC refuses to call her boytoy by his real name? Let’s add that to the list.

Her having feelings for Finn but treating him the worst even though boytoy straight up “cheated” on her in front of her. Add that to the list.

And did we really need to know that Finn was formerly in love with some girl named Isabella? No. Sorry. Let the past stay in the past just like the exes unless they are relevant to the plot.

And since everyone supposedly loved Oberon I am seriously side-eying some of the relationships in here. Oberon was the literal shadow daddy. Add that to the list.

Also the FMC making THAT decision in the end? Who didn’t see Princess Dumbass following her namesake?

Yeah, no. I’m done. Not for me. I’m out. PEACE.

[pega-chan]

so! i read the tiger burning bright previews and since Alex is in Jakarta there i've decided, as an indonesian, to analyze it for kicks

for context i am not a jakarta kid by any means so i can't tell you much about the supernatural vibes of the city much (most superstitious folks are usually village elders tbh) but i do live in the greater jakarta area so i know just enough hhh

nothing much, i just appreciate all the food stalls. martabak my beloved

language nerd time! a kutukan does mean 'curse'. apparently you guys call it a sumpa? that's a one letter difference from the malay/indonesian word sumpah, which ALSO means 'curse' (though for us it's a verb)—in indonesian, sumpah is means 'curse', as in the synonym for 'swear'. in malay, sumpahan (the noun derived from sumpah) means an actual 'curse'. that's my language trivia of the day 😂 we love lingual similarities

i haven't heard of an everflame in our folklore so perhaps it's a made-up thing in the story, but what i do know is that the Banaspati are a race of fiery ghosts/spirits originating from Java. that's geographically accurate at least, since Jakarta is on Java island. the Banaspati can appear either in a humanoid form, a ball of fire, or a fire tornado. sort of like Santelmo's cousin. they terrorize and attack locals just for the fun of it, or to suck their blood. in addition to being made of fire they're also vampires lmao

the Banaspati can be enslaved too, usually to put a curse on someone. there are three types of Banaspati:

Banaspati Geni (fire): Banaspati who draws power from air/wind. they feed off human fear to increase their power and suck enough oxygen to create huge fires.

Banaspati Tanah Liat (earth): these usually hang out in forests and jump on humans to suck their blood. they can't touch someone with direct contact to the earth, so if you wanna be immune to Banaspati tanah liat you gotta walk barefoot

Banaspati Air (water): will target people in bodies of water. suck their blood first then leave them to drown

i can't be sure which one Farah (the Banaspati shown here) is, but probably Banaspati Geni.

Ahools are Javanese bat-like cryptids, described as having a 12-feet wingspan, a body the size of a toddler, the head of a monkey and the face of a human. they reside in caves on mountainous rainforests and are nocturnal

dunno why these ahools would like to kidnap humans, since they eat fish, but Farah's right, they aren't soul eaters.

also i am LIVING for ITC SNBDJDBD

okay ITC might be labelled a mall, but it's more of a department store if you ask me. it's all retail, and different floors have different services. staples are fashion stores, jewellers, a salon maybe, gadget sellers and gadget repair shops, and there's always a food court with food stalls scattered around. we do have actual malls though, ITC is a popular chain of department stores throughout the country. i love this depiction in Trese, it looks just like the one in my city. they really are all just cookie cutter 😂😂

side note, pencuri means 'thief'. wonder why he's called that

aww there's an indonesian phrase in there. terima kasih banyak means 'thank you very much'. also, 'Joko'? did Tan and Baldisimo name the kid after our president (Joko Widodo)? JDJHD

perhaps they just mispelled it, but i'm gonna assume 'Gwendala' is Gundala, a superhero character in the Bumilangit superhero comic universe. Bumilangit is a local comic book company most known for introducing the first superhero characters in the Indonesian comic industry, and they've produced movies based on their comics as well in a series called the BCU (Bumilangit Cinematic Universe). if you ask me they're trying too hard to imitate Marvel and DC and they should stop

anyway Gundala is this guy (left is the comics version, right is the live-action movie version):

scientist who gained powers to control lightning and also superspeed. arguably the most famous local superhero comic character.

and that's all i got, hope this was an interesting read :D