Heat of the Everflame by Penn Cole, the third installment in The Kindred’s Curse Saga, has sparked strong reactions among readers. With its sweeping world-building, slow-burn romance, and political intrigue, this fantasy romance promises to deliver high-stakes drama and emotional intensity. For some, it’s a breathtaking continuation of the saga. For others, it stumbles under the weight of repetition and uneven character development.
The Story
Picking up after the explosive ending of book two, Diem Bellator faces mounting pressure as both the Descended and the Guardians demand her loyalty. With her heritage unraveling and enemies closing in, she embarks on a dangerous journey alongside Luther, the man who has become both her fiercest protector and her deepest weakness. The stakes rise as betrayal, sacrifice, and political maneuvering intertwine, culminating in a cliffhanger that leaves readers desperate for book four.
What Works
Many fans were blown away by this installment, praising its fast pace, deepening world-building, and emotional resonance. The Crowns and their political games bring new layers to the story, while the expanded magic system and mythical creatures add a sense of wonder.
Luther, in particular, shines as a devoted and protective love interest, whose loyalty and strength anchor the chaos surrounding Diem. Readers who enjoyed the slow-burn build-up across the series will find moments of romantic payoff here, woven amid battles, betrayals, and found family dynamics. The themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience resonate strongly, especially for fans of romantasy sagas like A Court of Thorns and Roses and The Serpent & the Wings of Night.
Key elements that delighted fans include:
- Consistent pacing and action-packed second half
- Strong found family dynamics
- Emotional angst and devotion in the romance
- Dragons and expanded magical lore
- A devastating cliffhanger that raises the stakes for the finale
Where It Falls Short
Not all readers were satisfied. Some felt that Diem’s character arc was frustratingly stagnant. Her tendency to ignore obvious signs, repeat the same mantras about protecting mortals, and make reckless choices tested the patience of even loyal fans. Instead of showing growth, she often came across as naïve and inconsistent, leaving readers longing for more maturity from a character touted as the chosen queen.
Luther, once introduced as a dark, commanding figure, is seen by some as diminished, reduced to a love-struck follower rather than the powerful leader he was in earlier books. The romance, though central, risks losing its spark by stretching the slow burn too far without enough meaningful progress.
Other common criticisms include:
- Heavy repetition of themes and internal monologues
- Overly drawn-out plot with little forward movement
- Characters making the same mistakes repeatedly
- A lack of balance between action and introspection
Final Thoughts
Heat of the Everflame is a polarizing entry in The Kindred’s Curse Saga. If you enjoy richly built fantasy worlds, high-stakes political intrigue, and romances steeped in angst and devotion, you’ll likely be swept away by this installment. But if you crave sharp character growth and tighter plotting, you may find yourself frustrated by its repetitiveness and uneven arcs.
Ultimately, this is a series that thrives on big emotions, intricate world-building, and the kind of cliffhangers that leave you craving the next chapter. Whether this book leaves you thrilled or disappointed will depend on how much patience you have for Diem’s journey.
If you’re ready to dive into the fire and experience the heartbreak and passion for yourself, you can grab your copy here: Buy Heat of the Everflame on Amazon.
