Spark of the Everflame

Spark of the Everflame immediately drew me in. The writing is smooth and effortless, pulling you into the story almost without noticing, while in the background a rich world and complex political intrigues unfold. Power, loyalty, and truth take center stage and nothing about it is simple. We follow Diem Bellator, a young healer and mortal, in a world shaped and ruled by the Descended, descendants of a goddess, blessed with magic and long lifespans. A clear divide exists between mortals and Descended, and relationships between them are forbidden. When Diem’s mother disappears without a trace, her world begins to unravel. It quickly becomes clear that a mysterious Descended man might be connected to her disappearance. Diem starts asking questions she probably shouldn’t. In the palace, where she cares for the dying king, she encounters him again – quiet, dangerous, and full of unspoken truths. Completely different from what she expected. Diem is a protagonist you can feel. She’s not always cautious, but she’s brave, witty, and has a backbone that never breaks, even when everything is against her. Her strength isn’t in being fearless, but in moving forward despite the fear. The story simmers slowly, almost imperceptibly, before exploding. The tension steadily builds, the emotions linger between the lines, and the ending had me starting the sequel on the very same day…

I loved this book soo much! It has such an original and interesting world - building and plot and it is truly the best example of slow - burn romance I have read so far. Go read this book, you will not regret it :) !

This wasn't my favorite read of the year, but it served its purpose for the moment. I found the pacing to be very slow, and the main female character's indecisiveness felt repetitive throughout the book. However, I suppose we can all relate to moments of uncertainty, making her somewhat relatable in that aspect.. I don't know. Overall, it was an okay read. I did buy the second book and we'll see.