Glow of the Everflame

As the newly crowned Queen of Lumnos, Diem is more vulnerable than ever because her rule can be challenged by any of the 20 Houses, whether by underhanded political machinations or an outright contest to the death. She must be careful to hide her hatred for the Descended, who are disgusted by ordinary humans. Since Diem doesn't have control over her magical abilities yet, she reluctantly aligns herself with House Corbois, the largest and most powerful House, gaining support from the former heir presumptive, Luther Corbois. But he has his own hidden destiny to follow. When threats to Diem's family and friends arise, she must determine which Descended are trustworthy and which will crush her at her first misstep before losing anyone she loves. Should she trust the intense heat growing between her and Luther, or should she put her faith in her oldest friend and lover, Henri? VERDICT Originally self-published and now being released by a traditional publisher, this gripping sequel to Spark of the Everflame finds Diem trying to defeat the Descended out to see her fail. Readers will be clamoring for the next in the series after the cliffhanger ending.--Eve Stano