If you spend any time on BookTok or Bookstagram, you’ve likely seen Penn Cole’s The Kindred’s Curse Saga everywhere. Starting with Spark of the Everflame, this indie-turned-mainstream fantasy series has taken the romantasy community by storm. (And, I can confirm it’s worth the hype.)

Naturally, readers are asking the ultimate question: Is this the next A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR)?

While both series deliver high stakes, oppressive magical realms, and tension so thick you could cut it with a blade, they offer distinct flavors of romantic fantasy. Here is a breakdown of how Spark of the Everflame stacks up against Sarah J. Maas’s iconic series and whether it deserves a spot at the top of your TBR list.

The Similarities: Why ACOTAR Fans Feel at Home

If you loved ACOTAR, Spark of the Everflame hits many of the same satisfying storytelling beats:

• Mortal Protagonists in Deadly Magical Lands: Just as Feyre begins as a mortal hunting to feed her family, Diem Bellator starts as a mortal healer living under the thumb of powerful, demigod-like rulers known as the Descended.
• Brooding, Powerful Love Interest: Enter Luther Corbois. With a deadly combination of light and shadow magic, quiet loyalty, and layered secrets, Luther easily stands alongside fan favorites like Rhysand or Xaden Riorson.
• Rebellion and Political Schemes: Personal survival quickly spirals into larger political intrigue, hidden resistance movements, and deep-seated secrets about the origins of power.

Where They Diverge: What Sets Spark Apart

Despite sharing core fantasy romance elements, Penn Cole takes a distinct approach to pacing, world-building, and character development.

Tropes	Spark of the Everflame  (Penn Cole)	ACOTAR  (Sarah J. Maas)
Pacing & Burn-level	True Slow-Burn: High romantic tension with minimal initial spice. Escalates across books.	Faster Escalation: Shifts from fairytale retelling to high spice by Book 2.
World-building	Systematic & Lore-Heavy: Nine distinct realms with specific magic rules and heavy political focus.	Atmospheric & Character-Driven: High fantasy centered on court dynamics and emotional arcs.
Protagonist	Impulsive Healer: Diem acts on raw grief, impulse, and moral anger, making frequent tactical mistakes. (Aries girlies, she’s one of us.)	Survivor & Strategist: Feyre evolves rapidly from hunter to high-court leader. (Sagittarius a.k.a The Archer?!)

The Verdict: Is It the Next ACOTAR?

Yes……and no.

If you mean a series that keeps you reading past 2:00 AM, screaming at cliffhangers, and obsessing over every line of dialogue, the answer is an absolute yes. Penn Cole creates a rich, immersive world that fills the fantasy void effortlessly.

Just prepare yourself for a true slow burn. If you enjoy grounded political intrigue, lore-heavy magic systems, and characters who mess up before they get things right, Spark of the Everflame isn’t just a replacement for ACOTAR. It’s a standout series in its own right.