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The Kingdom Below #3
A Spark So Bright
She hides from the world. He’s the monster who refuses to let her vanish.
Rose has spent her life running. From hunger, from pain, from anyone who dared to care for her. Once a street thief, then a reluctant priestess, then a prize in a gladiator’s arena, she’s learned that safety only comes from silence. From disappearing into dreams and a false reality that has always kept her safe.
Until Gunnar finds her.
The troll warrior with eyes like storm clouds and hands that could shatter stone. The moment he sees her, he knows she’s his, and that claiming her will take more than brute strength. It will take patience. Trust. The slow, dangerous surrender of her heart.
But the realm is changing. Humans are flooding into the troll kingdom, and the king has declared bridal games—a brutal contest to bind humans and trolls in marriage. Rose is fragile, untrained, and has no wish to compete. Gunnar can’t bear to see her offered to another.
So he enters the games himself. To fight for her. To prove his worth. Even if it means pretending he could ever want anyone but her.
Because monsters may not dream, but for Rose, Gunnar will tear apart the waking world itself.
Rose has spent her life running. From hunger, from pain, from anyone who dared to care for her. Once a street thief, then a reluctant priestess, then a prize in a gladiator’s arena, she’s learned that safety only comes from silence. From disappearing into dreams and a false reality that has always kept her safe.
Until Gunnar finds her.
The troll warrior with eyes like storm clouds and hands that could shatter stone. The moment he sees her, he knows she’s his, and that claiming her will take more than brute strength. It will take patience. Trust. The slow, dangerous surrender of her heart.
But the realm is changing. Humans are flooding into the troll kingdom, and the king has declared bridal games—a brutal contest to bind humans and trolls in marriage. Rose is fragile, untrained, and has no wish to compete. Gunnar can’t bear to see her offered to another.
So he enters the games himself. To fight for her. To prove his worth. Even if it means pretending he could ever want anyone but her.
Because monsters may not dream, but for Rose, Gunnar will tear apart the waking world itself.
387 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 5, 2026
About the author
Emma Hamm
82 books5,239 followers
We all know you don't really care about reading my background. Enjoy Cap instead.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
Did Not Finish
June 8, 2026It's just a me thing but I was not expecting so much SA. I know it's mostly off page but you still experience it by knowing it's happening in the moment even though the character is disassociating. For whatever reason it just took me out of it. I know this will be a great read for most monster romance lovers.
June 17, 2026
⭐⭐⭐ 3 Stars
🌶️ 1 Spice
This is book 3 in the series.
It was a quick, easy read, and I got through the whole thing in just a few hours. Was it one of my favorites in the series? No. I think the first book still remains my favorite of the bunch.
I thought the book was okay, but I did have some fairly big problems with it. The SA content in the book was a lot for me(not detailed on page fyi) . I have read plenty of books with traumatic backstories and difficult experiences for characters, but this one just did not sit right with me. Maybe it was the way it was portrayed, which at times felt more like a crutch to unlock her powers rather than something explored with the depth I expected.
I also did not really connect with Rose. I struggled to fully invest in her story and found myself drifting at times. Thankfully, the author has a very easy writing style, so it was still simple to read and get through.
I do not think I hated the book, but it definitely landed more on the "meh" side for me. I was very much on the fence throughout most of it.
I also think the first part of the book felt a little all over the place. There was a lot of information and events thrown in to catch readers up to the same timeline as the first two books, and honestly, I just was not really here for it.
One thing I did like was Gunnar. He was smart, kind, and a genuine gentleman. I honestly felt a little bad for him at times because he was often just trying to do the right thing. He was definitely the highlight of the book for me and the character I found most likable.
I was also not particularly invested in the spice. There was not much of it in the book, but given the circumstances and themes being explored, I completely understood why.
Overall, it was an okay read. Not bad, not amazing. Just okay.
🌶️ 1 Spice
This is book 3 in the series.
It was a quick, easy read, and I got through the whole thing in just a few hours. Was it one of my favorites in the series? No. I think the first book still remains my favorite of the bunch.
I thought the book was okay, but I did have some fairly big problems with it. The SA content in the book was a lot for me(not detailed on page fyi) . I have read plenty of books with traumatic backstories and difficult experiences for characters, but this one just did not sit right with me. Maybe it was the way it was portrayed, which at times felt more like a crutch to unlock her powers rather than something explored with the depth I expected.
I also did not really connect with Rose. I struggled to fully invest in her story and found myself drifting at times. Thankfully, the author has a very easy writing style, so it was still simple to read and get through.
I do not think I hated the book, but it definitely landed more on the "meh" side for me. I was very much on the fence throughout most of it.
I also think the first part of the book felt a little all over the place. There was a lot of information and events thrown in to catch readers up to the same timeline as the first two books, and honestly, I just was not really here for it.
One thing I did like was Gunnar. He was smart, kind, and a genuine gentleman. I honestly felt a little bad for him at times because he was often just trying to do the right thing. He was definitely the highlight of the book for me and the character I found most likable.
I was also not particularly invested in the spice. There was not much of it in the book, but given the circumstances and themes being explored, I completely understood why.
Overall, it was an okay read. Not bad, not amazing. Just okay.
May 21, 2026
*ARC Review*
Emma Hamm has done it again and holy moly what a book!! I laughed, I cried and my heart ached for Rose and everything that she had to endure. I'm obsessed with how unwavering Gunner's commitment to Rose is throughout the book. Seeing Rose come out of her shell and heal was so uplifting. I don't think I can fully express how completely in love with this series I am, so sad that there is only one more after this but all good things must come to an end :')
Emma Hamm has done it again and holy moly what a book!! I laughed, I cried and my heart ached for Rose and everything that she had to endure. I'm obsessed with how unwavering Gunner's commitment to Rose is throughout the book. Seeing Rose come out of her shell and heal was so uplifting. I don't think I can fully express how completely in love with this series I am, so sad that there is only one more after this but all good things must come to an end :')
June 16, 2026
and yeah i’m still gonna read the next one
June 3, 2026
Thank you SO MUCH to Emma Hamm for the ARC of a Spark So Bright. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to read and review this one early!
First things first!!! If you somehow haven’t read the rest of The Kingdom Below series yet, this is NOT the place to start. Go read those first. I’ll wait. (Seriously, you’ll thank me later they are both SO FREAKIN GOOD!!)
I’ll be honest that this one isn’t my absolute favorite in the series (shoutout Ragnar, ily), I want to be VERY clear that the bar Emma Hamm sets for herself is genuinely extraordinarily high, so that’s not a critique like it might sound. I still really loved this book and I’d recommend it in a heartbeat.
This one is darker than the others, and I think it’s important to go in knowing that. Implied sexual assault is a huge part of Rose’s story, and while it’s not depicted directly on the page, it is central to who she is and how she heals and progresses.
The way it’s handled is EXACTLY why I keep coming back to this author and series. Rose doesn’t shy away from her past, even when she struggles to maintain her hold on reality. Once she’s freed from the labyrinth and *certain things* happen, she accepts her fate, finds a safe place (and a safe person), and proceeds to LIVE. Emma allows her to explore her feelings and her boundaries entirely at her own pace, and as anyone with a history of SA knows—that really, deeply matters.
As someone with complex PTSD due to trauma, I was genuinely moved by Rose’s portrayal. Emma Hamm has given language to experiences that have always been so hard to explain (like how someone can “forget” days, months, years, or “check out” from their body), and that kind of care in representation is rare.
I’ll be honest, I was a little worried at first that the romance with Gunnar would move too fast given everything Rose has been through. I didn’t want him to “fix her”, or have her be completely codependent because she wasn’t actually healing, but shoving her pain aside. I’m so, so glad this wasn’t the case at ALL. Gunnar is patient and soft, and somehow knows exactly how to comfort Rose by being a steady presence for her, never asking for more… and once he recognizes her strength, he lets her set the pace entirely. Watching their relationship bloom felt so earned and so tender, and every flinching step backward from Rose was met with two brave steps forward.
TLDR; such a beautiful story.
I don’t know how many other authors could (or have successfully) rep the wide range of trauma responses the way Emma Hamm does in her books. These are some of my favorites to recommend, and I can’t believe we’ve already been blessed with the announcement of the fourth and final one!!! 😱😱😱
First things first!!! If you somehow haven’t read the rest of The Kingdom Below series yet, this is NOT the place to start. Go read those first. I’ll wait. (Seriously, you’ll thank me later they are both SO FREAKIN GOOD!!)
I’ll be honest that this one isn’t my absolute favorite in the series (shoutout Ragnar, ily), I want to be VERY clear that the bar Emma Hamm sets for herself is genuinely extraordinarily high, so that’s not a critique like it might sound. I still really loved this book and I’d recommend it in a heartbeat.
This one is darker than the others, and I think it’s important to go in knowing that. Implied sexual assault is a huge part of Rose’s story, and while it’s not depicted directly on the page, it is central to who she is and how she heals and progresses.
The way it’s handled is EXACTLY why I keep coming back to this author and series. Rose doesn’t shy away from her past, even when she struggles to maintain her hold on reality. Once she’s freed from the labyrinth and *certain things* happen, she accepts her fate, finds a safe place (and a safe person), and proceeds to LIVE. Emma allows her to explore her feelings and her boundaries entirely at her own pace, and as anyone with a history of SA knows—that really, deeply matters.
As someone with complex PTSD due to trauma, I was genuinely moved by Rose’s portrayal. Emma Hamm has given language to experiences that have always been so hard to explain (like how someone can “forget” days, months, years, or “check out” from their body), and that kind of care in representation is rare.
I’ll be honest, I was a little worried at first that the romance with Gunnar would move too fast given everything Rose has been through. I didn’t want him to “fix her”, or have her be completely codependent because she wasn’t actually healing, but shoving her pain aside. I’m so, so glad this wasn’t the case at ALL. Gunnar is patient and soft, and somehow knows exactly how to comfort Rose by being a steady presence for her, never asking for more… and once he recognizes her strength, he lets her set the pace entirely. Watching their relationship bloom felt so earned and so tender, and every flinching step backward from Rose was met with two brave steps forward.
TLDR; such a beautiful story.
I don’t know how many other authors could (or have successfully) rep the wide range of trauma responses the way Emma Hamm does in her books. These are some of my favorites to recommend, and I can’t believe we’ve already been blessed with the announcement of the fourth and final one!!! 😱😱😱
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2026
"I promise to keep you safe," he murmured. "You no longer have to fear who is coming for you. This is my vow, fair lady."
For someone like Rose this was everything. And even though Gunnar had just met her he knew what she needed. Not gonna lie Rose’s story is not easy to read especially at the beginning. But it does get better! Read the TW, what was done to her was awful. Gunnar is my man! I was a little worried from the other stories about his character and I was completely wrong about him. He is the tag-along annoying little brother. Of course Ragnar and Bjorn would see an annoying immature boy not the warrior he had become. Because OMG Amazing!!!! I’m continuously amazed about these romantic pairs in this series and how well they suit each other. I shouldn’t be, but I am. I just love this world so much. This was such a good read.
For someone like Rose this was everything. And even though Gunnar had just met her he knew what she needed. Not gonna lie Rose’s story is not easy to read especially at the beginning. But it does get better! Read the TW, what was done to her was awful. Gunnar is my man! I was a little worried from the other stories about his character and I was completely wrong about him. He is the tag-along annoying little brother. Of course Ragnar and Bjorn would see an annoying immature boy not the warrior he had become. Because OMG Amazing!!!! I’m continuously amazed about these romantic pairs in this series and how well they suit each other. I shouldn’t be, but I am. I just love this world so much. This was such a good read.
July 25, 2026
extra star for the whimpering
May 26, 2026
Thanks Emma for the arc!
Admittedly, I’ve never wondered what a troll romance would be like…but I’m glad my curiosity got the best of me because this series is so fun. This is my favorite Emma Hamm series so far.
Each book focuses on a different couple (Human x Troll) but I definitely recommend reading them in order. Some interconnecting series can be read individually but I think to get a better understanding of the world and Rose, specifically, start from the beginning.
Trollveggen itself reminds me of the underdark from D&D or maybe even Blackreach from Skyrim, which I loved!
This book was a little darker than the others because it deals with sexual assault. While it’s not described in explicit detail, it is referenced, several times and is a big part of Rose’s story. So, I recommend reading reviews and referring to the trigger warnings in order to take care of your own mental health. That being said, I truly believe the author tried to be as thoughtful and considerate as she could while dealing with such a sensitive topic. She made sure not to shy away from the FMCs past but allowed her to grow, find a safe place & person and explore her feelings and boundaries at her own pace. I never once while reading thought things between the main couple were happening too fast. The MMC was patient & kind with Rose and once he realized her own strength, he still supported her to set the pace of their relationship.
Book 1 & 3 are my favorites so far. But I am very excited for the fourth and final book of the series.
Admittedly, I’ve never wondered what a troll romance would be like…but I’m glad my curiosity got the best of me because this series is so fun. This is my favorite Emma Hamm series so far.
Each book focuses on a different couple (Human x Troll) but I definitely recommend reading them in order. Some interconnecting series can be read individually but I think to get a better understanding of the world and Rose, specifically, start from the beginning.
Trollveggen itself reminds me of the underdark from D&D or maybe even Blackreach from Skyrim, which I loved!
This book was a little darker than the others because it deals with sexual assault. While it’s not described in explicit detail, it is referenced, several times and is a big part of Rose’s story. So, I recommend reading reviews and referring to the trigger warnings in order to take care of your own mental health. That being said, I truly believe the author tried to be as thoughtful and considerate as she could while dealing with such a sensitive topic. She made sure not to shy away from the FMCs past but allowed her to grow, find a safe place & person and explore her feelings and boundaries at her own pace. I never once while reading thought things between the main couple were happening too fast. The MMC was patient & kind with Rose and once he realized her own strength, he still supported her to set the pace of their relationship.
Book 1 & 3 are my favorites so far. But I am very excited for the fourth and final book of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2026
Meh. I loved the first in the series but they get worse with every book. This was so so boring. I have a lot of hope for Magnus and his girl, hes actually the reason this book gets 3 stars… PLEASE let his book be good 🫨
June 7, 2026
A Spark So Bright by Emma Hamm completely stole my heart. This was an easy five-star read for me, and from the very first chapter I knew I was in for something special. Emma Hamm has such a beautiful way of writing that completely immerses you in the world, and I never wanted to leave.
The world-building was incredible without ever feeling overwhelming, and I loved slowly uncovering more about the magic and the characters as the story unfolded. Everything felt so vivid, and I could picture every scene so clearly. The pacing was spot on, with the perfect balance of quieter, emotional moments and higher-stakes scenes that kept me glued to the pages.
The characters were definitely the highlight for me. I became so invested in them and their journey, and I loved watching the relationships develop naturally. The chemistry was fantastic, and the emotional moments really hit. I found myself smiling one minute and completely stressed the next because I was so wrapped up in everything that was happening.
This is one of those books that reminded me why I love fantasy romance so much. It had heart, adventure, tension, and characters I genuinely cared about. By the time I reached the final page, I wasn't ready for it to end and immediately wanted to dive into the next book.
If you're a fan of immersive fantasy worlds, memorable characters, and romances that make you feel every emotion, I can't recommend this one enough. Emma Hamm has definitely earned another spot on my auto-buy author list.
The world-building was incredible without ever feeling overwhelming, and I loved slowly uncovering more about the magic and the characters as the story unfolded. Everything felt so vivid, and I could picture every scene so clearly. The pacing was spot on, with the perfect balance of quieter, emotional moments and higher-stakes scenes that kept me glued to the pages.
The characters were definitely the highlight for me. I became so invested in them and their journey, and I loved watching the relationships develop naturally. The chemistry was fantastic, and the emotional moments really hit. I found myself smiling one minute and completely stressed the next because I was so wrapped up in everything that was happening.
This is one of those books that reminded me why I love fantasy romance so much. It had heart, adventure, tension, and characters I genuinely cared about. By the time I reached the final page, I wasn't ready for it to end and immediately wanted to dive into the next book.
If you're a fan of immersive fantasy worlds, memorable characters, and romances that make you feel every emotion, I can't recommend this one enough. Emma Hamm has definitely earned another spot on my auto-buy author list.
June 17, 2026
This is a VERY SLOW slow burn ya’ll. This is like 0.5/5 chili peppers on the heat scale which I found to be lowkey sad because you have to read a whole lot to get just about nothing. This couple came across as completely friend-zoning each other the entire time tbh. Like how can they manage to go on a whole ass wilderness journey and there not be a single bit of fun tension?? You’re telling me they almost died in a cave and still no sparks to be had?? But on a side note- cover art? Chef's Kiss!!
Hot Takes
- This book had SO many random side plots. A trip to get the prince, Tindra, bone finding, the ghosts, Rose wandering, building the mind palace, being stuck in a cave fortress of the mountain, bridal games, etc.
- I liked this book so much better than the 2nd one in the series, but still not NEARLY as good as the first book in the series. I’m 100% committed though!
- Rose’s story was so devastating. I really feel like this was written in a way to lighten the feel of her trauma and experience though so you don’t fully grasp how horrific her experience was.
- Ok, I’m sorry, but why is it that she randomly starts to wander once she gets to the Troll Kingdom? That made no sense to me.
- Girl I swear if you randomly walk to the edge of a cliff one more freaking time… How many times can one character reasonably (or unreasonably) stand on the end of a cliff before it starts to get old? I promise you, one cliff scene would be done just fine!
- I know that Rose acknowledges this later, but my gosh was she unbelievably naive in the beginning. To be a street orphan until the age of 18, she really still thought that men don’t take advantage of women. Not realistic at all.
- Gunnar’s relationship with Tindra was lowkey weird. I was getting vibes that he had a crush on her. He seems more than just a “fledgling” if you catch my drift. 🙃
- Gunnar being a bone seeker was virtually pointless because Rose said he didn’t need all the bones to speak to spirits. That plot line could have been left out completely as absolutely nothing came of it at all.
- Magnus was fun, one of my favorite characters so far.
- There’s a character called “Birgir”.. Yes, like a hamburger.
Favorite Quotes
- “No one should enter a marriage as a virgin.” (trolls are so progressive)
- “Sit, and don’t hover, woman. If I die, I die an honorable death.” (oh Gunnar, you truly are a sweetheart.)
- “I have loved you every day for a hundred days, and even more than that. And I will love you until the day I die and beyond, into whatever waits for us.” (romantic asf)
- “He has no use for his manhood if he cannot bring pleasure with it.”
- “You’re not broken, you’re learning how to be safe again.” (very relatable to many of us, sadly.)
Hot Takes
- This book had SO many random side plots. A trip to get the prince, Tindra, bone finding, the ghosts, Rose wandering, building the mind palace, being stuck in a cave fortress of the mountain, bridal games, etc.
- I liked this book so much better than the 2nd one in the series, but still not NEARLY as good as the first book in the series. I’m 100% committed though!
- Rose’s story was so devastating. I really feel like this was written in a way to lighten the feel of her trauma and experience though so you don’t fully grasp how horrific her experience was.
- Ok, I’m sorry, but why is it that she randomly starts to wander once she gets to the Troll Kingdom? That made no sense to me.
- Girl I swear if you randomly walk to the edge of a cliff one more freaking time… How many times can one character reasonably (or unreasonably) stand on the end of a cliff before it starts to get old? I promise you, one cliff scene would be done just fine!
- I know that Rose acknowledges this later, but my gosh was she unbelievably naive in the beginning. To be a street orphan until the age of 18, she really still thought that men don’t take advantage of women. Not realistic at all.
- Gunnar’s relationship with Tindra was lowkey weird. I was getting vibes that he had a crush on her. He seems more than just a “fledgling” if you catch my drift. 🙃
- Gunnar being a bone seeker was virtually pointless because Rose said he didn’t need all the bones to speak to spirits. That plot line could have been left out completely as absolutely nothing came of it at all.
- Magnus was fun, one of my favorite characters so far.
- There’s a character called “Birgir”.. Yes, like a hamburger.
Favorite Quotes
- “No one should enter a marriage as a virgin.” (trolls are so progressive)
- “Sit, and don’t hover, woman. If I die, I die an honorable death.” (oh Gunnar, you truly are a sweetheart.)
- “I have loved you every day for a hundred days, and even more than that. And I will love you until the day I die and beyond, into whatever waits for us.” (romantic asf)
- “He has no use for his manhood if he cannot bring pleasure with it.”
- “You’re not broken, you’re learning how to be safe again.” (very relatable to many of us, sadly.)
July 11, 2026
Emma Hamm could write nursery rhymes and I’d rest them at this point. She knows exactly how to build a beautiful, believable world and characters I can’t help but love.
The trolls, while I love her mermen, are my favorite. I like their history, the care that went into crafting their backgrounds, and don’t get me started on their piercings.
This book, especially, was treated with care. The FMC went through some ✨sh*t✨, while heinous but relatable (unfortunately), and it was never presented uncomfortably. I love Emma for this. This is how much all authors should respect their characters and readers.
Rose’s arc? My favorite. Her power? Perfect. Her relationship? Swoon worthy.
If I could give Emma Hamm and this book a million stars, I would.
The trolls, while I love her mermen, are my favorite. I like their history, the care that went into crafting their backgrounds, and don’t get me started on their piercings.
This book, especially, was treated with care. The FMC went through some ✨sh*t✨, while heinous but relatable (unfortunately), and it was never presented uncomfortably. I love Emma for this. This is how much all authors should respect their characters and readers.
Rose’s arc? My favorite. Her power? Perfect. Her relationship? Swoon worthy.
If I could give Emma Hamm and this book a million stars, I would.
July 25, 2026
How long I've waited for Gunnar and Roses Story!
After meeting them both in the previous books and learning so much about everything Rose must have experienced, I was a little bit afraid how hard it would be to read this book.
But I have to say, that this story and the main characters carried so much trauma and purpose without dismissing it or overstepping boundaries, while simultaneously showing the strength and braveness of surviving and living. This book achieves a balance between showing the feelings and reality of living with trauma and trying to heal and not showing too much of the past and concentrating on the future.
Gunnar was the perfect MMC for a woman like Rose, while she found herself again and going beyond what she thought was possible for herself.
And I love how Rose learns to live again, being a strong, brave and absolutely hilarious person.
I also enjoyed going back in time again and not only learning more about Gunnar, but also what happened between Rose and Gunnar during the first two books, where their connection and Gunnar's dedication to keeping Rose safe was already mentioned.
I loved to learn more about the magic of the mountain and the history of Fae and Trolls. And I am so excited to see more of Magnus in the next book.
After meeting them both in the previous books and learning so much about everything Rose must have experienced, I was a little bit afraid how hard it would be to read this book.
But I have to say, that this story and the main characters carried so much trauma and purpose without dismissing it or overstepping boundaries, while simultaneously showing the strength and braveness of surviving and living. This book achieves a balance between showing the feelings and reality of living with trauma and trying to heal and not showing too much of the past and concentrating on the future.
Gunnar was the perfect MMC for a woman like Rose, while she found herself again and going beyond what she thought was possible for herself.
And I love how Rose learns to live again, being a strong, brave and absolutely hilarious person.
I also enjoyed going back in time again and not only learning more about Gunnar, but also what happened between Rose and Gunnar during the first two books, where their connection and Gunnar's dedication to keeping Rose safe was already mentioned.
I loved to learn more about the magic of the mountain and the history of Fae and Trolls. And I am so excited to see more of Magnus in the next book.
June 9, 2026
I waited for this third book to come out and I was not disappointed. I loved the first book and the sequel was less memorable to me but this one really was my favorite. A super traumatized FMC and a patient, gentle MMC had me giggling to myself and kicking my feet. Their pacing was so good and really felt her healing before jumping into a romance which does not happen a lot in romance books. I loved the world built here and I cant’s wait for Magnus’ story next.
June 17, 2026
the first time im rating a book higher for the plot… not the romance. i liked both characters. ive always liked gunnar, but if i anticipated he would end up with a spunkier girl than rose. not to say rose didnt have personality, but it took a long time coming! gunnar was so playboy-esque and wild that i expected him to have a longer time “taming” him. he seemed to just settle w rose immediately!
i really liked rose’s powers tho… it was so fascinating and so sad :( im sad the next books are not out yet!! i would love a book about torbin!!
i really liked rose’s powers tho… it was so fascinating and so sad :( im sad the next books are not out yet!! i would love a book about torbin!!
June 6, 2026
cozy romance
This was a sweet cozy romance. Gunnar is a troll who rescues Rose from the life of SA and torture by the human king. The king used her as a gift to lend out to others for favor.
This is mostly a journey of healing. It shows how patience and love can help someone work through their trauma. It was nice to see Rose grow, and speak up for herself.
This was a sweet cozy romance. Gunnar is a troll who rescues Rose from the life of SA and torture by the human king. The king used her as a gift to lend out to others for favor.
This is mostly a journey of healing. It shows how patience and love can help someone work through their trauma. It was nice to see Rose grow, and speak up for herself.
June 13, 2026
Emotional slow burn
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: damsel in distress
Angst: 😱😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥
The story I was waiting for and it did not disappoint. Rose had so much to overcome to bring her back to herself, everyone should have a hero that is that patient and supportive. A truly emotional journey. The breadcrumbs for the next book has me waiting with bated breath!
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: damsel in distress
Angst: 😱😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥
The story I was waiting for and it did not disappoint. Rose had so much to overcome to bring her back to herself, everyone should have a hero that is that patient and supportive. A truly emotional journey. The breadcrumbs for the next book has me waiting with bated breath!
June 5, 2026
I devoured A Spark So Bright in a DAY--Rose and Gunnar have my whole heart 🥹 I was so moved by the way they love each other and how Gunner truly sees Rose. I already miss their story and need to read it again!!!
June 16, 2026
This one was cute definitely more on character growth then spice scenes which is really valid and felt true for the characters. I think the odd pacing from the second book was like that to make this book work out. Hopefully characters can breathe a bit, instead of needing to speed run the mission.
Next book is being release in 6 months... I wonder what his dick piercing will be like 🤔
Next book is being release in 6 months... I wonder what his dick piercing will be like 🤔
June 6, 2026
had a GREAT time reading this, i loved the trolls and i really loved the magic this time too !
June 6, 2026
Meh I enjoyed it, then is just got so boring at the end it just dragged I'm hoping for better on the next book
July 11, 2026
Amoooo este mundo y a todos sus personajes!!!!
🥹🤩
I can't wait to read the next book
🥹🤩
I can't wait to read the next book
July 18, 2026
3.5⭐️
June 7, 2026
My first 5 star read of the year and it was worth every second i spent reading this book.
June 12, 2026
Well that hurt
July 4, 2026
Omg this was so good! Seeing Rose come into herself and finally find her power was so satisfying. Gunnar is an absolute gem and I swear he could do no wrong. I love their power and their dynamic so much. Rose is such a BA and I love how Gunnar supports her.
June 7, 2026
unfortunately for the rest of my tbr, I FEEL LIKE I HAVE TASTED PERFECTION — FIVE STARS⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 5, 2026
ARC -review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✨A Spark So Bright by Emma Hamm✨
What’s it about?
-this is the 3rd book in The Kingdom Below -series (definitely would recommend reading the first 2 books before this), and follows Rose (human 🧝🏻♀️) and Gunnar (troll 🧌) who were both introduced in book 1. Rose has had a pretty traumatic life, she’s been trafficked and abused for like a decade but is rescued by Gunnar (this happens already in book 1). Gunnar feels the need to help put Rose back together after her trauma and they develop a deep friendship. The troll King forces Gunnar to take part in the traditional Bridal Games where trolls compete to win the affection of willing brides. Rose realises she might lose his friendship if he finds a mate so she panics and takes part in the games. Gunnar can’t stand the idea of someone else winning her heart so he does everything in his power to make sure Rose chooses him.
My thoughts:
-Wow! This was such an amazing and emotional read. Going into this and knowing what Rose had been through scared me a little but the way Emma handled Rose’s trauma was so well done. But be sure to read your triggers because this is not a light read but it is so worth it! Gunnar’s unwavering commitment and support for Rose was so beautiful, he was so patient with her and the way he loves her just comes through so powerfully. And guys the yearning! Urgh 🤌🏻🥹😮💨 Rose turned out to be a really strong character who managed to build herself up and find her voice again after all she’d been through. She was also funny as hell! The dry sarcastic humour and her deadpan delivery was just on point! 👌🏻
-the world building is excellent - Emma has a way of describing things that made the world around them feel so magical! ✨ We learn more about Trollvegen and its hidden beauties.
-and finally I have to mention the new side character who is introduced: Magnus the prince🤴 he was such a funny and sassy character and I’m sooo excited for his book next!
Thank you so much to Emma for giving me the chance to read this ARC it’s been one of my fave reads of the year 💚
!
June 11, 2026
I just want to start by saying I adored the first two books in this series so I had high hopes for this one!
Unfortunately I am so disappointed, Rose is so unlikeable, yes the trauma she went through was awful but she’s just so dull.
Gunnar is also not what I expected. Brothels really? I really wanted him to be the completely opposite of the men that hurt Rose.
It also feels like they hardly talk to each other unless it’s an uncomfortable situation they’ve been forced in to. I really wanted this book to be about them spending time together and pining for each other instead we just get Rose talking to dead people or anyone that isn’t Gunnar.
Also is it just me or is this one written completely different to the first two? It feels so detached from the plot.
I’m about 84% through and can’t wait for it to be over.
Hoping Magnus’ story is better!
Unfortunately I am so disappointed, Rose is so unlikeable, yes the trauma she went through was awful but she’s just so dull.
Gunnar is also not what I expected. Brothels really? I really wanted him to be the completely opposite of the men that hurt Rose.
It also feels like they hardly talk to each other unless it’s an uncomfortable situation they’ve been forced in to. I really wanted this book to be about them spending time together and pining for each other instead we just get Rose talking to dead people or anyone that isn’t Gunnar.
Also is it just me or is this one written completely different to the first two? It feels so detached from the plot.
I’m about 84% through and can’t wait for it to be over.
Hoping Magnus’ story is better!
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