Gold Glows the Spark

by Angelina J. Steffort

Start a new Alcunaire adventure today...

33 pages, ebook

Published January 1, 2025

About the author

"Chocolate fanatic, milk foam enthusiast and strict fan of the southern sting-ray. Writing is an unexpected career path for me."

Angelina J. Steffort is a bestselling, award-winning Austrian novelist, best known for her Wings series and her Shattered Kingdom series. With over twenty YA and adult fantasy and paranormal romance books under her belt, Angelina is far from done with inventing and exploring new worlds. That might have something to do with her passion for following the narrative of new characters and getting surprised by the twists they spin on her stories. Angelina has multiple educational backgrounds including engineering, business, music, and acting. Currently, Angelina lives in Vienna, Austria, with her husband and her son.

Find Angelina online: linktr.ee/ajsteffort

Subscribe to Angelina's newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/ajs_zon_nl

Reviews

[Jessica Jump · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great prequel to the main story. This starts off the story with Lory and her twin bother Evvan. They live in the slums as “dirt rats”. Without stealing, they wouldn’t live- they would starve to death.
This was fast pace and short- gets you hooked in the story and leaves you wanting more. Can’t wait yo start the main story in Bright Burns the Flame.

[Azra Markham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this prequel!
Such a heartfelt story about Lory and her life prior to the academy. It gives you a deeper understanding of why she is the way she is, what she lost. It builds her character, shows you where and how she grew up, and makes you want to know more about her. Truly loved it!

[Jennifer Rodriguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gets you read for Bright Burns the Flame.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m currently ARC reading Bright Burns the Flame, and this prequel was included by the author. Wow! Gold Glows the Spark was so quick and engaging that I flew through all 33 pages without even realizing I’d reached the end. It delivered just enough to hook me completely and left me desperate to jump straight into Bright Burns the Flame. If this spark is any indication, I’m fully ready for the fire 🔥

[Beth DeLong · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick, fast-paced read that sets the stage well for Bright Burns The Flame. I actually got two chapters into BBTF before realizing I have this prequel. 😅 But already this helps answer some questions and starts the world-building.

Read it in about a half hour.

[Carmen Parks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This quick prequel novella to Bright Burns the Flame perfectly sets the stage for what’s to come next. Short but impactful, it delivers just enough intrigue, emotion, and tension to pull you fully into the world while leaving you hungry for more. Lory and her brother Evvan are living a hard life on the streets of a dessert town and she is willing to do anything for their survival, even if that means fighting the members of the Royal Guard or the gang members from the Gargoyles. This novella offers readers a deeper glimpse into the characters and the underlying conflicts that will shape the story that will unfold in the remainder of the series. I especially appreciated how seamlessly this prequel builds anticipation. It doesn’t try to do too much, but instead focuses on laying meaningful groundwork for the series. Overall, this is a strong and engaging prequel that makes me ready to jump into the next book to see what lies ahead for Lory. If you love atmospheric storytelling with emotional tension and a touch of intrigue, this is definitely worth the read as it sets the stage for Bright Burns the Flame 🔥

[Tyleia | Coffee & Lit Shelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Angelina J. Steffort for providing an advance copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rating: 5/5

This short sequel was incredibly sad and gripping in the best way. It adds so much emotional weight to the story by focusing on the FMC and her twin brother, and it truly sets the stage for everything that comes next. Reading this gave me a much deeper understanding of the FMC and her choices, reactions, and the person she becomes.

Final Rating Thoughts:
This was a heartbreaking but necessary read that really paved the way for Bright Burns the Flame. It adds important context and makes the FMC’s personality and actions hit so much harder in the main story. Short, impactful, and absolutely worth reading before starting the first book!

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This prequel gets a 4.5 stars from me. It starts off talking bout how our MFC is trying to do anything she can to survive and keep her brother alive, which means she has to steal. It talks about her quest to get the "coin" she has stollen back and her run-in with the Gargoyles...... The ending doesn't leave much to knowing what happens next so make sure you have Bright Burns the Flames ready to go as you will want answers.

[Sam Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic prequel. It hooked me in straight away and really set the scene for the up coming Bright Burns the Flame. Loved it - short, beautifully written and packed enough punch to leave you wanting much,much more. Lory is a fantastic character and I can't wait to see where her story goes.

[Sweetpea4me · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a prequel to get you affiliated to the world of Alcunaire in Bright Burns the Flame. In such so little pages, you actually learn a lot. Looking forward to learning about Lory, the military academy she attends, and the secrets she harbors.I hear there's a love interest too. This sets us up for themes of fate, war, and forbidden power.

[Arianna Michele Ramsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick and gripping introduction to this series! Struggle and sacrifice collide while Lory and her brother Evven are trying to live in poverty. Stealing from the rich so they can fill their bellies. But one target creates a devastating domino effect for the siblings.

I can not wait to dive into book one after reading this quick prequel! So excited to see the world Angelina builds!!

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just enough to make me NEED more! Lory is tough, protective of her twin and very clearly a survivor. This is a prequel novella to Bright Burns the Flame and I can’t wait to see where this story takes us.

[Agal Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this it was a good quick read that I would recommend if you're reading the series!

[Sky · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short prequel introducing Lory Vendis and a time before the main story begins. Read more of her story in Bright Burns the Flame.

Quick read, great to get you into the story.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect segway to Bright Burns the Flame

[Laura Braley · Rating 5 out of 5]

So excited to read this series after reading this little prequel!

Angelina J. Steffort makes world building seem effortless, even with so few words found here.

[Ashley Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good little novella to understand the beginnings of Lory’s story. Picking up the next book now and excited to see where things go!

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short prequel that shows a little of what it was like for Lory growing up on the streets.

[Kim Blevins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The short prequel to Bright Burns the Flame provides more background on Lory's story. I am looking forward to an exciting new series.

[Ralph James Delaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great start to get you ready for BBTF. Fast-paced and gets you introduced to the setting