| Title | : | A Promise of Fire (Kingmaker Chronicles, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1728251133 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781728251134 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 445 |
| Publication | : | First published August 2, 2016 |
| Awards | : | Goodreads Choice Award Debut Goodreads Author (2016), RUSA CODES Reading List Romance (2017) |
Cat Fisa isn't who she pretends to be. She's perfectly content disguised as a soothsayer in a traveling circus, avoiding the destiny the Gods—and her dangerous family—have saddled her with. As far as she's concerned, the magic humming within her blood can live and die with her. She won't be anyone’s pawn.
But then she locks eyes with an ambitious warlord from the magic-deprived south and her illusion of safety is shattered forever.
Griffin knows Cat is the Kingmaker—the woman able to divine truth through lies—and he wants her to be a powerful weapon for his newly conquered realm. Kidnapping her off the street is simple enough, but keeping her by his side is infuriatingly tough. Cat fights him at every turn, showing a ferocity of spirit that burns hot...and leaves him desperate for more. But can he ever hope to prove to his once-captive that he wants her there by his side as his equal, his companion—and maybe someday, his Queen?
Discover the white-hot fantasy willing to break all the rules.
A Promise of Fire (Kingmaker Chronicles, #1) Reviews
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***This book and the next in the series are only $0.62 on amazon US right now, people!***
Solid Start.
This was a great start to what I hope will be a super decent trilogy.
This is my first (I think) Amanda Bouchet and I was really impressed, actually. The world building was well done and she managed to get it done without the usual first book info dump.
I really like the female MC, Cat, although she does whine a lot and I sometimes wanted to punch her right in her cantankerous mouth. I am a sucker for super powers and/or magic of any kind though, so I'll let it slide.
I also enjoyed all the Greek Mythology integrated into the story, although I'm not sure how accurate it all is...does Hades really cheat on Persephone? (Ana?) Also, a few other details seem a little hazy in this regard, but I am willing to suspend my misgivings for the sake of the story in this case.
I really need to brush up on my Greek mythology though, yo. I used to know this shit, but apparently the brain only has so much room and I've simply read too much smut.
Anyway, looking forward to book two.
Hope my library has it too since it had this one!
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“Everyone's an enemy.”
Sweet and scorching romance. Greek mythology. Politics. Magic. Gods and monsters. Adventure.
Dragons.
Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner!
“There's one of you every two hundred years. Kingdoms rise and fall for you. Because of you.”
That's the burden of being a Kingmaker, the woman who divines the truth through falsehood. Cat is hiding from her family and the ones who want to use her (including aforementioned, murderous family) for years, until she crosses paths with a stubborn warlord, who conquered a kingdom only a few months ago and he, well, abducts her. Griffin, also known to the world as Beta Sinta, wants to secure his family's rule by getting the mages to co-operate with him, and Cat's powers are exactly what he needs. But things are not as simple as they seem, and when mercenaries and monsters start to hunt them, when the outbreak of war is inevitable, when Gods intervene and Cat's past threatens to tear her life apart, she starts to realize that there are people who care about her and want to protect her, but the price might be too great.“When Gods dabble in the affairs of men, anything can happen.”
A Promise of Fire was a delight! I started it with low expectations, but
Amanda Bouchet's story captured my attention from the first page to the last! It was a whirlwind of action and magic, and Amanda mixed the fantasy element with the romance in a unique way, that satisfied both the hopeless romantic and the fantasy addict in me! I inhaled every page and it took tremendous willpower to put it down and return to boring, real life stuff like sleeping and eating. It was simple, pure pleasure!
I have to commend
Amanda Bouchet for the way she handled all things greek. The vocabulary (the ancient language of Gods), the mythology, the names, even the dishes (oh boy I haven't eaten moussaka in ages, I'm drooling right now)! She crafted a world based on ancient Greece but she added her own touch, with the tribes and their traditions, the power-hungry monarchs and the divided kingdoms, it was such a fascinating world you couldn't help but be a part of it!
And I also liked the vibrant, colourful characters! The Beta Team? Squad goals! Griffin, Kato, Flynn, Carver and Cat, they were a warm, loud family! I loved their bickerings and their affection, and I admired the guys for tolerating Cat's insults and constant grumpiness! Cat was a badass heroine, stubborn and loyal, but she could be really short-tempered and childish, meaning she kept punching people just because she felt like it. I understand though that given her backround, these reactions were normal to her, since she didn't want friends and people to trust! Her inner monologues were very entertaining, and her sass left me snickering!“Now that that's settled, you're coming with me."
"Never in a billion suns. Not even if Zeus showed up as a swan and tried to peck me in your direction. I wouldn't go with you even if my other option was Hades dragging me to the Underworld for an eternal threesome with Persephone.”
I actually liked that Cat kept reminding Griffin that he kidnapped her, even when she followed him on her own will. Of course, that didn't stop me for falling for this gorgeous, confident, calculative, strong warrior who resulted in violence when he had to but his soul was kind and who wanted to make a difference and help his people. There was so much sexual tension between him and Cat, and they had some incredibly sizzling scenes that left me flushed and unable to breathe, but what I enjoyed even more in their relationship was the tenderness, the sacrifices and the way it built into something meaningful and deep and warm.“You're my life now. We'll live together, or die trying.”
I really, really don't know how I'm going to wait for the sequel.
**My initial rating was 4 stars, but, since I can't get this book out of my head, I decided to upgrade it to 5!**
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I ADORED this book's concept !! Hot romance, Greek mythology, magic, adventure, gods and monsters!
Cat is hiding from her past *which includes murderous family* until she crosses paths with a stubborn warlord who just conquered a kingdom and then kinda sorta abducts her...
“He’s from the south of Sinta, where muscle and cunning decide who lives or dies. Our paths would never have crossed in the past, and warlords don’t usually frequent the circus.”
Meet our two characters from different countries, with different cultures, histories, and beliefs. *Fight, fight, fight, kiss, kiss, kiss*
Griffen wants to help his family's rule by getting mages to help him and Cat's*known* powers as a Kingmaker is very useful to him. But not all is what it seems in this chaotic world: mercenaries and monsters begin to ruthlessly hunt them.
With war on the horizon, Gods intervene and Cat's past threatens to tear her apart then she realizes she has begun to care about people but there is always a price. The bill be paid."When Gods dabble in the affairs of men, anything can happen."
I loved this world created on ancient Greece but with an added touch of tribes and traditions, power hungry monarchs, and divided kingdoms. I mean come on! I was basically inhaling every page and event and it took all my willpower to put it down and return to stupid real life
“I hurl the Cerberus figurine at Sybaris’s head, praying to Poseidon, Hades, and anyone else who might be listening that something useful will happen.”
I loved the vibrant characters: Beta Team was literally Squad Goals. Griffen, Kato, Flynn, Carver, then later Cat. The bickering, the affection, the bantering, just amazing!
“What are you doing?” The warlord sits again, resting his sword across his lap.
“The Gods might punish your gargantuan ego, O Scary One. I’m trying to avoid the lightning bolts.”
Cat was a badass heroine
Who grew up constantly overanalyzing every move, expecting a fight at every corner.“People talk about fight or flight? That's nonsense. It's fight and flight.”
She tried to avoid complications or really any attachments because feelings only get you killed. She was stubborn but fiercely loyal to the few she deemed worthy enough. She would fight to the death for her loved ones no matter what“Have I cheated death again? Hades must be allergic to me.”
Her inner monologues were hilarious and the sass! Oh gods.“I try to smile back but feel my expression twist into a dash of murderous, a pinch of maniacal, and a sprinkle of watch your back. Oops.”
Her all powerful nature is overcome with some stupid piece of rope. I know right?“Her sculpted lips purse. “Help me understand a ‘sort of’ abduction,” Selena says, pouring me a cup of water. "Well, it sounds stupid when you say it like that."
Its later laughed upon because of how stupid powerful she is and how stupid easy it was to capture her. And honestly the whole time I was rooting with Cat like yah fuck that guy who thinks he can just kidnap you and use you however her wants.
But after a while even her stubborn nature understands that she has a part to play in the upcoming events and after running for so long it took an intense warlord to get her to see she can't keep running from things.
While Griffen kidnapped her, she later choses to follow him of her own will.. I agree that's a pretty thin-fucking-veiled under duress
Griffen is gorgeous, confident, calculative, and a strong warrior who was violent when he needs to but a kind soul who wants to help people.
After facing, Oracles, Gods, monsters, and general bad guys they actualyl begin to trust each other.“What’s your horse’s name? All this time, and I never thought to ask.”
“Horse.”
I roll my eyes. “That’s original.”
“Brown Horse,” he amends.”
Theres some funny moments with his dry, barbaric humor. They learn to tolerate I mean trust each other. It wasn't insta-love or anything but an actual relationship with tenderness, sacrifices, and the way it builds into something meaningful and deep."You're my life now. We'll live together, or die trying."
*swoon*
Griffen's family was so hilarious naive . They were all about helping others, the kind of people you wish were in the power but are rarely strong enough to keep it
Which is why they need ol' ruff and tuff Griffen and sassy Cat to keep it together��What were you doing there?” She sounds genuinely interested, and a little awed.
“Mostly getting tortured,” I answer. “Loads of fun.”
It was just an epic journey that you just had to be a part of! What was amazing was how each character started out with unique cool perspectives but you also begin to see changes in them over the journey and how they each became friends.
I HATE IT WHEN A HUGE EPIC EVENT HAPPENS AND AFTERWARDS THE CHARACTERS DON'T CHANGE AT ALL LIKE ~OH YUP SAME SHIT AS ALWAYS~
Character development people! ....and don't even get me started on the BIG secret Cat is keeping from Griffen and like dude heads are gonna roll, LITERARILY!
Have I mentioned how much I can't wait to read the sequel.
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ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Oh my god!!!! This book...this book!!! I just can't form the words to describe how amazing and fantastic this story is! I have to have the second book,
Breath of Fire (Kingmaker Chronicles #2), ASAP! Like, I'm in serious withdrawal and that's not good! Nope, not at all! Something like that has never ever happend before. I recently watched
Jesse's vlog and I feel just like him in that video. So judging by that, there are some tough times before me. Like half a year tough times, since the next book doesn't come out till January 2017 and the final book in this trilogy comes out in March 2017, according to
Book Depository pre-order. I'm telling you, I'm going to be in agony, waiting, crying and hoping for the book to release sooner.
But let's get back to the actual plot. It's just brilliantly done! I loved every second of it and now I obviously want more! There word the author build up is so amazing. You have magic, you have wars, you have historical times and you also have this wonderful journey that you simply have to be part of. I admit that I had this book for a while befire a actually started reading it and what a huge mistake that was! Once I started I couldn't stop! It was like in invisible force that just drew me in and kept me there till it was finished with me.
This book is made for fans that like to read fantasy/romance books! It has some adult scenes in it but if you take that out, you have a fantastic YA fantasy book and I would bet fans of
Sarah J. Maas and
Laini Taylor will love this story! It's seriously that good!
Aside from the amazing world, I loved all the characters. No joke! I honestly loved all of them, even the bad guys. Of course Griffin and Cat stole my heart first but the others weren't far behind. Each character has so much personality and that made the story so much more enjoyable. I also love to see the changes in them over the flow of their journey and how they in the end became friends (most of them). And don't even get me started on the plot twists and the BIG secret Cat is keeping from Griffin. I can't wait to see how that plays out! And Cat's mother! I bet that once she makes her appearance heads are going to roll, literally! Oh man, did I mention I can't wait to read the sequel?
There is so much going on!!! And my personal favourite, when do we get to see Hades? I know there's something else going on with him and Cat and I can't wait to find out just what exactly that is! This book is such an adventure! It's the world of magic, war and love and we all know that when it comes to those things, there are no rules to be broken! Only the strong and cunning shal survive!
Gaaaah, I need the sequel NOW!!! Seriously folks, READ THE BOOK!!! You won't regret it!
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Reviewed by:
Rabid Reads
2.5 stars
This book . . . *shakes head*
I received an ARC of A PROMISE OF FIRE early in the year, and I was excited about it too, b/c fantasy romance, I love it. And it's rare. So new author, new series, hell yes, I will board that train.
Then I started reading it.
Two things:
1. First person, present tense. Which I HATE. It's my least favorite perspective to read from.
2. Poseidon. What in the Sam Hill is Poseidon doing in a fantasy world, I ask you? Hmm??
The second is admittedly one of my weird quirks that probably won't bother the rest of you, but it irks the fire out of me when real world people or religions (or, you know, other stuff) show up in high fantasy and/or make believe worlds. You can have Middle Earth or you can have Hinduism, and never the twain shall meet. #jessicasrules
Borrowing a real world religion is the tactic of a lazy author to avoid creating her own. Also, it breaks continuity.
Long story short, I DNF-ed it at probably less than 5% and hadn't thought about it since . . . Until the Best Books of 2016 lists start coming out, and it's on like four of them.
So I'm like . . . Okaaaaay . . . Did I give up too soon, or is the majority cray?
It's somewhere in the middle, I think.
But it's complicated.
Bouchet has created in her heroine, a womanchild who is occasionally hilarious, frequently courageous, and repeatedly irritating--Cat is as stubborn as she is inconstant.
Think about that for a second. Stubborn . . . yet inconstant.
If I'd encountered that description pre-Cat, I'd have been at a loss to imagine what it looks like. BUT. This is post-Cat, so it's not a problem.
Observe:
Context: I'LL NEVER TELL!!
Three pages later:
Context: I will tell you ALL THE THINGS! B/c ANGRY! Even though it's dangerous for me to do so! *hiss* *spit*
This happens A LOT.
Unsurprisingly, the source of much of Cat's inconsistency is her immaturity. By the midway point, Griffin (who is NOT a manboy, no siree, he is all MAN), has kissed her either two or three times, and each time she's swooned, until she "comes to her senses," which entails violence in the form or hitting or kicking, followed by angry exclamations of "Yuck!" or "Gross!"
Don't believe me?
And that's only the beginning of Cat's juvenile behavior.
The trouble is that she's also entertaining as hell. And the plot, once I got past the presence of the Greek pantheon, is equally entertaining.
That being said, no one will be surprised that this is Bouchet's first novel. Her non-magic population is called the "Hoi Polloi." YES, as in the unwashed masses, and she needs to embrace her genre for what it is--when someone narrows their eyes, it is not an "ocular threat" (*rolls eyes*). BUT. She shows clear promise, and I'm interested to see where the next installment takes us.
SO. Not really comfortable making a recommendation just yet . . . Do what you will. *shrugs awkwardly*
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NOTES FOR SAFETY GANG AT THE BOTTOM OF MY REVIEW
Safe book!
Henry Cavill as Griffin
Another New adult fantasy that is advertised as such! And to make it even better it's well- written and at least for this first installment is safe (MEANING: no cheating NO KISSES OR SEXUAL ACTIVITY WITH OTHER PARTNERS) Not only that, it's WELL-EDITED, (no overuse of any word here, no filler, no repetitive annoying stuff) and the EROTIC SCENES NEVER TAKE A CENTRAL PLACE, THERE'S STILL A PLOT! And that plot is perfectly woven with a well-researched greek mythology and some very steamy sexy scenes.
So I'm really happy I discovered this author. Honest author! Honest publishers! HONEST MARKETING! Quality content! That's so hard to find these days.
Yes, this book is what its blurb and cover promise to be. No misleading potential book buyers here. No wonder the same bloggers and reviewers who always praise the books from that publisher (which will not be named) who sells books with fifty shades of grey content to 12 YO children have given this one a not so stellar rating.
Oh yes, for this ADULT/NEW ADULT book advertised and promoted as such there are at least a couple of top reviews in Goodreads with triggers warnings for sexual content and violence . Those same warnings are lacking in reviews of books from the big publishing houses. Funny because other than a little bit of Stockholm syndrome which is something we can infer from the blurb and a very ALPHA HERO, posessive and deliciously brutal, I found nothing abusive. At least not as abusive or problematic as series as the royals and A court of thorns and roses which are sold to Young kids despite the age of the characters and the erotic content with no warning. The heroine Cat is really on equal terms in terms of power and rank than the hero. She's smart and stands up for herself all the time. He's very dominant but she's fierce. There's sexual content, but it's marketed for adults so I see no problem there. I'm all for steamy content(even in young adult books) as long as it's advertised and marketed as such. IF YOU'RE GOING TO SELL A BOOK TO UNDERAGE READERS THEN ADD A NOTE THAT THERE'S EROTIC CONTENT TO YOUR COVER. BUYERS DESERVE TO KNOW WHAT THEY'RE PAYING FOR Clearly this book comes from a smaller, imprint with less resources than some other publishing houses to pay for false advertising. Yet this book has higher quality! And less of the problematic issues (like abusive relationships, cheating, OW, OM, pro-rape culture messages, racism, among others) that make me afraid of grabbing over hyped books without reading my friends honest opinion first.
This review might become a rant later because there's so much to discuss about this book and I need to cool down before writing my ideas. I just have to tell you that I love the secondary characters; Kato, Carver, Flynn they're handsome, funny and I need more of them. The worldbuilding is great, the greek mythology, the pace, the plot, everything works well to make A promise of fire an enjoyable, sexy read. Overall a winner for me!
I'm trying to find safety info on the sequels and can't find it yet so I might not start the rest of the series for now. I recently read a new adult fantasy novella that ruined one of my all time favourite OTP's so I'm a little bit afraid of reading the others books of this series, but I might take a chance on the other books if they are safe.
SAFETY INFO
No Cheating
No OW after meeting
No OM after meeting
A little bit of age difference (H is in his early 30's h is 23)
Mistmatched sexual pasts.
Bareback sex but -
It seems like the Gods want Cat and Griffin to heal the world.
I’m buzzing. Yep, I found one of those books. A Promise of Fire Is the type of books where all the stars align for me. The cover caught my eye and for the first time in a wee while, it wasn’t because of abs of steel, the intense eyes of a very HOT guy or an Alpha looking guy who looks tough and bossy. This cover attracted me because the heroine, cover model, looks kick-arse. I saw the cover and almost instantly had thought of a character like Lara Croft, Tomb Raider. Now, I’m the extreme opposite in real life to a person like this, but who doesn’t wish they could kinda hold their own in an intense battle. Then, I read the blurb and I was definitely sucked into the want, need and desire to be part of this story. So, I took the plunge and reached for A Promise of Fire.
The story starts with us meeting a very hot (literally) Cat. She is part of a Circus and has been for years. The performers took her under their wing when she turned up nearly dead. They don’t know her story, history or how a 15-year-old ended up emaciated, dirty and with blister all over her feet but they care and protect her as well as they can. Cat has felt safe there but she has always been on her guard. She hides her identity and the abilities she was born with. Her mother, the demented freakazoid, wants her back and will do ANYTHING to find her and keep her…trapped tortured and begging. Just like her childhood. Cat will do anything to protect her new family…even walk away from them…tied to what she thinks is an enemy.
Griffin, also known as Beta Sinta, has been watching Cat for some time now. He knows there is something special about her and wants her intensely. He will use whatever means to get her to come with him and his Beta Team even if it involves kidnapping and tying her to himself day and night. Now that he has her in his grasp he knows she’s even more special than what he thought. The only slight problem is that she absolutely HATES HIM!! He’s a very determined man, and he’s certainly not going to let that be a barrier between them.
I honestly don’t want to give too much away. The ride is intense and gripping and at times I couldn’t read fast enough or flick the pages quick enough. A Promise of Fire is one of those books where you know you should be getting ready to…go to work, feed your kids, have a shower or sleep, but you push the world back for just one more word. The kids won’t starve and I’ll sleep when I’m dead.
I could take away a half star because the beginning world-building was a little confusing and hard to follow, but I find with most first books in a series that it doesn’t take long to catch up. A Promise of Fire gives you a lot of information to consider and take in and I know there is a lot more that hasn’t even been covered in this first instalment. So that half-star went back on because really, in the end, I know that all the puzzles pieces have yet to be laid out. I’m patient, I’ll wait with bated breath for more.
A Promise of Fire is full of action, adventure, schemes, deceptions and wars. Dragons, giants and scary creatures are used to fight wars. Magic is everywhere and the more magic you hold either in yourself or with the allies you have, the stronger the force you are. There is an intense attraction between Cat and Griffin that jumps off the pages. Cat is fighting it with everything she has, knowing that all those she loves are in danger for knowing her. Griffin will do everything and anything to protect Cat and show her the love he feels for her. I love it when the hero knows what he wants and fights to have it. No giving up from Griffin. At worst, Griffin walks away to start the battle against Cat’s defences another day.
If you love a good fantasy romance A Promise of Fire is definitely worth checking out. I absolutely LOVED it!!
Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
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So, our heroine is trying to avoid her fate and a prophecy, so she joins the circus. Until a group of guys kidnap her and tie her up in a magic rope that she can't escape from, even though she is apparently the most powerful being ever. You might even call her "special".
This comic is right, our heroine, Cat, is a big old baby. She throws temper tantrums, hits when she's angry, freaks out over everything, thinks she is the center of the universe, and even wipes her mouth and says "eww, gross" when her love-interest kisses her.
It's truly hard to like her. I just wanted to yell "Grow up!" at her throughout the book.
On the other hand, her "love interest" is a complete alpha asshole. He kidnaps her and then wonders why she doesn't like him and why she isn't happy with this arrangement. He ties her to him and won't even give her the privacy of using the bathroom (bushes) without him. (But, don't worry, there is a handy deus ex machina power that she has to make sure it works out fine.) He is constantly man-handling her and threatening her, along with leering and being sexually aggressive towards her. It's totally creepy, but lo and behold, she gets a fast case of Stockholm Syndrome going so she likes him back. Of course, if she somehow wasn't attracted to her kidnapper, this would be a totally different story. But, it all works out because it's sexy when a guy abuses you and threatens to kill everyone you love if you leave him.
I can tell you really love me when you kill anyone else I would want to spend time with. You want me all to yourself! *sigh*
The story is set in world with the Greek Gods in charge, a bunch of kingdoms, and a population mixed with magical and non-magical people. Cat is called a Kingmaker because she can detect lies and then hears the truth when they speak one. So, she is helpful in the politics game. Lies burn her on the inside, like a stun-gun or something. I won't make a joke about her being liquefied if she ever visited Congress, or something like that . Too obvious.
The hero, Griffin, and his family just took over a kingdom and they don't have magic. They need her to help them hold their power. And, shock of shocks, they want to help the people and shit. They are actually noble and good. WTH? Noble and good in politics?
Of course, they have no problem kidnapping a young woman, taking her from her job and friends, threatening to kill them if she leaves, and using her for her power..... Yet, strangely, these things are never really addressed. Everyone acts like she should be happy to be forced into their service.
Maybe they aren't so noble and good after all.
Ah, much better...
Still, in spite of those things, once I got on board with this being a kidnapper-to-lover story, I did like it. I still wanted to strangle Cat many times and tell her to grow up and tell the truth for a change, but I enjoyed the story anyway. I'm on to the next one. -
3.75 stars
I’ve had this on my kindle for awhile now and I was finally in the mood to sign up for a fantasy trilogy. (Going from a reading slump right into the deep end - each book is pretty lengthy).
Initially I loved it! I mean, we got a badass heroine (she’s more powerful than the male lead), a mythology inspired fantasy world (if anyone knows me, I’m a huge, huge fan of mythology) and last but not least, a very sweet, slow burn romance. Oh and the side characters (Flynn, Carver and Kato - myeah loved those too).
Now, there’s not much to say without being spoilery, but we follow a not so novel plot-line of the prophesied one (Cat), discovering her powers, learning more about her destiny, making friends along the way (with the obviously hot and funny sidekicks that follow the male MC, Griffin), getting down and dirty with the intense and strong hero and being a reckless smartass most of the time.
This formula worked. I mean, you don’t always need innovative ideas and twists in order to make a solid story. This was a good example of that.
Now, as to the reason why I didn’t rate this higher..
It was missing something. I didn’t get all those emotions I was supposed to get. The story wasn’t exactly predictable but it wasn’t unpredictable either. And the dangers they faced, the trials they went through.. I was never holding my breath.. I guess it lacked that “edge of your seat, what’s gonna happen next” kind of vibe.
(I’ve already finished book 2 by the time I’ve written this and I gotta say it only gets worse. The complaints I had for this one are amplified in the next one) -
GIVEAWAY
Win a paperback copy of A Promise of Fire and a signed bookplate! Ends 01/25.
***
Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet
Book One of the Kingmaker Chronicles
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publication Date: August 2, 2016
Rating: 5 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley
***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***
Summary (from Goodreads):
Catalia "Cat" Fisa is a powerful clairvoyant known as the Kingmaker. This smart-mouthed soothsayer has no interest in her powers and would much rather fly under the radar, far from the clutches of her homicidal mother. But when an ambitious warlord captures her, she may not have a choice…
Griffin is intent on bringing peace to his newly conquered realm in the magic-deprived south. When he discovers Cat is the Kingmaker, he abducts her. But Cat will do everything in her power to avoid her dangerous destiny and battle her captor at every turn. Although up for the battle, Griffin would prefer for Cat to help his people willingly, and he's ready to do whatever it takes to coax her…even if that means falling in love with her.
What I Liked:
OH MY GOODNESS HOW I LOVED THIS BOOK! I had a feeling I would enjoy it, but I really really liked it. This is EXACTLY my type of romance novel! Fantasy romance is definitely a favorite of mine, and I'm really excited that Sourcebooks Casablanca's first fantasy romance novel was a real hit for me.
Cat has been part of the circus for months, as a soothsayer. She's actually really powerful, able to discern lie from truth, to turn in invisible, and numerous other things, but she is hiding in the circus. Until one day, a warlord finds her, figures out what she is (the Kingmaker), and abducts her. Cat fights him at every turn, even if she's starting to feel some kinship towards the other three warriors with the warlord. Even if she's starting to feel the stirrings of powerful attraction between her and the warlord. Beta Sinta - or Griffin - may need her as the Kingmaker, but he isn't her enemy. Cat realizes that the Sintans are not as cruel as they seem, but Griffin is as stubborn as she is.
Gosh I loved this book. It's been so long since I've read a good fantasy romance. If you like this one, try The Winter King by C.L. Wilson. Or if you liked The Winter King, try this book. Both books have AMAZING hate-to-love romances, between two very powerful people.
The tone of this book is hilarious! The book is written in first-person, solely via Cat's perspective. Nope, we never get in Griffin's head. Cat's voice is so fun! She is funny, stubborn, spitfire-y, honest, and refreshing. She's extremely clever and strategic, and she's powerful. She wields her magic well.
Griffin is a warlord - specifically, Beta Sinta. Beta meaning second, and Sinta being where he is from. The Sintans have recently dominated lots of territory. So Griffin - Beta Sinta - is the second in commend, after his sister, Alpha Sinta. Griffin is equally as stubborn as Cat, equally as intelligent, very fierce and protective and SUCH an alpha. I wish I had my own Griffin. He's very dominant and likes being in control... too bad Cat is basically a female version of him. He is a fiiiiine specimen, that's for sure. I have a visual image of him in my head and holy guacamole! *fans self more*
They are seriously perfect together! Their relationship starts out really hostilely - as one would expect, since Griffin kidnaps Cat. He needs her to help his sister (Alpha Sinta), because the newly crowned Sinta royal family are not experienced in ruling. They used to be a warlord family. Cat and Griffin have so much animosity and tension between them! Cat is constantly spitting fire at him (figuratively speaking), and defying him, and punching him. Griffin is constantly ordering her around and keeping her close to him. And yet, both of them instinctively act to protect each other, in dangerous situations along the way to Sinta City. This "hate" thing and banter go on for more than half the book, which was SO fun. Hate-to-love romances are my favorite!
I can't remember when they share their first kiss but *fans self*. Whew! Griffin initiated that, and Cat turned invisible for several days after that kiss (she was embarrassed). There are so many subtly steamy scenes before any kissing happens, which is really well done by the author. There is lots of kissing in the second half of the book. The sex doesn't come until three-fourths of the book, maybe a little after, but the author definitely knows how to right some steamy scenes, and ramp up the intensity. So much tension!
I like how complex the authors makes the characters. Cat has a complicated history, one that Griffin is not fully aware of. Cat's mother is actually insanely and heartless. We don't get all the information about Cat's past all at once. I like how there is a slow reveal, gradually happening throughout the story. Everything is not revealed to Griffin by the end of the story, so I hope the author will address this in future books.
This book is an awesome fantasy book! The world-building is so well-written, in my opinion. Initially, I thought it was set in a contemporary world with some fantasy elements, but nope. Purely fantasy world, totally created and very well crafted. There are Greek mythology references left and right, and there is a dragon!
Girl power is strong in this book. Cat is physically tough, but mentally and emotionally so as well. She isn't always emotionally tough - she has to work through some heavy stuff, especially before she lets Griffin in. I liked seeing Cat's progression in development.
I can't imagine not having convinced anyone of my love for this book by now! I am so pleased with this story and I can't wait to read the next book. Initially I was concerned about how the ending felt incomplete, BUT I learned from the author herself that this series is NOT a companion series (which is typical of romance series), and will continue to follow Griffin and Cat over the next two books. While this book did not end with a cliffhanger, I do have questions and it looks like they will be answered in the two future books. Hurray!
What I Did Not Like:
Originally, when I wrote this review, I mentioned how the ending felt incomplete, because I was expecting a showdown between Cat and her mother, and between Cat and Griffin (when Griffin finds out certain things about Cat). But, the author said that the series will continue Cat and Griffin's story, so the ending is no longer a complaint of mine!
Would I Recommend It:
I HIGHLY recommend this book. If you read adult romance novels, do yourself a favor and do NOT miss this book. Do it for Griffin! Sexy warlord! The banter! The hate-to-love dreaminess! The conflict, the overarching plot, the strong characters. And how about that kickbutt cover? So much to love!
Rating:
4.5 stars -> rounded up to 5 stars. This is easily a new favorite romance novel! If I compare it to The Winter King by C.L. Wilson, then you KNOW it must be good (I am so in love with The Winter King! And now, A Promise of Fire). I cannot wait to read the next book in this series! -
"When Gods dabble in the affairs of men, anything can happen."
✅ Badass and strong main character
✅ Great secondary characters
✅ Funny banter
✅ A lot of action
✅ Gods and Greek mythology
✅ Captive/captor / Hate-to-love
✅ Interesting world-building
✅ Magic
✅ Found family
❗️❗️ Trigger warmings: child abuse (flashbacks)
Wow! It is still as good, even after reading it for the third time! Greek mythology, sarcastic and strong heroine, action and adventure, magic, sexual tension, hate-to-love, what's not to like?
What a great start for this series! It was my first time reading Amanda Bouchet and I was very pleasantly surprised. There is a lot of action, but the pace is not too fast. The characters are funny, lovely, and sassy... We cannot help but love them.
This story takes place in a world where Olympian Gods are present. There are a lot of references to Zeus, Hades, Poseidon, and other Greek mythology bits. It was a little hard at first to understand the different countries (Fisa, Sinta, and Tarva), the differences between the Magoi and Hoi Polloi, and the current political situation, but everything got clearer after a few chapters.
Long story short, Cat has special powers, she can tell when someone is lying and because of that, she is kidnapped by a warlord who needs a strong Magoi (magician) ally to help his sister stay on the throne. Needless to say that she is far from happy with the whole kidnapping situation, and she makes sure that everyone knows it.“Now that that’s settled, you’re coming with me.”
I snort, stepping back. “Never in a billion suns. Not even if Zeus showed up as a swan and tried to peck me in your direction. I wouldn’t go with you even if my other option was Hades dragging me to the Underworld for an eternal threesome with Persephone.”
The warlord pierces me with a hard stare. “We can do this the easy way, or the hard way.”
“Or no way,” I retort.
Cat is a great main character, sometimes a little whiny maybe (but it is kind of funny at the same time), but her dark past, kick-ass powers, and sarcastic attitude made me love her almost instantly. She is hiding from her past (and her murderous family) and all is well for her until she crosses paths with Griffin and got herself kidnapped (and here begins the hate-to-love). Cat grew up in a quite dysfunctional family and is used to overanalyzing everything and everyone to find potential threats. I like how she is stubborn and tries not to get attached to anyone because she knows that she will most probably die soon, but at the same time she is fiercely loyal to the people that she came to love despite her efforts to remain isolated (but still keeps her snarky attitude).Egeria smiles warmly. “Where did you learn court etiquette, Cat?”
“In Castle Fisa.”
“What were you doing there?” She sounds genuinely interested, and a little awed.
“Mostly getting tortured,” I answer. “Loads of fun.”
Griffin and his team are funny and very loyal, and I got attached to them quite quickly. The relationships between the characters evolve at a nice pace. We kind of know that there will be romance, but it is slow and the feelings are mixed for the first half of the book. Cat does not instantly fall in love with the handsome guy who just kidnapped her. It takes time and it creates a palpable (sexual) tension between the two characters. The sarcasm and banter between Cat and the members of the Beta-team are perfect. 👌Griffin erupts into the room, filling the entire doorway.
"What are you doing here?" He looks me up and down, his tone a mix of disgruntlement and accusation. Heat floods me at the sight of him. Irritation overrides it.
"I was having fun ten seconds ago. Now I'm annoyed."
"Answer the question," he grates out.
My hands land on my hips. "Having a wild orgy. You're not invited."
His eyes narrow dangerously. He turns to leave, and I know I'm supposed to follow.
"Wait!" I cry in mock alarm. "Where are my underclothes?"
"Gods, Cat!" Flynn visibly pales.
Kato barks a laugh.
A Promise of Fire is a good mix of a "damsel in distress" (because the heroine is being kidnapped and held against her will) but she is actually far from being in distress, she is a badass, kick-ass, and strong-willed woman. She fights back at every turn, is resourceful, and can take care of herself. I also adored that while being at the mercy of a gruff warlord and his most trusted friends, Cat manages to keep her sarcasm and irony to a high level.“Have I cheated death again? Hades must be allergic to me.”
Overall, I am impressed by this book, the touch of Greek mythology sets it apart from the other fantasy books I've read recently and I can't wait to read the next book because I know that Cat will have an even bigger part to play in the events that are coming!
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Edit 11/19/2020
Promise of fire isn't in the Amazon Prime/KU anymore, but the Kindle price and the Mass Market paperback cost are less than $5.99. I've paid more for lesser books, so it's worthy. I highly recommend this series.
EDIT 6/12/2020
I don't know how long this one has been on the KU library, but if I were you I would use my subscription to read this book. Some of these romance books don't last long in the KU program.
I highly recommend.
Slow-burn, enemeis to lovers, sexy times. -
** 4,5 “ONE OF MY FAVORITE FANTASY ROMANCES” stars !! **
Found this book totally by accident, but what a good surprise it turned out to be ! I loooved it, slowly savoring it bit by bit, not wanting to finish it too quickly because I was enjoying myself way too much reading this gem, but ultimately it was too addictive and such a guilty pleasure that I had to finish it, too soon for my liking, but still !!
What is this book about ?
The story is set in a fantasy world inspired by the Greek mythology, with Gods such as Hades, Poseidon or Zeus existing and being worshipped by the people. The world here is divided into 3 realms fighting against each other : Fisa (North) whose people have magic, Tarva (Middle) and Sintan (South) without magic.
Cat, a young woman who’s been hiding in the South from her family in Fisa, is very powerful and sought after by all the realms because she is the Kingmaker (there’s only one every 200 years) capable of sensing lies, making herself invisible or absorbing others’ powers to use them herself. We’re following her as she’s being abducted by Griffin, a Sintan warlord who turns out to be the famous warlord who, without magic, still managed to take over the South and erase the previous Royals who had magic by making his sister the new ruler of Sintan. Griffin knows what Cat can do and is persuaded she can help him rally people with magic to his cause in order to have fair Royals rule the realm.
He growls deep in his throat. “Zeus’s bollocks, you drive me insane!” His eyes darken. He looks ready to wring my neck.
“The feeling is mutual,” I assure him.
I think that what first made me love this book so much is the fact that this is not solely a romance set in a fantasy world, with the fantasy elements only being there as a background to the main focus that is the romance. Here, that’s not the case. Sure, the romance is very strong but the fantasy aspect of the story is just as strong and as important, very rich and enchanting, being fully part of the story and the romance which for both fantasy lovers and romance lovers is very satisfying XDThere are some things about my blood even I can’t deny. Temper is one of them. “I’ll show you temper, you oversized, egomaniacal, murdering son of a Cyclops!” I ram my foot into his groin.
The second thing that I absolutely adored in this book was the characters.
Cat was such a spitfire, having a hot temper, easily irritated and resorting to violence, but at the same time she was very smart, brave, skilled, lethal and badass. She’s the kind of person who saves and protects herself and the others, she doesn’t need anyone to do it for her. She was also quite funny and slowly grew through the entire book, accepting she doesn’t have to spend the rest of her life all by herself just because of who she is. Because deep down, Cat was very lonely and wanted nothing more than a real and loving family, something that Griffin will give her.
Apparently satisfied, the warlord steps closer. “Now that that’s settled, you’re coming with me.”
I snort, stepping back. “Never in a billion suns. Not even if Zeus showed up as a swan and tried to peck me in your direction. I wouldn’t go with you even if my other option was Hades dragging me to the Underworld for an eternal threesome with Persephone.”
Talking about Griffin !
This man !! I absolutely melted for him ! He too goes through quite some development through the story, going from being a grumpy, violent and irritable warlord to a cocky, sweet, loving and protective lover whose temper matches Cat’s to perfection. These two were really made for each other and definitely found their match in each other !! Not only that, but they also make a great team, both very smart and working together as leaders who think the same way and discussing strategy together.
Griffin frowns. “Why not? We can protect you.”
My heart trips a little at his gruff tone. “I’ll protect myself.”
His midnight eyebrows slam down, so I wave an ungracious hand in the air. “You can help, if I need you.”
He grunts. “How generous.”
I was a total fan of Cat and Griffin as a pair ! There was a lot of build-up between these two who took forever to finally give in to their feelings and desire. But originally, let’s not forget that Griffin indeed kind of kidnapped Cat so obviously she will fight her attraction and feelings for him until the very end because that wouldn’t have been realistic if she had fallen all over Griffin only 2 chapters in, so this frustration with them taking forever to find their way to each other and fighting all the time, sometimes like children (which was wonderful !) didn’t bother me and actually made me swoon the entire time with all that pent-up sexual tension that made me combust and anticipating the moment when they would finally collide !! And when they finally did, dear God I was in heaven !!!
I could literally feel the passion transpiring between them through each kiss and touch which made me hot and breathless, each time waiting for things to go further but each time being denied ! But once it finally happened, it definitely wasn’t just sex, it was love, passion and friendship ! They slowly go from infuriating the other one and fighting all the time to being sweet with each other but still with great bickering and possessiveness through the entire book.
His eyes are huge. “Of all the stupid, idiotic, imbecilic, reckless —”
“I get it,” I moan.
“— things to do!” His fingers tighten painfully. “Don’t ever do something like that again!”
Anger makes me see red again. “Why not? If I want to save someone, I will! What good is the Kingmaker without a king!”
As for the plot, it was quite slow and nothing really relevant happened in terms of the storyline, but it didn’t prevent the story from being fast-paced andfull of action and badass fights filled with magic, dragons, warriors and Gods !!
The only thing that prevented me from giving this book 5 stars was the ending that felt a bit too abrupt, not concluding anything but at the same time not really announcing or preparing for the sequel so it felt a bit weird, but despite that, everything else was pure bliss !!
All in all, if you want a fantastic fantasy romance with the world-building and the love story equally strong, this book is definitely for and I can only recommend it to you, guys !!
“You’re mine. Not Cat the Soothsayer. Not Cat the Kingmaker. Just Cat.”
I shiver at his words, the chills running both hot and cold.
“It’s inevitable,” Griffin says softly. His gray eyes are like anchors, weighing down my heart.
I shake my head. “It’s not.”
“You were made for me. I know it.” -
4.5 stars!
“People talk about fight or flight? That's nonsense. It's fight and flight.”
I love fantasy romance, it always delivers such fun!
A Promise of Fire is a mythological fantasy romance about a woman who can detect lies, among other abilities. This makes Cat very valuable to the rulers of the world who want to use her for their own gain. When the brother of a Queen recognizes Cat as a Kingmaker, he and his warriors capture her to bring her to their Queen.
Griffin wants to use Cat for peace, but a lifetime of hardship has Cat convinced that is not possible. It's up to Griffin to sway her.
“Now that that's settled, you're coming with me."
"Never in a billion suns. Not even if Zeus showed up as a swan and tried to peck me in your direction. I wouldn't go with you even if my other option was Hades dragging me to the Underworld for an eternal threesome with Persephone.”
After seeing this book on lots of Best of 2016 lists, I wanted to give it a shot. I'm glad I did because it was a fun and wild read. Lots of reviews have noted Cat as annoying, and I can see where people would think that, but to me she was feisty and fierce. Could she have made better decisions? Yes. But her life circumstances never really taught her the "right" way to live, she had to learn on her own.
Griffin..... oh my Griffin
I love a romance where the man has to convince the girl to love him. His courtship of Cat was fun, and it was frustrating at times, but he never wavered.
I loved the mix of mythology and fantasy, the mystery behind who Cat really was, the relationship of Cat with the warriors and the royals. Basically I really enjoyed this book. So much so, I ran to my local Barnes and Noble to pick up the next book before I was even done reading!!!
“I conquered a kingdom and found a treasure." His voice turns gravelly, low. "I won't let you go. Not now. Not ever.”
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5 stars
Well done, Ms. Bouchet, well done.
Such a wonderful imagination that immediately had me wanting to go back for more the moment I was forced to put the book down and, you know, attend to 'real life' stuff.
There's just so much creativity, heartbreak, humor and romance here, as well as an assortment of intriguing mythological aspects and characters that I came to adore.
And magic? Oh, the cool and marvelous magic...
Something you've just got to experience for yourself.
Never thought I'd say this but - at least where this book/series is concerned - January can't come too soon...
(I was seriously tempted to go ahead and read the sneak preview of the next book. Instead, I've decided to save it for when I can no longer help myself and absolutely must have another wee taste of Cat and Griffin's world. We'll see just how long I can hold out.)
ETA:
Just came across this marvelous review at Smart Bitches, Trashy Books if you're feeling so inclined and would like to check it out:
http://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/re... -
He looks at me like he might not be able to breathe without me - like maybe he wouldn't even want to.
I've known all sorts of fear - fear of pain, fear of discovery, fear of capture. This is new. This is the kind of fear that teaches me the difference between trying to stay alive, and wanting to live.
Another buddy read with the crazy
MacHalo tribe.
Since lots of my buddies loved this one, here are a few romantasy books with similar premises:
Touch of Power (<--- great author)
Vengeance Born
Warprize (<--- loved this heroine)
A Promise of Fire is a feel-good fantasy with an engaging mythical world, addictive chemistry between the leads, and a lovable supporting cast.
The plot features Cat, a runaway circus psychic with a family that far surpasses "dysfunctional". She's spent the better part of her life running from past nightmares and her psychotic queen mother. Cat unfortunately struck me at once as a classic
Mary Sue archetype. All the signs are there:
-ridiculously overpowered; can steal, absorb, and gift any kind of magic, can discern lies and the truths behind them, can see the future in dreams, has the Gods on her side
-everybody loves her; not one but four gods apparently favor her, all her circles (circus friends, Beta Team, Sinta royals) are loyal to her, even in her crazy family she's the mom's favorite
-withstands every challenge; soldiers, crazy tests from oracles, murderous family, , poison, etc
-"special" from birth; , not to mention she's the Kingmaker who only appears every few centuries
So you see why I was worried I'd end up hating Cat for all she's worth. However, it turns out she has a quick wit, a tough outer shell, and a traumatic past that affects all her actions in the present. Plus, she's missing that wide-eyed, naive "why me" act that generally makes me want to strangle Mary Sues. So, all in all, I like her despite the above points.
But put all that aside and enter Griffin, the hulking warlord-turned-royal who swoops in to kidnap Cat for his regime. I've always been a sucker for the "kidnapped for her power, but kept for her love" storyline. Griffin is the perfect book boyfriend: ruthless when he needs to be, kind and gentle in sweet rare moments, and damn sexy 24/7.
The fantasy world Amanda Bouchet has built is really interesting, although the first-person present tense makes its discovery painfully slow as Cat only drops hints and never full explanations of her surroundings & past. In Thalyria, 3 kingdoms live in unstable peace, with the north harboring most of the realm's magic. The southernmost kingdom Sinta has just experienced a coup in which long-standing magical royals were overthrown by popular non-magical revolutionaries. This starts a power upheaval in the whole region. Overseeing all this are the ancient Greek gods, reimagined here as far more involved in earthly people's affairs. Very cool!
Favorite quote:"So, a strapping warlord, who is actually Beta Sinta, takes one look at you and decides he has to have you?" Desma asks.
"Apparently," I answer.
"But why? Why you?"
"Because I'm cute and funny?"
They stare at me.
"No, really," Desma insists. "Why you?"
BRing book 2,
Breath of Fire, with the MacHalos this weekend. -
*** 3.33 ***
A buddy read with the MacHalo Freaks!
I think this is a case of "it's not you, it's me"... I was very excited about this book, after all, look at that cover!!! And it is named similarly to many of my favorite Fantasy books. So I was all in.
It started well enough, a circus, magic-wielding beings, a sassy young woman with mysterious origin and hiding from her past ran away with the circus folks and has made them her family... Then this alpha-male Warlord snatches her for himself, supposedly because of her unusual magical talent, but it is obvious her curves and looks all together are a good enough reason by themselves. So, this dude and his warrior buddies kidnap her against her will, are planning on using her, and just because they don't mistreat her otherwise they think she should be happy and grateful to them! That kept me pissed most of the time, mostly because they never once thought of what they did as wrong and kept not understanding why she is not delirious with happiness to be part of their gang! Wanted to beat them all over the head with a 2X4, repeatedly!!!
I am all for the " hot dude kidnaps hot dudette and after angst and drama lust is born" trope in PNR, but in those there is the understanding in both sides that although there is a presumed reason for the kidnapping, in its entirety it is not right. Then they go through emotional changes on their way to justify their attraction and we reach the inevitable sex... Here, only she had some issues with being forced to leave her space and loved ones behind, and showed some flimsy excuse for a fight. She was eager and willing to accept her kidnappers' argument of why she will be better with him. That was my main issue. The other one was that for a supposed tough-ass chick, Cat was immature and whiny as a 13 year old on a camp, while she really wants to be home watching the Kardashians brat!!! I wanted to smack her just for the principal of things!
Yep, so usually, if a main character bugged me as much as she did, I would go with a lower rating, but I have to say that the story otherwise was imaginative and engaging, the guys were alluring, although the way they fawned over her was nauseating most of the time, and his family was very cool! The magic was interesting and I would not mind learning more about the world as a whole.
I think this could be a good book for PNR fans, but I hope the next book gets better.
Now I wish you all Happy Reading and may you always find what you need in the pages of a Good book!!! -
This book was fantastic!! I loved it!! A great blend of fantasy and romance and I loved all the characters. Basic plot - Griffin kidnaps Cat because she has magic and his realm is in dire need. It has a similar tone and humor of my book, Touch of Power as Griffin's "merry men" are like Kerrick's group. There's lots of action and Cat is willing to sacrifice herself for others similar to Avry. If you enjoyed Touch of Power then you'll enjoy this one as well.
I've only two very small quibbles
One thing I'm very happy about
I already have book 2 and can't wait to read it! -
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DNF @ 10%
The sequel went on sale today and since I've had this sitting on my Kindle for years, I thought it might be a good opportunity to (1) find a new favorite series to binge or (2) delete a book from my filled-to-bursting Kindle. Obviously, (1) is always the ideal scenario, but if I do find myself facing (2), I don't want to splurge on a sequel I don't want.
Sadly, this book was (2). I went into this book with pretty low expectations because it seems to be a love it or hate it kind of book, and I noticed a lot of the people rating it highly were people who like books by authors like Jennifer Armentrout or C.L. Wilson or S.J. Maas, authors I've tried to like but just can't get into because I think their books are too silly.
The world-building in this is kind of ridiculous. It's a fantasy world but the heroine talks in a really modern way (think ball-busting paranormal P.I.) and even though it's in a fantasy realm, the author has for some reason decided to take GREEK MYTHOLOGY and incorporate it into her world, Greek names and all. Also, non-magical people are called "Hoi Polloi." Wat.
This book is not for me.
1.5 stars -
ABSOLUTELY LOVED. This book was everything I didn't know I wanted. If all adult fantasy was like this I would read it just as often as YA fantasy. Can't freaking wait for the sequel! And I know I said this already, but this book was like Greek mythology + The Scorpion King combined. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. And the writing style was right up my freaking alley, not pretentious or overly drawn out detail, just lots of snark and kickass fighting.
-
First of all, a giant thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me this ARC for an honest review!
Seeing as most of my friends love this book, let me start off by saying I certainly had fun reading it. It was most definitely a page turner. Will I continue to book two? You bet. But I do have some problems with it that ruined my experience a bit. I'll mark the spoilers so don't worry!
The Plot
I'm not going to give a full synopsis, but essentially we follow a girl who is in hiding because of what she is (the Kingmaker) from her former kingdom. She's discovered pretty quickly though by a new band of gents and is "kidnapped" / whisked away to their newly captured kingdom.
First and foremost, this book focuses on the romance/angst. I can't believe I'm going to say this- but I really wish it had taken a backseat (believe me.. I NEVER say that.) But the romance payoff could have been much stronger if the other plot details came into play more. The thing is... the plot that is building underneath the romance is actually quite strong. The romance in itself annoyed me. Don't get me wrong, I like angst and slow burn- but this was so focused on lust. These two kids literally know nothing about each other on a personal level. At times, I really enjoyed their dynamic... and I'm sad to see lost potential. Not to mention it was a bit too possessive.
The history of our heroine is built up to be really interesting (even though its PAINFULLY obvious what her secret is,) I'm still super interested to see what happens when shit hits the fan. I was pretty disappointed that all the build up with the other kingdom has yet to pay off.
Last complaint:
*Please note that this is NA. This was a bit TMI and graphic for me and I found myself skipping quite a bit.
The MC
I had a difficult time connecting with Cat (our resident heroine.) I feel like most readers will enjoy her- she's definitely sassy/sparky/strong willed- but I think it was the thoughts in her head that drove me a little nuts. Her personality just felt a little forced. I think what annoyed me the most though was the fact that she was a little "too" conveniently powerful/badass. Her magic was just just downright corny to me. Fire breathing? Invisibility? Lie detector? Future teller? Can steal anyone else's magic? Yeesh woman.
The World Building
I kid you not. This is a completely new fantasy world but it revolves around greek mythology. I'm talking Zeus, Poseidon, Athena, all them folks. That just weirded me out. Religion aside, the world building was a bit confusing. The country names are all similar and I was frequently confused on which country was which (a map would have helped) The structure just feels odd. There are no kings or queens. The leaders are referred to as Apha or Beta... so on, so forth. I think this was an attempt at being original (and it was) but I was just scratching my head most of the time.
So what was strong then?
I really enjoyed the rest of the characters. The rest of Beta Sinta's team and family were quite fun. I also loved the whole prospect of the kingdom they were trying to build. The politics and struggles were really interesting and I got really attached to their goals. I'm also really looking forward to the inevitable war that happens when Cat is discovered to be among them. Despite my complaints, I'm still super rooting for Cat/Griffin/the rest of the gang.
So while this book wasn't a bust or anything, I just feel like there was so much more potential. Perhaps we'll see that in book two.
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This is now the second time I've read this book and I love it just as much as I did the first time. It's incredible and I love it!!
4.5 STARS
"Kingdoms rise and fall for you. Because of you."
This was honestly such a random purchase but I'm so glad I picked it up! I was scrolling through my local Dymock's instagram feed and they were excited about the release of book 2 and the covers were so beautiful that I went, you know what? let's go buy book 1! Luckily this random cover buy paid off because I absolutely loved this book.
This is definitely such a hidden gem and I'd highly recommend picking it up if you're after a new adult high fantasy. There's dragons, Greek Gods, magic, lusty romance and a kick ass squad and family. I absolutely adored every single character and I'm still high key sitting here clapping about how happy this book made me!
Real talk: why not a full 5 stars? Welllllllll it was a bit predictable. It's what I expect from a debut novel to be honest so I'm not mad about it. Plus, there were a few scenes that I had to reread to fully grasp what was going on and who this character was.
Basically if you want a run down, we have Cat who's snarky and sarcastic. She lives in a circus and she predicts peoples future (kind of) because she can tell the difference between what's a lie and what's truth and SOMETIMES she can see the future. Also, she can extract other peoples magic and use it herself. However, one day she gets taken by Griffin, a warlord who's trying to find someone with magic that will help his family who has just taken over the throne. Along with Griffin, we have Carver, Flynn and Kato who all had me in stitches. I just loved every single member of the gang. I just love strong friendships and characters who are accepting new members into their team.
Of course, like most novels right now, our two main characters start to fall for each other. I was once again in stitched by Cat's inner monologue of OH SHIT I THINK I LIKE HIM ABORT ABORT OH NO I HATE HIM. I actually really liked Griffin and Cat together and I liked that there wasn't any unnecessary drama caused to split them up - sure, they had their arguments and their moments of separation but there were no moments where they broke up for no reason just for them to get back together 2 pages later.
"I love you, Cat. I would do anything to keep you safe. That is my binding vow."
I can't wait to read book 2! I'd highly recommend this series - it's so underrated. -
Really good recommendation by a Goodreads friend Katerina. This is my first foray back into fantasy books since I abandoned it when I was in college. (Just too long winded sometimes and I'm an impatient person). Already bought Book 2, and likely to buy Book 3 so that in of itself makes this one close to 5 stars. I give it 4.5. I round up instead of down because I really like the H/h.
What was great:
1. The characters' relationships (Cat, Griffin, the Beta team) is what keeps me flipping the pages.
2. The world-building is very believable. I'm a huge fan of Greek mythology. The research is solid.
3. I'm a fan of insta-love. Destined love. But also, see point 3 below.
What could be better:
1. Some parts of the plot was just superfluous. Like the whole thing with Daphne. It seems contrived to get Cat and Griffin to a point where they finally do it.
2. Which brings me to the next point. What is up with 80+% of the book being foreplay??? I got so impatient sometimes I had to put the book down. I mean, you can have sex AND still have anticipation and angst you know. Anyway, maybe that's just my romance addiction talking.
3. Feel like Cat could have come around sooner to knowing Griffin is the ONE. I mean, it's like she only lets go when the gods bang her over the head with a sign. Don't like that. I like heroines who know exactly what they want and go after it, as much as the heroes do. I get that she doesn't want to risk Griffin's life and all that, but she could still be clear at least with herself what he means to her earlier.
4. I would have liked a little more mystery. Too predictable. I'm used to fantasy books making me guess, like ASOIAF. This one is more following Cat on her journey, a very predictable journey. But it's fun to read about her, so I don't mind.
Overall, I bought the second book, so obviously this one was addictive. Highly recommend to all fantasy romance lovers.
-
I've had this ARC for more than a week now and I'm wondering why I didn't start reading it immediately! This is one of those rare gems, it's also what seems like an urban fantasy but set in a high fantasy world. I devoured this book and while the ending didn't feel like a cliff hanger, I hope there's going to be more because there's definitely room for it.
A Promise of Fire, is Cat's story she travels with a circus performing as a soothsayer. While she's very close her to her fellow performers who she also regards as her family, none of them really know who she is, her past is obviously a sore subject and brings back painful memories.
Until Beta Sinta arrives and tears her world and secrets apart. Beta Sinta is a warlord looking for a Kingmaker and he's pretty sure that Cat is one. He kidnaps her and along with Beta team they travel back to his home with Cat bound to him by an enchanted rope.
I can't tell you how many times the heroine in this book had me in stitches. The banter between Cat and Griffin was hilarious. Cat's character is spunky and fierce, she's an independent take no prisoners kind of girl. Griffin is the ultimate alpha male, but definitely not a jerk. He was so protective of Cat, and would have laid down his life for her.
I loved the Beta team, Kato and Flynn wore so cute and so protective of Cat. They were the loving big brothers Cat had never had. I also loved Griffin's family and how they welcomed Cat so easily into their midst.
Something else I loved about this book was the strong sense of adventure and the abundance of magic in all its forms. It was thrilling!
Andromeda the villain in the story had the perfect amount of evil bitch to make me hate her! And despite there being very few smexy scenes, there was enough sexual tension that I didn't even miss them.
If you're looking for a fun fantasy romance with a strong heroine who falls for an equally strong hero then this book has all those ingredients! Throw in a hefty dose of adventure and magic and you're all set! -
4.5
I loooooooved this! I went into it just wanting romance but the worldbuilding and plot was so good! I really liked how there were greek gods in this world. The romance was super slow burn but they payoff was A+
The only reason it's not getting 5 stars is because I liked the first half better than the second. I just love a good journey plot so once they made it to their destination I was slightly less interested. But I can't wait to read the rest of this series! -
WOW! What a strangely compelling book!
I’m not fan of first person POV, but here it was done really well!
The voice telling the story is Catalia "Cat" Fisa. A woman in hiding. Nobody knows who she is and what she is. Nobody knows her real name. She’s only Cat, a circus clairvoyant. But she’s much, much more!!
She’s obviously terrified by something, but she’s hiding that as well by being a angry, cranky, cantankerous and very sarcastic.
Griffin, the Beta Sinta, is a man that doesn’t accept no as an answer. And he wants Cat. He wants her because he suspects she’s the Kingmaker, even if he doesn’t want to be a king. He’s determinate, stubborn, strong and, more important, impervious to magic!
The story is very complicated, but at the same time very simple. We see everything from cat’s POV and we get to know her better and better as we come to understand why she’s behaving that way, why she rejects every kindness and friendliness. She’s terrified, but she’s also brave. She says one thing: that she wants to be free, that she wants to be left in piece, that she doesn’t want to help anybody, but she helps and protects even if her life is threatened.
She doesn’t want to care, but she ends caring too much. Not only for Griffin, but for all his family and friends.
That tough road is described very, very well with her internal dialogue and sarcastic comments she makes to herself!
A beautiful story that reveals her origins, her being protected by some really powerful people that are not people at all!
The books had a kind of HEA, but many, many things are lest unexplained. I’m sooo looking forward to the next book/books! -
Nothing thrills me more than discovering a new book, author, or series that sparks a desire to plant myself on the couch and not get up ‘til I have read all there is to read. Nothing saddens me more than realizing this is book one and I’m going to have to wait for more! GAH! Okay guys, what was my blurb immediately after reading A Promise of Fire?
“Ilona Andrews just found some competition! This was fantastic!”
It’s been a week since, and after time and reflection I still one hundred percent feel the same way. As I said before, it’s been a minute since I’ve felt this way and I like it! It’s an immediate drop into the clairvoyant Cat’s world. A gritty hot circus with magical intrigue and danger lurking about. Cat is on the run, trying to stay in disguise and hidden away from a ruthlessly evil and maniacal family. She keeps her head down and avoids anything that will reveal who she really is. Problems erupt when a Warlord has become drawn to her.
Snatching Cat and taking her home is what Griffin has found himself compelled to do. He will do what needs to be done to keep himself and his people safe.
I gotta say… yes, it’s a love story. Yes, it’s a classic I-hate-you-I-love-you tale. But it’s also an action packed, magical fueled world of funny banter, creative imagery, and fantasy rolled into one terrifically wonderful new read.
Plenty of doors have been opened for more books to come, with a plotline that has a fountain of opportunities to weave a deeper more involved story. Amanda Bouchet is a first time author, but I see a long and fan filled careering ahead of her.
*ARC provided by Sourcebooks Casablanca
Top Pick for Summer 2016
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Book Babblers -
Well this book was a complete surprise as from both the cover and the blurb I thought I was getting a fantasy type book with a medieval type setting and swords. Well there are swords aplenty but it's set in a universe that follows Olympus and the Greek Gods so mythology plays a part. This appears to be the first part of a trilogy but wow what a start it is!
Cat is an amazing heroine who just doesn't know when to quit. She might see herself as needing to be alone but there's an underlying sense of goodness to her. Oh she isn't perfect far from it and has violent outbursts and I do mean violent but when faced with Griffin I can't really say I blame her! Cat has powerful magic but unfortunately Griffin seems to be impervious to it which really doesn't go down well when he abducts her . Yes he's tall dark and alpha with an arrogant side to him but Griffin clearly inspires loyalty with his sense of fair play although never forget it's an iron fist inside those gloves! It's just such a pity that Cat really doesn't want to go with him or does she? Yep the classic case of love and hate but you know what? It's fun seeing these two get all tangled up in each other.
It felt fast moving and a real adventure with battles to fight and even creatures from myths and legends to slay. Plus Cat has secrets that involve the Gods which only started to make sense as the book ended . If honest it does slow down a little half way through and then wam! Off we go again but as usual it's the treachery closest to home that hold the most danger.
Yes Cats a secretive sort although as a reader it's not too hard to uncover what she struggles to hide although with mention of a prophecy this adventure certainly is just beginning!
I was gifted a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Four and a half from me -
4.5 Stars
Why has this taken me so long to get to??? From the start, I was hooked on this story and it was so fast and easy to read. I loved Cat's character and how powerful she was. She could hold her own in a battle and she never ran away when she was scared or on the brink of death. She's kidnapped by Griffin in the beginning because he wants to use her powers for his own political gain. I was so there for the "tied together" trope and how they spent days literally tied together. Cat grew comfortable with Griffin and didn't have nightmares anymore when she slept by his side. LOVED IT. Their romance grew so much and I was fingerling over how much Griffin fell for her and wanted to protect her. SWOON. I did take half a star off because of how much was randomly introduced and not addressed again at all (I'm assuming it's going to be addressed alter one), but it got annoying! One line would be said about something and I'd be like, wait what?? And then nothing. But I'm excited to see these characters again and to read the next book!! -
“Character, past, and environment all affect the choices we make. The trick is choosing a path and following it. Make a decision, and don’t turn back.”
Action Packed
Prickly BadAss Snarky Heroine Cat
Possessive Warlord Hero Griffin
Royal Families
Conquering Kingdoms
Running From One God
Favored By Other God's
Destiny
Battle's With Giants And Dragons
Sword Fights
Magic
Treachery
Mystery
Revenge
Sexual Tension
Slow Burn
Sweet Healing Romance
Big Gigantic Cliffhanger
