| Title | : | A Curse of Queens (Kingmaker Chronicles, #4) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1728230047 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781728230047 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 496 |
| Publication | : | First published October 4, 2022 |
The queen has been cursed, and no one knows who’s behind the plot to threaten the realm’s fragile peace. Desperate to help, Jocasta hatches a plan to find Circe’s Garden, a fabled island where she hopes to discover an antidote. But she can’t do it alone. She needs the strong arm and unflinching bravery of the warrior she’s loved since childhood—her brother’s right-hand-man and captain of the guard, Flynn of Sinta.
Together they can do the impossible. Yet with treachery brewing on Mount Olympus, one thing is clear: Thalyria and its new royals are still pawns in an epic game of power—one that might end in a War of Gods.
A Curse of Queens (Kingmaker Chronicles, #4) Reviews
-
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley (thank you SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca). All thoughts and opinions are my own.
✅ Greek mythology
✅ Magic and monsters
✅ 2 POVs
✅ Sexual tension
✅ Smut
✅ Action
✅ Pace and plot
4.5 stars
A few months after the end of Heart on Fire, Cat is cursed, right before she’s due to give birth to little Eleni. After hours of research, Jocasta thinks that Circe could help them since she can create any plant in her magical garden, and she embarks on a perilous journey with Flynn, Carver, Bellanca, and Prometheus to find the garden. Before they reach Circe though, they will have to survive various trials, and also attacks from angry Gods trying to usurp Zeus and Elpis Team.
This book focuses on Jocasta and Flynn, and I love that they both had their own chapters. I loved Cat and Griffin’s adventure in the trilogy, but I was also dying to get more of Flynn and Jocasta so I was so happy to know that they would get their own book! The romance between them was expected, and well-developed, but the plot is also interesting and engaging, and we still have the mythology elements, the fighting, and the strong friendships we had in the previous books.
The pace and writing style also helped a lot to get lost in this book. It has a good flow with a good balance of action, banter, development, and sexy moments, and if you enjoyed the first books, you will love this one for sure.Stheno. Euryale. Medusa. Ancient. Deadly. Vicious. A second blink didn’t help. The black-winged Gorgons still loomed above them, crows in the sky, omens of death.
“This is fun,” Carver said, never breaking his rowing rhythm. “I love being hunted for dinner.”
As in the other books in this series, there is a lot of action and fighting, and I feel that I need to take a moment to mention how awesome Bellanca and Prometheus were. Bellanca is such a fierce fighter, and she never gives up. She saved the team on multiple occasions, and the same can be said for Prometheus. He is starting to trust his powers again, and being a Titan, he is very powerful and can be pretty badass in a fight. I really hope to see more of them both, and their banter was also super cute. The “found family” vibe that I liked from the previous books is still present here even though it’s the 4th book of the series because there are new additions to the team, and it still felt wholesome to see them realize that people cared about them and that they had a family they could rely on now.
The romance was expected, of course, but the author added more depth to it than I was expecting. It was not as simple as Jocasta and Flynn loving each other, but Flynn not wanting to get involved with his best friend’s little sister. We saw a new side of him that was hidden in the trilogy, and it broke my heart to see how scared he was because he was afraid of losing the ones he loved. Seriously, I wanted to hug him real tight. There was also a lot of sexual tension between them, and I love how Jocasta was active and decided to take matters into her own hands and really try to seduce Flynn and show him that they could work, instead of just pinning after him and hoping that he would change his mind."Why am I still here when so many others aren’t? I haven’t done anything worthy of being spared.”
Flynn and Jocasta were two great main characters. I loved them in the trilogy, and I love them even more now. I especially love how Flynn got so much more layered in this book! In the trilogy, he was a loyal, kind, and sweet friend and it was impossible not to love him, but in this book, he felt so much more real and relatable. Jocasta was also awesomely well-developed: we already knew that she was a strong and determined character, but we got to really see it in this book. She has fire and she is brave, but we also got to see how she missed her old life where she felt like she had a real purpose, and how she felt unheard among her family. I am glad that she stood up for herself and showed everyone that she was an asset to the team as much as they were, even though she is not as good a fighter as they are.Carver gaped at her. “She harasses me.”
“I’m not saying that’s false.” Jocasta conceded his rather fair point with a sigh. “Just that it goes both ways.”
“So?” He looked genuinely confused.
“So maybe you’re both… misdirecting your energy.” Was she being too subtle? Probably.
“Nah.” Carver grinned suddenly. “She keeps me sharp. Sharpness is important for a swordsman.”
Jocasta nodded, pressing her lips together. Definitely too subtle.
I loved Jocasta and Flynn’s story, and I still want to see more of them, but I am also hoping for a Carver/Bellanca book next because there is no way those two won’t end up together. The banter, sass, tension, and teasing between them are insane. It’s the typical “pulling on a girl’s hair because you like her and don’t know what to do with those feelings” situation. They both try their best to aggravate each other and to rile them up on any occasion, but when their life is in danger, they are fiercely protective and would put their life on the line to save each other. I don’t know when it will happen, but when those two finally decide to let themselves enjoy each other, it’s going to be so intense!
This is not just an extra book simply so Flynn and Jocasta can get their happily ever after, it’s the beginning of the second part of the Kingmaker Chronicle, and there will definitely be at least one other book because many things are left unresolved, and we can see that there are more problems to come. Cat, Griffin, and their team won’t get their quiet and peaceful life just yet, and I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
A Promise of Fire ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Breath of Fire ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Heart on Fire ⭐⭐⭐.5
Of Fate and Fire ⭐⭐.5
Follow me on Instagram 🙂 -
Intrigue, danger, action, suspense, a quest, and a romance are mixed with Greek mythology in the fourth book in Amanda Bouchet’s Kingmaker Chronicles: A Curse of Queens. Queen Catalia Thalyria has been cursed before her baby is born. King Griffin’s younger sister and healer Jocasta believes she has found a solution. She hopes to get an antidote by finding Circe’s Garden. However, the fabled island is hidden and requires a dangerous journey. She needs help, and Flynn of Sinta, the man she’s loved for years, volunteers along with three others.
Jocasta is clever, exacting, logical, and brave. Flynn is a warrior, strong, dependable, and doesn’t share his feelings. Neither of them has magic but one of their companions does. Characters from the previous books put in appearances, but the story is focused around Jocasta and Flynn, with their companions on the quest playing major secondary roles. The chemistry between the characters created a dynamic that was fun at times and heart-wrenching at other times.
The cross between a fantasy quest, mythology, and a romance worked well. The main characters were relatable, likeable, and easy for me to want them to succeed. However, the first third of the book was extremely slow-paced. It also took me a while to understand this new-to-me fantasy world. I wanted a little more world-building. I believe those who have read the earlier books in the series would already have that grasp.
Despite this, it was hard to put the book down. There was always something new happening in this story that demanded my attention once the quest started. Danger, action, and harrowing moments are interspersed throughout it. Connecting with the main characters was easy and it was fun to watch the five on the quest grow and develop during the story. The last third of the novel was a true page-turner and there was a big surprise that happened near the end of the book.
Overall, this novel was tense and takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster. It highlights family drama, political intrigue, magic, loyalty, romance, relationships, and communication. Exceptional characters and intense fight scenes made this an entertaining read.
If you like fantasy, action adventure, quests, and Greek mythology, then this series is for you. I highly recommend reading the books in order. A quote by each of the main characters is included at the end of the book as well as a short guide to the mythology.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was October 4, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
-----------------------------------------
My 3.38 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon. -
This is the fourth book in Amanda's Kingmaker Chronicles and all the familiar characters are back! Except this time, the main POV characters are Jocasta and Flynn as they search for a cure for Cat, the new Queen who'd been cursed. Just like the prior books in the series, there's action, adventure, gods, and monsters. And romance, of course!
The book is due to be released October 4th! And it's worth the wait! -
Jocasta & Flynn's STOREEEEeeeee!!!!
@Amanda Bouchet
So glad this world/story isn't over.
P.S. I really need Carver's HEA 🤞🤞🤞 -
This book has me so excited for more in this series. SO MUCH gets revealed towards the end and I can not wait! The beginning of this book was a bit slow. I was used to Cat and Griffin's books that had action from the first chapter on. You don't get that in this book. It comes, just not right away. Believe me the end makes up for it in a big way. This book does conclude Jocasta and Flynn's story, but I have no doubts we will keep seeing them in more books. There is just too much revealed at the end to not see this whole group of characters coming back for more. I don't want to spoil a thing so I'm going to leave this right here and pray the next book comes soon!
-
This ARC was provided by NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for an honest review.
DNF. Read up to 65% and couldn't go on.
This book sounded intriguing and something out of my normal reading genre. But I thought why not give it a try. Well it was not really a good idea. The book was so confusing and hard to understand, I was totally lost. The world/sphere that was created/written about was too difficult to understand or keep track of. The couple seemed sweet but didn't have as much interaction together for my liking.
Just not for me. -
still looking for that high of the book one...
sadly this wasn't a book that delivered it to me..
if you like fantasy and Greek mythology this might be a book for you but I think you will enjoy it better if the first three books are fresh on your mind... -
Loss never really left you.
New beginnings also meant endings.
Hope was what you found on the other side of suffering.
Will I ever get my fill of this world, these characters? I think not! No, what am I saying? I know for sure I won’t ever get enough of this world and these characters.
Gods, how long I’ve been aching to get my hands on this story. Amanda didn’t loosen up much about this story, so that was no fun hahaha (Yes, I pestered her about it on a frequent basis, lol). Felt like absolute torture, waiting for this book to arrive *But of course I still love you to bits and pieces Amanda hihi.
I never made it a secret; I absolutely loved loved loved every single page of the kingmaker chronicles books so far… I was, and am still & will always be, obsessed, really. Cat & Griffin’s story was a-ma-zing. But I’ll tell you; I’ve been so hooked on the bits and pieces of Flynn & Jocasta that were thrown at us in the prior three books that they were probably already my fave ‘hopefully to be-couple’ before I even started this book haha. What do I say? Even before I even knew Amanda was going to write this book I was already so desperate for this book to come to fruition. So yeah, safe to say my expectations were a bit high *no pressure @ Amanda, lol* when jumping into this.
—
If fear rules your life, you’ll miss out on the rest.
As always, Amanda just doesn’t disappoint. This book is everything I was hoping it’d be and more. I love what Amanda did with not only with the romance between Jocasta & Flynn, but the story development itself as well. The story contains everything you’ve come to expect in a kingmaker chronicles book; friendships, family, sexy romance, fantastic banter, awesome Greek mythology elements, all wrapped up in an epic adventurous quest for the ages through a writing style that was yet again so easy to lose myself in and left me craving more instantly after finishing this book.
The romance…
You might think beforehand that you know how everything is going to develop between these two, but Amanda added so much more depth to it and took it to a higher level. The chemistry and attraction… this book turned me inside out in the best way possible. The added scenes we never knew that happened before the events in book 1-3, like the prologue for example; Such a good way of adding more background and depth to the romance developing now. Suddenly it’s not ‘just a romance’ anymore, but so much more because Flynn and Jocasta are just ‘so much more’ and always have been *sigh*!
Characters
Flynn’s history regarding everything that happened to him and his family and the results of that being him not daring to hope and want for a love and family for himself… Heartbreaking! But Amanda wrote it so incredibly beautiful; that development of him opening up and trying to find a way to get the future they both deserve. His character gets so much more depth and development in this book, and whilst I was already maddeningly in love with him since his introduction in book 1 I am now even more besotted with him which I didn’t think was possible, lol.
”Why am I still here when so many others aren’t? I haven’t done anything worthy of being spared.”
*come here Flynn, baby, and let me hug you and show you all the love you deserrrrrve.*
Jocasta was also really well developed I think. We knew she was a strong and feisty character, but everything we’ve seen of her up to this book, was just the tip of an iceberg. So many more layers to her and I loved exploring them!
And the minor characters like Carver, Bellanca and Prometheus for example, are ones you can’t get enough of either. Their presence during the adventures happening in this book also made this book what it is; a thrilling ride and give you more reasons to fall in love with this world and characters.
Family wasn’t only who you were born to, but who you chose, and those you fought for.
—
Conclusion
This book was one addictive read from the first sentence to the very last sentence. Story-wise, there’s so much happening and there’s so much room for ‘more’ after this and I am ready for it! I could've easily read an entire trilogy with these characters smack dab in the middle... For now, I’m going to treasure this yet again amazing reading experience. This was an #Allthefeels read for me and I can’t recommend this book and this series in its whole, enough. It had me smiling, swooning, crying and more.
If you’ve loved the prior 3 books, you’re going to fall head over heels in love with this one as well. Many of the beloved characters make appearances but there’s a ‘freshness’ present as well, which keeps it so exciting! And as always; Amanda's way of storytelling is unparalleled if you ask me.
So all I will say for now is:
Happy reading in advance! Go pre-order this beautiful book; it comes out in October!
”I claim you, Jocasta. You will be the sun I orbit for the rest of my days. I will be your home, wherever we are and wherever we go. I will protect you. I will love you. I will always be yours.”
-
I’ve already told the world how much I was enjoying reading ‘A Curse of Queens’ by Amanda Bouchet but I haven’t yet posted my final thoughts, so here they are.
Reading this book made me feel SO GOOD!
If you love a self-described “thorny woman” like I do, then you’ll just love Jocasta. If you love romance, then you’ll love this! The longing? I felt it AND it wasn’t some long-drawn-out affair in this book. It hit me hard, in the best possible way and I was completely wrapped up in the tension between the two love interests FROM THE PROLOGUE.
I LOVE Jocasta’s sharp mind and fearlessness. “Maybe doing things first, leading the way, was her role with them.”
This book was doing so much but at its heart it felt like a journey of two very different people learning to be true to themselves. This is probably why despite the fact that I had never met any of these characters before, I was immediately invested in their romance and their journey. Shoutout to Flynn for being a sweetheart.
I was enjoying this so much that I deliberately tried to drag out my read because I was immediately hooked and had to deliberately try to stop myself from simply flying through it. What can I say, I love to delay my own gratification? Not many authors can do this to me so successfully, so bravo!
I’m very excited to play catch-up and read the first three books in this series. Whilst gushing about this book online, I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about books 1-3.
Also, I have to tell you guys that there are two “side characters” who have me in an ABSOLUTE CHOKEHOLD and I would sell my soul for what I hope will be their book. I don’t want to spoil it, so I’m not naming names but if you pick up this book you’ll know EXACTLY who I’m talking about. Even as I type this right now, I feel giddy thinking about them.
This book made my smile so wide and so bright, and that’s just the magic we all get to experience IRL, isn’t it? -
Flocasta at last!
I’ve waited for Flynn and Jocasta for the last three books, to finally come to there senses and give us an epic journey. A Curse of Queens, the fourth book in the outstanding fantasy series, The Kingmaker Chronicles, delivers another awesome story by Amanda Bouchet.
Cat and Griffin were the focal points in the first three books which set the foundation for Thalyria. After conquering and reuniting the three fractured kingdom, the reign of Cat and Griffin hits massive barrier, a heavily pregnant queen Cat is betrayed, tricked, and cursed.
Jocasta, Griffin’s sister, is a healer and wants to help her family by undertaking a dangerous journey to the mythical garden of Circe to search for a cure for Cat. Of course the man Jocasta loved and pines for, Flynn, is determined to assist Jocasta on her mission. The slow burn between these two (and Flynn’s stubborn noble resistance) drive me nuts. But when they succumbed to their soul-deep bond, it was worth the wait.
I hope Ms. Bouchet continues this exquisite series with Carver and Bellanca. He made a huge, heart-rending sacrifice for Bellanca. I accept that Kato is gone forever and Piers is exiled. But Carver deserves to have his HEA and heal.
Geez. Greek gods and goddesses are such selfish, cruel, inconsiderate asshats. It no wonder humans stopped worshipping those idiots. Now, I have an even greater appreciation for Gaiman’s “American Gods” where most are pathetic and forgotten.
This story has everything I want in a fantasy series…action, adventure, epic battles, and romance while seamlessly incorporating Greek mythology as its backdrop. This series is the gold standard of epic fantasy steeped in mythology and adventure.
Highly recommend and ten shinning stars! -
3.5/5.0
Ms. Bouchet’s writing style is so lovely that I really, really wanted to round this up to 4 stars but just couldn’t do it. The sentences flow and the words are just sigh-worthy, her descriptions paint such poignant pictures that it seems such a shame not to rate this book higher. BUT.. (yep, there it is)
The story itself just didn’t live up to a higher rating. So, here’s a guide so you can decide for yourself whether this book is for you or not (mainly because I wish someone had warned me so I would have been better prepared - one way or the other)
First 40% of the book = Absolutely nothing happens. Seriously, no exaggeration whatsoever. Summed up? Jacosta and Flynn’ go round and round and round about their unrequited love. Then, a problem arises and a quest begins. That’s it (If you don’t believe me and dive in thinking “No, I’m sure there is something more..” don’t say I didn’t warn you - I told you so).
Next 30% = Things pick up slightly and although it is slow moving, at least it’s moving. All the yearning in the romance begins to right itself, though, and that is nice.
Last 30% = Awesome! We are finally back to the quality reminiscent of the amazing stories written in the previous books of this series. Things actually happen! The romance is strong, the action is high and the resolution is happy.
There ya have it folks! Use this as your guide, it won’t steer you wrong. Oh, btw… The entire story centers around all the mythological Gods, their fables and folk stories, etc. They are so intricately and strongly part of this book that if that isn’t your thing, I wouldn’t recommend reading this. If this is something you love, it’s truly a book that shouldn’t be missed. -
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A Curse of Queens is the fourth installment within the Kingmaker Chronicles. I'm honestly so happy that I found this series and fell in love. Each book brought me so much joy because the characters made everything worth it.
From the very beginning, I knew that I was going to love Cat and Griffin. Then to see them fall in love with one another grow a family was just really beautiful. Well, that was how I felt until she fell under a curse. Yeah, that wasn't fun one bit and one could only imagine what she was going through. Then we got to fall in love with the amazing beta team. Their adventurous sides were never shy from danger and each quest kept the pages turning.
We saw Griffin's brother fall in love and start a family. So, I was more than ready to watch Jocasta get her man. Her and Flynn were dancing around each other for so long that it had me screaming. Not in the "ahhhh noooo" way. No, it was all "OMG JUST KISS EACH OTHER ALREADY DAMMIT" way.
Eventually I got what I wanted out of these two, but it took freaking forever. I also really enjoyed Carver and Bellanca getting closer to one another. Their bantering gave me sweet joy and I'm so excited for their adventure. Mostly because I need another book in this series. If not, I will riot at dawn.
In the end, danger is still lurking around everyone. We finally find out who is (sort of) behind everything and it just makes it so much more fascinating. Which also gives me the "this isn't ending anytime soon" vibes as well. Totally can't wait for the next book to come my way because the Gods are up to something, and I want a huge battle! -
I loved this story for Flynn and Jo!
It picks up shortly after the end of the first trilogy and focuses on Griff's sister Jo. She is smart and determined to help her brother and new sister with the curse that plagues them. She embarks on a quest to find help from the gods and the person she takes with her is the one man she wants. The same man who rejected her 6 years ago and has plagued her mind ever since. But little does Jo know, he has spent the last 6 years regretting that day.
Flynn has served Griff for most of his life. He knows family, farming and fighting. Things that he believes are not good enough to for a princess. Jo plagues him every day, body and soul. Flynn wants nothing more than her but knows it could never happen- he is better off alone. He agrees to go on this adventure and guard her with his own life.
These two get a second chance at love with all the fun tropes we cannot live without! I couldn't put this down once I started and absolutely loved this new story! -
I feel a bit as if I fought a war against this book, because I just could NOT concentrate on it for any extended length of time, but I did it, I won. It's an odd sequel--I don't think that I necessarily needed to reread the previous books but at the same time, I was definitely lost at points with regards to previous world building. The romance featured is very sweet and features , and I am happy for them to get their ending away from court politics and the like. But man, once they finally got down to business, I think that was the longest chapter in the entire book??? Which was neither a feature nor a bug for me, but notable just the same. I would like to read a book about Bellanca and Carver if the author has one in mind, so hopefully we'll be revisiting this world in somewhat less time.
-
Loved reading this book, loved being in this world again, with Jocasta and Flynn! I really enjoyed their quest, and I can't wait to see these story threads in the future! More couples need to find romance, and deal with this threat!
-
“You’ve been cursed.” There. She’d said it. She looked at Cat. Queen Catalia Thalyria now - and the closest thing Persephone had to a human daughter. “There’s powerful magic all over you. Not yours.”
I thoroughly enjoyed the series Kingmaker Chronicles (reviews HERE) and had hoped that Amanda would in time, venture back into this amazing world she created. She has! If you are a lover of fantasy and magic, romance and Greek mythology - then this is the series for you. Amanda has created an amazing world with super strong characters and action aplenty.
This book excitingly focuses on Jocasta and Flynn. There is next to no time with the original Cat and Griffin from the original trilogy, but I was also thrilled to have a whole book dedicated to Jo and Flynn’s story. The cutest couple. The romance (and sex) was off the charts (as expected); the plot with its mythological elements was so good; the friendships and action scenes were strong and impactful. If you enjoyed the first books from the original trilogy, you are sure to love this one for sure.
“The woman who stepped in to save the day, despite the danger to herself. The woman who called everyone together and proposed a solution to a problem that could tear a kingdom and a family apart. The woman who made a plan when not even the gods had one.” Her sharp inhalation shuddered in her throat. She wiped a tear from her eye. “Let’s just hope my plan works.” “I’m done hoping.” Carver’s flat tone made her look up at him, hurt. “I believe instead.”
This has all the feels of the beginning of the continuation of Kingmaker Chronicles (thus this being #4) as there were some things unresolved. This book veered more towards being character driven with the plot taking second place. As I love Jo and Flynn I had no issue with this. I did love the inclusion of Circe’s Garden, the magic certainly was palpable.
I eagerly await the next book as I have strong suspicions it will be about a couple that will definitely burn up the pages! A Curse of Queens was the perfect addition to the Kingmaker Chronicles.
“That sounds like the right ending to this quest.” Flynn kissed her back, his brown eyes hopeful and warm. “And the perfect beginning to so much more.”
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release. -
So I absolutely loved The Kingmaker Chronicles and was super excited to try read the spinoff 👏🏻. While we do get a bit of Cat and Griffin, A Curse of Queens focuses more on Jocasta and Flynn as they try to search for fabled island in order to find an antidote for Cat, who has been cursed. I loved being back in this world with some of my favorite characters. This book had plenty of action and adventure and a super sweet friends to lovers trope. Although they will never compare to Cat and Griffin,but that’s just me 😁, this one still gives you all the feels 💖. Can definitely be read as a stand alone but the first three books are so good tat you should just read them all!
-
Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars
See the full review & more at
HarlequinJunkie
A Curse of Queens should be the roadmap for all fantasy romance. With its epic quest and the danger met along the way, a complicated romance that was years in the making, and a teaser of an ending that will leave you wanting more, Amanda Bouchet pulled out all the stops this time.
I feel like I use the word Epic a lot when I talk about Amanda Bouchet’s novels but in the case of A Curse of Queens it’s true. I should start by saying it would be best to read all of the Kingmaker Chronicles in order as each book picks up where the previous one left off. And *so* much happens in each one. It’s a saga that does get explained in every new installment, but there’s a big cast with many intricate threads woven in. In this particular story, it was Jocasta and Flynn’s turn to shine. And boy didn’t they light up the pages!
Read More -
tis the season to not continue to push through books that aren't grabbing me
-
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A Curse of Queens is the 4th book in the Kingmaker Chronicles and I recommend reading the original trilogy first so you don't miss out on Flynn and Jocasta's romantic build up. I've been pining for Flynn and Jocasta from the beginning and I'm so happy that the author wrote their story.
Jocasta has always been in love with Flynn, her brother's best friend. Flynn and Jocasta were also friends, but one impulsive act completely changed their dynamic 6 years ago. And now things are strained and awkward between them. But what they don't know is that the pining is actually mutual. When the queen Cat gets cursed, Flynn and Jocasta are forced to go on a quest together to find a cure.
OMG the mutual pining and angst killed me!!! 😩 If y'all love a pining hero, then this book is for you 😩 The way Flynn pines...Lord, have mercy 😩 He wants Jocasta so much that he thinks he's going to die from the wanting 🥺 This is how I like my pining heroes 🤌🏽 It's an absolute treat being inside Flynn's head. He pines so hard for Jocasta, but he holds himself back. His backstory is incredibly heartbreaking. This is one of those rare moments where I can actually understand why Flynn fights his feelings for Jocasta. I empathize with Flynn so much and I can understand why he's so scared of taking that step with Jocasta.
A Curse of Queens is slow-paced in terms of plot, especially when compared to the original trilogy. This book is more character-driven and relationship-driven. The plot takes a backseat to the relationship and character growth. I personally didn't mind because I truly enjoyed Flynn and Jocasta as individual characters and as a couple. The author does an incredible job writing Flynn's emotional growth - it takes time for him to lower his walls completely and come face to face with his fears. Jocasta's journey is also very well-written as she finally saves the day and achieves her dreams.
The quest itself doesn't actually begin until the third act at the 70% mark. The journey leading to the quest takes a lot more space that I had originally expected. The pacing and structure is a bit weird and unconventional. There is also a lack of proper transition between acts. Ultimately, I think it all comes down to the author's writing style because I had the same issues with the previous books in this series. Despite the quest happening so late in the story, it somehow worked out all right. It didn't feel rushed at all. I really liked the climax because it perfectly aligned with Jocasta, with who she is, and with her overall strengths. Instead of forcing a physical battle on Jocasta, the author wrote a climax that fits Jocasta's personality and strengths.
My only complaint about the romance is the low steam 😭 I needed more steam 😭 It's not fair that Cat and Griffin got all the steamy scenes, but the author held out on Flynn and Jocasta ugh. I really enjoyed the romance, but I am still disappointed with the low steam. After all the pining and angst, I really needed the payoff to be steamier.
The ending is phenomenal and I'm so excited for the next couple's story!!! I hope we get some Flynn and Jocasta scenes in the next book, but I highly doubt it. -
The Kingmaker Chronicles is one of my favorite fantasy romance series, when I heard there was going to be a fourth book about Jocasta and Flynn, I was over the moon excited.
A Curse of Queens takes place a few months after the ending of the third book, and while it can technically be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the first three books. It will give you a deeper and better understanding of the world, and of the characters—as all of the characters from A Curse of Queens play a big part in the first three books.
Now, while I didn't love this book as much as I had hoped, I still very much liked it and I was so happy to be back in Thalyria.
My biggest issue is that I think this story would've been so much better as a duology. I'm glad this ended in a proper happy ending for the main couple, but I believe the plot as a whole needed two books to be fully and properly developed. Some parts were rushed and it left me feeling really disappointed. I was so looking forward to see Jocasta and Flynn's relationship evolve, and while we had that at the beginning of the book, it then felt like the romance was placed in the background. The second half of the book barely had any moments with them together. I think the author just didn't have time to both advance the story and the romance, and so both ended up being rushed.
However, the first half of the book was great. I loved seeing Jocasta standing up for herself, and I loved being in Flynn's head and finally getting to know him better. The angst and longing were so so good, and I liked that Amanda did not rush that part of their relationship. One thing I will never stop saying is that Amanda Bouchet's storytelling is amazing, and the world she created is so brilliant. Some of the quotes in this book had me laughing out loud and crying. By the end, I was sobbing... for reasons.
A Curse of Queens left me wanting more and I am so excited for the next book! I love these characters and this world so much, and I just hope the next book will be longer so we can properly enjoy these characters and this world.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy of the book. -
I loved books 1-3 of Kingmaker Chronicles, this one not really. I was very bored throughout its entirety. This book starts a new story with Jo and Flynn with a few characters appearing from the first trilogy. However I didn't feel like this installment was a part of the same world.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. -
"I claim you, Jocasta. You will be the sun I orbit for the rest of my days. I will be your home, wherever we are and wherever we go. I will protect you. I will love you. I will always be yours."
•
•
This was my favorite of the series. I am FERAL over this book and will be for a long time. Jocasta and Flynn have me in a chokehold and I never want to be free again. The longing, the tension, the WANTING and the eventual satisfaction, ugh, it was so freaking good.
This picked up pretty soon after Heart on Fire. Cat and Griffin have united Thalyria and are expecting their heir to be born any day now. Cat quickly learns she has been cursed and has been put in permanent stasis, which is devestating for the fragile peace they have just established. Jocasta, being the talented healer she is, has seemingly endless knowledge of herbs, plants, potions and elixirs and she knows she needs to find the cure. Her research leads her to Circe's garden but there's one problem - Circe's garden is all but myth. Jocasta decides to set out on a quest to find the garden and brings along Alpha Team, now made up of Carver, Bellanca, Prometheus and FLYNN. And there is not a single dull moment. This book was absolutely wild and stuffed full of action, drama, comedy, romance, spice, nail biting moments, gasps of surprise and complete shock. The Greek mythology references just keep coming and I cannot get enough.
Jocasta and Flynn's story was so freaking satisfying. They have danced around each other this whole series (their whole lives, really) and seeing them finally find their way back and admit to their love was EVERYTHING. He's her olive. And she's his everything. I will never be over these two.
I cannot even begin to describe the reveals, twists and turns the last 80% gave us. I am so freaking excited for the rest of the story and cannot wait to see what Amanda Bouchet does next. The stakes are HIGH and I can't wait to see where this goes and who ends up either side.
********potential spoilers below. maybe? idk. but you've been warned.********
I know she's working on Carver and Bel's book now (which thank the GODS I need more of those two and I've needed it since book 3) but I need a Kato and Eleni book. I NEED IT. I didn't know how much I needed it until that reveal but holy crap I need it. -
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Fantasy / Romance
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
A Curse of Queens, by author Amanda Bouchet, is the Fourth installment in the authors The Kingmakers Chronicles. I highly recommend that you read the first trilogy of this series to understand the past events that has finally united Thalyria under the rule of Cat and Griffin and the world the author has created. As we learned from the first trilogy, this world is steeped in Greek Mythology with plenty of Gods and Goddesses appearing through the course of the story. The Kingdom needs Cat and Griffin's promised child or the promises they made will be for nothing.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20... -
Well, this was slow going to start and Flynn almost drove me crazy BUT he really won me over as we got him to open up.
Jocasta was an Allstar though and she is the hero all the way through. This was really fun.
4 stars
1 on the spice scale -
I absolutely loved the first trilogy in this series and was so excited to hear we were getting more. This was a great continuation of the story focusing on Jocasta and Flynn. If you are looking for a fantasy adventure with some will they won't they romantic spice, then you are going to be pleased reading this story. I love the Greek gods and tales woven throughout the journey. The story wraps up nicely but clearly has paths open for more books to come. I can't wait to continue reading books by Bouchet!
-
I thoroughly enjoyed the previous Kingmaker Chronicles novels so naturally I was pretty excited to see the series continuing with A Curse of Queens!
While I am grateful for the continuation of the story as a whole in this expansive alluring world, I only wish Jocasta's time in the limelight would have been more engaging. It was a PAINFULLY slow read until the last 25% in my opinion.
So much so that by the time interesting things really started happening I just wanted it to be over.
The last bit of the book was honestly terrific though and held a lot of potential for interesting storylines to come.
I'd definitely like to give the next book a shot but I can only hope it will not drag as long as this one did or my interest for the series might just die off.
Even the Romance element to this one felt off to me. I didn’t FEEL the chemistry between Flynn and Jocasta as much as I did in previous books which is really saying something considering this is the only one where intimate things happen between them. I love a good will-they-or-won't-they slow burn, but this felt inevitable and torturously drawn out. I didn't feel the feels, I was just told they are there...so when it finally happens I was past truly having any investment in it.
I think I missed the consistent excitement of Cat and Griffin immensely in this installment, whether it be in battle or romance. Maybe a Carver and Bellanca book next might turn up the heat and quicken the pace. I'd be game for that.
I received an ARC of this book from Sourcebooks Casablanca via NetGalley and this is my honest review.
-
Amanda Bouchet returns to the world of her Kingmaker Chronicles with a new book that focuses on Griffin’s younger sister, Jocasta, and his best friend, Flynn. Now that Cat and Griffin are installed as the Queen and King of a newly united Thalyria, they can no longer go adventuring. So when Cat is given the Elixir of Eternal Life (it’s a bad thing), they must remain at court, pretending everything is fine. Jocasta, an herbalist and healer, thinks she can find Circe’s island prison and win an antidote from her.
I sped reread A Promise of Fire, Breath of Fire, and Heart of Fire to refresh myself on the story so far. I still like A Promise of Fire the best, even though there is still the issue of Griffin kidnapping Cat.
Jocasta has a theory that there is about to be a war among the gods on Olympus and that the attack on Cat and some other events are designed to see who is willing to help Zeus, Poseidon, and Athena, and who is not. Jocasta is the brains and heart of the group that goes to look for Circe. It was fun to read about a woman with no magic, and no significant gift at warfare leading an adventure in this world where gods, titans, and magical creatures are active participants.
Flynn and Jocasta have been in love with each other for years, but Flynn feels like he isn’t good enough for her, and after losing his entire family years before, he is reluctant to love and build a family of his own. Flynn is the weak link in the story until he gives up and admits to Jocasta that he loves her. After that he is much less annoying and very happy to let Jocasta lead.
A Curse of Queens was fun. It doesn’t quite have the snap, crackle, pop of A Promise of Fire, but I suspect the next book will. With Jocasta and Flynn settled happily at the end of the book, I have my suspicions about where Bouchet will take the series next, and I can’t wait.
Also, after inhaling 4 Kingmaker Chronicle books, I would like to request that Amanda Bouchet publish a recipe for the spice cake that is eaten in all of the books. I want one. I want to be able to make it. I made myself some gingerbread cake, but I’m not sure it’s the same thing.
CW: grief for several family deaths that happened either before the start of the series, or in the previous book, illness, injury, memory of past sexual assault, attempted sexual assault, unfairness of the gods’ treatment of Medusa and the Gorgons, unfairness of the gods, betrayal.
I received this as an advance reader copy from Sourcebooks and NetGalley. My opinions are my own, freely and honestly given. -
DUAL POV DUAL POV DUAL POV WE GET FLYNN'S POV AHHHHHHHHHHHHH
I was SO freaking excited to get Flynn and Jocasta's book and I was NOT disappointed, this was my favourite in the series.
It was such an interesting twist on a curse, although I do wish the end of the previous book had led into it a little more, perhaps in the epilogue. And I think the pain from learning about the curse would've hit harder if we had had a bit of time to see them all happy. But honestly, I loved this plot. Although I still got mad every time they mentioned elpis.
Flynn is a stupid in love himbo and I love him, he's just so gone for Jo. And he's a ?!??! I truly did not see that one coming. The tension between Flynn and Jo was just delicious, I truly cannot emphasise how great the tension and yearning in this book was. I was a liiiiittle uncomfy with how he was into her when she was younger, but as it's a different fantasy world and it's normal there I can get past it. It was so cute watching them learn each other, and the way he just so casually said , I'm DEAD. (also there are so many potential options for a future age gap romance for Kaia when she's an adult and I'm so here for it, give me all the romances in this world)
AND THAT ENDING?!?! I am truly hyperventilating, I need the next book like yesterday. Carver and Bellanca???? redacted and REDACTED?!??!?!?!?!?! holy fuck holy fuck holy fuck
I just really freaking love Amanda Bouchet's writing - it's truly been so long since I was so obsessed with a series that I stayed up all night reading and could think of nothing else. I honestly wanted to cry reading this because it just felt like being my teenage self again, obsessed with those fantasy worlds and characters I could escape into and know I'd be happy. In case you couldn't tell by the fact I lost all ability to speak in coherent sentences in this review, I love love loved this and simply will not rest until I have the next book in my hands.
