| Title | : | Of Fate and Fire (Kingmaker Chronicles, #3.5) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 136 |
| Publication | : | First published December 22, 2021 |
Piers, an exiled warrior from Thalyria, finds himself in the Big Apple just before the holidays. The world and everything in it might be utterly foreign to him, but that won't stop Piers from helping to complete a vital mission for Athena. His goal? To protect Sophie, a French teacher from Connecticut who's suddenly knee-deep in inexplicable phenomena, danger, and henchmen after an Olympian treasure that should never have ended up in her hands—or remained on Earth after the Greek gods abandoned it.
Of Fate and Fire (Kingmaker Chronicles, #3.5) Reviews
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✅ Mythology
✅ Pace
✅ Ideas and plot
✅🆗 Characters (the little we saw of Sophie was nice)
🆗 Development of the ideas and plot
❌ Insta-love
2.5 stars
Sadly, I am not a fan of insta-love at all, so I struggled to really enjoy this novella for that reason.Pink gaped at him. She did that a lot. “I don’t know what circus decided to spit you out, or what wardrobe from Narnia, but life has value here. And murder has consequences. You can’t just kill people,” she insisted.
“Fine.” Annoyed, Piers flipped his sword around and brought the hilt down on the man’s temple.
This novella shows us what happens to Piers after he tries to strike a deal with Ares in Heart on Fire to get rid of Cat. Piers is no longer in Thalyria, he has been sent to New York City where he runs into Sophronia (or Sophie), a descendant of Hercules who is trying to escape from a dangerous man who’s after her because she is in possession of a very powerful crystal shard that was stolen from him.
I know this is a novella, so there is not as much time to develop a slow-burn relationship, but sadly I struggle to get on board with insta-love. The romance between Sophie and Piers felt rushed and underdeveloped. I would have preferred to see them get to know each other, and have hints of romance to come, rather than seeing them jump into bed after knowing each other for only a day. I understand the idea that their life was in danger, and it was a “let’s enjoy tonight in case we die tomorrow” type of situation, and that would have worked fine with me if it was only lust and physical attraction between them, but it was clearly more than lust because they were both wishing that the other would never leave them and that they would have a future together, and they couldn't bear the thought of leaving the other because their life would lose its sense without the other.
Sophie, being a descendant of Hercules (and Zeus) has magical powers, even though she never knew about them before, and of course, they reveal themselves just when she needs them, only for us to learn after that it was a one-time thing and that she would never have access to her magic again. I just feel that the whole thing about her having magic was pointless and mostly served to force Piers to see some resemblance between Sophie and Cat, to humanize Cat in his eyes, and to make him feel bad about what he did to Cat and what he thought of her.
The ideas and the plot are not bad, but I think there would have been enough here to make a longer novella, or a shorter “regular” novel, instead of packing everything in a 118 pages short book.
A Promise of Fire ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Breath of Fire ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Heart on Fire ⭐⭐⭐.5
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Of Fate and Fire is the first novella within the Kingmaker Chronicles. I was honestly surprised that this was coming out this month since I didn't even know a novella was being added. Then I was surprised once again to see that it was all about Piers. So, yes, zero hesitation on my part and bought the book within seconds of it being released.
I'm just going to say that Piers and Sophie were completely adorable. At first, I was so confused because we are thrown into the real world instead of where he was originally. This definitely gave me Thor vibes and I loved that Sophie basically said what I was thinking. Plus, these two had some really cute chemistry and I loved their dynamic so much.
My only complaint is that the book is so short. Which, yes, I get that it would be since it's a novella but dang it - I wanted more from these two. I will say that watching them grow together and live out their little HEA was pretty cute. Now I'm excited to jump into the next book! -
This is a must read for fans of this series. It helped close that door for Piers so that no one will wonder what became of him. Without giving anything away, I'll just say that I'm so happy for him. If he had to be exiled, I loved that he got a fate to make it all worth it.
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Umm ahh huh... This does not bodes well for me. It's not a good novella for me. Things were too rushed, the romance part felt a little underdeveloped, and the little mythological part also failed to pique my interest.
Now, I would probably go into the next book more cautiously. -
3 stars ~ [4.73/10]
I am such a champion of Amanda Bouchet because back before the fantasy romance boom, she was one of the few authors writing adult books in that genre and I clung to them like a lifeline. I can't tell you how many times I google searched 'books like A Promise of Fire' and came up with very little. However, that was also how I found some older fantasy romance books like Tairen Soul and Sevenwaters. I feel kind of bad that her books arrived a touch too early to really ride the fantasy romance wave and I think they sometimes get looked over, but she'll always be an autobuy for me.
That being said, I'm not a huge fan of in-world novellas. More often than not I resent reading them if I have to (with a few exceptions as always.) I think this one did it's job though and it's also not required reading for the series as a whole, which is a plus. Whilst I wasn't that enthralled in the story, it did give me a good refresher of the world before I head into book 4 so I appreciate it for that! -
Set in present day, Sophie is being pursued by thugs sent by a scientist after a treasure that should be returned to a goddess, and Piers, exiled from Thalyria, finds himself in a strange land called New York and drawn to help Sophie. It doesn’t take long for Sophie to believe that Piers isn’t from around there and she’s glad for the help from this extremely hunky warrior. Piers is out of his element, but protecting Sophie is something he can certainly do, but how to assist her in her mission is something they’ll have to figure out together. I really enjoyed this story and loved how everything all worked out.
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Bouchet did such a masterful job of tying so much together in such a short space: There's adventure, magic, passion but also the bemused confusion of a Greek hero confronted by New York City and of a Connecticut-based French teacher who finds out the capricious gods of her heritage are real.
The Kingmaker books are comfort reads for me, I'll admit, but this was originally written for the Fire of the Frost anthology and serves as a beguiling taste of Bouchet's world for anyone who isn't addicted.
Yet. -
I was so excited to read about Piers. How he handles another world. It's a great story within a great series.
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Piers is kicked out of Thalyria as his punishment and winds up in a different realm…modern day NY.
While I was furious at Piers for his previous actions, he truly thought he was doing what was best for his family. I’m glad he got a chance at redemption. Sophie is a wonderful heroine that I could stand up and root for.
This sweet novella is a nice snack while awaiting the fourth novel in the Kingmaker Chronicles, “A Curse of Queens,” due to release in October.
As always, well done Amanda Bouchet. I would love to see this awesome series brought to screen someday soon. -
Such a charming and fun read! Bouchet really did a lot in a short period with this one. The romance between Sophie and Piers felt completely natural and had me seriously invested despite this being a novella.
This acted as a wonderful bridge to the main series: there was enough tying it to Piers' family that I felt their absence just as acutely as he did, but Sophie was likeable, and Piers was completely endearing through her eyes. In the first couple of pages, I worried that there wouldn't be much in this novella that emotionally tied me to the main series, but Piers was reminiscent to me of Carver and Griffin. Since family is such an important concept in the series, it felt like they were just prominent enough in the story to call back to the main series. And all the while, I could still totally see how creative this was. It felt like Bouchet was having a lot of fun. I know I did.
What a fitting end for Piers! Such an enjoyable story. I am really looking forward to see any future novellas set in this series. -
I enjoyed this short which shows what happens to Piers and also connects to Novalight in the series with Tess Bailey.
Piers ends up in modern day NYC. He is flabbergasted by modern technology but sees it more as magic. He meets Sophie who is a descendant of Zeus and turns out to have actual magic. Athena helps them with their problems. The romance between Piers and Sophie is quick and lovely. -
Okay I really wanted to know about piers, it was too short. I think there's something more to happen so I AM DYING FOR THE CAT ANS GRIFFING BOOK THATS COMING UP. I really want them to reunite with Piers, he's a good man. All in all I feel at peace after waiting for so long. Miss Amanda I'm in love
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I really did not expect to love this but I'm so glad I was curious enough about Piers that I picked it up <3
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I am such a sucker for the fish-out-of-water time-travel romance, and the tie-in to Bouchet's
Nightchaser series was brilliant! Villainy clearly is hereditary. And big no judgement to Piers. I still think revolving doors are cool. -
Piers, a warrior and scholar who was permanently exiled from Thalyria after a reckless decision that separated him from his beloved family, is now in modern day New York City at Christmastime. Not only is it a huge paradigm shift for the intellectual member of Griffin’s family, but Piers meets a woman, Sophie, a French teacher from Connecticut of Greek heritage to whom he feels a connection. Although from different worlds, Piers and Sophie find themselves drawn together, in part due to a relation with the Olympians from his homeland particularly Athena. The gods are not limited to one dimension and so also have some powers in this world. Sophie has a magical weapon that never should have left Thalryia; she is now running from some bad folks who want it desperately and will stop at nothing to have what they desire.
Piers and Sophie have to do their best to outwit, outlast, and overcome those with evil intent while a growing mutual attraction pulls them together in some pleasurable ways. New York at Christmastime has its own magic adding spice and beauty to the story. Piers’s ability to cope and adapt to his new strange surroundings along Sophie’s determination to do what is right with all her own considerable skills makes for an enjoyable read with action, adventure, and romance.
This novella is set in the Kingmaker Chronicles world between books three and four. Because Piers left his family in such a heart wrenching way, I was very happy to see his personal story have some redemption and to know that he is not forever lost in darkness and sorrow. The fans of this series will want to have this essential story before the next book, A CURSE OF QUEENS, releases this Fall. -
Actual Rating: 2.5 Stars
I absolutely love the kingmaker chronicles and have read the trilogy numerous times and I think it is one of the best fantasy romance series on the market. However, I was a little hesitant about reading this because I don't have a great track record with novellas (pacing just never works for me). However, I wanted a good Piers story - so paid full price for this...
Unfortunately, I didn't really like this novella and I am probably being a little generous in my rating because it is part of a series I love. I was really looking forward to seeing a redemption story with Piers - but having it set in our world (Strike 1) with an insta love theme (Strike 2) and not actually focusing it around his geeky/bookishness (Strike 3) meant this was not for me and I can't see myself ever reading it again. It was rushed and the mythology was boring and I think this was a missed opportunity to give Piers the story he deserved rather than the silly "Enchanted" rip-off of someone from a different realm being dumped in NYC with traffic light/car confusion that this turned into...just a tad disappointed.
Reading Challenge
Aussie Readers 2023 Annual A-Z "Follow the Clues" Challenge: "Q" Read a Quick book (Under 200 pages)
Aussie Readers 2022-23 QEII Challenge: Read books with titles that spell out Corgi (O - Of)
Aussie Readers 2023 February "Kate Forsyth" Challenge: Read books with author initials that spell out Fantasy (A = Amanda) -
3.5 Stars
This was a decent novella to finish the story for Piers and give him some redemption.
I liked the story and the characters and it had some great humour. But it alsonfelt very rushed and too easy. I wish things had been a little more difficult for them to sort out but it has definitely filled a gap in the story and I can't wait to read the next book. -
Just everything was too rushed, from the insta-love, eliminating the threat to the happy end but it's a novella.
I was quite surprised from where the term fated mates suddenly came from because so far it wasn't used and it feels a bit awkward.
I'm always a fan of redemption and it was entertaining though not to compare to the previous books of the series the Kingmaker chronicles. -
I admit I was bit lost when reading since I didn't read the other book in the series yet. But it was sweet and cute enough for me.
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4.5 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
She'd needed him, and here he was. The rest was inevitable. Destiny, maybe.
Of Fate and Fire is a novella in the fantasy romance series, the Kingmaker Chronicles, that takes places after the events of book three. The story follows Griffin's brother, Piers, after he finds himself in an unknown land called "The Big Apple." Through this strange world he ends of meeting Sophronia, Sophie, a school teacher who has found herself in some hot water after she received a strange artifact that a scientist is desperate for and willing to do whatever it takes. Together they realize the origins of this shard is something no mortal should possess and they find a way to return it to Athena before it is too late.
I was really excited for this book after seeing the hints of it forming in the last book. Sophie is a fun character and easy to relate to. Piers takes on an alpha role and I liked seeing him find that person he needed in his life that made his see reason...and to make sacrifices. Their romance is fast but I didn't mind it, especially given this is a novella. Their banter and time together made it easy to fall into.
This book does has spice but it isn't too heavy. It comes around the 50% mark. I always have liked Bouchet's writing style for spice as it detailed but still romantic.
Piers got it now. Why Griffin would choose Cat over everything...The right woman hit them like a lightning bolt and scorched herself down to their very essence.
The story is fast paced but easy to follow along. I do admit somethings felt a little rushed but I found the inclusion of giving Piers a kind of tour of the city was hilarious and sweet. This is more about character development than plot because, if you read book 3, you kind of know what is going on. The story is a bit predictable and there are some nods towards Bouchet's other series (which I should probably go check out now!) which I thought was neat. Keep in mind this is a short novella and I was happy all around.
Overall, this is a quick fantasy read that takes the world of the Kingmaker Chronicles and brings it to Earth during the festive season that was extremely fun and light to read. I liked getting to see Piers again and the epilogue was the perfect level of cheese for his story to end. If you enjoy the series, this is an absolute to pick up! -
Wild Goose
Kingmaker3.5; 4.5 ⭐️
First read as part of anthology, Fire of the Frost, so the events didn’t make much sense. But the story holds together and is quite entertaining.
I don’t associate the names: “Piers”, “Griffin”, or “Carver” with Greece; so that as a stretch was annoying. But, Piers is certainly steeped in Greek culture and folklore, which is advantageous in this story.
Strongly suggest reading the Kingmaker Chronicles before this story for context, since it is complete now. And Curse of Queens continues in that world. Enjoy! -
A decently fun novella to close the book on Piers story. I never found Piers an interesting character and while Bouchet walks back his betrayal of Cat and Griffin in the main series and this novella, I didn’t find his remorse or punishment adequate. In fact, Piers gets a reward in exile when his insta-love with Sophia turns into a family, kids, wealth and job. Still, this story is a fun way to connect Thalyria with modern day New York.
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You know, I wasn’t sure whether I wanted Piers to get a redemption story but damn if this wasn’t worth it! This little short story is a quick read and an excellent addition to The Kingmaker Chronicles universe. After A Curse of Queens, I really hope that Piers and his Thalyrian family have just a few minutes to see each other again and know that the others are happy.
Now to read the Nightchaser series! -
I had fun with this novella. I actually would have loved a full length novel to flesh everything out and explore the characters more. But I really liked what we did get, and the story actually made me like Piers alot which I didn't think was possible lol. I'm excited to dive back into Thalyria with Bouchet's newest release set in this world.
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This book truly delivers, somehow managing to bridge the Kingmaker Chronicles and dumping it in a whole new setting. Piers (Cat's reluctant BIL) finds himself exiled to another realm... that happens to be modern day New York. I loved this spin on his life after what went down in the Kingmaker Chronicles, can't wait to read more on them with the spin-off series.
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This was just fine, nothing really bad about if, but also nothing to write home about. I liked both main characters and I thought they fit well together, but I just didn't care that much about the whole thing, since I prefer Thalyria as a setting, compared to the the human world.
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This was a refreshing short story. I must say I did not like him in the Kingmaker trilogy. He came off as weak and whiny. This story he is just as manly and smooth as Griffin. I enjoyed this story, even if I haven’t read any of the Novalight books.
