As a huge fan of the Kingmaker Chronicles, I was so excited to hear that there was another book coming out. This world is such a unique take on mythology and so rich and complex. But the stars of the show for me were always the characters and their journeys and this book also delivers. Jacosta and Flynn are so different than Cat and Griffin, creating a unique story despite the familiar cast of characters. It was so fun to see them work through their personal struggles (and get out of their own way) to decide their futures and fight for what they love. A lovely addition to the series but also stands on its own!

Unfortunately, the first half of this fourth book, which thankfully does not start a new trilogy - hence the additional starlet - is excruciatingly slow, with all the personal elucubrations of Jocasta and Flynn, who despite being two people in their 20s and 30s respectively, have extremely puerile attitudes towards love and relationship. Other than that, in my opinion the story begins to work when the quintet leaves for Circe's island and encounters then, a whole series of obstacles in its path.
The ending leaves something to be desired, but it also opens up for further complex developments in the overall arc, which will take place, I gather, on different planes (Hades, Atlantis, and Thalyria), and I hope that with the return of Cat and Griffin, the pace will also return to that of the first two books.

Purtroppo la prima metá di questo quarto libro, che per fortuna non da inizio ad una nuova trilogia - e da qui la stellina aggiuntiva - é lentissima, con tutte le elucubrazioni personali di Jocasta e di Flynn che pur essendo due persone con rispettivamente piú di 20 e piú di 30 anni, hanno degli atteggiamenti estremamente puerili nei confronti dell'amore e delle relazioni sentimentali. A parte questo, secondo me la storia comincia a funzionare quando il quintetto parte per l'isola di Circe ed incontra quindi, tutta una serie di ostacoli sul suo percorso.
La fine lascia a desiderare, ma apre anche ad ulteriori e complessi sviluppi dell'arc generale, che si svolgerá, deduco, su piani diversi (Ade, Atlantide e Thalyria) e spero che con il rientro di Cat e Griffin anche i ritmi tornino ad essere quelli dei primi due libri.

I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

AHHH!! Amanda Bouchet's Kingmaker Chronicles was amazing so when I saw she was editing Flynn and Jocasta's book I was so excited. I loved this story and the exhilarating feeling the writing evoked! I loved the connection between the main characters and can't wait for more from this author in the future! 5 stars! ~Ratula

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book for an unbiased review!

Could not put this book down. Thanks This is a must read series and this newest book in the series does not disappoint. The world building, character development and story line do not disappoint you. The author has surpassed the earlier books in the series. The romance was off the charts good. The depth of the characters especially Flynn was perfect. Words cannot do justice to how good this book is. Buy it and read it. You won’t regret it!!

Flynn and Jocasta relationship has so many layers and so not one dimensional and their escapades are so well written it feels like you are there with them ! What an exhilarating ride !! The secondary characters makes the story even better. I want more of them !!

The Kingmaker Chronicles is one of my favorite fantasy series, so I was excited when I saw that Amanda Bouchet was writing Jocasta and Flynn's story. I couldn't wait to get back into the amazing, and intricate world Amanda had created. I wanted to see what all my favorite characters were up to. This book is pretty long and I am really happy about that. The author took the time to set everything up and delivered a very magical action-packed novel. Jo has had a thing for Flynn since forever, however, Flynn is very hesitant to open himself up due to him losing his whole family. He is afraid to love because that will mean that there is a chance something could happen to that person.

“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.” Voice low, unsteady, he rasped, “I vow this with every part of my body and soul.”

When the Queen (and main character in the previous three books) is cursed Jo, Flynn and others go on a mission to find an antidote to the curse. I really love when characters travel through different worlds and we meet all kinds of mythological creatures and gods. There was no boring moment in this book and I was hooked and dedicated until the end. Amanda Bouchet has become a favorite author of mine and I love how unique and intriguing her stories are. The ending leaves possibilities for many other books set in this world and I look forward to reading all of them. I need to know what is going to happen to many of my favorite side characters. A Curse of Queens is in my opinion a perfect addition to the Kingmaker Chronicles.

This is a story that can be read as standalone, but I definitely recommend starting the series to better enjoy the experience.. With a Greek mythology setting, Jo and Flynn are trying to help their Queen with a curse that is plaguing the kingdom. I loved slow burn friends to lovers romance, I loved seeing them pining for each other, angst pours from the pages. I really enjoyed it so much.

Read it if you're a fan of
fantasy
slow burn
angst
friends to lovers
pining to each other

highly recommended!

Hmm so I was obsessed with this series and absolutely could not wait for for Jocasta and Flynn’s story. Loved their interactions and I think my main issue was we didn’t have enough of them. While I understand this is a series and I’m so excited for the next book, this book felt like it dragged on. I wanted more characters and less world building.

I first read Amanda Bouchet's the Kingmaker Chronicles several years ago and loved them all! Cat was such a strong lead female character and Griffin was the kind of male lead that could make your insides turn to mush. I loved how much they loved each other and also their family and friends. Initially, Beta team and their adventures were the focal point of the first books, but as we lost some beloved characters along the way (RIP Kato, sniff, sniff), the worlds in these books grew and new characters were introduced. I also really enjoyed the world development by Bouchet and her layering of Greek mythology was masterful. So, when I was able to obtain an ARC copy of A Curse of Queens, I was so excited!

This book shifts the focus away from Griffin and Cat (though they are still central to the main story line) to Flynn and Jocasta. This will they or won't they couple have been flirting with a potential romance for years. Flynn has lost many members of his own blood family and cannot bear that happening again. So, he has vowed to never marry or have children of his own. Joacasta, Griffin's younger sister, has loved Flynn for many years and even kissed him on her 18th birthday. He rejected her at that time and their relationship has been strained ever since. Fast forward 6ish years and Cat and Griffin are Queen and King to a united Thalyria and expecting their first baby. Things quick go awry when Cat is cursed by an elixir that basically places her in a stasis - she will no longer age, nor will the baby growing inside her. Jocasta is a gifted healer and thinks she has found a solution, but it will involve a journey to the mythical Circe's garden. Jocasta, Flynn, Carver, Bellanca and Prometheus set out to find the legendary sorceress in hopes of finding a cure in time for Cat and her baby.

I loved the focus on Flynn and Jocasta. Both are hopelessly in love with the other, but are afraid to risk their hearts. It was amazing to read from each of their POV and really get inside their heads to see what was holding each of them back. Watching as they traveled on their journey and worked through their own pain and trauma to find the courage to love one another was heartwarming. I especially loved the spicy bits! The adventure with the rest of the team (AKA Team Elpis) was pretty epic as well.

You really need to read the Kingmaker Chronicles first to appreciate the history and relationships presented in this book. Loved it from start to end!

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an eARC of this book!

This was my first time reading this series and while I think it could be read as a standalone, it would be better read in order. There's best friend's sibling, mutual pining, slow burn, angst, and action that made this a great read! Jo and Flynn have pined for each other for years and now it's finally their chance. There is wonderful relationship development between these two and I adore their respect for one another. If you're a fan of fantasy romance this is a must! I wished their story was slightly longer and maybe even made into a duet, but it did wrap up well with a great HEA.

I really enjoyed the entire Kingmaker series and I was a bit skeptical going into this book because I thought that Heart on Fire had tied up loose ends and there was no where else to go with Cat and Griffin’s storyline without the story getting ruined. Thankfully we got Jocasta and Flynn’s POV along with a new quest for this book. I LOVED Jocasta throughout the entire series and I’m so grateful we finally got to jump into her mind and her love story. Her strength, intelligence, and courage were definitely underestimated during the first three books, thankfully this book allowed her to prove everyone wrong. The end of this book sets up a new adventure for Bellanca and Carver which I am SO excited for. They have been gearing up to be my favourite couple this entire series- I love a slow burn enemies-to-lovers, and I cannot wait for the book to come out. Overall, great read 4.5/5 ⭐️

Okay I’m kicking myself for not reading the previous books first. My fault. Otherwise I would have enjoyed this one way more. I was a little confused but kept pushing through. If you like Greek mythology like I do, I recommend this book. Just read the other ones first!

Finally, it’s Flocasta! Oh, I have waited for Flynn and Jo’s story and this book did not disappoint. The author takes us through Thalyria and beyond in this story. The world building is excellent and the characters steal your heart. I love the mix of mythology and fantasy that the author has created-it’s an original take on Greek myth and a gloriously rich world. This story focuses on Jo’s adventure with the newly minted Team Elpis. Cat and Griffin are side characters here but it’s lovely to see them again. The story does wrap up nicely for Flynn and Jo but some questions remain unanswered for the world as a whole. I laughed, I cried, I sent a prayer to the gods that more stories from this world will be coming soon. Bravo!

I received an eARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I wanted to love this book so much. I love mythology retellings and the premise of this book was intriguing. I think my biggest downfall trying to read this book is that I was unaware when I received it that it was book 4 in a series. I also think that this is not a series you can just pick up in the middle. I felt like this novel was a bit all over the place and it felt like it was in a hurry to jump to some indefinite point in the book (jump to the main character romance? or maybe jump to the curse on the queen?). I was honestly feeling pulled in too many directions at once. This book lacked focus. I did not finish this book despite how hard I tried.

A Curse of Queens | Amanda Bouchet
#4 The Kingmaker Chronicles

A Curse of Queens is the fourth book in the series by author, Amanda Bouchet. While the first three books focus on Cat & Griffin, in this one we finally get to learn more about another couple who has been teased from the very beginning, Jocasta & Flynn.

A Curse of Queens is a full-filled, steamy and rich fantasy which would appeal to fans of authors like Sarah J Maas, Jennifer L Armentrout, Holly Black, Lexi Ryan and Stacey Marie Brown. The world building and fantasy setting is rich and detailed and the mythological elements gives it a little something different than your usual run of the mill fantasy.

This story follows Jocasta (younger sister of Griffin) as she sets out to find the fabled garden belonging to the exiled witch, Circe. Along for the ride are Flynn, and various other characters we have been introduced to and gotten to love over the past three books. Full of adventure, romance and magic this book offers something to everyone.

I am crossing my fingers that the author will bring out Carver & Bellanca’s book next.
I will post a review on my Instagram and Amazon account close to release date. I have also posted on Goodreads.

Thank you to the publisher, Sourcebooks Casablanca, the author, Amanda Bouchet and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book.

Full review and fangirling can be found on *Milky Way of Books*

I am not a person to usually boast things? But boy am I going to boast about this just one time! :D
I had the incredible luck to help Amanda Bouchet by offering tidbits of my knowledge on Greek mythology as part of both my uni curriculum and because I am Greek. Plus some words and endearments you will read when this book comes out, will stay with you and yes we have pretty damn amazing words for "my heart".

Fangirling and boasting aside, the next installment of the Kingmaker Chronicles brings you back to the world of Thalyria where Greeks gods are alive and influence politics and kingdoms, and a quest to save the Queen leads my lovebirds Flynn and Jocasta to a quest to a certain witch's island.

I dove into the book without actually reading the summary, that much I wanted to discover what could happen between those two characters from the previous trilogy had intrigued me. Jocasta is a healer whose dedication and hard work make her a very fine example of a strong woman and Flynn my man whose loyalty is strong to a fault and he feels too much to even form words at times.

The story takes us to a quest across Thalyria with monsters along the way and a conspiracy that may tear their world apart. Along with Jocasta and Flynn we also have Carver and Bellanca as also the Titan Prometheus. The banter and dialogue between them was a very welcome distraction from the slow burn romance between Jocasta and Flynn as their quest took more and more dangerous paths.

If you love Greek mythology and want to immerse into this world I do recommend reading first the other 3 books of the series. Definitely recommended!

I was intrigued by the title of the book and the brief description.
The main theme was well put together and developed. A quest to find an antidote for the pregnant Queen who had been given the Elixir of Eternal Life and entrapped in an active state of stasis.
I enjoyed the intertwining of the Greek Pantheon and mythology into the story. It gave the book character, as many readers would have some knowledge of Greek mythology or at least the names of the gods.
While on the quest there are some side themes that help support the overall but do not take away from the main theme.
Was a semi quick read and light.

I look forward to the continuation of the series.

I loved the first book in this series and this one takes you to a whole new level of OMG!
That ending!!
I need more, Amanda Bouchet.
This book was a powerhouse in world building and characterization and I cannot wait for more!

This was an amazing addition to this wonderful series! I absolutely LOVED that we got multiple point of views in this book. The alternating chapters between Flynn & Jocasta gave the book so much more depth.

We saw bits and pieces of their story in the first three books, but there was so much more back story that thoroughly surprised me! From childhood friends, to possible lovers, to awkward acquaintances, to this epic slow burn of a relationship.

Flynn is such a cinnamon roll!! I loved watching him fumble around and lose all train of thought anytime he was near Jocasta.

And Jocasta, I loved watching her gain confidence and be grounded in herself. She was the queen of this story!

But let’s be real, I was LIVING for Carver & Bellanca’s banter!

This book was filled with all the epic Greek mythological battles that you would expect from a Kingmaker Novel.
We got another “Elpis Team” going on an epic journey to save Cat & baby Eleni from a curse.

Probably one of my favorite things about this book was it’s ending! I won’t spoil it…but let me just say, I NEEDED that certain scene and I’m completely enthralled in this story and I am hoping to get more answers in the next book she writes.

I would definitely recommend this book if you enjoy:
- slow burn
- Greek Mythology World building
- child hood crush
- witty banter
- overcoming trials

Lastly, I gave it 4 stars because even though I enjoyed this story, it didn’t keep my attention like a five star read does. But all in all, I’m very happy with this book and how their story was told.

Really enjoy this series and am glad Amanda has gone back to complete happy ever afters for the characters, still a few more to go so know more to come. Yey!!!

I am a huge fan of the first three books in this series and I re-read them in preparation for this one! Though I think the book could be a standalone, I'd highly recommend reading the first three first, as the main couple in this book are heavily featured in the first three books and you see seeds of their romance there. With fantasy romance, the romance can sometimes get relegated to a subplot, but Amanda Bouchet does an excellent job balancing worldbuilding, the central quest, and the romance really well. I loved this couple and they had so many sweet moments, but I have to admit that I enjoyed Cat and Griffin as a couple a lot more. Still, I enjoyed revisiting this world and would love to read more stories set here (which I think will happen since the author leaves some plot threads hanging at the end. Nothing central to this story, but they definitely suggest some spinoffs!). Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!