This book picks up right where A Promise of Fire left off and doesn't let up with the action, adventure and romance. Once again I could not put it down. Cat's true identity is no longer a secret. Because she loves Griffin she is willing to face her destiny, even though she's afraid of what it really means. They have a plan that needs a few steps to be successful and they have to survive before they can implement it. The battles they endure kept me on the edge, sweating,worrying about all of these characters. Love Cat's snarky, sarcastic humor and the banter between her and Griffin. There is still a major confrontation coming as a big part of the third book that will be interesting with an added development. This book will be on my favorite of 2017 list.

Amanda Bouchet’s Breath of Fire continues the tale begun in A Promise of Fire and delivers more romance between Griffin and Cat. As always, our duo is fighting dangers from Cat’s past, enemies from all sides and negotiating with the gods. Doing a masterful job of delivering a fresh take on the ancient Greek myths, Ms. Bouchet’s series delivers heat and heart as well as action and adventure.

Memorable moment: Hard to say but here is one of many heated kiss scenes.

Griffin leaps forward and yanks me into his arms. Our bodies connect, and a spasm wrenches my chest. It feels so perfect, so right when he holds me like this. Surrounding me, squeezing me until I almost can’t breathe, he rains kisses all across my face.

Enjoyed this sequel to A Promise of Fire. Had just as much adventure, twists and turns as the first book. Ready for more!

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Jordan – ☆☆☆☆☆
I read the first book in the Kingmaker Chronicles, A Promise of Fire, and I absolutely loved it, which means I was very excited to get my hands on book #2. Thankfully, Bouchet did not disappoint. Breath of Fire pretty much picks up where A Promise of Fire left off and keeps you enthralled until the very end. The book has just the right amount of action, Greek mythology, and romance neatly woven together. I will say that the beginning was a little slow for me, but it quickly picked up and kept me reading late into the night. I cannot get enough of Cat and the rest of Beta Team, I love them all! I think Bouchet has found a compelling combination and I look forward to seeing what all my favorite characters are up to in book #3 and anything else she does in the future! A solid 5 star read! *****

I encourage fans of Fantasy Romance to start reading this series. Also, for fans of Sarah J Maas' Throne Of Glass series, this one definitely belongs on your TBR List!


Jacki – ☆☆☆☆
I had easily fallen in love with this story after reading the first book and was excited for this installment. I was not disappointed.

Book two of the Kingmaker Chronicles was not any less action filled or exciting as book one had been. It is difficult to review this book without giving too much away.

Catalia's secrets are slowly unraveling one by one, and as they do, her problems keep piling up. She not only has to be even more vigilant of her own safety, but now her relationship with Griffin will face even more tests in the midst of danger being around every corner. She knows that the world needs to be changed, but unlike everyone else, she isn't sure that SHE is the one capable of changing it.

The secondary characters that I loved so much return in this book, and I was just as delighted to see them this as I was before. Griffin's brothers and Cat's friends keep me completely entertained. That is one of my favorite parts of these books. The characters have so much personality that you can't help but love (or hate) them. Cat is a complete firecracker of hilarious sarcasm, and Griffin is an amazing complement to her. Their butting heads is just as entertaining as the fireworks they create together in bed.

Overall, I devoured this book in a very short amount of time and loved every minute of it. This series is one of few of its genre that I have actually liked, let alone fallen in love with. I look forward to the next book and highly recommend it.


Erica – ☆☆☆☆
4.5 Stars.

Breath of Fire had a difficult task ahead of it – living up to the anticipation the debut in the series created. While that was an impossible task, as everything was new and exciting during book one, the sequel made a strong attempt.

Cat and Griffin take on the realms in this installment. Mission 1: Protect their territory. Mission 2: Infiltrate. Mission 3: Stay alive during Missions 1 & 2.

The opener was slightly difficult to digest and felt out of place, as if Griffin suffered from a character trait lobotomy, where he acts out of character. It’s resolved as quickly as it started, but if I were to don my editor hat, I would have told the author to reel it in and find another path to the same conclusion. This tainted my reading experience for a few chapters, because it was written in a different writing style, perfect for a different genre, and at odds with how book one ended. Book two literally picked up where book one ended, which I just finished, so it was whiplash and confusion for both me (the reader) and Cat, followed by nonstop makeup sex.

I will state the novel takes some time to get moving, maybe a quarter of it, where I was unsure what the plot would be for the entirety. (I felt the author didn’t know either, and that’s my professional opinion). But once it’s revealed, the book takes off at light-speed, flowing fluidly, making the reader ravenous for more.

On the adventure front: the novel had this in spades. It reminded me of dungeon looting in an MMORPG, mixed with the ability to respawn of a first-person shooter. The dungeon (cave and arena, and everything in between) was filled with imagery that was lifelike and exciting, creating creatures in my imagination. However, knowing Cat could respawn, took the emotion out of her nearly dying nonstop – this took my enjoyment away and became repetitive. (Not that I want the author to kill anyone.)

On the romance front: the author could’ve chosen to break up Cat and Griffin or make them a stronger couple, and I thank the gods the readers weren’t subjected to unnecessary angst (after that opener). With book one including the build-up to their relationship, book two is working out the relationship kinks while kicking butt and taking names – partners. However, where I felt the lusty tidbits in the predecessor added to the overall enjoyment and anticipation in the novel, there was a ton of between-the-sheets action by our couple in Breath of Fire – it felt like filler in a wash-repeat style and at inopportune times. A few scenes would have added value to their relationship – I ended up skimming past about four more. But that’s my reading style: I need tension and buildup, but once a couple is together, it becomes boring and repetitive in an ‘I’ve read it before’ sort of way. That’s how my mind works, and I don’t assume another reader’s does. Since there are many fantasy traditionalists who don’t enjoy it turning more erotic, I felt the need to add it to my review. I’m in the ‘less is more’ camp, but I do want some, which is why I praised it in book one but not two.

There is a strong thread of family throughout the series thus far. Family doesn’t necessarily equate blooded either. I enjoyed the bits of human emotion displayed by Griffin’s family, and the side stories shown. I’d love a more in-depth look into the romances happening beneath the surface, as they seem to promise an angsty read, but I’d want it from their points of view. (Hoping)

Book three is set by the events in this installment, and I can’t wait to get my greedy little hands on it and see how it all plays out. I truly look forward to anything this author publishes next.

My Thoughts

Back in September I reviewed book one of this trilogy, ‘A Promise of Fire’ and enjoyed it (click on the title to read that review). So it was with great anticipation that I received a copy of book two. Now admittedly I was a little at odds in reviewing book one, due to the seemingly awkward clash of fantasy and fun. However, I overlooked some things, believing in what I thought would be it’s long term promise. Now I’m not so sure. Don’t get me wrong, I did enjoy book two, just not quite as much as I loved, ‘A Promise of Fire’. Book one demonstrated real potential, with snappy comebacks and good action scenes. Sady, it would appear the dreaded second book syndrome reared its ugly head.

“What’s it like being the Lost Princess? The woman everyone is looking for?”

To pinpoint where it exactly went off is difficult, as much of the same winning formula is there, but perhaps to excess. Was book two on steroids and became overkill? Maybe. This was narrated at a crazy pace with the formulaic adventure/crusade, leads to near death, leads to magic healing, leads to manic sex, then repeat it all again until the end of the instalment. From start to finish this was just full on action as they brave the Ice Plains, battle innumerable scary creatures and come out with their lives from each encounter time and again. I just wanted more character development and less near death experiences.

Does he think I’m not afraid? I’m terrified. Constantly. I just do things anyway and hope for the best. Admittedly, that’s not always the best strategy, but sometimes there really isn’t much choice.

It’s hard to admit how much I struggled to get through this book. As I said, it’s not bad, it just seemed a rehashed, overpowering imitation of the first book. The sexual tension between the two main leads, has been replaced with, at times, questionable physical interactions, to put it nicely. The first few passages are confronting and rather topical as many may see it as domestic violence. To even have that question hanging is detrimental to the good of the story. Of course there are the same fights and make-ups throughout, but it all became a bit tedious. However, here is more to the story than their relationship and that sets things up for a dramatic book three.

You are my soul, and yes, I will fight for you and protect you until my dying breath.”

There is still much to appreciate about this fast paced action book. Bouchet’s writing style is highly engaging and her research and twist on Greek mythology amazing. Also the secondary characters really come to the fore in this book and add great depth to the tale. Would I read book three? Most definitely as Bouchet has me invested in the dramatic plot and whether the kingdoms will ever be united and what of Cat’s mother.

We’ll change the world, Cat, and we’ll do it without the war you fear.

So whilst the second book did not live up to my expectations, it still maintains that strong storyline which is sure to please fans - and one must remember, these books MUST be read as one entity, they are not standalones. Here is hoping that this is just a small hiccup and ultimately this series will prove to be a memorable debut.

“You end the scourge. You rebuild the kingdom. You’ve had more than eight years to think about it. Now stop hiding and do something!”



This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release

Wow I didn't think I could love this as much as book 1 but I was wrong! It's more action packed and the romance gets turned up to eleven (sorry had to throw that little Spinal Tap line here lol) I am DYING to read the finale to this series like now!!!!

Cat, Griffin and Beta Team continue on their mission to try and unite the three kingdoms. All the while, Cat’s mother tries to force her to go back to Fisa. It took me until I was three quarters of the way through the story to really get into it. After the quests, the team arrive at the Agon games and this is where the story really kicks off.
I enjoyed the last quarter of the story so much more than the rest! By this time, Cat has come into her own – she is less “sassy” and more witty, and a true force to be reckoned with. I also enjoyed the various cameos made by the Olympian gods.

Action and adventure, gods and magic – Breath of Fire is a rollicking fantasy romance with characters that leap off the page. It’s no CL Wilson or CS Pacat, but, aside from some red flag behaviour, it’s a fun fantasy romance.

I had high expectations for this book. While I did enjoy the book, I didn't love it nearly as much as the first book in the series.

The book literally picks back up where the first book left off. Griffin is furious at Cat for lying to him about her identity. He goes into a fit of rage and becomes destructive. Cat believes their relationship is over but she can't leave due to the binding vow she took. She leaves the main castle and Griffin loses his mind. I was confused by all of this because the communication between them started off poorly.

They make up and the story slowly starts to propel forward. Cat and Griffin's bond is tight despite the fact that she doubts herself. She holds onto a few more secrets but we soon discover them. What I like is that we learned about her painful past and the prophecy of what is to come. She will ultimately become the big bad.

I like the Greek mythology however it takes up a good portion of the book. Cat is very reckless in her behavior. Though she is strong and bad ass, she doesn't have any real challenges because every time you turn around a God is there to save her. So I never held my breath through any of the action scenes and there are tons. The games at the end was too drawn out for my taste.

Cat and Griffin fight, have sex (it was very steamy too!) and get thrown into action scene where she almost dies. This happens over and over. I want them to get ready to fight big bad momma now and close this out.

*ARC provided to me via netgalley for an honest review*

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1797611846

I don't want to give anything away for the first book but I absolutely loved this book! Everyone should have this book on their TBR!!

Breath of Fire is the second book in the Kingmaker Chronicles by Amanda Bouchet. Much like the first one it is full of magic, Greek mythology and action.

Cat is now well accepted and even loved in Sinta, and Griffin and herself now set their sights on Tarva and Fisa, their aim is to unite these three into one and rule with care and justice. In this book Cat reveals more about herself to Griffin and his family. There are some fireworks between the couple, but really Griffin has one true love and that's Cat and it's not about to change.

They travel on a long arduous journey to seek help, and while Cat might have the gods on her side, it is not always certain they'll show up and support when the going is rough. And just when one journey is completed, the action takes on an even more deadly course. Tarva is hosting a games where teams fight to the death. Reminded me a little of The Hunger Games!

There is always something happening in this book, be it the relationship between Cat and Griffin, the many fights and tight corners the team finds themselves in, or the people who show up at opportune times.

I enjoyed seeing Jocasta - Griffin's sister, taking more of a role in this book and would really like to see her have a stable relationship develop with Flynn one of Griffin's team. There is news for Cat that she doesn't see coming, although Griffin has an inkling and plenty of hints are dropped for the reader to pick up on. And I enjoyed the way Griffin helps Cat to see herself as she truly is, so that as the story moves on, she grows as a leader and a person. She can also be pessimistic so his optimism is refreshing and healing for her as well.

I will certainly be looking forward to the third book in the trilogy as they turn towards Fisa, and Cat's wily, tyrannical mother who needs to be dealt with.

I cannot even tell you how excited I was for this book. The first book in this series hooked me so bad! I’m so thankful I was able to get approved for this one so I didn’t have to wait in between the books at all!

*Fair warning: This review will have spoilers for the first book in the series. Don’t read further if you don’t want to know.*

Having just finished the first book, this second one starts exactly after the first one. It was nice reading them back to back to not have any of the recap that some books do but if it’s been a while since you read the first one, you might need to do a quick review before starting the second. Unless maybe you’re unlike me and have a great memory.

Another thing you should be prepared for with this one is that Cat and Griffin’s relationship is definitely different than the first. Which, if you’ve read the first, then you know. But what I wasn’t expecting from it was for so much of the beginning of the book to be just sex scenes. And cliched scenes at that. You know, the kind where everything is amazing and the women want everything and it’s all mind-blowing, like eight times in a row and they can’t believe how perfect they are for each other. All of that. It was almost so bad that I stopped reading but I knew from reviews that it would move on in a bit, so I stuck with it. And I’m glad I did. But getting through that first part that was almost just erotica and then the alpha Griffin moments, it was a little disappointing for me. But by the end, I loved them together. They learned to work together and respect each other and had a much better relationship in the end. Which is really what it’s all about. Especially considering neither really seem to have had a lot of real experience in the relationship department. So while the relationship between them wasn’t always what I wanted, I did appreciate the growth they went through together during the story.

Once we got past the beginning and all of the sex scenes, things really started happening to move the plot along. I really enjoyed about the last 30% where so much of it is action and fighting scenes and page-turning moments. I know we need the in between and I was fine with most of it but it did get a little bit slow in the middle. And I also really enjoyed getting to see Griffin’s family again and spending some more time with all of them. We also get to see some of the characters from Alosa’s old lives too, which was interesting. I really like all of the characters and their developments throughout the book. I know that can sometimes take a backseat when you’re talking about romances and fantasy stories for all of the action but none of them felt neglected and I loved that. It’s probably my favorite part of the books, just getting to spend more time with the characters.

In the end, I didn’t love this one as much as the first but it was still a really good installment. I wish I had liked the romance parts better but I did really love the fantasy and action elements. Plus, the characters continue to pull me in. I have a few predictions for the next one but I’m not going to share them because I’m usually pretty wrong on those kinds of things. But I am definitely interested in seeing how the next book plays out after that ending!

If you’ve been looking for epic fantasy and romance all smashed into one great series, I highly recommend you check out these books!

Explosive action and romance!

Talk about clash of the titans! This second in the Kingmaker Chronicles has it all. Greek gods and goddesses, a love story that keeps on giving, and monsters out of legends.
Cat (Catalia Fisa), warrior and Kingmaker, is still fleeing from her destiny and as usual just ends up tumbling towards it at breakneck speed, despite her avowed reluctance (but then that seems to be Cat--she falls from one situation into another within the blink of an eyelid.) She's still fleeing from her mother and determined to stay with Griffin--after all she bound herself to him magically. Still being confronted magically by her mother and hurt every time--physically and emotionally.
What with crossing the Ice Plains, confronting a Chaos Wizard, obtaining doubtful god given gifts (be careful what you wish for!), facing off various trials in a monstrous labrynth, and facing the Hydra! The tension just keeps escalating!
But when Cat and Griffin hatch a plot to overcome the neighbouring king, the action shifts up to a whole new and explosive pitch!
And I haven't even mentioned the way Cat and Griffin's relationship keeps growing, despite Cat's many misgivings. Her deep passion for Griffin is splendid.

A NetGalley ARC

All reviews appear on Amazon, Goodreads plus Gr Facebook, LibraryThing plus LT Twitter, eyes.2c review blog (January 2017)

“It’s time to be the person you were meant to be, Cat. You don’t just have to make decisions and stand by them now. You have to live with them.”

I am raising my hands in thunderous applause for Breath of Fire as Amanda Bouchet’s Kingmaker Chronicles trilogy continues its awesomeness-beyond-measure! It is truly a wild, action-packed read and it utterly blew me away. Magical creatures abound along with mythological gods and prophecies! My heart was in my throat most of the book.

Breath of Fire takes up right where A Promise of Fire ended with Cat in her villainous power-hungry mother’s sight as Cat is recovering from her near-death experience with a knife to the gut. As the story opens, there is trouble in paradise as long-held secrets are revealed and Griffin is blindsided. Cat runs, but she can’t run far because she is physically bound by the verbal pledge she made binding herself to him. That’s just the beginning. Hold on to your seats as we embark on an epic quest, visit with the oracle, become participants in the deadly Agon Games, fight epic battles and more. Of course, things don’t always go according to Plan A or Plan B. Is there a Plan C?

Catalia Andromeda Eileithyia Fisa “Cat” is coming more into her own. She’s learning to use her powers and to trust in others, most especially Griffin and the rest of the Beta Team and with her connection with the gods. But, she’s still holding dear more secrets – secrets predicting a dire future.

Griffin is awesome! He’s strong and has all the faith in the world in Cat even when she doesn’t. The two clash over his protectiveness and I have to give him credit. He’s really trying to do better. I laugh at their names for each other; Your Growliness, Your Logicalness, Your Nakedness… This powerful alpha couple connects not only with hot sex but with such intense passion that they are still coming to terms with it.

Supporting characters are not ignored and they face plenty of challenges on their own. B-Teamer Kato plows on no matter what’s thrown at him. I will never forget his snake or what he had to do to please the goddess! Another B-Teamer Flynn and Princess Jocasta are grappling with their own attraction. Carver, B-Teamer and brother to Griffin, is fighting his own demons and my heart goes out to him.

Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from Breath of Fire:

I shortened my name to Cat for a reason – as in Cataclysm.
---

I make a show of smoothing down my hair – a lost cause at this point. “Ah, that. It’s getting to the stage where it deserved a name. The Knotted Nest? The Twisted Tresses?”
“What about the Terrible Tangle?”
I nod. “That has serious possibilities.”
“The Matted Mess?” he suggests.
---

He’s barely finished himself inside me when my release hits. My thighs tense. The breath stalls in my lungs, and then I kick back my head and let out the loudest, throatiest, and most breathless moan in the history of all history, going boneless in a blissful rush.
“Gods, I missed you,” Griffin rasps, holding me as I throb around him.
The high-impact tremors fade into sweet, lingering aftershocks. I look up at him with heavy-lidded eyes. My lips part, but no words come out. Even the drag of frosty air over my kiss-swollen lips is almost too sensual to bear.
Griffin quirks a dark eyebrow, looking smug. “That was easy.”
I grin, falling in love with him all over again. “Then do it again.”
---

Kato looks ill. “I… It… Me…” He stares at the massive snake. “Big.”
I squeeze his arm. “Don’t worry. You’ll speak in complete sentences again soon.”

Do yourself a huge favor and read this series in order. I can’t imagine jumping into Breath of Fire without having first read A Promise of Fire. You won’t be sorry. Each book is superb reading.

Breath of Fire is a great high fantasy with a swoony romance! Seriously, if you enjoy epic romantic fantasies with kickass heroines and Greek mythology overtones throughout, you really, really, really need to check out this series! I especially love that this author doesn’t leave readers dangling with cruel cliff-hangers. THANK YOU, AMANDA! Believe me, even without a cliffhanger, you will be excited for the next installment! I can’t wait for Heart of Fire, the conclusion of this trilogy which will release Fall 2017!



Suggested Reading Order:
A Promise of Fire (Book 1)
Breath of Fire (Book 2)
Heart on Fire (Book 3, coming Fall 2017)

This is a link to the review my contributor Hope wrote for the blog - it has been shared on all social media and is scheduled to share again later this month

Breath of Fire starts with a bang as Cat's long-kept secrets are finally out in the open. But now that, that is done, it's time to keep Sinta safe from the possibly invading Tarvan royals. To do that, Cat, Griffin, and Beta Team will have to travel within reach of the Fisan throne which puts Cat in the sights of her mother. But the group quickly realizes that they'll can't just sit behind a blockade and await attack. If they want to succeed they'll have to bring the fight to Tarva.

I was pretty startled with the abrupt way the story began, and after the fact, despite the fight it caused between Griffin and Cat, I was honestly relieved that Cat's secrets were finally revealed because I was hoping Amanda Bouchet would have already done that by the end of the first book A Promise of Fire, and was a little disappointed that she didn't. I think because to readers the fact that Cat is the long-lost Fisan heir was so obvious, I thought any subterfuge to keep this fact from coming out in the open in the story, was just silly. I probably would be singing a different tune if her identity had been a complete secret from us readers as well.

After we moved past this, I was not sure what to expect from the remainder of the story. Mind you, I absolutely loved A Promise of Fire, so this one had a lot to live up to, which I kinda think was going to be an uphill battle from the beginning. Plus, it's the middle book in a planned trilogy, and I think it the way it fills those shoes is very apropos.

Looking back on the story in its entirety, I felt like it took awhile to find its footing. We have our cast of characters going on various "quests" to get the help they need for Sinta, which taken on their own are compelling and kept me reading, but I didn't feel like they fit together as a whole very well. The spaces between felt like a lot of filler to me as the group finds the Oracle on the Frozen Lake, and after a ton of assistance from various Gods, are sent to Mt Olympus on the hunt for an object to gain them the help they will need in Sinta. I almost felt like this journeying was a way to capture that feeling from the first book after Cat was kidnapped and the group worked their way back to Sinta and were facing many obstacles along their journey back.

It may sound a little muddled, but that's because I feel it was, not until past the halfway mark when the group decides to enter a gladiatorial tournament did my ears perk up and was I completely invested in the story. I always love a good tournament storyline as I love when our characters get to flex some muscles and show opposers what's up. I would have been a happy camper had this storyline taken a more primary spot in the book.

Now, on to some other things. I liked the upping of the steamy romantic moments between Cat and Griffin. I liked seeing their relationship move to that next level. But, on that note, there were times it bordered on too much. Almost. I was almost at the point where I was thinking they needed to back off a little because there were other things going on that were slightly more important than them having sex....again.

Amanda Bouchet also decided to add another plot twist (much like Cat's secret familial past), which was, again, extremely obvious from the get-go. I kinda liked the reversal in that last time Cat was privvy to her own secrets, but this time around it seems as though everyone but Cat was in the know. I will say that I was glad we get the revelation of said plot twist by the end of this book and we don't have to wait for another somewhat pointless reveal in the next book Heart on Fire.

I know a lot of this review seems in the negative. So why 4 stars? There were enough good pieces of story that invested me in the book, even if I think, put together, they don't really mesh. The gladiator tournament was fantastic. I loved that the Greek Mythology that has been utilitzed so far in this series has been some that I've never read before instead of falling on those stories more universally known, Breath of Fire continues along in that same vein. And, the secondary character really stole the story for me this time around. We learn more about Beta Team as well as Griffins sisters. Get more glimpses of their lives and things they've been through, or those they have possibly pined for, for years. So despite a bit of a clunky feel for me, I'm still really looking forward to the next / last book. Great things were started in the beginning and I'm hoping we're being led to an awesome conclusion, which I can't help but feel will show Cat finally having some long-standing confrontations.

5 Wine Glass #Review for Breath of Fire by Amanda Bouchet

Linda's Thoughts:

“It’s time to be the person you were meant to be, Cat. You don’t just have to make decisions and stand by them now. You have to live with them.”

I am raising my hands in thunderous applause for Breath of Fire as Amanda Bouchet’s Kingmaker Chronicles trilogy continues its awesomeness-beyond-measure! It is truly a wild, action-packed read and it utterly blew me away. Magical creatures abound along with mythological gods and prophecies! My heart was in my throat most of the book.

Breath of Fire takes up right where A Promise of Fire ended with Cat in her villainous power-hungry mother’s sight as Cat is recovering from her near-death experience with a knife to the gut. As the story opens, there is trouble in paradise as long-held secrets are revealed and Griffin is blindsided. Cat runs, but she can’t run far because she is physically bound by the verbal pledge she made binding herself to him. That’s just the beginning. Hold on to your seats as we embark on an epic quest, visit with the oracle, become participants in the deadly Agon Games, fight epic battles and more. Of course, things don’t always go according to Plan A or Plan B. Is there a Plan C?

Catalia Andromeda Eileithyia Fisa “Cat” is coming more into her own. She’s learning to use her powers and to trust in others, most especially Griffin and the rest of the Beta Team and with her connection with the gods. But, she’s still holding dear more secrets – secrets predicting a dire future.

Griffin is awesome! He’s strong and has all the faith in the world in Cat even when she doesn’t. The two clash over his protectiveness and I have to give him credit. He’s really trying to do better. I laugh at their names for each other; Your Growliness, Your Logicalness, Your Nakedness… This powerful alpha couple connects not only with hot sex but with such intense passion that they are still coming to terms with it.

Supporting characters are not ignored and they face plenty of challenges on their own. B-Teamer Kato plows on no matter what’s thrown at him. I will never forget his snake or what he had to do to please the goddess! Another B-Teamer Flynn and Princess Jocasta are grappling with their own attraction. Carver, B-Teamer and brother to Griffin, is fighting his own demons and my heart goes out to him.

Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from Breath of Fire:

I shortened my name to Cat for a reason – as in Cataclysm.
---

I make a show of smoothing down my hair – a lost cause at this point. “Ah, that. It’s getting to the stage where it deserved a name. The Knotted Nest? The Twisted Tresses?”
“What about the Terrible Tangle?”
I nod. “That has serious possibilities.”
“The Matted Mess?” he suggests.
---

He’s barely finished himself inside me when my release hits. My thighs tense. The breath stalls in my lungs, and then I kick back my head and let out the loudest, throatiest, and most breathless moan in the history of all history, going boneless in a blissful rush.
“Gods, I missed you,” Griffin rasps, holding me as I throb around him.
The high-impact tremors fade into sweet, lingering aftershocks. I look up at him with heavy-lidded eyes. My lips part, but no words come out. Even the drag of frosty air over my kiss-swollen lips is almost too sensual to bear.
Griffin quirks a dark eyebrow, looking smug. “That was easy.”
I grin, falling in love with him all over again. “Then do it again.”
---

Kato looks ill. “I… It… Me…” He stares at the massive snake. “Big.”
I squeeze his arm. “Don’t worry. You’ll speak in complete sentences again soon.”

Do yourself a huge favor and read this series in order. I can’t imagine jumping into Breath of Fire without having first read A Promise of Fire. You won’t be sorry. Each book is superb reading.

Breath of Fire is a great high fantasy with a swoony romance! Seriously, if you enjoy epic romantic fantasies with kickass heroines and Greek mythology overtones throughout, you really, really, really need to check out this series! I especially love that this author doesn’t leave readers dangling with cruel cliff-hangers. THANK YOU, AMANDA! Believe me, even without a cliffhanger, you will be excited for the next installment! I can’t wait for Heart of Fire, the conclusion of this trilogy which will release Fall 2017!

Breath of Fire

4 Stars
Amanda Bouchet

Synopsis:

SHE'S DESTINED TO DESTROY THE WORLD...
BUT NOT IF SHE CAN HELP IT

"Cat" Catalia Fisa has been running from her destiny since she could crawl. But now, her newfound loved ones are caught between the shadow of Cat's tortured past and the threat of her world-shattering future. So what's a warrior queen to do when she knows it's her fate to be the harbinger of doom? Everything in her power.

Griffin knows Cat is destined to change the world―for the better. As the realms are descending into all-out war, Cat and Griffin risk sacrificing everything they've fought for. Gods willing, they will emerge side-by-side in the heart of their future kingdom...or die trying.

I really enjoyed this! It’s a solid fantasy romance. My favorite part was getting to know this world more. Cat, Griffin and the Beta Team travel all over the realm on epic adventures. As a result the reader gets a more in depth look at Thalyria…how it’s made up, it’s history, it’s people. Bouchet wove together a well developed, complex world steeped in mythology and magic and I loved it!

I LOVED the Beta team! They are more like a family than anything else and I just love their friendship, loyalty and commitment to each other and their cause. We got to peel back some layers on all of them and I loved that! Even the minor characters were interesting and intriguing.

The pacing was fast and the storyline was packed with adrenaline, action, drama, emotion, SHIPS!! All of it!
“Even in sleep he’s not letting me go.” *sigh :) *
While I really enjoyed the pacing, and the storyline had me quickly turning pages, it did kind of fall in to somewhat of a predictable pattern and cycle of events.

The initial blow out fight also left a bad taste in my mouth. The way it happened, things that were done during…and then the way it wrapped up was too quick and clean for me. If the alpha, possessive, overbearing male is a complete turn off for you then this series is probably not for you. BUT if you don’t mind that and enjoy action, and adventure, and steaminess then this right up your ally!

Overall I really enjoyed reading it and can’t wait for the next one!!

I received an advanced digital copy of this title from Netgalley. This is no way shapes my opinion of the book. Thank you Sourcebooks Casablanca and Netgalley for the advanced copy!

I fell in love with the Kingmaker Chronicles while reading A PROMISE OF FIRE, BREATH OF FIRE would have had to be pretty awful for me to not like the series anymore. BREATH OF FIRE was NOT awful and in fact was just as engaging, adventurous and action packed as book 1!

The beginning chapter just about broke my heart, but it didn't last long and my heart was mended in time for Cat's next adventure. We didn't know a whole lot about Cat when we started reading PROMISE OF FIRE. Her past was slowly revealed and by the end you know who she is. BREATH OF FIRE continues to reveal things about her. There is still a little bit of mystery to her, but I felt like I really knew her by the end of BREATH OF FIRE.

Cat and Griffin's relationship has grown a lot the past two books, but again, BREATH OF FIRE brought them to an even higher level. They truly work as a team and have each others backs at every turn. I also love the relationship that Cat has with Griffin's family and friends. They have become her family and friends and it really shows in every interaction and situation. Amanda Bouchet did a phenomenal job in making the supporting characters just as important to the story.

If you loved the action in A PROMISE OF FIRE, you will love it in BREATH OF FIRE. Lots of adventure and danger at every turn forcing the characters to fight for survival. The ending was epic. I didn't want to put the book down the entire time I was reading and the ending made me want the next book even more. There is going to be one heck of a showdown ahead and I will be reading it as soon as I can get my hands on book three!

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Breath of Fire picks up immediately after A Promise of Fire ends and it really throws us in at the deep end when Griffin reacts rather badly to finding out one of Cat's biggest secrets. I have to admit I was more than a little disappointed with the way he reacted mainly because he's known all along that she has some pretty big skeletons in her closet and she's never tried to hide that from him. There are some very emotional scenes between them and I was worried for a minute we were going to end up having a long and drawn out argument that continued for half the book but luckily that didn't happen and I loved that they were able to resolve things quite quickly.

I could understand why Griffin was upset because he felt she didn't trust him but at the same time it was easy to see why Cat found it difficult to be upfront with him, she was terrified of losing him because she didn't think he'd want her when he found out about her background. Anyway, they're both fighters who will do whatever it takes to get what they want and they have a very passionate and fiery relationship so it doesn't take long for them to work things through and be able to move forward.

There is a lot going on in this book, we get to spend time with not just Cat and Griffin but also Griffin's family and the rest of his band from the first book. I love that everyone has a role to play and that it isn't always Cat and Griffin working together, sometimes they have to go in different directions to achieve their goals but they trust each other enough to play their part and keep themselves alive until they can be reunited. Griffin probably struggles with that more than Cat does but he does have faith in her abilities even if he wants to be the one to protect her and have her back as much as possible. I just think it's great that they're learning together and they're all involved in the decision making.

Cat has a pivotal role in the series and it's a role she never really wanted and certainly didn't ask for. Griffin is initially the one who is pushing her in that direction but once she starts to think things through she realises how inevitable it is. There is plenty of action along the way and they have to watch out for meddling gods who are sometimes more of a hinderance than a help but it's definitely fun to see what they get up to. This series has definitely become a favourite and I absolutely can't wait to get my hands on the final book, Heart on Fire.

Source: Received from publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Breath of Fire opens a few months after A Promise of Fire with some really intense scenes, both emotionally and physically. But I felt like that intensity devolved into Cat and Griffin acting like horny teenagers any time they weren't in battle. Even though there's sort of an explanation for it by the end, I felt like the author tried to fit three books worth of sexy time into this one. Maybe some people thought there wasn't enough in book one and she overcompensated?

Despite that, there are still lots of things I like about Breath of Fire. It reveals some new aspects of Cat's magic, which I always find interesting. I love the supporting cast, and Cat really makes the case for the Beta Team being her family now. And my favorite thing is definitely the gladiatorial games in the second half of the book. Part of me would have liked the whole story to be set to there, but that would really emphasize the parallels to the Kate Daniels series, and probably not in a good way.

The Greek myth influence is much more prominent in this book, with a quest for items from the gods, a labyrinth and familiar monsters. In the first book in the series, I liked the fact that the familiar mythology made it easy to follow. But now I feel like the gods are way too involved in the story. Cat almost completely lacks agency since a prophesy determines her course and her friends convince her to just accept her destiny. She decides to trust the gods and just go along with whatever happens. Just like in the first book when she was kidnapped, she seems to use the circumstances as an excuse not to be responsible for her own actions. And it's hard to root for a hero whose success is not their own.

This is a story with lots of action, of both the sword and the sexy variety, which is something I usually love. But it's also one of those books where the more time I spend thinking about it, the more things I find that bother me. Like the fact that the big surprise at the end was not a surprise at all. Still, I'm invested in this world and the characters and I want to see what happens next. I'll definitely be checking out book three this fall.