Griffin is intent on bringing peace to his newly conquered realm in the magic-deprived south. When he discovers Cat is the Kingmaker, he abducts her. But Cat will do everything in her power to avoid her dangerous destiny and battle her captor at every turn. Although up for the battle, Griffin would prefer for Cat to help his people willingly, and he's ready to do whatever it takes to coax her…even if that means falling in love with her.
Phew guys. This review has been a long time coming. I'm not sure what took me so long, other than the fact that it's hard to think of words when you love something so much? But anyway, here is me trying to explain why love this series so much and why you should go out and read it immediately. I'm posting the review for each of the three books each month until January 2, when the third and final book releases (so you have plenty of time to binge the other two).
I managed to snag an advanced copy of this book at work right before Thanksgiving, and then proceeded to finish it during the ride to my grandma's house, after dinner, and the ride home. It follows Cat, a feisty, sarcastic, head-strong young woman who is hiding from her past. After meeting Griffin, the newly crowned leader of a neighboring land, everything changes.
The magic system in the world is great. It plays off of Greek mythology and yet has a really refreshing and unique feel to it. While the gods meddle and still have a sway over people's actions and beliefs, other elemental powers come into play with the Magoi (those who can use magic) and the Hoi Polloi (those without). So already you have those tensions, not to mention the politics, and the rising tensions between what Cat is running from and what she ends up running toward.
Griffin's kingdom and the land of Sinta is so vibrant and interesting. And then there's Griffin, who is just as stubborn and headstrong and amazing as Cat. I thought their banter and relationship was hilarious and touching and very genuine. Their dialogue and the growth in their relationship was a joy to read and while there are sparks and hints throughout, I loved the way they changed throughout the story.
I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll just say that fans of Throne of Glass will absolutely love this book. While the world is completely different and original, Cat is such a great female character with a hidden past and a destiny that isn't all her own. Along with Griffin, there is an amazing cast of characters that all have their backstories and personalities, helping create a well-developed, complex, vibrant world. Full of action, magic, and romance, Promise of Fire is a stellar debut and a fantastic start to the series.
Find out more about Amanda Bouchet and her books here: http://amandabouchet.com
Visit the website for the Kingmaker Chronicles here: https://kingmakerchronicles.com
Amanda Bouchet grew up in New England where she spent much of her time tromping around in the woods and making up grand adventures in her head. It was inevitable that one day she would start writing them down. Drawing on her Greek heritage for the setting and on her love of all things daring and romantic for the rest, her debut trilogy, The Kingmaker Chronicles, took form. She writes what she loves to read: epic exploits, steamy romance, and characters that make you laugh and cry.
Her first novel, A Promise of Fire, won several Romance Writers of America chapter contests, including the Orange Rose Contest and the paranormal category of the prestigious Golden Pen.
A French master's graduate and former English teacher, Amanda lives in Paris, France. She met her husband while studying abroad, and the family now includes two bilingual children who will soon be correcting her French.
You can follow her on Facebook and Twitter. For updates and exclusives, sign up for Amanda's newsletter (you can easily unsubscribe at any time).
Happy Reading!
Jasmine
