Status
Available
Call number
Series
Genres
Publication
Naperville, Illinois : Sourcebooks Casablanca, [2016]
Description
Fantasy. Fiction. Literature. Romance. HTML: Discover the white-hot fantasy romance that broke all the rules, where a fierce woman with powerful hidden magic goes toe-to-toe with the alpha warlord who abducted her...only to steal her heart. KINGDOMS WILL RISE AND FALL FOR HER... Cat Fisa isn't who she pretends to be. She's perfectly content living disguised as a soothsayer in a traveling circus, avoiding the destiny the Gods�??and her dangerous family�??have saddled her with. As far as she's concerned, the magic humming within her blood can live and die with her. She won't be a pawn in anyone's game. But then she locks eyes with an ambitious warlord from the magic-deprived south and her illusion of safety is shattered forever. Griffin knows Cat is the Kingmaker�??the woman who divines truth through lies�??and he wants her to be a powerful weapon for his newly conquered realm. Kidnapping her off the street is simple enough, but keeping the fierce beauty by his side is infuriatingly tough. Cat fights him at every turn, showing a ferocity of spirit that burns hot...and leaves him desperate for more. But can he ever hope to prove to his once-captive that he wants her there by his side as his equal, his companion...and maybe someday, his Queen? Get ready to burn: This romantic fantasy reads like the fiercest fairytale and includes a protective alpha warlord, enemies who become so much more, high action, humor, heat, and a dangerous world where mythical creatures hide. Readers will want to return to this fantasy world again and again in its sequels A Breath of Fire and Heart o… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member kmartin802
This was an amazing epic fantasy and wonderful start to a new trilogy. Cat has fled her home after a childhood of abuse and torture and has made a new life for herself in a circus. She is a soothsayer but she had picked up a lot of other skills too. When she catches the eye of Griffin who is Beta
Cat doesn't want to leave her hiding place in the circus but he forces her to go with him. In fact, he binds her to him with a magical rope that doesn't let her get more than four feet away from him. Griffin is part of the Hoi Polloi who gathered an army of those like him and overthrew the Magoi who were previously in charge of the country. Now he faces threats from both the other Magoi in the country and from outside forces who just assume that a Hoi Polloi ruler can't keep a country.
Cat, being out of her safe hiding place, has also drawn the attention of Andromeda, the Alpha Fisa, who wants to use her skills and control her. Cat gradually displays a number of magical skills besides her soothsaying. She is the legendary Kingmaker who can tell truth from lies. She can also make herself invisible, suck magic from other magic users and gain their powers briefly, and heal from major injuries.
The worlds are controlled by the gods of the Greek pantheon and Cat is a special favorite of Poseidon who is her father. Hades and even Zeus also take an interest in her. There is some sort of prophecy that she is trying to outrun. The gods have thrown her into the path of Griffin and together they are destined to bring great changes to their world. But Cat doesn't want to trust him because she knows that Alpha Fisa will kill anyone that Cat cares about. Griffin is just as stubborn as Cat and he is determined that they will have a future together.
I can't wait to read the next two books in this trilogy. I love Cat's snarky viewpoint and her character which is a finely balanced combination of fear and strength.
Show More
Sinta, second in command of Sinta, he first sees her for what she can do for his country.Cat doesn't want to leave her hiding place in the circus but he forces her to go with him. In fact, he binds her to him with a magical rope that doesn't let her get more than four feet away from him. Griffin is part of the Hoi Polloi who gathered an army of those like him and overthrew the Magoi who were previously in charge of the country. Now he faces threats from both the other Magoi in the country and from outside forces who just assume that a Hoi Polloi ruler can't keep a country.
Cat, being out of her safe hiding place, has also drawn the attention of Andromeda, the Alpha Fisa, who wants to use her skills and control her. Cat gradually displays a number of magical skills besides her soothsaying. She is the legendary Kingmaker who can tell truth from lies. She can also make herself invisible, suck magic from other magic users and gain their powers briefly, and heal from major injuries.
The worlds are controlled by the gods of the Greek pantheon and Cat is a special favorite of Poseidon who is her father. Hades and even Zeus also take an interest in her. There is some sort of prophecy that she is trying to outrun. The gods have thrown her into the path of Griffin and together they are destined to bring great changes to their world. But Cat doesn't want to trust him because she knows that Alpha Fisa will kill anyone that Cat cares about. Griffin is just as stubborn as Cat and he is determined that they will have a future together.
I can't wait to read the next two books in this trilogy. I love Cat's snarky viewpoint and her character which is a finely balanced combination of fear and strength.
Show Less
LibraryThing member libgirl69
Weak fantasy but the 'gods' kept me going (Roman, I think) Character development was not great and plot could have done with tightening up. Still, ok read.
LibraryThing member eyes.2c
Fabulous!
Wow! This has everything. Feisty mysterious heroine, powerful easy on the eyes warlord, fighting companions
Cat (Catalia Fista) has secrets of her own. Gods are becoming involved with her destiny--bloodthirsty and brutal as it seems to be.
Cat is a mystery. She is 'from the north of Fisa.
Cat is of the magi. Holding and using magic is part of her very being.
Yet with Griffin--a warlord from the south, she is finding something more.
I'm hooked! I am having serious difficulties waiting for the next in the series. Bring it on, soon!
A NetGalley ARC
Wow! This has everything. Feisty mysterious heroine, powerful easy on the eyes warlord, fighting companions
Cat (Catalia Fista) has secrets of her own. Gods are becoming involved with her destiny--bloodthirsty and brutal as it seems to be.
Cat is a mystery. She is 'from the north of Fisa.
Show More
Where magic is might.' Escaping an unforgiving and brutal childhood where siblings are raised to fight for what is there's to prove their strength and cunning. Brother is turned against sister. All for the lure of absolute power. Acting as a soothsayer in a circus she avoids drawing attention to herself. Cat has fought to escape her heritage but it looks like it's coming to claim her.Cat is of the magi. Holding and using magic is part of her very being.
Yet with Griffin--a warlord from the south, she is finding something more.
I'm hooked! I am having serious difficulties waiting for the next in the series. Bring it on, soon!
A NetGalley ARC
Show Less
LibraryThing member Carolesrandomlife
This one was a definite winner for me. I found a whole lot to like in this book. I thought that the blend of fantasy and romance was well done. I was sucked into this story right from the story and found the characters, the world, and the overall story to be fascinating. This was a really strong
I loved the world that this book was set in right from the start. It started out feeling almost like a historical novel but it was quickly apparent that this was a completely different world. A world full of magic and danger. I couldn't get enough of the magic in this story. I loved how the world building continued throughout the book and by the end I had a really good feel for the entire realm.
I loved the characters. Cat was amazing. She had a lot of spunk and I quickly figured out just how brave she really is. She is a clairvoyant but not just any clairvoyant - she is the Kingmaker. She has worked to hide what she is so that she can have control over her own life. It seemed that we learned a little bit more about Cat's powers with every chapter and I thought all of her abilities really made the book more interesting.
Griffin was pretty awesome as well. Even though he has the power to be Alpha of his realm, he is happy to let that title fall to his sister while he assumes the role of Beta. He seemed to want to see strong but fair leadership in his realm instead of the usual tyrant ruler. He isn't perfect...I mean he does kind of kidnap Cat and everything.
I liked Cat and Griffin together. The always seemed to have respect for each other and a level of trust. I really enjoyed their banter and the the chemistry between them. There were even a few rather steamy scenes that were very well done as well. I liked how they quickly became very protective of each other and how their actions really demonstrated their feelings.
I would highly recommend this book to others. It does have a strong romance theme but any reader that enjoys a bit of romance along with their fantasy will enjoy this captivating read. This is the first book by Amanda Bouchet that I have had a chance to read but I am already eager to get my hands on the next on in this series.
I received a copy of this book from Sourcebooks Casablanca via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review.
Show More
start to a new series.I loved the world that this book was set in right from the start. It started out feeling almost like a historical novel but it was quickly apparent that this was a completely different world. A world full of magic and danger. I couldn't get enough of the magic in this story. I loved how the world building continued throughout the book and by the end I had a really good feel for the entire realm.
I loved the characters. Cat was amazing. She had a lot of spunk and I quickly figured out just how brave she really is. She is a clairvoyant but not just any clairvoyant - she is the Kingmaker. She has worked to hide what she is so that she can have control over her own life. It seemed that we learned a little bit more about Cat's powers with every chapter and I thought all of her abilities really made the book more interesting.
Griffin was pretty awesome as well. Even though he has the power to be Alpha of his realm, he is happy to let that title fall to his sister while he assumes the role of Beta. He seemed to want to see strong but fair leadership in his realm instead of the usual tyrant ruler. He isn't perfect...I mean he does kind of kidnap Cat and everything.
I liked Cat and Griffin together. The always seemed to have respect for each other and a level of trust. I really enjoyed their banter and the the chemistry between them. There were even a few rather steamy scenes that were very well done as well. I liked how they quickly became very protective of each other and how their actions really demonstrated their feelings.
I would highly recommend this book to others. It does have a strong romance theme but any reader that enjoys a bit of romance along with their fantasy will enjoy this captivating read. This is the first book by Amanda Bouchet that I have had a chance to read but I am already eager to get my hands on the next on in this series.
I received a copy of this book from Sourcebooks Casablanca via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Capnrandm
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy.
allthingsuf.com
A PROMISE OF FIRE is Paranormal Romance with the sweet, freshness of YA, a traditional adventure with the snappy wit of Urban Fantasy. Hitting the sweet spot between so many already wonderful genres, this is a funny, sexy, un-put-downable
Cat is ferocious and hilarious, and allowed to grow out of her prickly shell in an organic way. While she and Griffin buttheads and throw sparks from the get go, their chemistry is given room to build in a lovely way. This romance has the freshness of young love mixed with the passion and fire of two headstrong adults resisting compromise. In other words, a devastatingly sexy combination.
Offering the slow burn of a YA romance with the satisfying consummation of an adult romance, A PROMISE OF FIRE fulfills a craving I didn't even know I had. Book one was exciting, sweet, and an enormous amount of fun, I can't wait to read more of this series.
Sexual Content: Sex scenes.
allthingsuf.com
A PROMISE OF FIRE is Paranormal Romance with the sweet, freshness of YA, a traditional adventure with the snappy wit of Urban Fantasy. Hitting the sweet spot between so many already wonderful genres, this is a funny, sexy, un-put-downable
Show More
book.Cat is ferocious and hilarious, and allowed to grow out of her prickly shell in an organic way. While she and Griffin buttheads and throw sparks from the get go, their chemistry is given room to build in a lovely way. This romance has the freshness of young love mixed with the passion and fire of two headstrong adults resisting compromise. In other words, a devastatingly sexy combination.
Offering the slow burn of a YA romance with the satisfying consummation of an adult romance, A PROMISE OF FIRE fulfills a craving I didn't even know I had. Book one was exciting, sweet, and an enormous amount of fun, I can't wait to read more of this series.
Sexual Content: Sex scenes.
Show Less
LibraryThing member B.J.O.
5 "Poseidon's Goddaughter, the Kingmaker" Stars for the story and narration.
I gave this audiobook an A for the story and A- for the narration at: AudioGals*
Narrated by Mia Barron
Fantasy and mythology romance lovers, do I have a treat for you! Somewhat of a cross between George R.R. Martin’s Game
The world in A Promise of Fire is made up of two basic kinds of people, those who have magic (the “Magoi”) and those who do not (“Hoi Polloi”). For many years, the three realms (Fisa, Tarva, and Sinta) have been ruled by people with magic, with the lands in North (Fisan lands) having the most power. However, in a revolution the realm of Sinta (which sits in the South) has been taken over by a non-magical family. Griffin, the hero of this story – and who appears to be the real person that is calling the shots, though he has put his older and extremely meek and gentle sister, Egeria, on the throne – is a part of the ruling family of the realm of Sinta. Although Griffin and his family have taken over the rule of Sinta with their incredible might and wit, Griffin knows that to keep the land he must find a powerful soothsayer to guide his family in ruling the kingdom and determining how to out maneuver the inevitable politics with the other realms (something that Hoi Polloi have no experience in). So, Griffin sets out on a mission to locate a powerful Magoi to fill this role. The woman he finds is none other than our heroine, Cat.
See the full review at: AudioGals.
I gave this audiobook an A for the story and A- for the narration at: AudioGals*
Narrated by Mia Barron
Fantasy and mythology romance lovers, do I have a treat for you! Somewhat of a cross between George R.R. Martin’s Game
Show More
of Thrones and a grown-up version of Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series, A Promise of Fire adds a flare of romance to an intricately woven fantasy plot. This book, the debut of the Kingmaker Chronicles series, had me simply mesmerized. I could not put down my earphones, so I binge listened to this close to 15-hour book in a little less than two days. From the clever mythology-based setting, which was introduced in easily digestible, bite-sized increments that made understanding this world seamless, to the romantic tension between the spunky and powerful heroine and her loyal and alpha hero (yet comically named “Beta Sinta” because he’s the second in command of the realm of Sinta), not to mention the heroine’s snarky humor (as this book is written in the first person from the heroine’s point of view), this listen has something for every romance lover! Moreover, as if the captivating story is not enough to get you to listen, the narration by Mia Barron is also expertly done, making this a great choice to experience in audio format.The world in A Promise of Fire is made up of two basic kinds of people, those who have magic (the “Magoi”) and those who do not (“Hoi Polloi”). For many years, the three realms (Fisa, Tarva, and Sinta) have been ruled by people with magic, with the lands in North (Fisan lands) having the most power. However, in a revolution the realm of Sinta (which sits in the South) has been taken over by a non-magical family. Griffin, the hero of this story – and who appears to be the real person that is calling the shots, though he has put his older and extremely meek and gentle sister, Egeria, on the throne – is a part of the ruling family of the realm of Sinta. Although Griffin and his family have taken over the rule of Sinta with their incredible might and wit, Griffin knows that to keep the land he must find a powerful soothsayer to guide his family in ruling the kingdom and determining how to out maneuver the inevitable politics with the other realms (something that Hoi Polloi have no experience in). So, Griffin sets out on a mission to locate a powerful Magoi to fill this role. The woman he finds is none other than our heroine, Cat.
See the full review at: AudioGals.
Show Less
LibraryThing member DaffiMere
An addictive read. One that I couldn't put down.
A Promise of Fire is a beautiful way to start a series.
The characters know how to handle themselves and I wanted to know what happens to them next.
The characters had the feelings that I've known them for a few years and that they were friends.
A Promise of Fire is a beautiful way to start a series.
The characters know how to handle themselves and I wanted to know what happens to them next.
The characters had the feelings that I've known them for a few years and that they were friends.
LibraryThing member urph818
4.5 Rating
I'm not sure how I selected A Promise of Fire, but I'm certainly glad I did, as it turned out to be a truly awesome Adult Fantasy Romance which engaged me from the very beginning. It's interesting that the world building in this story blends Greek mythology, magic, and elements unique to
I know that Urban fantasy readers have met this kind of heroine before. Cat's laying low. She's the daughter of a ruthless tyrant of a Mother who wants Cat back under her thumb. And her childhood was forged in torture and blood so she doesn't believe she can be loved and believes that anyone she could love will meet a horrible end. Cat has her own power, but she has to hide it in order to hide herself, but I loved her as she was very much her own person.
Anyway, she's hiding out in a circus when Garrett crosses her path. Somehow, this powerful warlord has figured out one of the secrets she holds close. She is what's called a Kingmaker. Cat can feel the difference between a truth and a lie, and that's only the beginning of her multiple powers. She's also a warrior in every sense of the word. Garrett kidnaps her and forces her to come back with him back to his sister's kingdom.
At first, I didn't care for Garrett. However, he had a way of growing on the reader (as well as Cat). His family now rules one of the nearby lands. The whole family are very good people and Cat doesn't know what to make of them, but she comes to love them because they real and loving people who need Cat, her guidance, and her magic, to hold on to what they've gained. And while at first she fights the idea with everything in her, she grows to love not only the group, but specifically Garrett, the man who has changed her life.
I really just loved the contrasts in Cat's character. She jaded. She believes the worst in people because that is the only life she's known. But in other ways, she's naïve. I loved watching how the simple goodness and kindness of Garrett's people begin to affect her on a fundamental level. I loved how she comes to begrudgingly accept friendship and love into her life, while still being the prickly, argumentative powerhouse that she always was. I love Garrett's stalwartness, his steadiness and strength that he wants to share with Cat from the start. I believed in their growing feelings for one another and I wanted for it to work for the two of them and I certainly came to grow in love for them both.
This book is the first in a new series. While it doesn't end on a cliffhanger, it certainly leaves me wanting more. I want more of these characters and more of their story. I would definitely recommend this one for fans of fantasy romance. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series, Breath of Fire. Way to go Amanda!
Jack Murphy
I'm not sure how I selected A Promise of Fire, but I'm certainly glad I did, as it turned out to be a truly awesome Adult Fantasy Romance which engaged me from the very beginning. It's interesting that the world building in this story blends Greek mythology, magic, and elements unique to
Show More
this story. The main characters, especially my favorite, Cat, a Royal in hiding and Garrett, the Warlord and his loyal band of warriors, are solid, and best of all, I cared about them all. The book's got that indefinable spark that made me connect and invest in what was happening from the start.I know that Urban fantasy readers have met this kind of heroine before. Cat's laying low. She's the daughter of a ruthless tyrant of a Mother who wants Cat back under her thumb. And her childhood was forged in torture and blood so she doesn't believe she can be loved and believes that anyone she could love will meet a horrible end. Cat has her own power, but she has to hide it in order to hide herself, but I loved her as she was very much her own person.
Anyway, she's hiding out in a circus when Garrett crosses her path. Somehow, this powerful warlord has figured out one of the secrets she holds close. She is what's called a Kingmaker. Cat can feel the difference between a truth and a lie, and that's only the beginning of her multiple powers. She's also a warrior in every sense of the word. Garrett kidnaps her and forces her to come back with him back to his sister's kingdom.
At first, I didn't care for Garrett. However, he had a way of growing on the reader (as well as Cat). His family now rules one of the nearby lands. The whole family are very good people and Cat doesn't know what to make of them, but she comes to love them because they real and loving people who need Cat, her guidance, and her magic, to hold on to what they've gained. And while at first she fights the idea with everything in her, she grows to love not only the group, but specifically Garrett, the man who has changed her life.
I really just loved the contrasts in Cat's character. She jaded. She believes the worst in people because that is the only life she's known. But in other ways, she's naïve. I loved watching how the simple goodness and kindness of Garrett's people begin to affect her on a fundamental level. I loved how she comes to begrudgingly accept friendship and love into her life, while still being the prickly, argumentative powerhouse that she always was. I love Garrett's stalwartness, his steadiness and strength that he wants to share with Cat from the start. I believed in their growing feelings for one another and I wanted for it to work for the two of them and I certainly came to grow in love for them both.
This book is the first in a new series. While it doesn't end on a cliffhanger, it certainly leaves me wanting more. I want more of these characters and more of their story. I would definitely recommend this one for fans of fantasy romance. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series, Breath of Fire. Way to go Amanda!
Jack Murphy
Show Less
LibraryThing member les121
It’s difficult to even rate this book because I realize that I am not the target audience here. I was looking for a fantasy romance where the fantasy elements took center stage alongside the romance. Instead, I got a romance novel so over-the-top that I almost couldn’t finish it. A Promise of
The highlight of this novel is its unique worldbuilding. Different and refreshing, the setting mashes together magic and mythology in fascinating ways. This outstanding creativity is a major part of what pulled me along and made me want to keep turning the page. I just wish the story had spent less time on the well-worn romance and more time exploring this complex, compelling fantasy world.
Unfortunately, the plot was predictable, the “mystery” about the heroine's identity was obvious from the start, and the ending was completely anti-climactic. This is clearly just the setup to a series with multiple, important storylines left unresolved. As much as I’d love to learn more about the gods, the oracles, the magical creatures, and the ice plains, I will not be running out to read to the rest of the books. The romance was just too overpowering for me.
In short, A Promise of Fire was not my thing. It was shelved in the romance section for a reason, and, to be fair, it is a great read if you like a little fantasy with your romance. But if, like me, you’re not really into insta-lust and overbearing, alpha-male heroes, then you’re going to have a hard time with this one. Two stars because the worldbuilding genuinely rocked and because I can easily see how romance readers could enjoy this, even if it’s not the book for me.
Show More
Fire has the kind of insta-lust that makes me roll my eyes so hard they may get stuck that way, with an alpha-male hero that makes my inner feminist cringe. Not to mention, the heroine is painfully immature. But, somehow, I managed to get through the whole book, and it wasn’t all bad.The highlight of this novel is its unique worldbuilding. Different and refreshing, the setting mashes together magic and mythology in fascinating ways. This outstanding creativity is a major part of what pulled me along and made me want to keep turning the page. I just wish the story had spent less time on the well-worn romance and more time exploring this complex, compelling fantasy world.
Unfortunately, the plot was predictable, the “mystery” about the heroine's identity was obvious from the start, and the ending was completely anti-climactic. This is clearly just the setup to a series with multiple, important storylines left unresolved. As much as I’d love to learn more about the gods, the oracles, the magical creatures, and the ice plains, I will not be running out to read to the rest of the books. The romance was just too overpowering for me.
In short, A Promise of Fire was not my thing. It was shelved in the romance section for a reason, and, to be fair, it is a great read if you like a little fantasy with your romance. But if, like me, you’re not really into insta-lust and overbearing, alpha-male heroes, then you’re going to have a hard time with this one. Two stars because the worldbuilding genuinely rocked and because I can easily see how romance readers could enjoy this, even if it’s not the book for me.
Show Less
LibraryThing member STACYatUFI
I'm so mad at myself for reading A PROMISE OF FIRE early. Why? Because I LOVED it and now I have to wait even longer to continue the story with book two. January 2017 can't get here fast enough.
Cat is a huge mystery at first, but slowly her layers are pealed away and her secrets are revealed. I
The romance is an important part of A PROMISE OF FIRE, but it's more of a dessert, the characters and storyline are the main course. Griffin's Beta team quickly became an essential part of the story and I loved the way Cat became part of their team. I loved the way everyone interacted even during the tough times.The world is well written, I felt like I was in the world as the story was told. I have so much more to say, but I don't want to ruin anything for you.
As I said, I loved A PROMISE OF FIRE and I am very excited to see where Amanda Bouchet takes Cat and this story next. Crossing my fingers that I will get my hands on an advanced copy of BREATH OF FIRE.
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Cat is a huge mystery at first, but slowly her layers are pealed away and her secrets are revealed. I
Show More
didn't love Griffin at first. I didn't like that he basically kidnapped Cat and held her against her will for his own gain. Slowly you start to see who he really is and there is definitely more to his decisions than appear.The romance is an important part of A PROMISE OF FIRE, but it's more of a dessert, the characters and storyline are the main course. Griffin's Beta team quickly became an essential part of the story and I loved the way Cat became part of their team. I loved the way everyone interacted even during the tough times.The world is well written, I felt like I was in the world as the story was told. I have so much more to say, but I don't want to ruin anything for you.
As I said, I loved A PROMISE OF FIRE and I am very excited to see where Amanda Bouchet takes Cat and this story next. Crossing my fingers that I will get my hands on an advanced copy of BREATH OF FIRE.
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Madison_Fairbanks
A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet
Aahahahaha. Brahabwah.
Ok, it’s this sweeping epic fantasy world with lots of fighting, killing, torture, magic, dragons and castles. Not a basis for laughter. But it’s also a romance that’s entertaining strictly from the heroine’s point of view.
Worldly in
It’s her job now to teach the new royals how to behave. It’s a losing battle. She learns to trust and love.
Epic magic use and an epic love story. Very engaging even though I do not typically care for these fantasy worlds of power struggles and high death tolls. Surprising myself, I will probably read more by this author.
Excerpt:
“His fingers dig into my shoulders. Growling a curse, he lets go and drags his bloody hands through his hair, slicking it back. “How?”
“How what?”
His eyes flash. A muscle bulges in his jaw. “How in the name of Gods did you get magic fangs?” He flings a hand and toward the fallen. I refuse to look.
I think what he’s really asking is why I didn’t do this before, why I didn’t call on the gods weeks ago and murder him and his men in their sleep. I suppose I could have, if the Gods were listening, and one in particular. But since Poseidon has taken Beta Sinta under his trident, I doubt he would give me the means to kill him. And I don’t take murder lightly. Killer or be killed, OK but so far, the Sintans haven’t hurt me.
“Who cares?” I shrug. “The kingmaker’s alive and bound by an unbreakable vow. Hooray for you. Congratulations to the lucky tyrant.”
“Cat. Be reasonable.”
Reasonable? Reasonable! “Don’t ask me about magic and gods, and I won’t ask you about warlords stuff.” My tone let him know just how insignificant ‘warlord stuff’ is in comparison to magic and Gods.
Beta Sinta’s Data gray eyes flicker with irritation. Ha!
Sort of.
Annoying him wasn’t actually that satisfying.”
Excerpt from A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet
Aahahahaha. Brahabwah.
Ok, it’s this sweeping epic fantasy world with lots of fighting, killing, torture, magic, dragons and castles. Not a basis for laughter. But it’s also a romance that’s entertaining strictly from the heroine’s point of view.
Worldly in
Show More
some ways, and naive in others, her inner dialog is hysterical. It’s her job now to teach the new royals how to behave. It’s a losing battle. She learns to trust and love.
Epic magic use and an epic love story. Very engaging even though I do not typically care for these fantasy worlds of power struggles and high death tolls. Surprising myself, I will probably read more by this author.
Excerpt:
“His fingers dig into my shoulders. Growling a curse, he lets go and drags his bloody hands through his hair, slicking it back. “How?”
“How what?”
His eyes flash. A muscle bulges in his jaw. “How in the name of Gods did you get magic fangs?” He flings a hand and toward the fallen. I refuse to look.
I think what he’s really asking is why I didn’t do this before, why I didn’t call on the gods weeks ago and murder him and his men in their sleep. I suppose I could have, if the Gods were listening, and one in particular. But since Poseidon has taken Beta Sinta under his trident, I doubt he would give me the means to kill him. And I don’t take murder lightly. Killer or be killed, OK but so far, the Sintans haven’t hurt me.
“Who cares?” I shrug. “The kingmaker’s alive and bound by an unbreakable vow. Hooray for you. Congratulations to the lucky tyrant.”
“Cat. Be reasonable.”
Reasonable? Reasonable! “Don’t ask me about magic and gods, and I won’t ask you about warlords stuff.” My tone let him know just how insignificant ‘warlord stuff’ is in comparison to magic and Gods.
Beta Sinta’s Data gray eyes flicker with irritation. Ha!
Sort of.
Annoying him wasn’t actually that satisfying.”
Excerpt from A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet
Show Less
LibraryThing member whatsmacksaid
Eh. It was a fine palate cleanser. Don't go in with high expectations, though. The writing is so/so, there are a few plot holes, the metaphorical fire/ice thing doesn't really make sense, none of the big issues were really resolved, and the romantic lead is... forceful. I didn't think it was
Show More
horrible, but there were a few times where he skated the edge of acceptable behavior. Show Less
LibraryThing member dlynch
Amanda Bouchet A PROMISE OF FIRE is an amazing start to the Kingmaker Chronicles. This adult fantasy was captivating from start to finish. Catalia "Cat" Fisa has been in hiding. She is a rare clairvoyant who only emerges once every two hundred years known as the Kingmaker. She is captured by a
I loved this story. Cat is a fantastic and complex heroine. She had a horrible childhood. She is strong mentally and magically. She is a good individual despite her upbringing. Griffin is an honorable warlord. He is a skilled warrior with a talent of his own. Cat and Griffin love to squabble and have great chemistry.
The plot was interesting and had lots of twists. The magical versus non-magical issues are fascinating. I love that the Greek gods are part of this story. The story is mysterious and full of action and conspiracy. I cannot wait for book two, BREATH OF FIRE.
Complimentary copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Show More
warlord, Griffin, who intends to use her talent to help his recently conquered realm of Sinta in the south.I loved this story. Cat is a fantastic and complex heroine. She had a horrible childhood. She is strong mentally and magically. She is a good individual despite her upbringing. Griffin is an honorable warlord. He is a skilled warrior with a talent of his own. Cat and Griffin love to squabble and have great chemistry.
The plot was interesting and had lots of twists. The magical versus non-magical issues are fascinating. I love that the Greek gods are part of this story. The story is mysterious and full of action and conspiracy. I cannot wait for book two, BREATH OF FIRE.
Complimentary copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Show Less
LibraryThing member LadyDarbanville
As a fantasy it does alright. The world-building was pretty neat. As a romance it fails completely by throwing consent out the window almost from page 1. Griffin (the main male character) was just so incredibly unlikable. Despicable even. 3 stars for nice setting, some interesting non-romance
Show More
plotlines and the greek mythology bits. Show Less
LibraryThing member wyvernfriend
Issues but overall good I have read a few reviews that have issues with the kidnapping and I agree, consent is damned important, a god declaring that he's her prize for being good still isn't consent. However, overall the story drew me in and kept me reading and made me want more.
Griffin is an
About eight years before the beginning of the story Cat ran away from her abusive, powerful family and joined the circus and now she reads fortunes. Sometimes she knows a little too much about what's going on with a person but she dismisses it as coincidence, mostly. She also can tell when you are lying. In a world with Magic users who have most of the power and the commons who are starting to question the world order, she is straddling both sides, not really interested in power but often forced to use it. Powerful enemies on all sides and she has to try to find the least worst.
Despite issues I enjoyed the read, Cat is fun, even if she does protest a little too much occasionally. She also is deeply aware that she can't ignore the problems around her.
Griffin is an
Show More
interesting character and good foil to Cat (whose patron god, Poseidon, apparently gave him to her for healing). Maybe he should have put some effort into seduction then maybe, just maybe, things might have been a bit easier all round, though the sarky reaction to the kidnapping is entertaining.About eight years before the beginning of the story Cat ran away from her abusive, powerful family and joined the circus and now she reads fortunes. Sometimes she knows a little too much about what's going on with a person but she dismisses it as coincidence, mostly. She also can tell when you are lying. In a world with Magic users who have most of the power and the commons who are starting to question the world order, she is straddling both sides, not really interested in power but often forced to use it. Powerful enemies on all sides and she has to try to find the least worst.
Despite issues I enjoyed the read, Cat is fun, even if she does protest a little too much occasionally. She also is deeply aware that she can't ignore the problems around her.
Show Less
LibraryThing member TheYodamom
Fantasy, Greek Gods, Snark, Magic and Romance, Strong Women, Hot Alpha Men, Complex World Building with Fantastic Characters you can’t help but connect to. What else could you want ? Nothing this book is a complete winner.
I finished it with tingly butterfly feelings of happiness.
Cat is a young
The difficult warlord, aka Griffin is and arrogant cut throat intelligent who has “Eyes like Poseidon's wrath-stormy, gray, intense- the kind of eyes that hold you there.” Oh yeah, he is one hot alpha man, and he’s got a need that must be met and Cat is the answer. That need is, read the book and find out. I’ll tell you there is more than one need.
The side characters are almost as good as the main ones. Griffin’s men are all uniquely funny, sexy and fully developed. Then there are the gods and goddesses and mythical beasties, Medusa, Hades, Zeus, dragons, Cerberus and more.
I will be sweating out waiting for the next book in the series. There was some serious stuff going down and I need know !
Here are a few lines that I loved, they still make me chuckle.
Cat-“The mace he carries tells me he’d rather bludgeon than slice. I get that. There’s something satisfying about whacking people over the head.”- How could I not love this character ?
Cat-“Never n a billion suns. Not even if Zeus showed up as a swan and tried to peck me in your direction. I wouldn’t go with you even if my other option was Hades dragging me to the Underworld for an eternal threesome with persephone”
1 like ·
I finished it with tingly butterfly feelings of happiness.
Cat is a young
Show More
woman hiding from her pasta and the future she dreads. She has abilities that made her a hot property, desired by many. She is my kind of woman, a complete smart aleck, educated, street smart, and she has powers, really great powers. She hides in the circus, blending in, in plain sight until one difficult warlord takes her freedom away.The difficult warlord, aka Griffin is and arrogant cut throat intelligent who has “Eyes like Poseidon's wrath-stormy, gray, intense- the kind of eyes that hold you there.” Oh yeah, he is one hot alpha man, and he’s got a need that must be met and Cat is the answer. That need is, read the book and find out. I’ll tell you there is more than one need.
The side characters are almost as good as the main ones. Griffin’s men are all uniquely funny, sexy and fully developed. Then there are the gods and goddesses and mythical beasties, Medusa, Hades, Zeus, dragons, Cerberus and more.
I will be sweating out waiting for the next book in the series. There was some serious stuff going down and I need know !
Here are a few lines that I loved, they still make me chuckle.
Cat-“The mace he carries tells me he’d rather bludgeon than slice. I get that. There’s something satisfying about whacking people over the head.”- How could I not love this character ?
Cat-“Never n a billion suns. Not even if Zeus showed up as a swan and tried to peck me in your direction. I wouldn’t go with you even if my other option was Hades dragging me to the Underworld for an eternal threesome with persephone”
1 like ·
Show Less
LibraryThing member samnreader
Super great read! I'd only say at times Cat's fear irreverent attitude could seem immature and annoy me. But, I loved her. No character needs to be perfect, but she was perfectly strong, charming, and funny.
A great hero too...
A great hero too...
LibraryThing member JenniferElizabeth2
Fun, fast read. Although I did squirm some at the consent issues.
LibraryThing member noisy.silence
Highly enjoyed this books. I couldn’t put it down!
LibraryThing member NCDonnas
I want to preface this by saying that I'm generally not nitpicky about certain themes in books - I actually have an entire shelf of questionable bodice ripper historical romance novels that I secretly love. BUT reading this was super uncomfortable because of how casual the abuse was and how the
Show More
reader was being led to assume that the main character, Cat, deserved it. As though she was the one being difficult and should feel grateful that she was kidnapped and drug around by a rope because ultimately it was for a good cause and she would get to be part of their "team" if she could just behave and stop fighting them and trying to escape. I am actually kind of surprised that so many people rated this so highly. I feel kind of icky after getting through as much of this as I did. Show Less
LibraryThing member NCDonnas
I want to preface this by saying that I'm generally not nitpicky about certain themes in books - I actually have an entire shelf of questionable bodice ripper historical romance novels that I secretly love. BUT reading this was super uncomfortable because of how casual the abuse was and how the
Show More
reader was being led to assume that the main character, Cat, deserved it. As though she was the one being difficult and should feel grateful that she was kidnapped and drug around by a rope because ultimately it was for a good cause and she would get to be part of their "team" if she could just behave and stop fighting them and trying to escape. I am actually kind of surprised that so many people rated this so highly. I feel kind of icky after getting through as much of this as I did. Show Less
LibraryThing member kevn57
Nice start to the series, Cat is funny and a bad ass a characteristic I love in a heroine. Griffin so far has been an excellent love interest for Cat, he seems to genuinely care for her and not just want her for the power that she brings to his kingdom. I'm interested in what Poseidon has in store
“The Origin? You mean the first king of Thalyria?”
“He was a God, remember. Zeus’s son. Half-Olympian,
half-Titan. A combination of the old Gods and the new. Zeus
created Thalyria for him.”
The Origin’s demigod offspring, two
sons and a daughter, turned on him. They beheaded him and
then fell into war with each other, eventually splitting their
father’s kingdom into three realms: Sinta, Tarva, and Fisa.”
Show More
for the couple. My best guess is that they'll unite the three realms under Sinta's non magic rule I love the setting, Greek mythology is very cool and a great way to build a world the reader can get involved in without the boring bits of exposition needed to build a world completely from scratch. “The Origin? You mean the first king of Thalyria?”
“He was a God, remember. Zeus’s son. Half-Olympian,
half-Titan. A combination of the old Gods and the new. Zeus
created Thalyria for him.”
The Origin’s demigod offspring, two
sons and a daughter, turned on him. They beheaded him and
then fell into war with each other, eventually splitting their
father’s kingdom into three realms: Sinta, Tarva, and Fisa.”
Show Less
LibraryThing member yonitdm
There's a lot to enjoy about this book. While the main character herself is well flushed out with an interesting backstory set of magical powers and abilities and a love interest, one of my favorite parts about the book is the supporting cast of characters. They are diverse, have depth, and as the
Show More
character moves from place to place she doesn't discard them never to be heard from again like so often the case in a hero's journey. Show Less
LibraryThing member funstm
This book reminded me a bit of Twilight. The first book not the rest of the messed up series. I loved the first Twilight. But I couldn't really tell you why. The plot wasn't great. The characters were stupid. The writing was average but there was just something that worked for me. Whether because
Show More
it was just the right time, right mood I don't know. This book was much the same. The plot was pretty average. The characters were all over the place. The writing was average. But something worked and I just really enjoyed it. So much so, I'll likely read the rest of the series. Show Less
LibraryThing member fierce_bunny
B
This book is cute, but I am glad I read #2 first. If I had read this one first, I am not sure I would have sought out the second one. Cat is funny, Griffin is annoying. And bossy. Bossy, not in a good way. Bossy in a chauvinistic, let me wrap the little woman in cotton for her own foolish sake,
This book is cute, but I am glad I read #2 first. If I had read this one first, I am not sure I would have sought out the second one. Cat is funny, Griffin is annoying. And bossy. Bossy, not in a good way. Bossy in a chauvinistic, let me wrap the little woman in cotton for her own foolish sake,
Show More
way. Show Less
Subjects
Awards
RUSA CODES Reading List (Shortlist — Romance — 2017)
NPR: Books We Love (2016)
Language
Original publication date
2016-08-02
Physical description
441 p.; 18 cm
ISBN
1492626015 / 9781492626015
UPC
760789254581