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A Promise of Fire (The Kingmaker Chronicles, 1) Paperback – April 5, 2022

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 8,109 ratings

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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 her 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?

Discover exciting bonus material, including maps, illustrations, and an expanded look at the world of Thalyria. Fans of Jennifer Armentrout, Scarlett St. Clair and Sarah J. Maas will burn for this spicy romantic fantasy.

The Kingmaker Chronicles:

A Promise of Fire (Book 1)

Breath of Fire (Book 2)

Heart on Fire (Book 3)

A Curse of Queens (A Kingmaker Chronicles novel, Book 1)

Readers are raving about the Kingmaker Chronicles:

"Give this to your Game of Thrones fans." ―Booklist STARRED Review

"Loved it!" ―ELOISA JAMES, New York Times bestselling author

"Utterly breathtaking!" ―DARYNDA JONES, New York Times bestselling author

"Masterful worldbuilding." ―Kirkus STARRED Review

"Absolutely fabulous." ―C.L. WILSON, New York Times bestselling author

"Magic, action, romance―everything I love in a series." ―JENNIFER ESTEP, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author

"Sweeping in its world building and poignant in its emotion. A Homeric trilogy not to be missed." ―GRACE DRAVEN, USA Today bestselling author

"Easily my favorite book of 2016!" ―Bookriot

"Delivers with both heat and heart―loved it!" ―JEFFE KENNEDY, award-winning author

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Kingdoms will rise and fall for her.

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Escape into these breathtaking other worlds!

Breath of Fire by Amanda Bouchet Heart on Fire by Amanda Bouchet Curse of Queens Nightchaser Starbreaker Kingdom of Exiles
Breath of Fire Heart on Fire A Curse of Queens Nightchaser Starbreaker Kingdom of Exiles
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"A Promise of Fire made me laugh out loud more than once." ― Thea Harrison, New York Times bestselling author of the Elder Races series

"Soooo good!! The characters are wonderfully likeable, the world is unique and full of intrigue, and there's just this deep sense of warmth to the book that I loved and that kept me inhaling the story. I CANNOT WAIT to read the next book!!!" ― Nalini Singh, New York Times bestselling author

"Fantasy romance at its finest! This book has it all: A heroine full of spunk and spark, a hero full of mystery and masculinity, and an epic story full of intrigue and action. You will fall in love with these delicious characters. This book is utterly breathtaking!" ― Darynda Jones, New York Times bestselling author of the Charley Davidson series

"A Promise of Fire is terrific . . . one of the best debuts I’ve read in years." ― Kirkus STARRED Review

"Give this to your Game of Thrones fans. They will love the political plays, the dragons, and the adventure. Bouchet is a debut author to watch." ― Booklist STARRED Review

"If you’re looking for a magical book with heart, romance, adventure, and characters who stay with you long after the book ends, try A Promise of Fire. You won’t be disappointed! The Kingmaker Chronicles is sure to be a huge hit and well-worth the praise-worthy buzz it’s already getting far and wide. Amanda Bouchet has made me a desperate fan. 5 Stars, Recommended Read." ― Romance Junkies

"High fantasy is a rare find in romance ― complex world-building and political machinations can get in the way of a central, essential love story ― but Bouchet skillfully melds the genres while crafting a sexy, emotional romance. Griffin and Cat are beautifully matched ― together, her magic and his might make for a sparkling read. A Best Romance of the Month." ― The Washington Post

"I can say, without a doubt, that A Promise of Fire is going on my keeper shelf. I want more of these characters and I want more of this world. I cannot remember the last time I wanted to both savor and devour a book, and Bouchet’s writing is so engaging and magical that I wish she had some sort of backlist I could dive into for the next few months. If you’re even slightly tempted by this review or from the chapter one excerpt, buy this book." ― Smart Bitches, Trashy Books

"I don’t think I can recommend A Promise of Fire highly enough. If you like fantasy at all, go read it. If you like mythology at all, go read it. If you like alpha heroes, or chosen-one stories, or strong and independent heroines, go read it. Just… just go read it." ― All About Romance

"This book is utter catnip for me. Fantasy with romance and witty dialogue rolled together make a sumptuous feast of entertainment. This one's a winner!" ― Fresh Fiction, Fresh Pick!

"Easily my favorite book of 2016! It’s gritty, full of action, and Bouchet does such a beautiful job of building the setting. I was hooked from the first page." ― Bookriot

"An absolute joy to read . . . one of the best romances I’ve read all year." ― Seattle Book Review

"Looking for sci-fi/fantasy novel with a heavy dose of steamy romance? Look no further than Amanda Bouchet’s The Kingmaker Chronicles." ― EW.com

About the Author

Amanda Bouchet is a USA Today bestselling author of Fantasy Romance and Sci-fi Romance. She was a Goodreads Choice Awards top 10 finalist for Best Debut in 2016. For more about Amanda’s books with equal parts adventure and kissing, connect with her at www.amandabouchet.com.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sourcebooks Casablanca (April 5, 2022)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 464 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1728251133
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1728251134
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1.16 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 8,109 ratings

About the author

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Amanda Bouchet
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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. She writes what she loves to read: epic exploits, steamy romance, and characters that make you laugh and cry.

Amanda is a USA Today bestselling author of fantasy romance and space opera romance. She was a Goodreads Choice Awards top 10 finalist for Best Debut in 2016 with her first novel, A Promise of Fire.

For more about Amanda's books with equal parts adventure and kissing, connect with her online: www.amandabouchet.com

Instagram: @amandabouchetauthor

www.facebook.com/AmandaBouchetAuthor

Twitter: @AuthorABouchet

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
8,109 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the story engaging and well-written. They appreciate the characters' distinct personalities and vibrant portrayal. The world-building is interesting, blending Greek mythology with magic and elements unique to the fantasy setting. The humor is enjoyable, though sometimes juvenile.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

276 customers mention "Story quality"244 positive32 negative

Customers find the story engaging with distinct characters and a well-balanced plot. They describe it as an addictive fantasy that keeps their interest throughout, with heart-pounding action and sexual chemistry. The author brings the story to life with distinct voices and an enjoyable mix of intrigue and adventure.

"...This book is successful at concentrating on the romance while building a fascinating and complex world along with a plot intricate and filled with..." Read more

"...All in all, if you want some fantasy romance, magic, or just plain ole camaraderie and danger, then A Promise of Fire is sure to sate your cravings...." Read more

"...There are battles, creatures, gods and mythology, as well as some very enjoyable lighthearted scenes, including one involving a drug called Euphoria...." Read more

"...There's a lot of romantic development in this (and I loved it) but what sets it apart is despite that the author made sure the central plot was..." Read more

235 customers mention "Readability"235 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find it entertaining, with exciting action and witty dialogue. The story is relatable for readers who experienced childhood. Readers appreciate the adventure and worldbuilding, as well as the interesting choice to add Greek mythology. The characters Griffin and Cat make a great couple, keeping them thinking ahead.

"...this book and the next and the next because Bouchet spins such an interesting and powerful story...." Read more

"...battles, creatures, gods and mythology, as well as some very enjoyable lighthearted scenes, including one involving a drug called Euphoria...." Read more

"...elements of Greek mythology, magic, and the epic genre, and it does it well...." Read more

"...She's a complex mixture of all of it, and totally relatable for any readers who have experienced childhood trauma of their own...." Read more

199 customers mention "Character development"182 positive17 negative

Customers enjoy the character development in the book. They find the MMC, a warlord, perfect and fun to watch. The journey the characters take is enjoyable, with Griffith being an interesting hero. The side characters are rendered vibrantly and have distinct personalities. Readers love the contrasts in Cat's character, who is likable from the beginning.

"...Griffith is an interesting hero. Great ambition matched with intelligence and a recognition of the necessity of limiting power...." Read more

"...With a snarky and powerful heroine, a conquering alpha and his dashing team of warriors, and a magical world on the cusp of dramatic change, fantasy..." Read more

"...snarky heroine with attitude, Griffin is a large, strong, incredibly handsome hero, and reading their story will give you several hours of reading..." Read more

"...plot was just as strong- this book is filled with action, character backstory, reveals, etc. There's not a boring moment...." Read more

114 customers mention "Writing quality"102 positive12 negative

Customers enjoy the writing quality of the book. They find the story brilliant, excellently written, and creative. The action scenes are well-crafted, with lively characters and a coherent world. The dialogue is fast-paced, making it an easy read for fantasy fans.

"...Determined, quietly himself. He is determined and incredibly honest and loyal...." Read more

"...I will say that that does not take away from the brilliant writing, world building and character development...." Read more

"...crucial part of an adult romance and everything in this book is beautifully written- you'll be swooning, trust me...." Read more

"...The history and cosmology of the world are rich, complex and coherent, but emerge bit by bit throughout the story rather than being recited to the..." Read more

89 customers mention "World building"89 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the world-building in the book. They appreciate the blend of Greek mythology, magic, and elements unique to fantasy. The background is fascinating and avoids some typical fantasy tropes. They love the fantasy world with dragons, action, and mystery.

"...at concentrating on the romance while building a fascinating and complex world along with a plot intricate and filled with adventure...." Read more

"...Bouchet does a wonderful job of tying Greek mythology to a new fantasy world. Her descriptions and details make the world all the more believable...." Read more

"...There are battles, creatures, gods and mythology, as well as some very enjoyable lighthearted scenes, including one involving a drug called Euphoria...." Read more

"...Her background is fascinating and avoids some of the typical fantasy tropes- can't tell you how many times I've rolled my eyes over the overused '..." Read more

72 customers mention "Humor"72 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book. They find the witty, sarcastic heroine and the banter between her and the main characters delightful. The dialogue is described as on point and written in an entertaining way.

"...become strengths, her powers become more enhanced and she is funny and flawed and a powerhouse...." Read more

"...With a snarky and powerful heroine, a conquering alpha and his dashing team of warriors, and a magical world on the cusp of dramatic change, fantasy..." Read more

"...He's everything you want a hero to be- smart, funny, charming, arrogant, sexy, brave, at times possessive- and in all the right amounts...." Read more

"...There is plenty of action, an engaging, adventurous plot, humor and humanity, and an exceptionally rich romantic relationship developing over the..." Read more

65 customers mention "Start"65 positive0 negative

Customers find the book a promising start to the series. They say it has a great premise and a nice setup for the next book. The series is considered a great trilogy and readers are looking forward to more from the author.

"...FINAL DECISION: Fabulous first book in a series about Cat Fisa, the Kingmaker, and Griffith, the man who captures her and then captures her heart...." Read more

"...This book is definitely a fantastic first book, the first I've read from Ms. Bouchet, and definitely won't be my last...." Read more

"It was a very promising beginning to a series and there was certainly some very enjoyable aspects to this story but some somewhat troubling ones as..." Read more

"...The good news is there is more to come in this series and the potential is endless!..." Read more

77 customers mention "Pacing"50 positive27 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing. Some find it fantastic and engaging, with the slow release of information keeping them interested. Others feel it's too fast-paced and hard to keep up with the first couple of chapters, turning into instalove quickly.

"...It makes the story go faster and keeps interest throughout...." Read more

"...There are battles, creatures, gods and mythology, as well as some very enjoyable lighthearted scenes, including one involving a drug called Euphoria...." Read more

"...Needless to say I find this just a little uncomfortable. Cat's inner voice was annoying in how much it was used throughout the book...." Read more

"...This writer is outstanding at creating multiple distinct, sympathetic, magnetic characters, such that the reader feels drawn into the midst of a..." Read more

Has it All!!
4 out of 5 stars
Has it All!!
4-4.5 starsI received a free digital copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not shape or change my opinion of the book. Thank you Sourcebooks Casablanca and Netgalley for the review copy!I thoroughly enjoyed this! What an impressive debut from Amanda Bouchet!The strong characters stood out in this first installment for sure. I LOVED Cat. She is fierce, witty, full of snark, and just all around bad assery. It took me a little bit to get into her narration and her inner monologue…but it completely grew on me. Cat’s narration is like that bestie you have where you know each other so well that you finish other’s thoughts and sentences and snort at corny inside jokes.“I don’t know everything you’ve been through, but I know enough to understand that your past filled you with hostility and hate. But you still laugh. You still love, and you protect the people you care about. You’re not who you think you are. You’re better. You’re more.“ ← THIS is Cat’s journey.Cat is a powerful clairvoyant called the Kingmaker, a status that she goes through extraordinary lengths to conceal. While being the Kingmaker may make her powerful, it also makes her highly sought after and a target. She has finally found some semblance of “home” and “family” traveling with a circus. No one knows who or what she is, and this allows her a sense of safety and comfort.Until Griffin. Griffin is a powerful warlord on the hunt for Magoi to help bring stability to his newly conquered realm Sinta. Griffin is immediately drawn to Cat, and has suspicions that she is more than what she seems and EXACTLY what he needs. I loved Griffin for obvious reasons: he is smoking hot, confident, predatory, deadly with a weapon, super protective….just delicious…(despite kidnapping) he’s honorable. He has a vision of a better world for the people of Sinta and he’s going to do what it takes to get that better world.“His eyes reminded me of Poseidon’s wrath- stormy, gray, intense- the kind of eyes that draw you in, hold you there, and might not let you go.” UM, YES PLEASE!!Cat and Griffin really made this book for me, they were just so well written. Their banter, the stubbornness, the tension had me turning the pages. The hate to love thing; if it’s done right it gets me every time. However, what I also loved, and this really is a testament to a talented writer, was how well done the secondary characters were (and there were A LOT of secondary characters). Despite that, they felt fully fleshed out, multi dimensional and had depth. The Beta team, Beta Sinta’s family, Cat’s circus family….I loved all of them.I am a huge fan of Greek Mythology. The incorporation of Greek mythology felt a little random to me at first or stunted maybe? But as I continued and got to know the characters and the world better, the weaving in of Greek mythology became more seamless and natural. To the author’s credit, she didn’t info dump. It was a gradual assimilation. I also appreciated the Greek words sprinkled in here and there…”kardia mou,” oikogeneia,” “agape mou” (I already knew agape mou, but I didn’t know the other ones, so I appreciated learning new words!) I think that this gave a richness to Bouchet’s storytelling.I would really love to get a better; more in depth sense of Thalyria and its history and culture (in the political and social structure sense and how those systems came to be the way they are). It’s divided into three territories in which the northern territories are leaden with magic wielders, and magic equals power. Sinta in the south has little to no magic and values muscle, strength, and cunning. How did this division happen? A map of this world would be amazing! (pretty please?) Those without magic, the Hoi Polloi (the common people), are seen as “less than” and discriminated against by those with magic. How and why did this difference in status take root? I think that (especially in fantasy) a well written, intricate world can almost be a secondary character in and of itself. Where we come from; our history and environment shape us, our biases, and our decision making just as much as people do. So I’m really hoping we get a closer look at this world and its history in future installments.I would also love to learn more about Andromeda—cold, icy, completely ruthless queen from the north. I’d like to know more about her bloodline, and what made her the way she is. I think there’s definitely potential here for a villain of epic proportions. The good news is there is more to come in this series and the potential is endless! A bad ass, feisty heroine, a smoldering, broody-yet protective and affectionate warlord, squad goals, ruthless villains, magic, dragons, mythology, steamy romance, adventure—“A Promise of Fire” has it all, and I can’t wait to see what comes next!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2016
    "Is this man my enemy?"

    FINAL DECISION: Fabulous first book in a series about Cat Fisa, the Kingmaker, and Griffith, the man who captures her and then captures her heart. This book is successful at concentrating on the romance while building a fascinating and complex world along with a plot intricate and filled with adventure.

    THE STORY: Catalia "Cat" Fisa travels as a soothsayer in a circus, but she is actually the Kingmaker -- with the legendary talent of being able to tell truth from lies. Unfortunately, Cat catches the attention of Griffith, a warlord whose family has taken control of Sinta. Griffith wants Cat to use her as a weapon for the newly acquired realm. Cat, however, has no intention of allowing herself to be used again.

    OPINION: This is a fantastic beginning for a series. My only reservation on the book is that this story is not complete in and of itself and thus if the subsequent books are bad, this one will too. (I might revisit my rating up or down after the other books in the series are published).

    The best part of this book is that the worldbuilding is intricately intertwined with the romance. No pages of descriptions or explanations. Things are explained as needed through the story in a natural fashion. It makes the story go faster and keeps interest throughout.

    Cat is a heroine that centered this book and made me want to read more. This is her journey. More than a romance, it is the story of a woman coming into her own destiny. Like many great heroes, Cat is hiding from her fate as the story begins. In danger because of her past and running from her future, Cat has made a place for herself in the circus. When Griffith comes to upset her hideaway, Cat at first hates him and wants to escape, but he also begins to make her part of a team, a family, a place worth defending.

    Cat has tremendous power. Her weaknesses become strengths, her powers become more enhanced and she is funny and flawed and a powerhouse. Her cynicism is matched with a innocent heart that she denies but which leads her to care and love those around her.

    Griffith is an interesting hero. Great ambition matched with intelligence and a recognition of the necessity of limiting power. He is like water on stone with Cat. Determined, quietly himself. He is determined and incredibly honest and loyal. He comes from a loving family -- which is a mystery to Cat -- which grounds him. He does what he has to do, but tries to be his best self.

    The mixture of magic, dragons, help by the Greek Gods gives this book a rich basis for its mythology. The story feels grounded and recognizable without being entirely derivative. This book leaves readers with many questions which I hope will be teased out in the other books in the series.

    This book shows such promise and I want to see that promise flower into something amazing.

    WORTH MENTIONING: This is only the beginning of the series. The story is not complete and readers should be aware that wanting to know the end of the story necessitates committing to more books.

    CONNECTED BOOKS: A PROMISE OF FIRE is the first book in the Kingmaker Chronicles.

    STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.
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  • Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2020
    Amanda Bouchet heard all the gripping of fantasy fans across the nation that desired a fantasy romance that was NOT for young adults and decided to grace our lives with her Kingmaker Chronicles. With a snarky and powerful heroine, a conquering alpha and his dashing team of warriors, and a magical world on the cusp of dramatic change, fantasy romance fans finally can breathe and enjoy a book up their alley. Initially, I picked up this book because it had a neat looking cover (yes I know, I know. I fell prey to the worst trap. Sometimes it happens no matter how much I chant to myself "don't judge a book by its cover." At least this time it worked for good.) However, I stayed reading this book and the next and the next because Bouchet spins such an interesting and powerful story. While the idea of magic, conquering warlords, and a powerful girl in the middle of all the chaos is not necessarily unique, how Bouchet decides to combine all these factors produced a story that not only captures readers but keeps them coming back. I have read this book three times, at least, and I still love each time I read it because I find new aspects of the story I never noticed before.

    As with every book, there are some pros and cons. I like to start with the cons because I like to end on a good note :)

    So, sometimes this book is a little predictable. You can guess where parts of it are going and how things will end up. I will say that that does not take away from the brilliant writing, world building and character development. Otherwise, the later parts with Daphne (when you read it, you will understand so I'm not going to go into detail) did not seem to really help the plot all that much. They seemed to just be there to fluff and finally push the relationship between Cat and Griffin.

    Otherwise, on a good note, the world building within this story deserves high praise. Bouchet does a wonderful job of tying Greek mythology to a new fantasy world. Her descriptions and details make the world all the more believable. Magic has limits, it is not just a cure all, and not everything is dependent on it, but it also offers great gains and aid to those who can use it right. The relationship between Cat and Griffin also enhanced the story tremendously. Their romance was filled with tension and spark that drew you in and kept you wanting more. However, if I had to choose one thing that stood out to me as my "favorite," it would have to be the dynamic between Cat, Griffin, and Griffin's team of warriors. The friendship and camaraderie that surrounded Beta team made you want to be apart of that group. Bouchet's decision in writing how these characters interact with each other, with humor, kindness, snark, and love, creates a compelling story that I have loved to read and re-read multiple times.

    All in all, if you want some fantasy romance, magic, or just plain ole camaraderie and danger, then A Promise of Fire is sure to sate your cravings. In fact, it will probably lead to you buying the next and the next book in order to quickly satisfy your desire to know more about Cat, Griffin, and Beta team.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Terri-Lynn
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great cast of characters and fun story
    Reviewed in Canada on August 16, 2022
    If you like found family this book is for you. The main character is fun and we get a great story full of hotties and greek mythology. This book was good and worth reading, I feel like it was definitely the best one of the series. The series is still one going with side characters getting their own spin offs, so potential to spend a lot of time in this world.
  • ND
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Captivating Journey into Romantic Fantasy - 5 Stars!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 14, 2023
    I was completely swept away by "A Promise of Fire," the first installment in The Kingmaker Chronicles. Amanda Bouchet weaves a mesmerizing tale of romance, magic, and adventure that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.

    The protagonist, Cat, is a force to be reckoned with – a strong and independent character who adds a refreshing twist to the fantasy genre. The world-building is impeccable, seamlessly blending mythical elements with a gripping plot that unfolds at a perfect pace.

    Bouchet's writing style is both enchanting and engaging, making it nearly impossible to put the book down. The chemistry between Cat and the mysterious Griffin is electrifying, adding a delightful layer of romance to the narrative.

    What sets "A Promise of Fire" apart is its ability to balance action, magic, and romance seamlessly. The story is rich in detail, and the author's creativity shines through every page. By the end, I was left eager for more, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this captivating series.

    If you're a fan of romantic fantasy that keeps you hooked from the first page, "A Promise of Fire" is an absolute must-read. I can't recommend it enough – a solid 5 stars!
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Romantic fantasy with elements of Greek mythology
    Reviewed in the Netherlands on June 11, 2023
    It is a well-written adventure with smart dialogues, and a decent plot. It was hard to put down until I finished it, and I immediately bought the next book of this series.
  • Célia D.
    3.0 out of 5 stars Disappointed... :(
    Reviewed in France on May 11, 2023
    Rating : 3 ⭐.
    Review : Well, well, well... It sounded promising at first and the beginning puts you directly into the world. The setting is interesting, mythology is always cool to read, and pretty easy to understand. The FMC, Cat, can be funny but also quite unnerving to be honest, she got abducted by Griffin, aka Beta Sinta, to help his kingdom ?? I don't even know? Like honestly I started loosing interest at 50% : there is something wrong with the romance here. Is it supposed to be an ennemies-to-lovers (right?) and it usually goes with slow-burn romance (right?) BUT it's not! The romance started so quickly for me IT DOESN'T work that way. I'm having mixed feelings here, this is so weird. Also the action/world setting is really cool, but throughout the book it's starting to become a mess ?? I got a bit lost...
    Anyway I'm disappointed I didn't like that book as much as I wanted to.

    🚫 I won't continue the serie 🚫
  • rita.andotherstories
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Promise of Fire
    Reviewed in Germany on February 23, 2020
    Mein erstes Buch von Amanda und es war einfach so großartig.

    Ich liebe ja Geschichten mit griechischen Göttern, Mythologie, Fantasy. Und mit der Kingmaker Trilogy hat Amanda hier eine tolle Kombination aus allem geschaffen und einen fantastischen Auftakt.
    Cat ist mir von Anfang an sympathisch und eine tolle Prota. Sie ist eine Heldin, auch wenn sie es selbst nicht sieht, hat so viel miterlebt und durchstehen müssen und ist dadurch zu einer starken Person geworden, aber auch damit hat sie Probleme, dass sie sich selbst so sieht, wie andere sie sehen. Doch dann plötzlich kommt Griffin, und verändert alles. Er bietet ihr Kontra, fordert sie heraus und nimmt sie einfach gefangen: mit seinem Wesen, mit seiner Art und auch mit seinem Körper, denn er bindet sie an ein magisches Seil und nimmt Cat mit zu sich nach Hause.

    Nach und nach verliert Cat das Misstrauen und beginnt, sich und ihren Gefühlen zu vertrauen. Und sie lernt dank Griffin endlich, was es bedeutet, eine Familie zu sein und zu haben, zu lieben, Freunde zu haben für die es sich lohnt. Zu kämpfen.

    Die Dynamik zwischen den beiden war von Anfang an herrlich. Zum einen, da Griffin und Cat sich anfangs einfach nichts schenken und sich immer wieder zoffen mit herrlich lustigen Dialogen, zum anderen war einfach von Anfang an da diese Chemie zwischen den beiden. Und doch benötigte es Zeit, dem ganzen die nötige Reife zu geben.
    Das Ende war spannend und hat mich einfach sprachlos zurückgelassen, dass ich sofort weiter zu Band 2 wechselte.

    Perfekt für alle Fans der griechischen Mythologie, mit einer guten Portion Romantik und Erotik, aber genügend Spannung und Fantasy.