A Promise of Fire (The Kingmaker Chronicles, #1)

by Amanda Bouchet

Sexy and addictive, this white-hot fantasy broke all the rules:

• with a fierce woman cursed with powerful hidden magic,
• abducted by a dangerous warlord determined to save his country,
• igniting a forbidden attraction that will make them burn.

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?

Fans of Jennifer Armentrout and Sarah J. Maas will burn for A Promise of Fire.

• ISBN10: 1728251133
• ISBN13: 9781728251134
• Publish Date: 5 April 2022 (first published 2 August 2016)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Sourcebooks Casablanca
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 464
• Language: English

Reviews

[inlibrisveritas]

A Promise of Fire is pretty highly rated and highly recommend…but I just didn’t really find this one all that captivating. I had a lot of problems with it.

So let’s start with what I did like. The world building has some pretty amazing things going for it. The use of the Greek mythos in a fantasy world is pretty cool, and I liked how involved the pantheon is in the life of the people. The use of Oracles and the different god granted powers are quite cool, though I do wish I could understand exactly ‘why’ when it comes to the more specific aspects. Cat’s powers are pretty awesome as well, and I loved the versatility of the magic she comes into contact with.

So that leaves the things I had issues with. Overall, the writing left a lot to be desired. It read a lot like a mediocre fanfiction…which I know is an odd comparison but it just sort of fits. The characters are kind of one-note and stick to a singular personality trait to define them. Cat is the quick tempered fighter, Griffin is the alpha, most of his sister personify wide-eyed innocence, etc. The plot progressed much the same way. There were moments where the plot was lost in all the “I hate you…let me kiss you” fight happening, and then moments where the plot had to play catch up to where it should be. Which also brings me to the romance…I have a problem with super-alphas. I’ve mentioned it in several reviews before. I don’t like premature ‘claiming’ and I definitely don’t like guys who are told to quit and instead give a “you know you love it” response. Maybe it’s real life seeping in and killing the allure of it, but damn if it doesn’t piss me off. I get that Cat enjoys his attention, since we are privy to her thoughts, but he doesn’t know that…further more it doesn’t matter if her back arches in pleasure if her mouth says no. A lot of people like the mega-alpha male characters, and that’s cool…but I’ve dealt with too many in real life to ever find it sexy.

Overall I like the idea of this book, and I really liked the set up of the world and magic system. I’m all for books with the use of mythology, but this one loses me on the character exploration and the execution. I’m not sure I’m going to continue this one, but if my library gets the second book in I might give it ago. It has a lot of potential.

[kimbacaffeinate]

Caffeinated reasons to grab your earbuds and listen to A Promise of Fire:

You love strong, kick-ass heroines who are destined for greatness despite their reluctance. Catalia “Cat” Fisa is a powerful clairvoyant who can tell when someone lies. She can absorb and reuse your magic and more. She is known as a Kingmaker, and is coveted by those in power. Cat is hiding, at the circus, and doing everything in her power to avoid being discovered. After escaping the tortures of her seriously demented, evil-mother, she only wants to live free. Cat is witty, brave and filled with snark. I loved her inner banter and her quick-witted remarks.

You love fantasy from the magic to the different realms and mythical beasts but you do not want multiple perspectives, different storylines and two hundred and fifty characters to keep track of. The world in Kingmaker Chronicles offers a world that reminds me of King Arthur’s time with kingdoms and classes. Now shake in magic, Greek mythology and supernatural creatures.

The rules for magic are simple, you are born with it or you are not. Of course, some are more powerful and the magic is different for all. There are gods, and these all come from our Greek mythology providing familiarity. In the Kingmaker Chronicles there are three kingdoms Fisa, Tarva, & Sinta. A Promise of Fire takes place in the kingdom of Sinta where the non-magical Hoi Polloi have overthrown the magical Magoi royals.

The Warlord Beta Sinta “Griffin” is seeking a magoi to aid his kingdom when he discovers Cat. he asks her to go with him, when she refuses he abducts her. With the help of neighbors to the south, Beta Sinta removed the corrupt regime in his land and placed his sister on the throne. This confounds Cat and you will love discovering the why of it all.

You love a Kate and Curran (characters from Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews) type romance filled with snark, undeniable chemistry, stubbornness, laughter and heat. Oh lordy this haters to lovers romance was sheer delight. While this started out as an abduction, Griffin was honorable and patient. I know, I know but just go with me on this. As the tale unfolded we discover he is not only ruggedly handsome but of noble character. At times Cat's strong personality outshines his, and I look forward to getting to know him more.

You love action, adventure, deception, scheming and more. Oh the battles were brilliant and sometimes, more often than not four against many. Giants, creatures, and oh yes my friends DRAGONS! Bouchet brought the world to life providing vivid imagery. She keeping the flow of the story moving at a steady pace with burst of action that had me holding my breath. Then she added a health dose of romantic moments that made me gigglesnort and swoon.

Secondary characters that are fleshed out, humorous and unique make you giddy. Wait until you meet Kato, Flynn and Carver. The banter and interaction between Beta Sinta, Cat and these three men was wonderfully addictive. I loved the Beta Sinta’s sisters, a certain healer, the Gods and more.


Mia Barron narrates and was completely new to me. I wasn't sure at first, but honestly I cannot image Cat without her. She captured the snark and tone of Cat's character from her inner dialogue to her struggle with feelings over Griffin and her own fears of discovery. Her male voices were discernible for each character and I am looking forward to her continuing this series. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer

[lizarodz]

Quite the Novel Idea https://quitethenovelidea.com https://quitethenovelidea.com/liza-reviews-promise-fire-amanda-bouchet/Well, WOW! Hmmm... I knew I would love this one for two reasons: One, because it's fantasy and second, because Alyssa gave it five stars, which she rarely does.   Now, let me explain the ways!

The characters -  There is an incredible cast of characters.  To be honest, the interaction and relationship between these two is worth the ticket for admission.  Our main characters are Catalia (Cat) and Griffin.  Cat has suffered unspeakable horrors, escaped and was "hiding" at a circus and earning her keep as a soothsayer.  She has real powers that were granted to her by the gods, but is stubborn, distrustful and careful to show her true self to any one for fear of discovery.  She's kidnapped by Griffin, which is a warlord and her match in every way. The banter between these two is priceless!  It's funny, and heartfelt and a slow burning romance.  I'm not sure that Cat completely trusts him yet, but she definitely loves him and is trying to get used to having a family.  One of my favorite couples for sure!

World building and plot - The world is based on Greek mythology which I love.  There are dragons, gods, griffins, and all that good stuff.  The plot is so good.  We learn the truth about the characters slowly and I'm sure we still have more to learn.  It's complicated, fascinating and just pure awesome.  There is war, shenanigans, jealous ex-girlfriends, best friends, lying, truths, fantastical creatures, gods, best friends and a circus.  Amazing!

I'm happy with the ending, not a cliffhanger in site, BUT I suspect that all hell is going to break loose very soon.  Just saying...

I truly loved this one.  I adored the writing, the plot, the world building and above all Cat and Griffin :)  I cannot wait for Breath of Fire, which I was granted access to recently.  If you are an adult and you love fantasy this is a series for you. Read and you won't regret it!

 

 

 This review was originally posted on Quite the Novel Idea

[stacey_is_sassy]

It seems like the Gods want Cat and Griffin to heal the world.

I’m buzzing. Yep, I found one of those books. A Promise of Fire Is the type of books where all the stars align for me. The cover caught my eye and for the first time in a wee while, it wasn’t because of abs of steel, the intense eyes of a very HOT guy or an Alpha looking guy who looks tough and bossy. This cover attracted me because the heroine, cover model, looks kick-arse. I saw the cover and almost instantly had thought of a character like Lara Croft, Tomb Raider. Now, I’m the extreme opposite in real life to a person like this, but who doesn’t wish they could kinda hold their own in an intense battle. Then, I read the blurb and I was definitely sucked into the want, need and desire to be part of this story. So, I took the plunge and reached for A Promise of Fire.

The story starts with us meeting a very hot (literally) Cat. She is part of a Circus and has been for years. The performers took her under their wing when she turned up nearly dead. They don’t know her story, history or how a 15-year-old ended up emaciated, dirty and with blister all over her feet but they care and protect her as well as they can. Cat has felt safe there but she has always been on her guard. She hides her identity and the abilities she was born with. Her mother, the demented freakazoid, wants her back and will do ANYTHING to find her and keep her…trapped tortured and begging. Just like her childhood. Cat will do anything to protect her new family…even walk away from them…tied to what she thinks is an enemy.

Griffin, also known as Beta Sinta, has been watching Cat for some time now. He knows there is something special about her and wants her intensely. He will use whatever means to get her to come with him and his Beta Team even if it involves kidnapping and tying her to himself day and night. Now that he has her in his grasp he knows she’s even more special than what he thought. The only slight problem is that she absolutely HATES HIM!! He’s a very determined man, and he’s certainly not going to let that be a barrier between them.

I honestly don’t want to give too much away. The ride is intense and gripping and at times I couldn’t read fast enough or flick the pages quick enough. A Promise of Fire is one of those books where you know you should be getting ready to…go to work, feed your kids, have a shower or sleep, but you push the world back for just one more word. The kids won’t starve and I’ll sleep when I’m dead.

I could take away a half star because the beginning world-building was a little confusing and hard to follow, but I find with most first books in a series that it doesn’t take long to catch up. A Promise of Fire gives you a lot of information to consider and take in and I know there is a lot more that hasn’t even been covered in this first instalment. So that half-star went back on because really, in the end, I know that all the puzzles pieces have yet to be laid out. I’m patient, I’ll wait with bated breath for more.

A Promise of Fire is full of action, adventure, schemes, deceptions and wars. Dragons, giants and scary creatures are used to fight wars. Magic is everywhere and the more magic you hold either in yourself or with the allies you have, the stronger the force you are. There is an intense attraction between Cat and Griffin that jumps off the pages. Cat is fighting it with everything she has, knowing that all those she loves are in danger for knowing her. Griffin will do everything and anything to protect Cat and show her the love he feels for her. I love it when the hero knows what he wants and fights to have it. No giving up from Griffin. At worst, Griffin walks away to start the battle against Cat’s defences another day.

If you love a good fantasy romance A Promise of Fire is definitely worth checking out. I absolutely LOVED it!!

Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.