A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet

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

by Amanda Bouchet

Kingmaker. Soothsayer. Warrior. Mage. Kingdoms would rise and fall for her . . . if she is ever found

In the icy North, where magic is might, an all-powerful elite ruthlessly guided by a glacial Queen have grown to dominate the world. Now rebellion is stirring in the rough, magic-poor South, where for the first time in memory a warlord has succeeded in uniting the tribal nations.

Stuck in the middle is Cat - circus performer and soothsayer - safely hidden behind heavy make-up, bright colours and the harmless illusion of the circus. Until someone suspects she's more than she seems . . .

Captured by the Southern warlord Griffin, Cat's careful camouflage is wearing thin. For how long can - or should - she conceal the true extent of her power? Faced with dragons, homicidal mages, rival Gods and the traitorous longings of her own heart, she must decide: is it time to claim her destiny and fight?

An award-winning fantasy debut with an unforgettable heroine, set against a luminous world on the brink of battle, this is for those who love Ilona Andrews, Laini Taylor or Victoria Aveyard

'This book is utterly breathtaking!' Darynda Jones, New York Times bestselling author of the Charley Davidson series

Reviewed by lizarodz on

4 of 5 stars

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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

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 8 September, 2016: Finished reading
  • 8 September, 2016: Reviewed