Very disappointed.

I loved the first book in this series, so much that I read the book and then later bought the audiobook version, and I preordered this book as soon as I saw it was available. But this book is nothing like A Promise of Fire. It begins with Griffin cursing and berating Cat as she cowers naked in the corner thinking how easily he could kill her. He leaves her feeling worthless then 15 minutes further on in the audiobook he comes back sorry for how he treated her and he really didn't mean it. She just so grateful that he still loves her, even though he is so much better than her. Then they have sex for the next 10 minutes of the book. This is abuse and to have such a strong female protagonist from the fist book accept this treatment as her due is disgusting. I hoped that would be it and the story and plot would go on to be more like the first book but it didn't. They continue having sex about every other chapter in the book and it's not even well written or enticing, just boring. So is the trip they take into the Ice Lands with team beta. I kept quitting the book and then I'd try again later hoping it would get better but I finally just gave up about halfway through and I'm returning the book.

23 people found this helpful

Really enjoyable addition to the trilogy :D

4-4.5 stars

This was a really good book and addition to the trilogy. Cat and Griffin have a lot facing them in this book with the power play between the 3 kingdoms escalating. I will admit that the beginning of the book kind of messed with me a bit. There was a secret that came out and a misunderstanding about the repercussions of that reveal. TBH, I saw it the way Cat saw it and was a bit flummoxed at the turnaround and the fact that the blowup was a misunderstanding. Outside of that, the story moved pretty smoothly and progressed nicely, I guess I just thought it was a weird way to start out the book.

Once past the initial misunderstanding, the story was great and quickly delved into Cat, Griffin and his family trying to figure out how to hold onto the power they have when they seem to be in the weakest position of the 3 Kingdoms. In order to find help in securing their power base, Cat, Griffin and Beta team go off to foreign lands to deal with dangerous people and try not to get killed by big, bad monsters. It's rough but thankfully, Cat and Griffin have some powerful allies that help things along and move them towards their destiny (whether they want it or not). The story ends with another big battle won and Cat and Griffin happily (and solidly) together but there's still more they have to accomplish in book #3.

This was a really enjoyable book. I still like Cat and Griffin and think they make a great couple. Cat's finally starting to realize some things about herself and coming to accept herself and her destiny and that's a good thing. I also liked that this story gave us a bit more insight into some of the secondary characters, making the story even more enjoyable. Overall, I really like the story and the characters so I'd recommend the trilogy (I wouldn't say they're standalone stories so I'd recommend reading book #1 before this one). :D

7 people found this helpful

Incredible!!

Oops, I never posted my reviews for this series here. Fixing that now.
Re-Read: 01/24/2018 Still 5 stars. I love this story and the characters. I decided to read books 1 and 2 again because I am going to start book 3 and wanted it all fresh in my mind.

Original review: 01/04/2017
Wow!! Breath of Fire, the second book from the King Maker Chronicles, was incredible. I loved every second of it and didn't want to put it down. This book was released yesterday and I'm so glad I didn't hesitate to pick it up. I'm looking forward to continuing this series and finding out what is next for Griffin and Cat. Unfortunately book 3 doesn't come out for another year. I don't want to wait. I want more and I want it now!

This author is an incredible storyteller and it blows my mind that these two books are her first. A Promise of Fire and Breath of Fire definitely do not read like they are by a new author. I'm super excited to see what more Amanda Bouchet comes out with in the future.

I highly recommend this book and the Kingmaker Chronicles series to anyone looking for a fantasy story. It has both action and a love story and the overall theme of loyalty and selflessness plays heavily through these books, even during the brutal battle scenes.

I'm going to go ahead and shelve this with my 6 star books. What a great book to start my 2017!

As for the narration, I didn't care for the voices the narrator used. She didn't have a good variety or really much difference from each character voice. It was a bit disappointing. The narrators regular no dialogue voice was great though. She was easy to listen to and understand.

2 people found this helpful

Very good fantasy

An alternate telling of life formed from Olympus on another planet where magic exists and Cat of FISA is the warrior prophesized to change the world. The story is imaginative. The heroine is a tough cookie in love with her male counterpart. Together they love and fight together with their team to beat the magical corruption that has lead to so many people being hurt and abused. Cats mother is a wicked magical barrier To many of Cats issues

I liked the storyline ther characters and the love affair between Cat and Griffin. I also liked the narration well enough but her male voices could use a little help. This is a story that could benefit a lot from dual narration

Definitely one of the better books I’ve listened too this past year and I’ll definitely get the last of the trilogy

1 person found this helpful

Inner monologue

The inner monologue has begun to seriously annoy me.. I understand it some but she is starting to second guess her every move and seems like she’s getting her rear handed to her at every turn.. narrator over dramatizes the inner monologue so maybe that’s why it annoys me so much.. time to pull on the big girl pants..

1 person found this helpful

Great story, ok performance

I really like this series! I love the action and adventure, and especially the romance. The narrator is good at portraying a strong female, but I really dislike her male characters. Griffin and his brothers sound to me like teenagers instead of mature warriors in their 30's. For the final book in the series, I'm not sure if I'll get the audible version or just stick with print.

1 person found this helpful

Epic journey

Any additional comments?

NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4 1/2
Again, another amazing story from Ms. Bouchet. I am so in love with the world and her characters both good and bad. Breath of Fire picks up shortly after the end of the events in A Promise of Fire. So many things happen in Breath of Fire that will make you love the characters even more than you did before. But I will say that I think Kato my be my favorite of Beta Team. Cat & Kato form an amazing friendship in this story that at times broke my heart. Seeing Kato behind that wall of ice *tears*. While sad I think it might have been my favorite part of the book.
I so can not wait for the next book in this series. I do truly hope that Ms. Bouchet will continue this world. Because Kato, Flynn and Carver all need their stories told!! Oh and the girls too!!! Oh I can’t wait for Heart on Fire.
Again I let the very talented Mia Barron read this amazing book to me!! I really can’t wait to jump into the next book with her. If you are an audiobook fan I would suggest listening to the sample and judge for yourself.
But whether you buy in paper, ebook or audio you really really really need to read this series. Ms. Bouchet’s take on mythology is epic!!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

2 people found this helpful

Looking forward to Book 3

The 2nd book of the Kingmaker Chronicles; is a very enjoyable journey. The main characters are very likeable.

I enjoyed the way Cat had to let go of all her secrets/ fears and set herself free. Her family was a very tough family to be born into and the image she had of herself was not true. I enjoyed the journey evolution, growth and self acceptance.

In my opinion Cat was an amazing girl and I recommend the book.

3 people found this helpful

Good story but narrator is inconsistent

The story is compelling. The narrator, however, is inconsistent. About halfway through both this book and the last, the narrator changed up voices and some start to sound a bit cartoony. It can also be difficult to grasp what is dialogue and what is thought.

I love Griffin

So I REALLY like Griffin. And once Cat starts growing up and trusting him, I started liking her more too.

And their romance is just EPIC. I really need more fantasy romance in my life. Where the romance is a HUGE part of the story.

This was a great way to tide me over until another From Blood and Ash book is released.