on August 2, 2016
Genres: Fiction, Romance, Fantasy
Pages: 448
Format: eBook
Source: Library
Goodreads
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 on Fire.
When I saw this title while scrolling through library books on Overdrive, that cover snagged me and just wouldn’t let go. This was an excellent answer to this February’s monthly motif. This was my first novel written by Amanda Bouchet and truly, A Promise of Fire started strong with a quick pace and the promise of adventure and romance. I love reading strong characters and, of course, enjoy a bit of man candy and the author certainly delivered both. Bouchet’s writing is vibrant and playful with engaging action scenes. I thoroughly enjoyed the romance between Griffin and Cat as well as the friendships forged on the trip back to Sinta.
Overall, I enjoyed the story for what it was but I wish it felt more polished. Cat is a strong character but she irritated me far more than I enjoyed her. I prefer the characters I read to have flaws, even if strong, and yet Cat was basically unstoppable in this book. An army of one essentially.
The world building left a bit to be desired. We were introduced to magic clans and their beef with non-magic clans, one of which just took control (Sinta). Rather than crafting the world, we only learn small amounts if it advances the story line. Like the multitude of pantheons, different magic abilities, tyrants/despots, and oh did I mention dragons? The travels back to Sinta were awfully repetitive and I had to fight to keep my attention on the story until they finally arrived at the castle.
For as many complaints I have about A Promise of Fire, it was a promising start with an interesting combination of pantheons, magicks, and politics. I think it would have been more enjoyable if it had been a bit shorter (cutting out the repetitive scenes). I haven’t decided if I will go back and read the next Kingmaker book but I will be picking up Bouchet’s new book Nightchaser.
About Amanda Bouchet
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 French master's graduate and former English teacher. She lives in Paris, France with her two bilingual children who will soon be correcting her French.
