Breath of Fire

Published:Sourcebooks Casablanca
Date: 3rd January 2017
Format: e-ARC
Pages: 448
Genre: Fantasy
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Rating:
                        
SHE'S DESTINED TO DESTROY THE WORLD... 
"Cat" Catalia Fisa has been running from her destiny since she could crawl. But now, her newfound loved ones are caught between the shadow of Cat's tortured past and the threat of her world-shattering future. So what's a girl to do when she knows it's her fate to be the harbinger of doom? Everything in her power.

BUT NOT IF SHE CAN HELP IT
Griffin knows Cat is destined to change the world-for the better. As the realms are descending into all-out war, Cat and Griffin must embrace their fate together. Gods willing, they will emerge side-by-side in the heart of their future kingdom...or not at all.

Breath of Fire is  the second book in the Kingmaker Chronicles by Amanda Bouchet.  Much like the first one it is full of magic, Greek mythology and action.

Cat is now well accepted and even loved in Sinta, and Griffin and herself now set their sights on Tarva and Fisa, their aim is to unite these three into one and rule with care and justice. In this book Cat reveals more about herself to Griffin and his family. There are some fireworks between the couple, but really Griffin has one true love and that's Cat and it's not about to change.

They travel on a long arduous journey to seek help, and while Cat might have the gods on her side, it is not always certain they'll show up and support when the going is rough.  And just when one journey is completed, the action takes on an even more deadly course.  Tarva is hosting a games where teams fight to the death. Reminded me a little of The Hunger Games!

There is always something happening in this book, be it the relationship between Cat and Griffin, the many fights and tight corners the team finds themselves in, or the people who show up at opportune times. 

I enjoyed seeing Jocasta - Griffin's sister, taking more of a role in this book and would really like to see her have a stable relationship develop with Flynn one of Griffin's team. There is news for Cat that she doesn't see coming, although Griffin has an inkling and plenty of hints are dropped for the reader to pick up on.  And I enjoyed the way Griffin helps Cat to see herself as she truly is, so that as the story moves on, she grows as a leader and a person. She can also be pessimistic so his optimism is refreshing and healing for her as well.

I will certainly be looking forward to the third book in the trilogy as they turn towards Fisa, and Cat's wily, tyrannical mother who needs to be dealt with.

A Promise of Fire. Amanda Bouchet

Published:Sourcebooks Casablanca
Date: August 2nd 2016
Format: Paperback
Pages: 420
Genre: Fantasy
Source: Own book
Rating:
             

Catalia "Cat" Fisa is a powerful clairvoyant known as the Kingmaker. This smart-mouthed soothsayer has no interest in her powers and would much rather fly under the radar, far from the clutches of her homicidal mother. But when an ambitious warlord captures her, she may not have a choice…

Griffin is intent on bringing peace to his newly conquered realm in the magic-deprived south. When he discovers Cat is the Kingmaker, he abducts her. But Cat will do everything in her power to avoid her dangerous destiny and battle her captor at every turn. Although up for the battle, Griffin would prefer for Cat to help his people willingly, and he's ready to do whatever it takes to coax her…even if that means falling in love with her.

How do you find a new author to read? Well I read a few lines from Nalini Singh on Facebook I think saying how much she enjoyed A Promise of Fire. I sit up and take notice because I like Nalini Singh's writing so why wouldn't I like a reading recommendation from her.

I look the book up on Goodreads - five people I follow rate it a four or five. Another plus. So I order it and now I've read it and.... loved it. It says on the inside cover of the book ....

       If you like....

Cool world building * A Kick Ass heroine * Pulse pounding adventure * snappy banter * An uber-alpha male warlord hero...   

YOU'LL LOVE THE KINGMAKER CHRONICLES.

Like Bobbi Dumas at Kirkus Reviews I turned up my nose a bit as I started reading. In the first person and present tense. I hate that.... or do I. By the second page I couldn't have cared less, I was totally engrossed in this new world.

All of the above is true, and if you like that and enjoy a good fantasy novel this just could be one for you. Cat is a heroine that could be related to Percy Jackson. She seems to have the Greek gods on her side and has an awful lot of magic to boot. She is rather chary of family, her mother has to be hands down one of the worst. So when Cat first meets her circus family and then Griffin's family, please excuse her for being more than a little sceptical. 

Griffin's family is newly taken over a country, one of three, and they are proving to be a new kind of ruler. Ones who actually want to rule rather than grab all the power. But in no way are they weak.

If you listen to audiobook, Kimba over at the Caffeinated Book Reviewer recommends A Promise of Fire on audio.  Its not available to me where I live but if it were I'd listen to it soon!  Thank goodness I am lucky enough to have the second book for review. It comes out in January but I'll be reading it sooner rather than later!