A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet

September 30th, 2016 Kimberly Review 69 Comments

30th Sep
A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet
A Promise of Fire
by Amanda Bouchet
Series: Kingmaker Chronicles #1
Narrator: Mia Barron
Length: 14 hours and 45 minutes
Genres: Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
Heat Level: One FlameOne FlameOne FlameHalf a Flame
Narration: 4

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.

2016 Fave fantasy magical smartfunny

I listened to A Promise of Fire the first book in the Kingmaker Chronicles written by Amanda Bouchet and narrated by Mia Barron. It was brilliant, addictive, funny, and romantic. I need more of these characters and world.

I want to just squeal, and shout read this, but I know that won’t truly help you, so here are some reasons.

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.

“I’ve known all sorts of fear – fear of pain, fear of discovery, fear of capture. This is new. This is the kind of fear that teaches me the difference between trying to stay alive, and wanting to live.”

  • 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.

“Maybe I’ll trust him to fight my monsters while I sleep. Maybe I don’t have a choice.
His voice is fierce in my ear. “You’re mine now, Cat. Don’t you dare die on me.”

  • 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.

“Eyes like Poseidon’s wrath-stormy, gray, intense- the kind of eyes that hold you there.”

  • 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.

“Never in a billion suns. Not even if Zeus showed up as a swan and tried to peck me in your direction. I wouldn’t go with you even if my other option was Hades dragging me to the Underworld for an eternal threesome with Persephone.”

  • 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.

“I conquered a kingdom and found a treasure.” His voice turns gravelly, low. “I won’t let you go. Not now. Not ever.”

  • 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.

“Hades, Hera, and Hestia!” Flynn curses, pointing up.
“What in the Underworld is that?”
“A She-Dragon.” Everyone turns to me, and as much as I love having four handsome men gape at me in stupefaction, right now, I could do without.”

  • 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.

“Have I cheated death again? Hades must be allergic to me.”

  • 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.

“Happiness is a strange, frightening, fragile feeling when you’re not used to it.”

A Promise of Fire was brilliant and addictive with characters I want to spend more time with. Fans of Ilona Andrews will adore this snark filled tale and romance. Fourteen hours wasn’t nearly enough and I cannot wait for Breath of Fire. It releases January 2017.

Listen to a sample: A Promise of Fire

A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet was an addictive listen with adventure, humor and romance Share on X
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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69 Responses to “A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet”

  1. Naomi Hop

    Great review Kimberly! I loved this one too! I didn’t get to listen to it, but it was still amazing. I agree that it’s like a Kate and Curran story… So much fun and banter! I loved going through and reading the teasers you picked too! I’m dying for the next book!

  2. Rita

    Sounds like fun! I enjoy mythology in my fantasy and strong heroines, so it’s right up my alley. Thanks for introducing us to it via a great review 🙂

  3. Paij Slater

    Sounds wonderful! I am glad the narrator is good. It is so hit and miss with me when it is a female narrator. I don’t know why, it just is. Sometimes I like the book enough I can ignore it, and sometimes I cannot even listen.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      You are not alone, I tend to prefer male narrators, but have come across some great females . I love that the men’s; voices aren’t horse..lol

  4. Jessica

    OOoh nice! I sooo cannot wait to read this one! I still need to get it too! whoops! Lol! Trying to save items for people to get for me since the holidays are approaching but oh dear goodness, I hate waiting! LOL! Glad to see you enjoyed this one! This one sounds like its right up my alley! Great review!

  5. Kim

    I so adored this book and I’m thrilled that you did as well. I can’t wait to devour the next one! Great review, Limbs 🙂

  7. Lover Of Romance

    I am so happy that you LOVED this one so much here. This book is brilliant right?? I loved the way this author handled the kidnapping element. One of the best I have ever seen and I have read quite a few kidnapping themes in romances. And his family was so great to Cat….and this couple is so much like Curran and Kate. I can’t wait to see what happens next with them.

  8. kara-karina

    It definitely had Kate-Curran feel. I had so much fun with this book! Glad you gave it such a high praise, K.! 🙂

  9. Literary Feline

    I have a copy of this one to read (and it made my Fall TBR List), and you’ve made me want to make it a priority to read soon. It sounds like something I’ll love.

  10. Cyn

    Oooh! This looks like a really badass series! Glad this was a 5 star read for you! I’ll definitely have to check it out! Love the quotes you shared. Lovely review, Kim!

  11. Lily B

    I think I would love Cat. I really need to bite the bullet and let this be one of the books I really read because it does look amazing. It has Dragons and I love dragons, so yes please

  12. blodeuedd

    I am stuck on page 10 or smth. Greek gods MAKE NO SENSE. To me it felt lazy and I stopped..will try again one day. But I have pet peeves

  13. Emily Alfano

    You know what’s funny, I actually used to HATE characters who were so reluctant to follow their destiny because I felt like they were complaining and unwilling and it used to irritate me to no extreme! But then I realized it was much more realistic, because what was being asked of them was a lot to take on, and it would be odd if they WEREN’T slightly hesitant to embark on these type of journeys. Especially in fantasty!
    So Cat sounds fantastic! and i LOVE that name! (even if it is a nickname)
    Great review!

  16. Debbie Haupt

    Kim I’ve seen this reviewed out there but you liked it better than anyone and your very thorough review makes me want it. Thanks!

  17. Heidi

    I almost missed this one as everyone was reviewing it when I came back to blogging. I am so glad I have review copies of both this one and the sequel. I am thrilled to see how much you loved it. I have it coming up at the end of October for review, now I am temped to move it up.

  18. Sophia Rose

    And your fantastic review just reminded me why I loved this one in the first place. Can’t wait to read book two for further adventures.

  19. Melissa (Books and Things)

    I wanted to try to find this one on audio to join in on the book club, but couldn’t find it in time. 🙁 I guess I have to bug my library more to get this one in that format. If not, they do have the book. 😀 This sounds so good.

  21. ShootingStarsMag

    First time I’m hearing of this one! I like the sound of Cat – snarky characters are fun. : ) It’s great to hear the secondary characters are done well too.

  22. Kathryn

    I’m reading this at the moment and thoroughly enjoying it. Would imagine it would be amazing on audio although can’t get it so it doesn’t have international rights. Haven’t got to meeting the sisters of Griffin but now I am looking forward to it. Love the guys with Griffin.

  23. Rowena

    I’ve been seeing a lot of good things about this book so I can’t wait to read it. It’s on my list of books to read in October. Thanks for the lovely review!

  24. Kristin

    I guess you DID like this one a little bit…. :;) I will start this in November… PROMISE!!!! *crosses heart*

  26. Felicia

    I loved it so much as well. It it as an arc and reviewed it on my blog!! Can’t wait for January!!

    Great review!!

    Xoxo

  27. Bookworm Brandee

    You had me at wanting to squeal and shout about the book, Kim. I knew it was a good one! 😉 Then I read your reasons why I should listen and yeah, I’m going to be listening! Especially because I love a kickass heroine and I love a Kate & Curran style romance. I’m sold!

  29. Melliane

    I keep hearing wonderful things about this book! I so want to try it and do you know that she lives in France? so much fun!

  30. Melanie Simmons

    I requested this one from Recorded Books and haven’t gotten it yet. I’m going to have to email to ask about it. I need to request Otherworld Chills, so I’ll ask then. Glad to see you liked it. I skimmed your review, so as to keep me in the dark as much as possible before I read. I was very interested in the narrator, since she is new to me too. I’m really glad to see you liked her. 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I was thinking about making book two my request for the next quarter, but decided I will just buy it, 🙂 Yes, at first I wasn’t sure about the narrator, but once we settled in I think she was a good fit:)

  31. Berls

    I’m so excited for this one – have been since I saw it, but even more so now that I’m seeing great reviews. I have it coming for audio review, but for some reason they told me it wouldn’t be available until late November…. I’m emailing them because that must be a mistake if you listened to it!

  32. Jeann

    Ooohhh, Cat sounds like a great snarky, brave and kickass female character ! I love the sound of the magic and the fantasy in this one too, along with the greek mythology. Lovely review Kimba!

  33. Di

    Yay! You loved it! I read this one on ebook and adored it and I’m so glad it was narrated well too. It was the perfect blend of fantasy and romance for me.

    P.S. I love the quotes you shared!

  34. Maureen Beatrice

    This sounds like a good one. I’ve been listening more and more to audio books and I’m really starting to love them (Yes I know I’m a little late with that :D). I love fantasy stories, especially if they have romance in them too.. A perfect combination if you ask me! I’ll need to put this one on my TBR. 😉

  35. Leona

    Ever since Christy wrote her review on this story I’ve been trying to find a slot to fit it into my reading schedule. But now with your review I don’t know if I should read it or listen to it. Reader problems all day every day.