Review: A Promise of Fire (Kingmaker Chronicles #1) by Amanda Bouchet

A Promise of Fire

(Kingmaker Chronicles #1)
by Amanda Bouchet
August 2, 2016

448 pages

Goodreads  Indigo

Goodreads Summary:

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.

 

Review

A couple of positive reviews led me to A Promise of Fire. I wasn't as hooked as other readers were but this was an exotic and intense read. Despite my waning interest, the story had a solid start.

For the most part, A Promise of Fire was an interesting book. The beginning was such a thrill with Cat journeying alongside her captors to Sinta. It was fraught with danger and taunt with dramatic and sexual tension. Highly enjoyable. However, the story turned a bit bland and the excitement fizzled out for me after the group arrived at their destination. At that point, the story felt too easy and I was disappointed.

Cat is snarky and snappy but she also has a bit of a comedic side. Don't get me wrong, she's fierce and stubborn till the very end but her constant inner monologues were hilarious. Especially when they concern Griffin- she's always mentally chastising herself for noticing him and liking the things he does. She's still absolutely a force to be reckoned with so you don't want to get on her wrong side.

The romance in A Promise of Fire was hot. From the very beginning, Cat and Griffin circled each other. She fought hard to resist the attraction between them but anyone can see that it was useless. It was only a matter of time before she succumbed and when she did, they were on fire. Their feelings went surprisingly deep but is so welcome in the face of the negativity that surrounded them. Griffin doesn't seem to know what he's getting himself into by getting involved with Cat but he is an honourable man through and through. I'm a bit baffled at how he can't seem to figure out who she is when the clues were literally everywhere. I guess love really makes a person blind? Once he realizes, will the truth of her identity change them?

So I was very happy with the first half of the book until I felt like Cat was hurdling every obstacle too easily. I mean when you have the Gods on your side obviously you're bound to be luckier than others but it made things feel too convenient. I didn't like that and found myself not caring very much for the story anymore towards the end.

I will say that I'm interested in continuing the series. I am very curious to find out more about the characters, to witness them carry out their ambitions and accomplish their goals. A Promise of Fire has potential so I wouldn't put it off completely yet.

 

*I received an eARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinion are my own and not affected in any way.