Review: Breath of Fire (Kingmaker Chronicles #2) by Amanda Bouchet

Breath of Fire

(Kingmaker Chronicles #2)
by Amanda Bouchet
January 3, 2017

448 pages

Goodreads  Indigo

Goodreads Summary:

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.

 

Review

When I read A Promise of Fire last year I knew I'd need to read the sequel. I wasn't the most impressed by the first book but the story itself had a lasting effect. The author's take on Greek mythology is refreshing and intriguing making you want more.

Breath of Fire was full of unrelenting challenges for the characters. They're thrown into one dangerous situation after another with the pacing never letting up. The story itself consists of serious do-or-die scenarios but the unexpected humour at the most inappropriate of times made all the dangers bearable. So much happens in this book but it was just a breeze to read.

Cat is the main reason I enjoy this series. Her ability to crack jokes and make light of the scariest of situations has me laughing all the time. Her inner monologues are laugh out loud hilarious. Though like Griffin, I was not impressed by her recklessness. She kept throwing herself in direct paths to danger like she wanted to get hurt. I understand she has the Gods on her side but she really could use more caution and be more considerate to the people that care deeply for her.

The romance in Breath of Fire was still a bit cheesy. Cat and Griffin's feelings (lusty or otherwise) were a little over the top for me. I will say however, I love the way he motivates and encourages her. Griffin's a great influence even if he's way too bossy and unyielding at times. Ms. Bouchet cranked up the heat scale in this second installment. The sexy scenes between Cat and Griffin were flaming hot. I'd say it even bordered on erotic. I didn't mind though there was one extremely predictable plot twist I saw very early on in the book. We're left till the end for confirmation but it was honestly too obvious to miss.

My second favourite thing about this series is the characters. While Cat and Griffin are the centerpiece on the table the secondary characters are no side dishes. Carver, Kato, Flynn and Jocasta all have their share of turn in the spotlight. Whether it's a simple conversation or random outbursts, there's so much more to them. With the addition of new characters, I'm excited to see what kind of new dynamic might spring up.

I love how beautifully Ms. Bouchet ends the story. She leaves us with the promise of more without dangling a cliffhanger in our face. There's life. There's hope. I'm definitely going to be there to witness both growth!

 

*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.