After reading the first book of this trilogy I wasn't wholly convinced that I would continue with the series. While I enjoyed the world building and found the characters to be well drawn and intriguing - I couldn't get behind the romance.

I'm so glad I continued as this series is one of those rare finds where each book is better than the last. The issues I had with the romance in book one are satisfyingly addressed in books two and three. The world is a vibrant and captivating blend of the fantastical and the familiar - borrowing elements from ancient mythology and creating something new and compelling.

An engrossing fantasy romance series perfect for fans of Maria V. Snyder and C.L Wilson

My Thoughts

I was very satisfied with the ending to this series - I really enjoyed it. My review of A Promise of Fire here and my review of Breath of Fire here will help get you up to speed with the series so far. I loved the first book in the series, was a little disappointed in the second book but found the third left me very satisfied. If you are a lover of fantasy and magic, romance and mythology - then this is the series for you. The author has created an amazing world with super strong characters and action aplenty.

‘Oh Gods. I don’t just represent Elpis. I am Elpis—the personification and spirit of hope.’

In this third installment, many loose threads and questions are addressed and tied up - I don’t want to reveal any of the plot, but suffice to say there is still the recipe of betrayal and friendship, love, trust and hope. It really is an all round series with solid storylines and compelling action. Heart on Fire sees Cat mature and take the journey towards learning how to wield the power and magic she has. This is a new and mature Cat who is growing and learning with the ever reliable Griffin by her side.

‘I had all the pieces. I just didn’t know how to put them together before now.’

This is a most worthy conclusion to the Kingmaker Chronicles as the final confrontation with Cat’s mother is looming and the realms attempt to unite as one. The aspect I found appealing about this book was the inner growth, not just of Cat, but all your favourite and well loved characters. I am sure the author will in time, venture back into this amazing world she has created.


‘I know there are things I’ll do, things I won’t, and things I’ll always struggle with. And in the perpetual gray of Tartarus, I take a deep breath and finally decide that that’s okay.’




This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release

This entire series, is EPIC!
I don't have beautiful words to weave together, I have always struggled with mixing words. This book was a wonderful conclusion to Cat and Griffin's story. I have loved every single word, I've been on the edge of my chair, lumps in my throat, tears in my eyes and Goosebumps. I smiled and was always cheering them all on. Kato ... i have no words!
The only small issue, is it didn't have an epilogue. I was left with some unanswered questions. My only hope is that the author will write a spinoff series. The characters were wonderfully crafted, perfect balance of romance and action.

The Kingmaker Chronicles by Amanda Bouchet has been a series that gripped me from the beginning. I rushed through the first two books and then realised I had to wait until January for the third one. I was so happy when I was given a free copy in return for an honest review.

Heart on fire was everything the previous books were and then some. It was a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy and retained all of the attraction of the first two books.

I loved Bouchet’s writing – the detail and storytelling are lovely. The world is fully present and the customs are well thought out. The story is compelling and gripping – there were a few chapters that I had to read one night before I could sleep, making it a late one!

As seems to be a mark of good fantasy, this book has so many characters come to life so thoroughly and Bouchet does this well. Cat is an awesome protagonist – she is feisty, sassy, smart and strong, but all she needs is a little bit of love and support to realise her full potential. This is where Griffin comes in – Griffin has already conquered a realm by might; he is strong and powerful, but he is also just and Cat’s perfect match made by the gods. Their relationship is delicious. The storyline around their little bean was just gorgeous – I love how Cat took such pleasure in having her baby with her.

I really enjoyed the other relationships too. Cat and Carver have a very sweet brother-sister-in-law moment. Kato was the one who revered Cat and saw what she was early on. Cat’s relationship with Griffin’s family was funny and lovely – from tricky beginnings (she didn’t know what to do with such a loving family!) to perfectly in the fold. Ares/Thanos and Persephone/Selena were really great replacement parents for Cat, helping her to become who she was meant to be. Although Cat really struggled with the gods interfering yet not fixing everything, she understood in the end.

The only thing that grated a little was the excessive declarations of love between Cat and Griffin. They declare heartfelt emotion every few chapters. We get it, she’s agapi mou, etc., etc. (lol)

There are some excellent steamy scenes between them and Bouchet is a master of these. Folding in the right amount of steam, heart and keeping the characters true to themselves.

I highly recommend this book and this series. If I hadn’t already completed my Fantasy Romance genre wrap up this would totally go in there!

I LOVE this series. The characters, the storyline, the everything. This did not disappoint. I laughed & I cried. It was amazing!