The Kingmaker Chronicles started with a trilogy featuring Cat and Griffin. I devoured them as they were published. They've been reissued with gorgeous covers.

I would recommend reading the first trilogy before starting this. A Curse of Queens starts another story arc in the same world. There are Greek gods, magic, curses, civil unrest, and a quest. I love quests- they're the ultimate hero's journey. Jocasta is the hero on this quest and not only does she have to overcome challenges and difficulties with her team, but she also gets to have a sloppy burn second chance romance with Flynn.

There's definitely some deeper character development and continued world building here along with the quest setting the stage for future stories. I enjoyed the references to Greek mythology, the magical adventure, the relationships, and the puzzles they had to solve on their quest. I definitely recommend diving into this series and world!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy. All opinions are my own.

I loved books 1-3 of Kingmaker Chronicles, this one not really. I was very bored throughout its entirety. This book starts a new story with Jo and Flynn with a few characters appearing from the first trilogy. However I didn't feel like this installment was a part of the same world.

I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

This is a relationship long in the making that desperately needed a resolution, while saving the world, of course.

Someone has slipped Cat an elixir that gave her eternal life and put her in a kind of stasis where she won’t age or change at all, and that has dire consequences for her and Griffin at the end of her much-anticipated pregnancy. Jocasta believes they can reverse the curse if they can get to the hidden isle of Aeaea, where the goddess Circe can grow any plant they require. Our heroes, Jocasta, Flynn, Carver, Bellanca, and Prometheus set off on a dangerous adventure to find the cure.

From the first three books we know that there is a history between Jocasta and Flynn. The tension between them in this book is palpable and super frustrating. It was great to see both of their viewpoints and find out what is keeping Flynn back from pursuing a relationship with Jocasta. I really liked the events that eventually brought them together. They were stronger as a team after that, but I found them a bit too lovey-dovey at times.

I’m still not sure how I feel about all the interactions with the gods, but I will tell you that any battles that do occur are fast and furious, and nail-biting. I also loved the fireworks (sometimes literally) between Carver and Bellanca, and Prometheus’s quiet but forceful presence.

I can highly recommend this series if you like fantasy romance with intrigue and battles galore.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is not just an extra book simply so Flynn and Jocasta can get their happily ever after, it’s the beginning of the second part of the Kingmaker Chronicle, and there will definitely be at least one other book because many things are left unresolved, and we can see that there are more problems to come. Cat, Griffin, and their team won’t get their quiet and peaceful life just yet, and I can’t wait for the next book in this series!

"I claim you, Jocasta. You will be the sun I orbit for the rest of my days, I will be your home, wherever we are and wherever we go. I will protect you. I will love you. I will always be yours." Voice low, unsteady, he rasped, "I vow this with every part of my body and soul."

After torturously consuming the smallest of moments between Jocasta and Flynn throughout the previous books they finally get their happily ever after! ...At the cost of Giffin and Cat's, what? Alas, all is not well in Thalyria. Only weeks from her due date Cat has been slipped an Olympian elixir of immortality, locking her and her unborn child in an unchanging state. Desperate for a cure and with unrest spreading, Jocasta stumbles upon the tale of Circe's Garden; if they can make it through her trials unscathed Circe can create an antidote to the elixir saving Cat and their child. And who better to accompany her on this mission than Flynn, her brothers best friend whom she's loved her whole life, and who, unbeknownst to her, loves her too.

Flynn and Jocasta's relationship was so sweet. After kissing him at 18 and being rejected their friendship was damaged and Jocasta spent years pretending indifference in a bid to avoid more hurt. However, time alone travelling while helping each other survive reveals that Flynn has been in love with her all this time too but is crippled by fear due to the trauma of losing his family early in life. I adored how determined Jocasta became to get what she wanted and stand by Flynn, helping him work through his trauma when she understood they both hoped for the same future. The found family in this series is so wonderful.

"Family wasn't only who you were born to, but who you chose, and those you fought for."

All the familial/friend relationships in this book were immaculate. The mentions of Kato!?! (There is a moment right at the end that just made my heart sing). Also Bellanca and Carver!! The new Jocasta and Flynn. What happened at the end made my cry. These characters really have been through it. (I smell a new book following B/C 👀).

That said, I feel like I deserve a medal for finishing this book because oh my god did it drag. It was so long. And honestly not much happened. Most of the action was in the last 20%! 50% of the way into the book and I was only just getting interested in Flynn and Jocasta (unexpected given how excited I was based on them in the previous books), and we had only just gotten started on the mission that was supposedly the entire purpose of the plot - they didn't even figure out they needed to go to Circe's Garden until 30%. This took me about a week to finish and part of me didn't want to keep picking it up because it was taking so long.

I also have to confess I was underwhelmed by Jocasta and Flynn's relationship. It was cute. It was not to die for, it didn't blow my mind, I got more invested in Bellanca and Carver near the end. I am glad to have read this and to have experienced their relationship, the plot was interesting at points, but I can't deny this was a disappointment.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rating 3.5

I guess I was unaware that this was book #4 of the Kingmaker Chronicles. Candidly, I was a little lost in all the characters so maybe it would've been better to begin at book #1 rather than book #4.

Jocasta and Flynn demonstrated restraint on their affections for more than six years until a crisis finds them traveling to the remote edges of the Kingdom for a remedy for her brother's wife. The forced proximity reignites harbored feelings until they confess they can't do this anymore and fall into each others arms.

While they battle to save the King's wife and her baby, they build a love so true that their only goal is to get back to their Kingdom so they can build their life in his families Olive Garden. Flynn is her Olive!

While at times, I struggled with the all the characters and their names I did find this love story a purely slow-burn. It takes more than half the book before they kiss again. I'm sure this series has a fandom, but I can say I am good with just reading this book in this series.

Thank you Sourcebooks for the advance reader copy.

An awe inspiring journey for a magical cure to save the queen and her unborn child that takes Jo on a journey of self discovery to the ends of the land and beyond. Its magical, action pact, emotional and full of surprises. It broke my heart, mended it and left me dangling with all the curve balls! I want more, desperately. Jo and Flynn were all I hoped they would be and their journey was as incredible as they are.

Amanda Bouchet has done it again! I always recommend this series for anyone who is a fan for romantic fantasy, and I loved "A Curse of Queens." Anyone who is a fan of the original trilogy will enjoy going back to this world, and any fans of Sarah J. Mass or Jennifer Armentrout will be over the moon to find such a "unicorn" romantic fantasy series.

I was so excited to get back into the Kingmakers universe, and even more excited to read Jocasta and Flynn's story - A Curse of Queens did not disappoint. The book revolves around an adventure to find a cure for a curse that has been placed on Cat. It begins with a journey story and then turns into basically a retelling of the Odyssey, which I thought was neat. The story moves a bit slowly in the beginning because it focuses so much on Flynn and Jocasta finally building a relationship, but the action at the end moves so fast, I can't believe so much happened in the last 25% of the book.

Though I missed being in Cat's head as the narrator (she is really one of my favorite female main characters ever, she's so funny!), it was nice to read a sweet second chance romance in the same world. The book has chapters from both Jocasta and Flynn's points of view, and reading their thoughts about each other while they essentially ignore each other in real life was kind of endearing. We find out the backstory of Jocasta's relationship with Flynn, as well as why Flynn hasn't made a move despite knowing her for her entire life. It's definitely a slow burn, and I'm a little incredulous about some aspects of their relationship. That said, it's almost a relief that they finally end up together, and I loved their epilogue.

The author is clearly setting up additional couple stories at the end, and I am HERE for it. Really looking forward to more books in the future!

Okay, I somehow completely glossed over the fact that this is the fourth book in a series, so I was quite confused during some scenes. Oops! Overall however I enjoyed the POV from different characters, and even I could understand that we were delving into these character's perspectives as part of a bigger story. The adventure was fun and the romance was beautiful, with only a small hit of spiciness. I would like to go back and read the other books so I have a better grasp of this world!

I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

It was fun to revisit Thalryia, in a new way and with new lead characters. I liked seeing Jocasta’s story after having seen her grow up in the last books and stepping into a new role. I liked that the end felt like there were many more stories in this world, and that they’re not just Cat’s stories- but of the whole family. It feels like another arc in the story, but maybe we’ll get Carver and Bellanca’s story next? I really want to see what happens to them and if they can somehow get home.

The action was great in this, and these characters felt more real now that we get to see more of them in the story, rather than before. I can’t wait to see how the world continues on, and what craziness happens next.

I’ve always liked Jocasta. Her love for her family is what drives her and I like how she uses her brain to avoid crazy situations. She seems pretty happy with her herbs and helping the locals medical needs. The one thing that she isn’t happy about is her relationship with Flynn. Her love is unrequited or so she thinks until this journey places them all in danger and those hidden feelings reveal themselves.

As with all Greek mythology, their journey includes several tasks they must complete before it reaches the conclusion they want. With a little help from a couple of gods they stay on the right path. If I had to guess there are two paths to a fifth book in the series. You can only hope!

❤️❤️❤️❤️

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for my honest review and it was honest.

This is a continuation of the Kingmaker Chronicles - a trilogy that follows main characters Cat and Griffin. You *can* read this book as a stand-alone, as it follows Jacosta and Flynn, but it is a continuation of the trilogy and I highly recommend that you read those first.

It’s so fun to be back in this world again! I love the characters and thought the story was great!! The middle got a bit forced and the characters felt a bit… out of character. But I completelyy enjoyed the first 1/4 and I absolutely loved the last 1/4. I can’t wait got the next one!

A Curse of Queens is another in the Kingmaker Chronicle series from Amanda Bouchet. Like the first three books, this one is an all out epic journey. As the story opens Cat has been cursed by an unidentified god or gods and Jocasta, who proved herself a worthy advisory and fighter in Heart of Fire, is convinced her healer skills will help where the gods cannot. Though her answer requires help from the gods too. Now she's figured out a plan she thinks will remove the curse but it's a huge, risky adventure. They'll encounter gods, challenges and have to find clever ways to beat situations no one has overcome before. Again, we'll have a strong heroine and a supportive and equally strong hero.

It was fun to get a glimpse of Cat and Griffin as they start to set up their kingdom and welcome a child. They are up for the task but it's monumental. Jocasta, Griffin's sister, is a gifted healer and had a thriving practice in their hometown. She misses it terribly and feels less than useful in the capital. She's been in love with Flynn her whole life. At 18 she made her grand gesture and was not only turned down but humiliated, albeit unintentionally, by Flynn. She nows snipes at him every time she sees him and he's not much better. His excuse? He's not good enough for her. He won't even come to her to be healed. Will the journey change any of this?

The situations that the group gets into are stressful and scary. I was page-turning to see what next challenge this group would find themselves in. When the five are separated, Flynn and Jocasta find themselves fighting alone. The forced proximity does the trick to help them heal their hearts.

Enough love to satisfy romance readers and lots of mythical creatures and tense situations for either paranormal or suspense readers. I can recommend this book to readers of any of these categories.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

I loved this story for Flynn and Jo!

It picks up shortly after the end of the first trilogy and focuses on Griff's sister Jo. She is smart and determined to help her brother and new sister with the curse that plagues them. She embarks on a quest to find help from the gods and the person she takes with her is the one man she wants. The same man who rejected her 6 years ago and has plagued her mind ever since. But little does Jo know, he has spent the last 6 years regretting that day.

Flynn has served Griff for most of his life. He knows family, farming and fighting. Things that he believes are not good enough to for a princess. Jo plagues him every day, body and soul. Flynn wants nothing more than her but knows it could never happen- he is better off alone. He agrees to go on this adventure and guard her with his own life.

These two get a second chance at love with all the fun tropes we cannot live without! I couldn't put this down once I started and absolutely loved this new story!

Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for the eARC to read in exchange for an honest review!

The story continues! I was surprised when I learned there’d be more books in this series. I thought book 3 was the end of it, but I guess it was at least for Cat and Griffin.

"A Curse of Queens" brings closure for a lot of characters and shows that the hard work and challenges Cat and Beta Team endured to unite Thalyria under one rule has only just begun. Jocasta and Flynn’s story takes things to the next level.

Jocasta is a healer who wants to find a cure for the curse laid upon Cat, so that the kingdom doesn’t fall apart and hope can bring positive changes for good. This deadly and near-impossible task is also a chance for her to prove herself capable of making choices for herself and live a life of her own making. To be more than a bird trapped in a cage with an open door, as she describes herself. Jocasta is a determined and loving person who knows what she wants – but is she brave enough to take it?

Flynn is a farmer turned soldier who feels out of place in the world. Constantly at war with grief over the loss of his entire family and his feelings for Jo, it’s difficult for Flynn to feel worthy of life and good things like love and family. Flynn has such a big heart and nurturing personality. It was sad to see him wanting and giving so much without ever taking. The journey to find the cure was just the shakeup he needed to finally start seeing a future for himself if he chooses.

Jo and Flynn have been secretly in love with each other for forever. These childhood friends turned lovers make a couple and team. Especially once Flynn started opening up, their communication became better and there seemed like there was nothing they couldn’t achieve together or as individuals because of their unwavering faith in each other. Flynn is so sweet on Jo and Jo is so respectful of Flynn’s feelings and fears. They became better and stronger people because of their closeness and infinite love for one another.

It’s been a long time since my last read from The Kingmaker Chronicles, so I forgot much of previous plots and story-lines. But the author does a great job of reintroducing the reader to the magnificent world ruled by Greek gods that she’s blended together.

I love that Greek mythology is a huge part of the story and that the gods and goddesses have tangible agency. You get to see and hear them instead of there being a mostly passive or non-existent relationship between gods and human characters.

I also liked the perspective of certain Greek gods and goddesses that the author is taking and shaping the plot with. With perspective and autonomy at the forefront, I think the story going forward will be even more compelling and intricate.

"A Curse of Queens" was a good read and left me wanting to know what’s next. I do kind of feel that the story could have been much shorter. Some scenes felt too long. I enjoyed Jo and Flynn’s character development throughout and seeing them take charge of their lives and personal happiness. The intricate infusion of Greek mythology was also a key aspect to my enjoyment of the story. Greek mythology is such a fascinating topic, so I’m very much looking forward to what else is in store for the future of Thalyria. What an adventure "A Curse of Queens" was!

A Curse of Queens by Amanda Bouchet is the 4th book in her fantastic Kingmaker Chronicles series. Having loved the original three books in this series, I was thrilled to learn that Amanda was giving us more of the Kingmaker Chronicles; I could not wait to read A Curse of Queens. Once again, I was in my glory, reading this wonderful fantasy, so very well written by Amanda Bouchet. A Curse of Queens takes place months after the ending of the third book, and while it reads very well as a standalone, I feel you should read the earlier books, if you have not read them.

Cat & Griffin starred in the previous three books, ending their trilogy; now Cat has been cursed, and no one knows who is behind this plot. Jocasta, our heroine, is Griffin’s sister and a healer. She studies the curse, and decides she may have a way to save Cat and their unborn child, but she needs to find an antidote. The antidote is on Circe’s Garden, an unknown mythical island, that no one has ever come back from.
Jocasta says she will need help, and knows Flynn, the man she has loved for many years, will go with her. Flynn has secretly loved Jocasta, but due to losing so many family members, he refuses to allow himself to show his feelings. Cat and Griffin assign others to join Jocasta and Flynn on this mission; Carver, Bellanca and Prometheus.

What follows is a non-stop action, intense, suspenseful adventure that had me constantly on the edge of my seat, unable to put the book down. Along the way, they are faced with epic battles, with every member of the Elpis team will find themselves in dangerous situations. Jocasta was a great heroine, with her smarts, healing ability, knowledge of spells and potions, not to mention she was strong and feisty. I loved her and Flynn together, and in the later part of the book, they finally succumb to their feelings. I loved the great secondary characters, Carver, Bellanca, Prometheus, as well as the Greek mythology gods they come across. I also got a kick out of the constant bantering between Carver and Bellanca.

A Curse of Queens was another fantastic addition to the Kingmaker Chronicles, which was also action filled, intense, with amazing battles. We also got a fabulous sexy romance, great bantering and wonderful secondary characters. If you have not read the Kingmaker Chronicles first three books (Cat & Griffin), you need to go back and read them. It is a must read, and a great addition to follow with A Curse of Queens. Amanda Bouchet is one of my favorite fantasy authors, as I will never miss anything she writes.

3.5

A Curse of Queens is the fourth book in the <i>Kingmaker Chronicles</i> and focuses on Jocasta and Flynn. In this instalment, a curse is placed on the queen before she is due to give birth, and the kingdom's future hangs in the balance. Jocasta is a gifted healer but unable to find a cure for the curse, she turns to a legend and hopes there is some truth to it. A quest to find Circe's Garden is the only way to break the curse, but before finding Circe's Garden there are various trials to overcome and this is where the adventure begins.

Aiding Jo on her quest is Flynn, her brother's best friend and the man who owns her heart. After losing his family, Flynn is careful of falling in love but when he's around Jo all care is abandoned. A slow-burn romance unfolds and the sparks between these two are intense. I enjoy a slow-burn romance, but this one was a bit too slow for me. I felt there was some repetition that could have been avoided, but that is only my opinion.
Alongside Jo and Flynn are Bellanca and Carver, these two keep each other on their toes with their constant bickering and their scenes make for some entertaining reading.

I enjoyed the Greek mythology element and loved how easily I got into the story. Even though the pacing was slow, it was interesting to follow the characters and see their development. This book is more character-driven than plot-driven but Jo and Flynn stood out to me hence their chemistry. I felt that the ending was a bit rushed but I was happy about the turn of events and how it all came together.

Elements:
❯ Greek mythology
❯ Trials on water and land
❯ Cursed queen
❯ Spicy scenes
❯ Dual POV
❯ Slow-burn romance

Tropes:
❯ Friends to lovers/ Brother's best friend

Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks for a gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A Curse of Queens, by author Amanda Bouchet, is the Fourth installment in the authors The Kingmakers Chronicles. I highly recommend that you read the first trilogy of this series to understand the past events that has finally united Thalyria under the rule of Cat and Griffin and the world the author has created. As we learned from the first trilogy, this world is steeped in Greek Mythology with plenty of Gods and Goddesses appearing through the course of the story. The Kingdom needs Cat and Griffin's promised child or the promises they made will be for nothing.

But someone (no spoilers) has given Cat the Elixir of Eternal Life which means that she will not grow old and neither will her baby Eleni, the child who is supposed to bring change to the world. This book takes place at 4 full moons after the unification of the realm. It features Jocasta, the youngest sister of Griffin, who if you've read Heart of Fire, you know that she was part of Team Alpha along with Flynn of Sintra, her lifelong friend and captain of the guard. The good thing about this book, is that it not only features dual POV's, but they are done in the third person.

When the Gods are non-existent in the struggle to find a cure, especially Persephone, Jocasta strives for a cure herself. Combing through tons of material, and relying on her own healing skills and knowledge of herbs with forgotten knowledge, she is determined to find a path forward. In the end, it means a Quest to find the legendary island of Circe along with Bellanca, Flynn, Carter, and Prometheus. Along the way, Jocasta and Team Elpis must deal with several difficult challenges without losing anyone and themselves to find Circe and the cure for Cat.

They will realize that an Olympianomachy is being fought and Thalyria is the testing grounds for allegiances within the Dodecathlon. While Zeus, who Cat is descended from, has been hard at work crafting this destiny for Thalyria for generations, another Olympian (no spoilers) has decided to step in to foul up his plans. Team Elpis finds themselves pitted against Gorgons, and Pan as well as Circe. While some Gods and Goddesses do appear like Persephone, Poseidon, and Athena, the rest are gone.

Readers were once teased about Jocasta and Flynn's interest in each other, and now we can finally put that to rest thanks to a flashback 6 years ago to a moment that will live in heartbreak for Jocasta and a quest that binds them together forever. As I was wrapping up this story, several things became abundantly clear. The author apparently has chosen to continue this series, and the next book may or may not feature Carter and Bellanca who are light fire and gasoline whenever they are together. I am perfectly fine with this decision.

Myth: 3/5

Jocasta and Flynn’s story is one of childhood love gone wrong, missed opportunities and letting fears control your life. I did enjoy Jocasta’s adventure, in the original trilogy, she was an interesting character but really overpowered by Cat. This story uses great plot points to send Jocasta off, leader of her own rogue adventure. It’s great to see her character growth and evolution, especially from where it started in A Promise of Fire.

Magic: 4/5

Definitely a bigger build going on here with the Greek pantheon of gods. Intriguing for sure, and the story itself plays with parts of The Odyssey, so if you’re a fan, you’ll enjoy Jocasta’s quest.

Overall: 3/5

I enjoyed another story in Thalaria, I was definitely ready for another couple to take center stage, and Jocasta and Flynn were dying for their chance. The missed opportunities/childhood love wasn’t my favorite, but I know there are those of you who love that, so definitely check out this installment if you do.