The first book in Amanda Bouchet's Kingmaker trilogy was very, very good. Considering how much I enjoyed the first book, it's hard to admit how much I struggled to get through the second book. That's not to say Breath of Fire is bad, it just seemed repetitive to me. While Cat and Griffin move forward in terms of recognizing their role to play as it's been dealt by the gods, I found their repetitive. This couple continue to have the same fights and make-ups throughout the whole book, and quite frankly, I found that to be tedious to read about. Luckily, there's quite a bit more to the story than their relationship and that is what keeps readers engaged. Now that Cat and Griffin are on relatively solid ground relationship wise, I'm anticipating where the author will take things in the final book. And as the Bouchet introduces new characters and tidbits of familiar character's past, I become more and more curious to see where the author will go when this trilogy is over. Bouchet has created an engaging world fraught with magic and suspense, and while the second book didn't quite hit the mark for me, it captures the same spirit of the first book which is sure to please fans.

2.5 stars. Blasted. Gah. I wanted to love this so much.

I'm willing to bet most who pick up this series will love it. It's either lusty romance (way too much for me) or pure bat shit crazy action on every page. SO much happens and there's rarely a dull moment.

I read the first book and didn't hate it though I personally felt it was full of relationship issues (oh lordy don't get me started.) I guess with this type of genre though- these possessive and purely physical relationships are very common. I'll admit that there is *finally* more to Cat and Griffin's relationship in this one.. but yikes.. not everything was solved. The beginning made me cringe MAJOR TIME. Aside from that, I had high hopes for the world and what might transpire because of Cat's past and big secret. That didn't play out or cause the conflict I was hoping it would (don't get me wrong- it does come up big time but just not in the way I wanted it to.)

Unfortunately this one fell flat for me. Again- it wasn't that it was boring. I just think the world was entirely too strange for me (it's greek mythology on a whole new level) and I wasn't into the romance or smut. I'm just not into controlling, obsessive, brooding dudes. Griffin does have some redeeming qualities but meh. The action scenes were just... weird. If you're into movies like Clash of the Titans and such and don't mind some very.....strange creatures and occurrences... you might be fine with it.

Amanda's writing was actually pretty good and she gave Cat a big personality but I felt like it was a bit overdone. What I did like though were the side characters... Griffin's family and friends were a great addition. They were my favorite part of the novel.

Anyway, a huge thanks to the publishers for sending me an advanced copy!

Avec cette suite, on démarre sur les chapeaux de roue; Griffin apprend et comprend enfin que Cat est bien plus que la Faiseuse de roi, elle est Beta Fisa, fille de l'Alpha Fisa, la grande méchante de l'histoire et forcément, Griffin prend plutôt mal le fait que Cat lui ai caché quelque chose d'aussi gros. Après une bonne dispute et un rabibochage rapide sous la couette, on entre dans le vif du sujet, à savoir défendre Sinta et attaquer Tarva.

Le premier tome a introduit le monde de l'auteure ainsi que la relation naissante de Griffin et de Cat. Dans ce deuxième tome, on plonge plus profondément dans les mythes grecs avec l'Hydre de Lerne, la toison d'or, le fil d'Ariane, des créatures mi-homme mi-cheval et plus encore, j'ai littéralement adoré la façon dont l'auteure a mixé son histoire avec les mythes ! La relation de Griffin et de Cat s'intensifie et on a bien plus de scène de sexe que dans le tome précédant (mais il y a une explication à ça, ouf!). Kato, Flynn et Carver ont aussi droit à leur coup de projecteur et on en apprend plus sur eux, sur leur passé et leur relation avec d'autres personnages mais il reste encore des mystères et des secrets à dévoiler et Amanda Bouchet a l'art et la manière de susciter la curiosité et la frustration qui nous donne envie de faire un bon dans le temps pour avoir la suite.

J'ai lu ce deuxième tome sans m'arrêter, en quelques heures, il y a beaucoup plus d'action, plus d'émotions, plus d'aventure, beaucoup plus de tout quoi et c'est vraiment pas de refus.

En bref, ce deuxième tome est un peu en dessous du premier tome puisque j'avais adoré la découverte du monde de Cat ainsi que la mise en marche du couple Cat/Griffin. Cependant, il reste un coup de cœur et j'ai encore une fois hâte de découvrir la suite et fin.

(A more developed review online on my blog is coming soon)

"Harbinger of the end. Destroyer of realms."

FINAL DECISION: Exciting and filled with adventure, BREATH OF FIRE represents the continued growth of Cat as she matures. She and Griffith evolve both as a couple and in their dream of unifying the realms. This book doesn't conclude the story, but there is plenty new hear to keep readers more than satisfied.

THE STORY: In this second book of the Kingmaker Chronicles trilogy, Cat Fisa is running from her destiny. She has found the man she loves, a non-magical warlord, Griffith, who believes deeply in her, but the magical Cat has kept a secret. She is subject to a prophecy that Cat believes means that she will destroy the world. As secrets are revealed, the characters begin their journey towards what might be the fulfillment of the prophecy.

OPINION: A world with magic and Gods that remains incredibly human, this second installment of the Kingmaker Chronicles finally reveals much of Cat's past. Readers of the first book will know that Cat has gained the favor of the Gods and has incredible (if inconsistent) magic. She falls in love with the non-magical Griffith who is immune from magic and conquered the realm of Sinta (one of the three realms). Now the two have forged a partnership and Griffith sees the possibility of building a better world with Cat by his side. As PROMISE OF FIRE ended, Cat still had secrets she was keeping.

Cat's past and her secrets are revealed in this book. Finally readers can understand her journey. Cat remains selfless, reckless and an amazing fighter. In this book, she matures with the support of Griffith. I love their relationship because Griffith is entirely willing to be by Cat's side and support her even if he struggles with his own need to protect her. Even better, he is willing to stand by her while she learns to lead rather than taking the lead himself. Griffith is a rare and amazing alpha male character who is not threatened by a strong woman but rather is willing to be anything that she needs.

Cat remains her prickly, sarcastic, cynical self in this book even as the shell around her has broken as to Griffith. Readers can be assured (mini-spoiler) that this book doesn't do the expected by breaking these two apart during this book in order to create another romantic arc. Instead, these characters go deeper into their connection with one another. By the time this book ends, their relationship seems pretty unbreakable.

The development of the relationships in this book are more subtle than in the first book (although there are some pretty big and important moments that don't disappoint) but there is also non-stop action. From the very first page, this book thrusts readers into battles, and challenges and political struggles. There is a lot of ground to cover here but by the time the book ends, the direction the characters will be taking is clear and much has been accomplished. One of the things I really like about this series is that each of the first two books is a discrete adventure (with many sub-adventures) but there is still an overarching story that leaves much adventure to come in the concluding book in the series.

We also are treated to more information about the other characters in the series. The members of Team Beta have their own journeys in this book (although Cat and Griffith remain the focus). I am hoping that some of their stories will also be resolved in the concluding book because they are adorable as well. By the time this book ends, the member of Team Beta are fleshed out and each has a unique romantic problem of their own.

A thrilling adventure from beginning to end, this book will definitely satisfy those who enjoyed the first book of the series.

WORTH MENTIONING: This book is part of an interconnected trilogy with the same characters. This book does not resolve the issues in the series.

CONNECTED BOOKS: BREATH OF FIRE is the second book in the Kingmaker Chronicles. This book is meant to be read as part of the trilogy and should be read after the first book in the series PROMISE OF FIRE.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.

Amanda Bouchet weaves an intricate story where Greek Gods are not myths but are revered and worshipped. Cat “Catalia” Fisa doesn’t see herself as a hero, even though she is distantly related to a God. From the moment Griffin locked eyes on her, he knew Cat was destined to change the world. Cat, known as the Kingmaker, wasn’t buying into that fantasy, and with the horror of her upbringing, figured that she was more likely to bring about the worlds destruction. But in Breath of Fire, she learns the truth about her heritage and the role her Gods are determined she’ll play in vanquishing her worlds darkness.

I love how Amanda Bouchet has artfully created another Greek heroine in the same vein as Hercules and Achilles. As with all heroes, the tasks she is given to complete are fraught with danger, but it is her love for Griffin and her friends and new family that gives her the courage to keep moving forward, facing mythological creatures as if they are every man’s backyard pet. Her c’est la vie attitude about the gifts she is given by Persephone, Hades, and the rest helps to make her story real, and not just one big fantastical tale.

Both of the books in this series are in my top 10 favorite books this year. Her love affair with Griffin is so spine tingling, and her humility and fears are so real, that I was eager to turn every page while at the same time wanting to never get to the end of the book. Luckily, there will be a third book in this series to be released in 2017. If you haven’t read A Promise of Fire, the first in this series, pick it up, buy it, check it out. You will savor Ms. Bouchet’s writing style and fall in love with these characters just as I have.

i received a copy of this book through NetGalley for my honest review.