Breath of Fire (The Kingmaker Chronicles, 2)

"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. NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in order to provide a review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

After too long I finally picked up the second installment of the Kingmaker trilogy by Amanda Bouchet, with Breath of Fire. Cat and Griffin's journey continues as they fight to save their kingdom and each other. My mind was really sore to try to recall what had happened previously. What I vaguely recalled was Griffin kidnapping Cat for her powers, and naturally, they fall in love amid some bickering and teasing and whatnot. I continue to love the banter between these two, though now things were definitely more on a romantic level of bickering. Though Cat and Griffin are decidedly a couple, they still have trust issues to work through and this is clearly evident in the beginning of the book. I actually thought things were going in a different direction, until we immediately got back on track. So never fear, Cat and Griffin are pretty much cemented together. Cat's evil mother is still at large and being an enemy to contend with, but until that day comes, Cat and Griffin have to deal with the enemies that are in much closer range. From what I gather, they are still doing whatever possible to gain control over their kingdom and put an end to the tyranny their current ruler is terrorizing. I have to admit, after taking so long to read this one, my mind is drawing a blank as to what happened. There were journeys and quests to be completed, teams to form to help Cat and Griffin gain strength for the battle to come. Since it's been too many years since I read the first book and I have no notes on it, I can't really recall what was going on with some of the secondary characters. We get to see glimpses of them from time to time and it was a bear to remember if they were a pivotal character or not, if they were going to have a moment in the sun. While we do get to see a bit more of Jocasta in the latter half of the novel, Griffin's other family members don't get too much spotlight thrown on them. What continues to delight me about this series is Cat and Griffin's relationship. Yes, at times Griffin gets a little too Alpha male for my liking, but Cat is always quick with a quip. She dishes it out more than Griffin can handle a time or two. She's truly a heroine worth rooting for. That and her ever present destiny of course. Things end on a high note with this one and it definitely makes me curious to see how this series will end with the final book. Though I've another priority book to read before that one, hopefully I can read through that one quicker so I'm back in this world before I know it! Amanda Bouchet really knows how to write an engaging fantasy series. What I love most about this world is its ties to Greek mythology! The Gods are semi-present in this world and I love seeing the familiar names and practices. This series is filled with action, romance, comedic relief, and engaging plots and storylines that hold you riveted and eager to see the story through to its epic conclusion! Overall Rating 4/5 stars

Enjoyed the whole series, bit of escapism to distract from pain.

A witty and strong female lead, the perfect mix of action, romance and story and a sneak into Greek mythology. This book kept me reading till late into the night!

Enjoyed the first book, although I found the ending a little anticlimactic, read a lot of recommendations so I decided to buy the other books of the series. Beginning of the second book and I'm in shock trying to figure out what the hell is going on with the main characters. Then I'm trying to convince myself this will be the moment a twist happens and she realizes the main guy is not the good guy and she goes by herself or finds another love. But no! all went back to what it was and I was simply so so confused. I sort of hate-read the rest of the book and the third one after it because I had already bought it and had nothing else to read, and I really really really do not recommend this series to anyone else. Quite the disappointment, but I guess there are people who enjoyed the books.

The second in a triad and just as interesting, fast paced and full of sass and adventure as the first. Look forward to reading the third. Could not put it down. An author to watch for !!!

I cannot recommend this series enough! It has everything one would want: smut, romance, epic characters and a really awesome and surprising plot.