Publishers Weekly
07/04/2016
Debut author Bouchet makes a very strong start to her Kingmaker Chronicles, combining a richly developed political landscape defined by the influence of powerful ruling families, meddling gods, and destiny with a broad exploration of the relationship between might and magic in a social context. In a fantasy world where access to magical power is tied to geography and bloodline, Warlord Griffin, second in command of kingdom Sinta, is guided by a oracular dream from Poseidon to soothsayer Catalia Fisa, who’s hiding in a traveling circus from her family history and her magical role as Kingmaker. Griffin hopes to use Cat as a tool in his challenge of the status quo, in which the minority Magoi rule the hoi polloi. Their smoldering erotic burn hits charged love/hate buttons without falling too far into glorifying Griffin’s abduction of Cat, and by the end of the novel, they become a powerful team well situated for the fights ahead. Bouchet writes believable camaraderie, dramatic fight scenes, and moving personal angst, but worldbuilding purists will hate the insertion of the Greek gods into this secondary-world fantasy context. Agent: Jill Marsal, Marsal Lyon Literary. (Aug.)
From the Publisher
"A Promise of Fire made me laugh out loud more than once." — Thea Harrison, New York Times bestselling author of the Elder Races series
"Soooo good!! The characters are wonderfully likeable, the world is unique and full of intrigue, and there's just this deep sense of warmth to the book that I loved and that kept me inhaling the story. I CANNOT WAIT to read the next book!!!" — Nalini Singh, New York Times bestselling author
"Fantasy romance at its finest! This book has it all: A heroine full of spunk and spark, a hero full of mystery and masculinity, and an epic story full of intrigue and action. You will fall in love with these delicious characters. This book is utterly breathtaking!" — Darynda Jones, New York Times bestselling author of the Charley Davidson series
"A Promise of Fire is terrific . . . one of the best debuts I’ve read in years." — Kirkus STARRED Review
"Give this to your Game of Thrones fans. They will love the political plays, the dragons, and the adventure. Bouchet is a debut author to watch." — Booklist STARRED Review
"If you’re looking for a magical book with heart, romance, adventure, and characters who stay with you long after the book ends, try A Promise of Fire. You won’t be disappointed! The Kingmaker Chronicles is sure to be a huge hit and well-worth the praise-worthy buzz it’s already getting far and wide. Amanda Bouchet has made me a desperate fan. 5 Stars, Recommended Read." — Romance Junkies
"High fantasy is a rare find in romance — complex world-building and political machinations can get in the way of a central, essential love story — but Bouchet skillfully melds the genres while crafting a sexy, emotional romance. Griffin and Cat are beautifully matched — together, her magic and his might make for a sparkling read. A Best Romance of the Month." — The Washington Post
"I can say, without a doubt, that A Promise of Fire is going on my keeper shelf. I want more of these characters and I want more of this world. I cannot remember the last time I wanted to both savor and devour a book, and Bouchet’s writing is so engaging and magical that I wish she had some sort of backlist I could dive into for the next few months. If you’re even slightly tempted by this review or from the chapter one excerpt, buy this book." — Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
"I don’t think I can recommend A Promise of Fire highly enough. If you like fantasy at all, go read it. If you like mythology at all, go read it. If you like alpha heroes, or chosen-one stories, or strong and independent heroines, go read it. Just… just go read it." — All About Romance
"This book is utter catnip for me. Fantasy with romance and witty dialogue rolled together make a sumptuous feast of entertainment. This one's a winner!" — Fresh Fiction, Fresh Pick!
"Easily my favorite book of 2016! It’s gritty, full of action, and Bouchet does such a beautiful job of building the setting. I was hooked from the first page." — Bookriot
"An absolute joy to read . . . one of the best romances I’ve read all year." — Seattle Book Review
"Looking for sci-fi/fantasy novel with a heavy dose of steamy romance? Look no further than Amanda Bouchet’s The Kingmaker Chronicles." — EW.com
Kirkus Reviews
★ 2016-06-01
When Cat, a mysterious circus soothsayer, is captured by Griffin, a wily warlord who recently won his kingdom's crown, she's disarmed by his strength, honor, and integrity, but she's afraid that tying her heart to his can only bring weakness and complications.Cat has spent years in a circus, hiding from her past and avoiding the destiny that's been ordained by an Oracle, until Griffin discovers her ability to know when people are lying and forces her to return with him to his kingdom. At first he's determined to use her as a weapon to help his family, which has recently taken the throne, but soon Griffin realizes that beneath Cat's prickly personality lies a loyal heart and a font of magic unlike anything he's ever seen—possibly unlike anything anyone has ever seen. Sexual and emotional tension crackles as they and their small band of warriors fight to get back to Griffin's kingdom, with Cat pledging her grudging allegiance after they're attacked by such a variety of enemies that it's hard to tell who's after Griffin and who's after Cat. Griffin is tired of magical royalty and nobility who look down their noses at their nonmagical subjects and ruin their kingdoms through selfish greed, and he's intrigued by his soothsayer, who clearly has noble breeding but has turned her back on her own past. She isn't giving any secrets away, but as clues trickle out, it becomes clear that someone out there wants to take her alive and that the power Griffin has seen may be nothing compared to what she's capable of, yet fighting her feelings—for Griffin, his team, his family—becomes almost as hard as hiding her magic. Debut author Bouchet tells a swashbuckling tale through Cat's irreverent, diffident, yet still somehow buoyant first-person point of view; this is an exquisite high-fantasy romance with masterful worldbuilding based on Greek mythology. An exciting fantasy/romance debut: action-packed, emotionally charged, and skillfully plotted.
