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Kingmaker Chronicles #3
Heart on Fire
The riveting conclusion to the Kingmaker Chronicles, available January 2018!
Who is Catalia Fisa?
With the help of pivotal figures from her past, Cat begins to understand the root of her exceptional magic, her fated union with Griffin Sinta, and Griffin's role in shaping her destiny.
Only Cat holds the key to unlocking her own power, and that means finally accepting herself, her past, and her future in order to protect her loved ones, confront her murderous mother, and taking a final, terrifying step--reuniting all three realms and taking her place as the Queen of Thalyria.
What doesn't kill her will only make her stronger...we hope.
Who is Catalia Fisa?
With the help of pivotal figures from her past, Cat begins to understand the root of her exceptional magic, her fated union with Griffin Sinta, and Griffin's role in shaping her destiny.
Only Cat holds the key to unlocking her own power, and that means finally accepting herself, her past, and her future in order to protect her loved ones, confront her murderous mother, and taking a final, terrifying step--reuniting all three realms and taking her place as the Queen of Thalyria.
What doesn't kill her will only make her stronger...we hope.
448 pages, Paperback
First published January 2, 2018
About the author
Amanda Bouchet
15 books3,127 followersAmanda Bouchet grew up in New England where she spent much of her time tromping around in the woods and making up grand adventures in her head. It was inevitable that one day she would start writing them down. She writes what she loves to read: epic exploits, steamy romance, and characters that make you laugh and cry.
Amanda is a USA Today bestselling author of fantasy romance and space opera romance. She was a Goodreads Choice Awards top 10 finalist for Best Debut in 2016 with her first novel, A Promise of Fire.
For more about Amanda's books with equal parts adventure and kissing, connect with her online: www.amandabouchet.com
Instagram: @amandabouchetauthor
www.facebook.com/AmandaBouchetAuthor
Twitter: @AuthorABouchet
Amanda is a USA Today bestselling author of fantasy romance and space opera romance. She was a Goodreads Choice Awards top 10 finalist for Best Debut in 2016 with her first novel, A Promise of Fire.
For more about Amanda's books with equal parts adventure and kissing, connect with her online: www.amandabouchet.com
Instagram: @amandabouchetauthor
www.facebook.com/AmandaBouchetAuthor
Twitter: @AuthorABouchet
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January 2, 2018
4.5 Solid Stars
This was an incredibly satisfying ending to a series I really enjoyed.
In this third installment, a lot of questions left by the first two books were finally answered; questions about Cat, questions about the Gods, and questions about stuff I don't necessarily want to even mention because it would tip you off (and possibly spoil something) by mentioning it so blatantly.
Griffin and Cat are definitely one of my favorite romance couples. They truly are made for each other and I loved that we got three complete books in which to bask in their luuuuurve.
I really liked the way Amanda Bouchet weaved Greek mythology and some of the gods so seamlessly throughout both the foundation and plot lines of this series. I mentioned in my review for book one how something about that bothered me...well, it all makes sense in this book and then some.
I've read books depicting the gods before and it can be difficult to include them as characters without either, 1) making them cruel and unrelatable because you don't want to make them seem weak or inauthentic, or 2) make them totally lame and powerless because you are trying too hard to make them seem more human and relatable.
I personally thought Bouchet managed to perfectly straddle that line of making them both powerful and authentic, but still relatable and actually likeable. Not an easy feat.
I loved all the gods and how they were portrayed throughout this series.
I'll stop here so I don't ruin anything for anyone, but I will say this.
I. WANT. MORE.
I need more of this series so we can find out what happens to the peripheral characters.
You will know exactly what I mean when you read it.
Seriously though. I need to know what happens
I hope all those waiting for this one enjoy it as much as I did.
This was an incredibly satisfying ending to a series I really enjoyed.
In this third installment, a lot of questions left by the first two books were finally answered; questions about Cat, questions about the Gods, and questions about stuff I don't necessarily want to even mention because it would tip you off (and possibly spoil something) by mentioning it so blatantly.
Griffin and Cat are definitely one of my favorite romance couples. They truly are made for each other and I loved that we got three complete books in which to bask in their luuuuurve.
I really liked the way Amanda Bouchet weaved Greek mythology and some of the gods so seamlessly throughout both the foundation and plot lines of this series. I mentioned in my review for book one how something about that bothered me...well, it all makes sense in this book and then some.
I've read books depicting the gods before and it can be difficult to include them as characters without either, 1) making them cruel and unrelatable because you don't want to make them seem weak or inauthentic, or 2) make them totally lame and powerless because you are trying too hard to make them seem more human and relatable.
I personally thought Bouchet managed to perfectly straddle that line of making them both powerful and authentic, but still relatable and actually likeable. Not an easy feat.
I loved all the gods and how they were portrayed throughout this series.
I'll stop here so I don't ruin anything for anyone, but I will say this.
I. WANT. MORE.
I need more of this series so we can find out what happens to the peripheral characters.
You will know exactly what I mean when you read it.
Seriously though. I need to know what happens
I hope all those waiting for this one enjoy it as much as I did.
October 28, 2017
“Do you know what I have in my heart? I have hope. And I'll share it with the world.”
And she did. Cat shared with me her hope, her dreams, her fears, her lust and her love, she set my heart ablaze, and left me a wet, sobbing mess.
“I am mercy, but I am also death.”
As expected, Heart on Fire was the perfect blend of steam, humor and heart-pounding adventure! Once again, Amanda Bouchet excelled in the fantasy romance genre, and encompassed me in the journey of her heroes until all I could see, breathe and feel was them. The third instalment of the Kingmaker Chronicles followed Cat and Griffin’s efforts to reunite the land of Thalyria, and defeat the Fisan Queen and her polluted magic. In this final confrontation they were not alone; the Beta Team, their family, and some very powerful (albeit cruel) Olympians were on their side. With their gifts and their strength, their determination and devotion, they raised an army to challenge the wicked and defend the weak. Because that’s what they were made for.
“Trial by fire.
It forges a heart of iron.
And sets it alight.”
Amanda Bouchet has the incredible talent to make your belly tremble with genuine, deep laughter, your eyes sting and water, your body tingle and your toes curl, all of them in the same book. Without losing Cat’s trademark sarcasm and brash behavior, Heart on Fire was a traumatic but also a cathartic experience, for Cat and for the reader alike. The sassy heroine who grew up amidst fear and darkness, power games and distrust, but who was also loved, fiercely, unconditionally and reverently, concluded her journey, discovered herself and embraced her limitless potential after facing countless trials, physical and emotional. She reached her breaking point many times, and her refusal to believe in herself, to find the balance between kindness and ruthlessness almost cost her everything and everyone she held dear. But in this difficult road to self-discovery, she had by her side the haven to her tempest, Griffin. Their scenes varied between richly emotional and scorching hot (after all, it’s called fantasy romance for a reason), and Griffin’s unwavering loyalty and faith was really touching. And dreamy. And sexy, to be honest.
“You'll still be my light in the dark, Cat. Even if you fall.”
(See? How can you not love him?)
In Heart on Fire, free will clashed with destiny, in a lethal dance to fulfill one's Fate without depriving them of choice. Cat and Griffin were designed to be the pawns which were set into motion by the Gods themselves, and the meddling of the latter in human affairs was stronger than ever. But the power couple of Thalyria carved their own path, with their bare hands, with sweat and blood and the desire to actually make a change, to fight for the oppressed and give them Elpis, hope for better days under the sun. Battles of epic proportions, Olympians radiating power and Elemental Magic made Heart on Fire unputdownable. Your ears ringed when swords collided, your skin prickled with the tangible essence of magic, and Beta Team was your team, their agony, their struggles, they touched you to the core.
“My heart is on fire, Griffin. I don't know when it'll stop.”
Frankly, I hope that this bizarre yet wonderful feeling of burning to cinders because of your all-consuming love for characters so precious will never stop. Amanda Bouchet delivered an explosive, fast-paced and sizzling conclusion to a series that hooked my mind and my soul from the start, and I can’t help but repeat that Amanda, I kardia mou sou anikei. My heart belongs to you.
(Friendly advice: When you read Heart on Fire, have the tissues nearby. You’ll need them.)
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Review also posted on BookNest!
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January 13, 2018
Meeeeeeehhhhhhh. 2.5 stars.
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Heart on Fire by Amanda Bouchet
Book Three of the Kingmaker Chronicles
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publication Date: January 2, 2018
Rating: 2 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley
Summary (from Goodreads):
Who is Catalia Fisa?
With the help of pivotal figures from her past, Cat begins to understand the root of her exceptional magic, her fated union with Griffin Sinta, and Griffin's role in shaping her destiny.
Only Cat holds the key to unlocking her own power, and that means finally accepting herself, her past, and her future in order to protect her loved ones, confront her murderous mother, and taking a final, terrifying step--reuniting all three realms and taking her place as the Queen of Thalyria.
What doesn't kill her will only make her stronger...we hope.
What I Liked:
Heart on Fire was not a fun ride for me. It wasn't all bad, but it definitely wasn't all good. I found myself more annoyed with the book than anything else, despite enjoying parts here and there. The book felt lackluster compared to the previous two books - in fact, I think it's safe to say that the series went straight downhill after book one. Book two was good but not as good as book one... book three lacked a lot of quality.
In this sequel novel, Cat and Griffin must defeat Cat's mother once and for all. But to do so, Cat must reach into her powers and control them, which she has yet to do. The kingdom of Thalyria is in her hands. If she can't find control, everything falls.
Things I liked... I enjoyed the romance. Griffin and Cat are a strong, solid pair, and this book proves that they are good for each other and good together. There are moments when Cat is afraid of how much the Gods interfered with their lives to direct their fates, but nothing ever comes between Griffin and Cat. I love how devoted they are to each other - it's absolutely not one-sided, not by far. Their trust and respect for each other really grows and strengthens in this book.
I adore Griffin, though he seemed to be a little one-dimensional in this book (i.e. only obsessed with Cat's safety and well-being). On the one hand, this is great theoretically... on the other hand, the man should have other priorities and interests. I love Griffin, with his strength, loyalty, and warrior/warlord overprotective, dominating nature, but I wish he had more to him besides being up Cat's a**. Boys today have hobbies like video games and sports. Griffin needs hobbies. I still love him. He's my favorite character of the series. But. One-dimensional.
The pacing of the story is good - I never got bored and I rolled right along to the end. I didn't necessarily like the story but I had no trouble getting through the book. So that's a plus! The author's writing has improved with each other. (I can't say the same about other things).
Cat is something I will talk about in the next section. I couldn't stand her. However, I will say that I'm glad she finally realized her potential and got over herself (girlfriend has been moping and wallowing for the entire series).
Hmmm, I thought there was more that I liked. I'll have to reconsider my rating. I didn't even really like the ending!
What I Did Not Like:
I could not staaaand Cat. I understand that the author was trying to portray her as feminist and strong and kickbutt and blah blah blah but Cat came across as very self-centered and self-involved in this book. Everything was about her, especially with the amount of wallowing and self-pitying she was doing. Throw in the fact that she is suuuuuper special on all fronts and we have a girl with a massive ego! Take it down a notch, sweetie! I don't like it when male protagonists have huge egos. I like it just as little when female protagonists have huge egos.
And on that note -- why is it that Cat has every single special power conceivable? She has the powers of the Gods, just because? How is it that she is so magical and powerful and a special snowflake? I didn't understand this - it seemed like a lot of deus ex machina. Cat had absolutely no flaws when it came to her abilities - abilities kept manifesting and manifesting and again, it seemed to be a lot of deus ex machina. I wasn't buying the whole "hard to kill" thing. I wasn't buying the "child of the Gods" thing. It seemed like a lot of luck and a free-for-all when it came to Cat claiming abilities left and right.
Back on the whole egoistical thing - please explain to me why Griffin was so wholly and utterly obsessed with Cat and only Cat. The man lived and breathed for her - I don't understand why? It was beyond obsession - I mean, he was literally created for her therefore he is her puppet? Like I said in the previous section, men tend to have hobbies... why is Griffin only focused on Cat? Isn't he the one conquering realms, leading his (royal) family, etc.? He seemed so one-dimensional because his priority was only Cat, and that to me is FAKE. Not sexy.
Seguing into my next complaint - WHY is Cat the queen of Thalyria and HOW is she such. I don't understand. She literally does N O T H I N G for Thalyria (other than face her mother three times in the book and hesitating every single time and letting her mother the evil witch escape every time). Everyone else fights for Thalyria, dies for Thalyria, goes to the ends of the earth for Thalyria, but Cat... Cat lets everyone do the work for her. Instead, she drags Griffin on some merry quest to find a magic potion that will magic help her control her powers... meanwhile her powers are utter crap and when they find the potion, it doesn't work (you'll see what I mean). Cat. Is. Useless. The author elevated Cat to Queen (and put her over Griffin even though he is King) because that's the ~feminist~ way to write fiction these days -- bulls**t. Cat has no experience being a royal and no business being a queen. She. Is. Useless.
Let me repeat: U S E L E S S.
The author has YET to address Kato's trauma from book two! Helloooo, the man went through rape and we don't see any kind of PTSD or lasting emotional or mental impacts? Did he just magically forget about the experience? There is no mention of it, and Kato pretty goes about his business as usual. This is TERRIBLE storytelling. You can't put a fairly "main" character through some serious trauma and NOT ADDRESS IT.
The ending was awful! It was one of those endings in which the war is over and la dee dah, the book is over! Everyone lives happily ever after! Never mind that they are uniting three realms, which is ALWAYS very peaceful and happy. Sure, Jan.
This book was a mess.
Would I Recommend It:
I actually do not recommend this book. I mean, don't leave the series hanging, if you've read books one and two. If you've only read book one, I would recommend stopping there. Book one is the best of the series. Book two is okay but not amazing. Book three is crap and a big mess. Of course, these are my opinions. I'm pretty upset that the series is concluding badly (for me), with this mess of a book. There was a distinct lack of quality, and I think that comes from a lack of experience and a desperate needs to force a "feminist" character with feminist themes into the book. Instead we have a Mary Sue that gets all the credit but does no work.
Rating:
2.5 stars -> rounded down to 2 stars. I tried! I really did. This series had so much potential. Now I'm glad I didn't preorder the book because I would have surely cancelled the preorder. I'm not sure I'll read anything by this author again - maybe? Maybe not.
EDIT: December 27th -- WHAT??? JANUARY 2018??? EXCUSE MEEEEEE??????? *cries*
*grubby grabby hands*
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Heart on Fire by Amanda Bouchet
Book Three of the Kingmaker Chronicles
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publication Date: January 2, 2018
Rating: 2 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley
Summary (from Goodreads):
Who is Catalia Fisa?
With the help of pivotal figures from her past, Cat begins to understand the root of her exceptional magic, her fated union with Griffin Sinta, and Griffin's role in shaping her destiny.
Only Cat holds the key to unlocking her own power, and that means finally accepting herself, her past, and her future in order to protect her loved ones, confront her murderous mother, and taking a final, terrifying step--reuniting all three realms and taking her place as the Queen of Thalyria.
What doesn't kill her will only make her stronger...we hope.
What I Liked:
Heart on Fire was not a fun ride for me. It wasn't all bad, but it definitely wasn't all good. I found myself more annoyed with the book than anything else, despite enjoying parts here and there. The book felt lackluster compared to the previous two books - in fact, I think it's safe to say that the series went straight downhill after book one. Book two was good but not as good as book one... book three lacked a lot of quality.
In this sequel novel, Cat and Griffin must defeat Cat's mother once and for all. But to do so, Cat must reach into her powers and control them, which she has yet to do. The kingdom of Thalyria is in her hands. If she can't find control, everything falls.
Things I liked... I enjoyed the romance. Griffin and Cat are a strong, solid pair, and this book proves that they are good for each other and good together. There are moments when Cat is afraid of how much the Gods interfered with their lives to direct their fates, but nothing ever comes between Griffin and Cat. I love how devoted they are to each other - it's absolutely not one-sided, not by far. Their trust and respect for each other really grows and strengthens in this book.
I adore Griffin, though he seemed to be a little one-dimensional in this book (i.e. only obsessed with Cat's safety and well-being). On the one hand, this is great theoretically... on the other hand, the man should have other priorities and interests. I love Griffin, with his strength, loyalty, and warrior/warlord overprotective, dominating nature, but I wish he had more to him besides being up Cat's a**. Boys today have hobbies like video games and sports. Griffin needs hobbies. I still love him. He's my favorite character of the series. But. One-dimensional.
The pacing of the story is good - I never got bored and I rolled right along to the end. I didn't necessarily like the story but I had no trouble getting through the book. So that's a plus! The author's writing has improved with each other. (I can't say the same about other things).
Cat is something I will talk about in the next section. I couldn't stand her. However, I will say that I'm glad she finally realized her potential and got over herself (girlfriend has been moping and wallowing for the entire series).
Hmmm, I thought there was more that I liked. I'll have to reconsider my rating. I didn't even really like the ending!
What I Did Not Like:
I could not staaaand Cat. I understand that the author was trying to portray her as feminist and strong and kickbutt and blah blah blah but Cat came across as very self-centered and self-involved in this book. Everything was about her, especially with the amount of wallowing and self-pitying she was doing. Throw in the fact that she is suuuuuper special on all fronts and we have a girl with a massive ego! Take it down a notch, sweetie! I don't like it when male protagonists have huge egos. I like it just as little when female protagonists have huge egos.
And on that note -- why is it that Cat has every single special power conceivable? She has the powers of the Gods, just because? How is it that she is so magical and powerful and a special snowflake? I didn't understand this - it seemed like a lot of deus ex machina. Cat had absolutely no flaws when it came to her abilities - abilities kept manifesting and manifesting and again, it seemed to be a lot of deus ex machina. I wasn't buying the whole "hard to kill" thing. I wasn't buying the "child of the Gods" thing. It seemed like a lot of luck and a free-for-all when it came to Cat claiming abilities left and right.
Back on the whole egoistical thing - please explain to me why Griffin was so wholly and utterly obsessed with Cat and only Cat. The man lived and breathed for her - I don't understand why? It was beyond obsession - I mean, he was literally created for her therefore he is her puppet? Like I said in the previous section, men tend to have hobbies... why is Griffin only focused on Cat? Isn't he the one conquering realms, leading his (royal) family, etc.? He seemed so one-dimensional because his priority was only Cat, and that to me is FAKE. Not sexy.
Seguing into my next complaint - WHY is Cat the queen of Thalyria and HOW is she such. I don't understand. She literally does N O T H I N G for Thalyria (other than face her mother three times in the book and hesitating every single time and letting her mother the evil witch escape every time). Everyone else fights for Thalyria, dies for Thalyria, goes to the ends of the earth for Thalyria, but Cat... Cat lets everyone do the work for her. Instead, she drags Griffin on some merry quest to find a magic potion that will magic help her control her powers... meanwhile her powers are utter crap and when they find the potion, it doesn't work (you'll see what I mean). Cat. Is. Useless. The author elevated Cat to Queen (and put her over Griffin even though he is King) because that's the ~feminist~ way to write fiction these days -- bulls**t. Cat has no experience being a royal and no business being a queen. She. Is. Useless.
Let me repeat: U S E L E S S.
The author has YET to address Kato's trauma from book two! Helloooo, the man went through rape and we don't see any kind of PTSD or lasting emotional or mental impacts? Did he just magically forget about the experience? There is no mention of it, and Kato pretty goes about his business as usual. This is TERRIBLE storytelling. You can't put a fairly "main" character through some serious trauma and NOT ADDRESS IT.
The ending was awful! It was one of those endings in which the war is over and la dee dah, the book is over! Everyone lives happily ever after! Never mind that they are uniting three realms, which is ALWAYS very peaceful and happy. Sure, Jan.
This book was a mess.
Would I Recommend It:
I actually do not recommend this book. I mean, don't leave the series hanging, if you've read books one and two. If you've only read book one, I would recommend stopping there. Book one is the best of the series. Book two is okay but not amazing. Book three is crap and a big mess. Of course, these are my opinions. I'm pretty upset that the series is concluding badly (for me), with this mess of a book. There was a distinct lack of quality, and I think that comes from a lack of experience and a desperate needs to force a "feminist" character with feminist themes into the book. Instead we have a Mary Sue that gets all the credit but does no work.
Rating:
2.5 stars -> rounded down to 2 stars. I tried! I really did. This series had so much potential. Now I'm glad I didn't preorder the book because I would have surely cancelled the preorder. I'm not sure I'll read anything by this author again - maybe? Maybe not.
EDIT: December 27th -- WHAT??? JANUARY 2018??? EXCUSE MEEEEEE??????? *cries*
*grubby grabby hands*
October 28, 2017
Man that was incredibly disappointing after the love I had for the first two books.
This is going to be short and to the point.
This is probably the biggest reading disappointment I've had all year long.
This book was one of my most anticipated since devouring the first two in the series and after dropping everything to dive into the amazing world Bouchet created in those books this was such a let down.
Nothing felt the same ... not the characters and not the story... I felt there was so much filler that I found myself skimming pages and large sections just to get to the end.
It feels like this wasn't even written by the same author and for that, I'm just so disappointed and sad.
Sourcebooks - Thank you for the chance to read this even though it absolutely didn't work for me.
This is going to be short and to the point.
This is probably the biggest reading disappointment I've had all year long.
This book was one of my most anticipated since devouring the first two in the series and after dropping everything to dive into the amazing world Bouchet created in those books this was such a let down.
Nothing felt the same ... not the characters and not the story... I felt there was so much filler that I found myself skimming pages and large sections just to get to the end.
It feels like this wasn't even written by the same author and for that, I'm just so disappointed and sad.
Sourcebooks - Thank you for the chance to read this even though it absolutely didn't work for me.
January 15, 2018
*** 2.44 ***
A buddy read with my friend Iain, since we obviously never stop reading:):):)
"...“I’m… “ I stop, at a loss.
Griffin lifts his eyebrows. “Inarticulate at the moment?”
Scowling, I thwack him in the chest.
“Overwrought?” he supplies, his mouth quirking up.
I thwack him again.
“Highly emotional?”
Thwack. Thwack.
“Apparently weak, because none of that hurt at all.”..."
Yeah, weak... This is how I felt about this book and I feel utterly let down... The premise for the series had so much potential, I wanted to root for the author and the main female lead, Cat, the special-est of all most special snowflakes in the whole magical world!!! She didn't start out this way, or I would not have held onto hope for her through three books! But of all of them, this one seems to have been the hardest to hit me with the futileness of my hopes, because it is supposed to be the last one of this arc and you just always hope for the best ending of any series you put time and commitment into. However, where the author had the perfect opportunity to get us into a more complicated and informative plot with the theology and Olympian mythology, which hooked me straight away personally, she chose to skim over the g-ds possible machinations and went the way of an angsty, insecure, privileged, apparently most beloved by the g-ds and adored by most everyone who meets her, bipolar, immature acting pregnant girl who is married to a power-hungry warlord and every deity is behind them taking over the world, because they will be benevolent rulers, not like her evil mother, who is the ultimate Evil in the series and the world. Did I mention insecure and angsty? Spikes of angst, then doubts and fear, then love scenes, which were actually not bad, then more angst and more reassurances, and so on and on and on... Then about 70% in there is a battle, than angst again...
"...“When we first found each other, I was a mess, full of conflict and fear. His steadfastness and unwavering faith in me helped to save me from myself, and from what I could become. Right now, he'd kill mother for me. Or he'd watch me kill her myself. He also understands this choice and how it's a part of me.”..."
Darling, you are still a mess, and I wish there was more to you so I could have enjoyed you....
I guess I have gotten spoiled with some good books as of late, because this writing and the repetitious manner the author had of driving home the point of all the emotional torment everyone was going through, did not achieve what it was trying to do... Often times, the strongest emotions are conveyed by the shortest, most striped-down sentences, by a small gesture, by an implied intonation... Just as in most things, less is more, and when you try too hard with too many words over and over, the real feeling gets lost in the sea of words. We get what the author is trying to say, we just go past the emotional feeling and look forward to the end of all of this senseless drama...
"...“I thought you of all people would understand.”
“Understand what? Being an idiot?”
That seems to surprise him enough to add something new to his countenance. A trace of humor softens the stark lines of his face. “No.” A wry smile just barely curves his lips. “Maybe.”
“I am an expert idiot,” I say. “I practice all the time.”..."
Now that is more like it...
I am not going to recommend this to anyone, since I think there are better written books on similar themes in this genre. However, if you are set on reading it, it is more of a paranormal romance than anything else, so be prepared.
Now I wish you all Happy Reading and many wonderful books to come!!!
A buddy read with my friend Iain, since we obviously never stop reading:):):)
"...“I’m… “ I stop, at a loss.
Griffin lifts his eyebrows. “Inarticulate at the moment?”
Scowling, I thwack him in the chest.
“Overwrought?” he supplies, his mouth quirking up.
I thwack him again.
“Highly emotional?”
Thwack. Thwack.
“Apparently weak, because none of that hurt at all.”..."
Yeah, weak... This is how I felt about this book and I feel utterly let down... The premise for the series had so much potential, I wanted to root for the author and the main female lead, Cat, the special-est of all most special snowflakes in the whole magical world!!! She didn't start out this way, or I would not have held onto hope for her through three books! But of all of them, this one seems to have been the hardest to hit me with the futileness of my hopes, because it is supposed to be the last one of this arc and you just always hope for the best ending of any series you put time and commitment into. However, where the author had the perfect opportunity to get us into a more complicated and informative plot with the theology and Olympian mythology, which hooked me straight away personally, she chose to skim over the g-ds possible machinations and went the way of an angsty, insecure, privileged, apparently most beloved by the g-ds and adored by most everyone who meets her, bipolar, immature acting pregnant girl who is married to a power-hungry warlord and every deity is behind them taking over the world, because they will be benevolent rulers, not like her evil mother, who is the ultimate Evil in the series and the world. Did I mention insecure and angsty? Spikes of angst, then doubts and fear, then love scenes, which were actually not bad, then more angst and more reassurances, and so on and on and on... Then about 70% in there is a battle, than angst again...
"...“When we first found each other, I was a mess, full of conflict and fear. His steadfastness and unwavering faith in me helped to save me from myself, and from what I could become. Right now, he'd kill mother for me. Or he'd watch me kill her myself. He also understands this choice and how it's a part of me.”..."
Darling, you are still a mess, and I wish there was more to you so I could have enjoyed you....
I guess I have gotten spoiled with some good books as of late, because this writing and the repetitious manner the author had of driving home the point of all the emotional torment everyone was going through, did not achieve what it was trying to do... Often times, the strongest emotions are conveyed by the shortest, most striped-down sentences, by a small gesture, by an implied intonation... Just as in most things, less is more, and when you try too hard with too many words over and over, the real feeling gets lost in the sea of words. We get what the author is trying to say, we just go past the emotional feeling and look forward to the end of all of this senseless drama...
"...“I thought you of all people would understand.”
“Understand what? Being an idiot?”
That seems to surprise him enough to add something new to his countenance. A trace of humor softens the stark lines of his face. “No.” A wry smile just barely curves his lips. “Maybe.”
“I am an expert idiot,” I say. “I practice all the time.”..."
Now that is more like it...
I am not going to recommend this to anyone, since I think there are better written books on similar themes in this genre. However, if you are set on reading it, it is more of a paranormal romance than anything else, so be prepared.
Now I wish you all Happy Reading and many wonderful books to come!!!
October 23, 2017
Soooo, the only good thing I can say is that Cat`s usual snark is back, and there were only two or three sex scenes - that`s a plus for those who didn`t like the sequel because there was too much sex and almost no banter between Cat and Griffin.
But that`s all. I think this book was the worst in the trilogy.
First of all, it`s unbelievably dragging. Every chapter could be shortened in half. And that’s because half of it was Cat`s whining or explaining obvious things. For example, she thinks her mother is a bitch and she should be killed. Okay. And THEN she explains for two pages why her mother is a bitch and why she should be killed. We already fucking know why, it`s the third book, give me some action! 5 pages of whining how pathetic she is, 2 explaining how evil is her mother and 5 more cheese pages of thinking how lovable and smart is Griffin – ta-daaaaa! We have a chapter! It`s like the author didn`t know what to do with the plot but needed to write at least 300 pages.
My second problem with this book was Cat`s praising. She has an ichor in her veins, she`s an Origin, she`s a Goddess, she`s a Kingmaker, she`s all-powerful and bla-bla. Seriously, it was said so many times that I don`t get why is there even a problem? She could just snap her fingers and destroy the country. But that`s the deal, when it comes to the battle Cat`s doing nothing. She just gets beaten or stands and watches her people die. All-powerful, my ass! Seriously, it`s boring to read about a person who can do everything. There shouldn`t be a problem. So the author decides to make it so that she can`t use all her powers because SHE DOESN`T BELIEVE IN HERSELF AFTER ALL SHE SUFFERED. For fucks sake! That`s the lamest excuse I`ve ever heard. She doesn`t use her magnificent powers even to save her life or her child`s life! Shouldn`t it be instinctive? Still, everyone kiss her ass in awe.
And here we come to the third problem – the Gods. This is the most illogical part of the story. They conveniently save Cat EVERY TIME she gets in trouble. She doesn`t even need to do something, because Gods will always be there to set things right. At the same time, they basically created her to save Thalyria. They gave her unlimited powers, wings, created her a perfect husband, yada-yada, but they have to intervene in every battle, because she`s helpless. Why bother making an invincible person when you could do everything she was created for in a blink of an eye? The author tried to explain it, and I loled so hard at that moment. There was a dialog, something like:
Cat: “Why don`t you kill my mother yourself?”
Gods: “Humans are not marionettes, and you don`t dance when we pull strings”.
Reeeeeally? You created Cat, matched her with Griffin, gave her a task to save Thalyria, even though she didn`t want it at the beginning, made her suffer through the loss of her sister, and you are saying she`s not your puppet?
When the Gods see she can`t do a shit against her mother, they shout at Cat, because she didn`t use her unlimited powers, though she didn`t know about them. And when Cat asks why they didn`t tell her about those powers, they answer that SHE WASN`T READY. O_O????!!!! So you concealed her powers and now you`re angry she didn`t use them? Hello, logic, where are you?
Moreover, when Cat FINALLY uses her almighty powers, the Gods PUNISH HER, because she did what she wasn`t supposed to do. Again, no puppet at all. So, I have a question. Why the fuck did you give her those powers if she`s not supposed to use them?
The only thing that wasn`t dragging was the ending. It was SO abrupt, guys! Like, “okay, we won, bye”. No epilogue, no “happily ever after”, nothing. Like, what was the point of this story if we`re not even shown the result of all their work? What happened with them after?
All in all, the third book is all about telling, not showing, and it centers on super-specialness of our snowflake, though she was powerful from the beginning, but I guess that wasn`t enough. There`s almost no plot, no real ending, and too much whining and idle talking. But I liked the humor and battle scenes – they were pretty epic and action-packed.
But that`s all. I think this book was the worst in the trilogy.
First of all, it`s unbelievably dragging. Every chapter could be shortened in half. And that’s because half of it was Cat`s whining or explaining obvious things. For example, she thinks her mother is a bitch and she should be killed. Okay. And THEN she explains for two pages why her mother is a bitch and why she should be killed. We already fucking know why, it`s the third book, give me some action! 5 pages of whining how pathetic she is, 2 explaining how evil is her mother and 5 more cheese pages of thinking how lovable and smart is Griffin – ta-daaaaa! We have a chapter! It`s like the author didn`t know what to do with the plot but needed to write at least 300 pages.
My second problem with this book was Cat`s praising. She has an ichor in her veins, she`s an Origin, she`s a Goddess, she`s a Kingmaker, she`s all-powerful and bla-bla. Seriously, it was said so many times that I don`t get why is there even a problem? She could just snap her fingers and destroy the country. But that`s the deal, when it comes to the battle Cat`s doing nothing. She just gets beaten or stands and watches her people die. All-powerful, my ass! Seriously, it`s boring to read about a person who can do everything. There shouldn`t be a problem. So the author decides to make it so that she can`t use all her powers because SHE DOESN`T BELIEVE IN HERSELF AFTER ALL SHE SUFFERED. For fucks sake! That`s the lamest excuse I`ve ever heard. She doesn`t use her magnificent powers even to save her life or her child`s life! Shouldn`t it be instinctive? Still, everyone kiss her ass in awe.
And here we come to the third problem – the Gods. This is the most illogical part of the story. They conveniently save Cat EVERY TIME she gets in trouble. She doesn`t even need to do something, because Gods will always be there to set things right. At the same time, they basically created her to save Thalyria. They gave her unlimited powers, wings, created her a perfect husband, yada-yada, but they have to intervene in every battle, because she`s helpless. Why bother making an invincible person when you could do everything she was created for in a blink of an eye? The author tried to explain it, and I loled so hard at that moment. There was a dialog, something like:
Cat: “Why don`t you kill my mother yourself?”
Gods: “Humans are not marionettes, and you don`t dance when we pull strings”.
Reeeeeally? You created Cat, matched her with Griffin, gave her a task to save Thalyria, even though she didn`t want it at the beginning, made her suffer through the loss of her sister, and you are saying she`s not your puppet?
When the Gods see she can`t do a shit against her mother, they shout at Cat, because she didn`t use her unlimited powers, though she didn`t know about them. And when Cat asks why they didn`t tell her about those powers, they answer that SHE WASN`T READY. O_O????!!!! So you concealed her powers and now you`re angry she didn`t use them? Hello, logic, where are you?
Moreover, when Cat FINALLY uses her almighty powers, the Gods PUNISH HER, because she did what she wasn`t supposed to do. Again, no puppet at all. So, I have a question. Why the fuck did you give her those powers if she`s not supposed to use them?
The only thing that wasn`t dragging was the ending. It was SO abrupt, guys! Like, “okay, we won, bye”. No epilogue, no “happily ever after”, nothing. Like, what was the point of this story if we`re not even shown the result of all their work? What happened with them after?
All in all, the third book is all about telling, not showing, and it centers on super-specialness of our snowflake, though she was powerful from the beginning, but I guess that wasn`t enough. There`s almost no plot, no real ending, and too much whining and idle talking. But I liked the humor and battle scenes – they were pretty epic and action-packed.
January 2, 2018
I thought about changing this review as I knew I didn't describe my thoughts well when I initially wrote it. I think what I was trying to get across is that we see a lot more heroes (male) leading than heroines (females). That we're almost conditioned to have a hero lead or step in and save the day. I think we're seeing (movies more than books) where most of the heroines are the side-kick.
Whether it be a book or a movie if you see the terms hero and heroine -or- heroine and hero, who do you think is the leader/person in charge? Sad but true, I automatically think the hero is the lead and the heroine is the support. Maybe, if the gender is removed from the term hero and heroine, it wouldn't matter if the person who leads is a male or a female or the person following is male or female.
I admit some of my favourite paranormal series have kick-ass heroines that I've loved but even in some of those cases, there's a hero lurking to help or save the heroine.
So read the rest of the review with the understanding that I'm not trying to offend womankind or kick-ass heroines out there. It was just my thoughts on the term hero and heroine, not the role they play.
**********
The heroine leads and the hero follows...
Is it strange that I started this review contemplating the term hero? In a lot of the books I read, I’m looking for the hero to save the day. Well, in this series it’s not the job of the bloke to do the hard work, it’s the female’s job to save the world and kill evil. So, in some ways, she’s the lead, the conqueror and saver of the world.
In my head, I’m now having a debate on whether I’m insulting womankind by thinking less of a heroine. I see “hero” as being the one in charge, focal point, and lead, while the “heroine” supports, guides and helps the hero in the quest. Is this a societal thing that has me confused? A gender-based confusion? Or, maybe it’s just hierarchy labelling that has me mixed up?
To be honest, I think it has more to do with one person leads and the other follows (supports) and my head automatically puts a label of hero for the lead and heroine for the follow. I think it’s what I’m expecting to see in most M/F romance. There also seems to be a similar dynamic when it comes to M/M but I’m not sure how you separate the heroes. Is it Hero 1 and Hero 2, or maybe it’s Alpha Hero and Beta Hero. I personally don’t read F/F but is it the same in that case too?
Whatever the case, I need to break that mindset, though because Cat is definitely the lead and she’s obviously the heroine and Griffin follows and he’s definitely the hero. What once would have made a hero seem weak as a follower to his heroine's leader, is not the case in the Kingmaker Chronicles. Griffin's strength is obvious and his ability to follow and love his role at her back makes him even more desirable as a partner to Cat.
Heart on Fire was all about Cat learning how much power she holds and how to use it. To be honest, the lessons learned were HARSH!! I found myself shocked at how many times Cat had faced torture and heartbreak, to later learn it was a lesson from the gods. The lessons were to harden her heart, trust wisely and look within herself to find the way. On the flipside, she also had to express her love, give trust to those who earned it and look around to find support.
Griffin again steals the show for me. He is loyal, thoughtful, kind and caring which balances out his strong, bossy and possessive nature. Griffin’s devotion to Cat is steadfast and I never doubted that she was his whole world and he would die to protect her. What at times comes across as a dangerous need to save the world, is really just a need to make his family safe. Griffin is a champion to his people and a truly deserving leader.
One of the hardest things to get my head around while reading the Kingmaker Chronicles was that a mother could be so evil. Seriously, this woman made my skin crawl with her self-serving, power-hungry ways. Sure, I know there is evil everywhere and mothers are not exempt, but it’s still hard to get. My mind struggles to compute how a woman who has grown and given birth to a child, can torture and watch them suffer. I struggled, even more, knowing that only death would end her rule and the person tasked by the gods to do it, was her own flesh and blood.
I have really enjoyed the Kingmaker Chronicles and Heart on Fire was an excellent addition to the series. I loved the first in the series, enjoyed but was a little disappointed in the second and the third left me thoroughly satisfied. At times I was a little frustrated that we seemed to be stalled and not moving forward to our goal. Like Cat, I was impatient to unlock the secrets to her magic and angry that the ones she hoped would guide her seemed to disappear in her time of need. There is one particular part towards the end of the story that will have readers sitting up in alarm but have no fear as nothing is as it seems.
Cat is the protector, defender, leader and hope for her people. Griffin is the strong, resilient, loyal and loving partner to light her way. Together, they are everything that is needed to right the wrongs. Their love story is amazing and I hope this is not the end of the journey.
As per usual, I've rambled all over the place, so, if you've made it to the end, CONGRATULATIONS!! All the best to everyone over the holidays and to all those who celebrate MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
Whether it be a book or a movie if you see the terms hero and heroine -or- heroine and hero, who do you think is the leader/person in charge? Sad but true, I automatically think the hero is the lead and the heroine is the support. Maybe, if the gender is removed from the term hero and heroine, it wouldn't matter if the person who leads is a male or a female or the person following is male or female.
I admit some of my favourite paranormal series have kick-ass heroines that I've loved but even in some of those cases, there's a hero lurking to help or save the heroine.
So read the rest of the review with the understanding that I'm not trying to offend womankind or kick-ass heroines out there. It was just my thoughts on the term hero and heroine, not the role they play.
**********
The heroine leads and the hero follows...
Is it strange that I started this review contemplating the term hero? In a lot of the books I read, I’m looking for the hero to save the day. Well, in this series it’s not the job of the bloke to do the hard work, it’s the female’s job to save the world and kill evil. So, in some ways, she’s the lead, the conqueror and saver of the world.
In my head, I’m now having a debate on whether I’m insulting womankind by thinking less of a heroine. I see “hero” as being the one in charge, focal point, and lead, while the “heroine” supports, guides and helps the hero in the quest. Is this a societal thing that has me confused? A gender-based confusion? Or, maybe it’s just hierarchy labelling that has me mixed up?
To be honest, I think it has more to do with one person leads and the other follows (supports) and my head automatically puts a label of hero for the lead and heroine for the follow. I think it’s what I’m expecting to see in most M/F romance. There also seems to be a similar dynamic when it comes to M/M but I’m not sure how you separate the heroes. Is it Hero 1 and Hero 2, or maybe it’s Alpha Hero and Beta Hero. I personally don’t read F/F but is it the same in that case too?
Whatever the case, I need to break that mindset, though because Cat is definitely the lead and she’s obviously the heroine and Griffin follows and he’s definitely the hero. What once would have made a hero seem weak as a follower to his heroine's leader, is not the case in the Kingmaker Chronicles. Griffin's strength is obvious and his ability to follow and love his role at her back makes him even more desirable as a partner to Cat.
Heart on Fire was all about Cat learning how much power she holds and how to use it. To be honest, the lessons learned were HARSH!! I found myself shocked at how many times Cat had faced torture and heartbreak, to later learn it was a lesson from the gods. The lessons were to harden her heart, trust wisely and look within herself to find the way. On the flipside, she also had to express her love, give trust to those who earned it and look around to find support.
Griffin again steals the show for me. He is loyal, thoughtful, kind and caring which balances out his strong, bossy and possessive nature. Griffin’s devotion to Cat is steadfast and I never doubted that she was his whole world and he would die to protect her. What at times comes across as a dangerous need to save the world, is really just a need to make his family safe. Griffin is a champion to his people and a truly deserving leader.
One of the hardest things to get my head around while reading the Kingmaker Chronicles was that a mother could be so evil. Seriously, this woman made my skin crawl with her self-serving, power-hungry ways. Sure, I know there is evil everywhere and mothers are not exempt, but it’s still hard to get. My mind struggles to compute how a woman who has grown and given birth to a child, can torture and watch them suffer. I struggled, even more, knowing that only death would end her rule and the person tasked by the gods to do it, was her own flesh and blood.
I have really enjoyed the Kingmaker Chronicles and Heart on Fire was an excellent addition to the series. I loved the first in the series, enjoyed but was a little disappointed in the second and the third left me thoroughly satisfied. At times I was a little frustrated that we seemed to be stalled and not moving forward to our goal. Like Cat, I was impatient to unlock the secrets to her magic and angry that the ones she hoped would guide her seemed to disappear in her time of need. There is one particular part towards the end of the story that will have readers sitting up in alarm but have no fear as nothing is as it seems.
Cat is the protector, defender, leader and hope for her people. Griffin is the strong, resilient, loyal and loving partner to light her way. Together, they are everything that is needed to right the wrongs. Their love story is amazing and I hope this is not the end of the journey.
As per usual, I've rambled all over the place, so, if you've made it to the end, CONGRATULATIONS!! All the best to everyone over the holidays and to all those who celebrate MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
October 23, 2018
This is the conclusion to the Kingmaker series. If you made it this far it means, like me, you're invested in the characters and wish to see how the overall story ends - Amanda does a great job of making each book it's own stand alone while still having the overarching plot.
I enjoyed this book and it's worth the read - especially if you've read the first two. And I'm going to miss Beta Team and Griffin the warlord (swoon). There are two reasons this only gets 3 stars and it has to do with the ending (those who follow my reviews know I'm a stickler about endings).
I enjoyed this book and it's worth the read - especially if you've read the first two. And I'm going to miss Beta Team and Griffin the warlord (swoon). There are two reasons this only gets 3 stars and it has to do with the ending (those who follow my reviews know I'm a stickler about endings).
January 3, 2018
4.5 stars
It tears my heart a little bit to give less than 5 stars but I don't have a choice.
The book was amazing. I was grinning like a fool the whole time I was reading it. I believe that the author is extremely talented and the world and the characters that she created will stay with me for a long time. It will be a joy to re-read the 'Kingmaker Chronicles' .
Now, the reason for my tiny disappointment. I don't really know what it was. The ending was kind of a anticlimax. A bit too fairytale. There is nothing wrong with that but I expected.... more .
Another thing was Cat's inner monologue. She was annoying at times and we have pages and pages of confusing thoughts just when something exciting is about to happen.
I'm pretty sure that there will be more books about other characters and I will definitely read them.
This series is and always will be one of my favorites.
It tears my heart a little bit to give less than 5 stars but I don't have a choice.
The book was amazing. I was grinning like a fool the whole time I was reading it. I believe that the author is extremely talented and the world and the characters that she created will stay with me for a long time. It will be a joy to re-read the 'Kingmaker Chronicles' .
Now, the reason for my tiny disappointment. I don't really know what it was. The ending was kind of a anticlimax. A bit too fairytale. There is nothing wrong with that but I expected.... more .
Another thing was Cat's inner monologue. She was annoying at times and we have pages and pages of confusing thoughts just when something exciting is about to happen.
I'm pretty sure that there will be more books about other characters and I will definitely read them.
This series is and always will be one of my favorites.
January 5, 2018
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
I hate to say it but this was a bit of a disappointment. I really expected to love this book. I wanted to love this book. I didn't like this book nearly as much as the two previous books in the series. I thought it was okay and I am glad that I read it. This is the third book in the Kingmaker Chronicles and this review may contain spoilers from previous installments in the series.
My experience with this book goes back to when I first saw the cover. I immediately thought that it wasn't the real cover and someone had uploaded fan art or something to Goodreads. I kept checking to see when the real cover would be uploaded. Weeks went by. I decided to go to the author's website to see if she had the cover posted and discovered that what I was seeing was in fact the real cover. I was shocked. I think that the covers for the first two books are awesome. This one is not. I kind of hate this cover. I decided that it was just a cover and it was just a cover and I could ignore it and focus on what was in the book. I think it might have actually been some kind of sign.
Cat kind of drove me nuts in this book. I don't know why but she annoyed me. I didn't enjoy being in her head and I felt like this book spent a lot of time there. Cat is pregnant which puts everything in a new light. I understand how focused an expectant mother can be when it comes to her baby but all the talk of the little bean was too much for me.
Don't get me wrong...I did like the book. There were some pretty awesome scenes in this installment and I had no idea how Cat would get herself out of some of the situations she found herself in. There was some real excitement in the story and I was happy to see all of the characters that I have grown to love over the course of the series play a role. There were some pretty major revelations that really explained a lot.
I do recommend this series to others. This book does wrap up Cat and Griffin's story and has some great scenes. I did enjoy the two books leading up to this one a whole lot more but found this to be a satisfactory conclusion. I would not hesitate to read more from Amanda Bouchet in the future.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from Sourcebooks Casablanca via Edelweiss.
I hate to say it but this was a bit of a disappointment. I really expected to love this book. I wanted to love this book. I didn't like this book nearly as much as the two previous books in the series. I thought it was okay and I am glad that I read it. This is the third book in the Kingmaker Chronicles and this review may contain spoilers from previous installments in the series.
My experience with this book goes back to when I first saw the cover. I immediately thought that it wasn't the real cover and someone had uploaded fan art or something to Goodreads. I kept checking to see when the real cover would be uploaded. Weeks went by. I decided to go to the author's website to see if she had the cover posted and discovered that what I was seeing was in fact the real cover. I was shocked. I think that the covers for the first two books are awesome. This one is not. I kind of hate this cover. I decided that it was just a cover and it was just a cover and I could ignore it and focus on what was in the book. I think it might have actually been some kind of sign.
Cat kind of drove me nuts in this book. I don't know why but she annoyed me. I didn't enjoy being in her head and I felt like this book spent a lot of time there. Cat is pregnant which puts everything in a new light. I understand how focused an expectant mother can be when it comes to her baby but all the talk of the little bean was too much for me.
Don't get me wrong...I did like the book. There were some pretty awesome scenes in this installment and I had no idea how Cat would get herself out of some of the situations she found herself in. There was some real excitement in the story and I was happy to see all of the characters that I have grown to love over the course of the series play a role. There were some pretty major revelations that really explained a lot.
I do recommend this series to others. This book does wrap up Cat and Griffin's story and has some great scenes. I did enjoy the two books leading up to this one a whole lot more but found this to be a satisfactory conclusion. I would not hesitate to read more from Amanda Bouchet in the future.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from Sourcebooks Casablanca via Edelweiss.
July 30, 2020
⭐️2.5 stars⭐️
That was disappointing. The ending was a big fat "meh" (and I'm being nice here) and if there is ever another book or a novella after this to tie up the huge amount of lose ends, I might come back and fix my rating. But right now I'm angry. I honestly kept reading this for the Beta Team and none of them got any closure. Not cool.
A crushed spark never ignites. That's not how you fan the flame.
That was disappointing. The ending was a big fat "meh" (and I'm being nice here) and if there is ever another book or a novella after this to tie up the huge amount of lose ends, I might come back and fix my rating. But right now I'm angry. I honestly kept reading this for the Beta Team and none of them got any closure. Not cool.
December 8, 2017
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
In Heart On Fire we have a stunning finale of the Kingmaker Chronicles and this book was a BLAST of goodness, delights, shocks and terrors and with typical Bouchet flare, keeps you on the edge of your seat. We get more into the head of our daring heroine Catalina Fisa. Catalina we have seen through in the previous two books, as she grows and learns into her powers and abilities with her husband and mate by her side Griffin. And boy did I love seeing Griffin and Catalina together in this book. Their relationship is stronger than ever. I just love how well these two are in tune with each other. This review will be shorter than what you are used to, mostly because I don't want to reveal anything too much or spoil the story for you. I just wanted to share some thoughts and impressions I had on this book. I have become impressed with this series. In this book, Cat and Griffin will need to face up with Cat's mother and also Cat's insecurities. Now Griffin, I ADORED him in this book to be honest. He is so solid and true to Cat, it just makes your heart melt. I love how he believes and trusts in her so much. He never gives up on her succeeding, he knows what she is capable of, and stands by her in everything. You just have to admire a hero like that.
When we first found each other, I was a mess, full of conflict and fear. His steadfastness and unwavering faith in me helped to save me from myself, and from what I could become. Right now, he'd kill mother for me. Or he'd watch me kill her myself. He also understands this choice and how it's a part of me.
Cat is strong and has many abilities, however in this story we see how she really struggles with herself. We see the way she has to face up to who she is, and to overcome doubts and fear to become who she was born to be. Its not an easy road for Cat----not in ANY way. But she faces it head on, and we see the love she has for her family, her devotion to her people and how much she is willing to fight for them no matter the cost to herself. There are definite moments that this book just about broke my heart. So much emotion was displayed that I had a difficult time keeping my emotions in check. But we also have a book where we see the delights and joys too. The only reason why this book is a four star instead of a five star is the ending. It was as final as I was expecting, so I am not sure if this author is continuing in this world or if she wants us to use our imagination in how this story ends for other characters involved.
In Heart On Fire we have a stunning finale of the Kingmaker Chronicles and this book was a BLAST of goodness, delights, shocks and terrors and with typical Bouchet flare, keeps you on the edge of your seat. We get more into the head of our daring heroine Catalina Fisa. Catalina we have seen through in the previous two books, as she grows and learns into her powers and abilities with her husband and mate by her side Griffin. And boy did I love seeing Griffin and Catalina together in this book. Their relationship is stronger than ever. I just love how well these two are in tune with each other. This review will be shorter than what you are used to, mostly because I don't want to reveal anything too much or spoil the story for you. I just wanted to share some thoughts and impressions I had on this book. I have become impressed with this series. In this book, Cat and Griffin will need to face up with Cat's mother and also Cat's insecurities. Now Griffin, I ADORED him in this book to be honest. He is so solid and true to Cat, it just makes your heart melt. I love how he believes and trusts in her so much. He never gives up on her succeeding, he knows what she is capable of, and stands by her in everything. You just have to admire a hero like that.
When we first found each other, I was a mess, full of conflict and fear. His steadfastness and unwavering faith in me helped to save me from myself, and from what I could become. Right now, he'd kill mother for me. Or he'd watch me kill her myself. He also understands this choice and how it's a part of me.
Cat is strong and has many abilities, however in this story we see how she really struggles with herself. We see the way she has to face up to who she is, and to overcome doubts and fear to become who she was born to be. Its not an easy road for Cat----not in ANY way. But she faces it head on, and we see the love she has for her family, her devotion to her people and how much she is willing to fight for them no matter the cost to herself. There are definite moments that this book just about broke my heart. So much emotion was displayed that I had a difficult time keeping my emotions in check. But we also have a book where we see the delights and joys too. The only reason why this book is a four star instead of a five star is the ending. It was as final as I was expecting, so I am not sure if this author is continuing in this world or if she wants us to use our imagination in how this story ends for other characters involved.
March 30, 2021
I don't know why I read this. This was really anticlimactic.
August 23, 2017
This review was copied from my romance novel review blog: romanticallyinclinedreviews.blogspot.com. For more reviews follow us on Instagram: @romantically_inclined or on Facebook @romanticallyinclinedreviews
My reaction reading the first book in a great series: “When are they going to have sex? Wow, that was a great sex scene. When’s the next sex scene?”
My reaction reading the second book in a great series: “That was a great sex scene, but I’m really wondering what’s going to happen next with this amazing and tumultuous plot line.”
My reaction reading the third book in a great series: “How many pages until I’m done with this sex scene and can figure out how this book is going to end?!?!?!?!”
That exactly how my reading the Kingmaker Chronicles series went. For those of you who haven’t read the previous two novels A Promise of Fire and Breath of Fire, please pause your reading of this review and go BUY THEM. I’m not even kidding. They’re my most highly recommended novels of all time.
You can read my review of A Promise of Fire here and my review of Breath of Fire here. If you follow my reviews and you haven’t yet purchased these books or you just read the reviews and haven’t purchased the books then please reevaluate your life choices!
Heart of Fire was a fantastic ending to a trilogy that has had my love and devotion from the very first sentence. I’m going to have to read this novel again immediately because honestly I was so tense and anxious during my first read that I barely retained any information whatsoever. Add in the fact that reading Heart of Fire only made me want to go back and reread the first two books in the series and I’m going to be spending the next few days knee deep in the Kingmaker Chronicles. I’m not even mad about it… it seems like a fantastic way to spend my time.
The chemistry between Griffin and Cat is some of the best I’ve ever read. Their love for one another bled off the pages and inserted itself deep inside my chest. The way they communicate with one another, the way they trust one another unconditionally, the way they live for one another… it’s just the epitome of love. I find myself thinking about their partnership long after I’ve finished reading their story.
Author Amanda Bouchet has some serious talent when it comes to weaving stories and creating believable characters. The plot that has carried over these three novels is some of the best story-telling I’ve ever encountered. Just when you think you know what’s about to happen she flips your world upside down and introduces another twist that has your head reeling. She has had me enraptured from the very beginning, desperate to know what’s around every page. If you’re tired of novels where you can see the ending coming a mile away then you need to pick up these series.
The best part about the Kingmaker Chronicles is that the characters within these pages are a family, a family you want to be a part of and Amanda Bouchet makes you believe that you can be. I desperately hope that the author takes a Gena Showalter approach to her novels and just weaves a world with these people she’s created, taking us on adventure after adventure.
Heart of Fire isn’t out until January 2018, but never fear… that gives you plenty of time to pick up the first two books in the series and read them over, and over, and over again.
My reaction reading the first book in a great series: “When are they going to have sex? Wow, that was a great sex scene. When’s the next sex scene?”
My reaction reading the second book in a great series: “That was a great sex scene, but I’m really wondering what’s going to happen next with this amazing and tumultuous plot line.”
My reaction reading the third book in a great series: “How many pages until I’m done with this sex scene and can figure out how this book is going to end?!?!?!?!”
That exactly how my reading the Kingmaker Chronicles series went. For those of you who haven’t read the previous two novels A Promise of Fire and Breath of Fire, please pause your reading of this review and go BUY THEM. I’m not even kidding. They’re my most highly recommended novels of all time.
You can read my review of A Promise of Fire here and my review of Breath of Fire here. If you follow my reviews and you haven’t yet purchased these books or you just read the reviews and haven’t purchased the books then please reevaluate your life choices!
Heart of Fire was a fantastic ending to a trilogy that has had my love and devotion from the very first sentence. I’m going to have to read this novel again immediately because honestly I was so tense and anxious during my first read that I barely retained any information whatsoever. Add in the fact that reading Heart of Fire only made me want to go back and reread the first two books in the series and I’m going to be spending the next few days knee deep in the Kingmaker Chronicles. I’m not even mad about it… it seems like a fantastic way to spend my time.
The chemistry between Griffin and Cat is some of the best I’ve ever read. Their love for one another bled off the pages and inserted itself deep inside my chest. The way they communicate with one another, the way they trust one another unconditionally, the way they live for one another… it’s just the epitome of love. I find myself thinking about their partnership long after I’ve finished reading their story.
Author Amanda Bouchet has some serious talent when it comes to weaving stories and creating believable characters. The plot that has carried over these three novels is some of the best story-telling I’ve ever encountered. Just when you think you know what’s about to happen she flips your world upside down and introduces another twist that has your head reeling. She has had me enraptured from the very beginning, desperate to know what’s around every page. If you’re tired of novels where you can see the ending coming a mile away then you need to pick up these series.
The best part about the Kingmaker Chronicles is that the characters within these pages are a family, a family you want to be a part of and Amanda Bouchet makes you believe that you can be. I desperately hope that the author takes a Gena Showalter approach to her novels and just weaves a world with these people she’s created, taking us on adventure after adventure.
Heart of Fire isn’t out until January 2018, but never fear… that gives you plenty of time to pick up the first two books in the series and read them over, and over, and over again.
Read
May 26, 2020wow, what an epic ending to an amazing series....
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Find more reviews and book recommendations on my blog.
Find me on Bookstagram.
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Find more reviews and book recommendations on my blog.
Find me on Bookstagram.
October 21, 2017
I wanted a little bit more of an epic conclusion for this book but overall I adored this book and I adore this entire series. I’ll write a full review closer to the release date!
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an ARC
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an ARC
March 2, 2022
"You'll still be my light in the dark, Cat. Even if you fail."
✅ Characters
✅ Funny banter
✅ Action and betrayals
✅ Gods and Greek mythology
✅ Magic / Powers
✅ Found family
🆗 Pace
🆗 Ending
3.5 stars
This book is a nice ending to an amazing series. I fell in love with Cat, Griffin, Kato, Carver, and Flynn, and Heart on Fire is a satisfying end to the trilogy. However, I liked this book less than the other two.
“Do you know what I have in my heart? I have hope. And I'll share it with the world.”
Sure, there is action, betrayal, and conflicted emotions, but Cat spent most of the book in deep introspection, trying to figure out who she really is, how to protect everyone and "unlock" her powers, or talking with Griffin and Gods about her powers. I have nothing against characters maturing and changing, and I know the gods didn't teach her anything and left her to figure it out on her own, but the self-reflection parts are getting long and repetitive near the end. It was borderline whining sometimes. The whole book was a mix of raw and exciting action and long periods of reflection. There is nothing bad here since Cat needed to grow and gain some self-confidence, but the never-ending cycle of feeling worthless, angry, trying to control her powers, and realizing how utterly helpless she is while having almost unlimited powers just dragged on. I would have loved a little more action or shorter introspection/talk scenes.
I liked the fact that the Gods are more present in this final book. They became more than a name and a mystical power that sometimes intervene to save Cat. They now have a face, a body and they interact with Cat and her team to guide them and sometimes save them. The Beta Team (now Alpha Team) is still great, and I really fell in love with them in this series.
Finally, there is the -disappointing- ending... The few scenes with Cat's mother in this book were intense, full of hate and villainy, but the end was anti-climatic. For three books we learned about the evil and cruel Alpha Fisa, we learned about everything she did to her own children and we've been waiting for the epic battle between Alpha Fisa and Cat. It does end well for Cat I suppose, but it was underwhelming, and I have a hard time imagining Alpha Fisa, who spent her life killing and torturing without any remorse, getting emotional because of a nice speech from her long-lost daughter, but that's only my opinion... I would have also preferred Cat to learn to believe in herself while fighting her mother, instead of having to read so many inner monologues.
Overall, it is still a great series, and a good final book, just not as good as the previous ones.
A Promise of Fire ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Breath of Fire ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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January 30, 2022
Reread 2022
Returning to and rereading this story was such a blast. All the feels all over again and I can’t wait to see what more Amanda has in store next. I’m so ready for the next book!!
Original review 2018
My morning starts off with a HUGE ASS FANGIRL RANT about Heart of Fire by Amanda Bouchet because I finished the book yesterday and omg.. ooooooomygod - guess my bookbuddies in the whats app group are 'wide awake' now, if they weren't already, since they received like 50-100 messages from me bwhahaha..
I'm still, emotionally speaking, so RAW at the moment. This book... shbgdhfjbgbdfgjbdfjgdfg It was devastatingly beautiful. My fangirl heart still can't handle everything it read the last couple of days. So for the readers out there who want to read the book when it publishes in January; GOOD LUCK and I'll be waiting on the other side of the ryver Styx for you with all my fangirl feels ;)
Thank you, thank you amanda for giving us these books! But omg I NEED MORE. I'm not kidding when I say I want to jump in my car right now, drive over to France and put you - with a friendly, friendly shove of course ;) - behind your laptop so you can keep writing hahahahahaa.
My ehh very fangirly-review will be online in a couple of months, so I can celebrate it's release with you guys!! But seriously; YOU NEED THESE BOOKS IN YOUR LIFE. This is how you write amazing fantasy/mythology books with characters that'll steal your heart, adult romance that holds you on the edge of your seat and such beautiful writing!!!!
- a promise of Fire & Breath of Fire are available in two beautiful editions, so go crab your copy!!!
Returning to and rereading this story was such a blast. All the feels all over again and I can’t wait to see what more Amanda has in store next. I’m so ready for the next book!!
Original review 2018
My morning starts off with a HUGE ASS FANGIRL RANT about Heart of Fire by Amanda Bouchet because I finished the book yesterday and omg.. ooooooomygod - guess my bookbuddies in the whats app group are 'wide awake' now, if they weren't already, since they received like 50-100 messages from me bwhahaha..
I'm still, emotionally speaking, so RAW at the moment. This book... shbgdhfjbgbdfgjbdfjgdfg It was devastatingly beautiful. My fangirl heart still can't handle everything it read the last couple of days. So for the readers out there who want to read the book when it publishes in January; GOOD LUCK and I'll be waiting on the other side of the ryver Styx for you with all my fangirl feels ;)
Thank you, thank you amanda for giving us these books! But omg I NEED MORE. I'm not kidding when I say I want to jump in my car right now, drive over to France and put you - with a friendly, friendly shove of course ;) - behind your laptop so you can keep writing hahahahahaa.
My ehh very fangirly-review will be online in a couple of months, so I can celebrate it's release with you guys!! But seriously; YOU NEED THESE BOOKS IN YOUR LIFE. This is how you write amazing fantasy/mythology books with characters that'll steal your heart, adult romance that holds you on the edge of your seat and such beautiful writing!!!!
- a promise of Fire & Breath of Fire are available in two beautiful editions, so go crab your copy!!!
April 8, 2022
Bir çeviri daha bitti ve güzel bir serinin sonu geldi. İlk iki kitaba göre biraz daha olayı azdı. Fazla bir şey yazmak istemiyorum, çıkıp da herkes okuyunca tekrar yorum yaparım 🤭
January 6, 2018
4.5 Awesome stars!
I've always been fascinated with Mythology. I love to read about Gods and Goddesses. Hence, the reason why I practically inhaled this series when it first came out.
This series has all the ingredients you need for one AMAZING adventure. We have different creatures...Cerberus, The Hydra, and others. We have magic, love, characters you can't help but root for. And the GODS and GODDESSES. They were awesome! It is always bittersweet everytime I finish a series that I really loved.
Cat our heroine has come a loooong way from book 1. She has become more stronger. Less reckless and more powerful. She's still a kickass even when Little Bean is there. She doesn't give up.
" A true warrior fights through pain. Through anything. Through everything."
"Leadership is actually leading, not using others as a shield while you shout orders and hop around in the back."
And Griffin who is steadfast and has an unwavering faith in Cat. So, Griffin is a cool Hero and no complaints about him but it's Kato who stole my heart from book 1. Kato, Kato, Kato. What the hell happened to you?
A very satisfying ending to a well loved series. I wish the author would write more about this world. How about Carver? I want him to end up with Bellanca. How about Flynn and Jocasta? Ianthe and Lycheron? What happens to them???
I've always been fascinated with Mythology. I love to read about Gods and Goddesses. Hence, the reason why I practically inhaled this series when it first came out.
This series has all the ingredients you need for one AMAZING adventure. We have different creatures...Cerberus, The Hydra, and others. We have magic, love, characters you can't help but root for. And the GODS and GODDESSES. They were awesome! It is always bittersweet everytime I finish a series that I really loved.
Cat our heroine has come a loooong way from book 1. She has become more stronger. Less reckless and more powerful. She's still a kickass even when Little Bean is there. She doesn't give up.
" A true warrior fights through pain. Through anything. Through everything."
"Leadership is actually leading, not using others as a shield while you shout orders and hop around in the back."
And Griffin who is steadfast and has an unwavering faith in Cat. So, Griffin is a cool Hero and no complaints about him but it's Kato who stole my heart from book 1. Kato, Kato, Kato. What the hell happened to you?
A very satisfying ending to a well loved series. I wish the author would write more about this world. How about Carver? I want him to end up with Bellanca. How about Flynn and Jocasta? Ianthe and Lycheron? What happens to them???
October 9, 2017
I received an e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Review can be found on *Milky Way of Books*
The thrilling conclusion in the Kingmaker Chronicles had everything I loved in a good NEW Adult fantasy! Action, banter, romance, and tragedy. Cat and Griffin will have to win the war against Cat's mom in order to unite the realms and rule as one. But there are far more deadly forces than they expect.
The beauty of the book was the inner growth of the characters. All of them from Cat and the Beta Team to the supernatural and mythological creatures of this world. I also realized that some of the secondary characters can have more stories added from their POV. There is a rich world building here which I would love to see more expanded. A set of novellas set in this world would be a delight!
The thrilling conclusion in the Kingmaker Chronicles had everything I loved in a good NEW Adult fantasy! Action, banter, romance, and tragedy. Cat and Griffin will have to win the war against Cat's mom in order to unite the realms and rule as one. But there are far more deadly forces than they expect.
The beauty of the book was the inner growth of the characters. All of them from Cat and the Beta Team to the supernatural and mythological creatures of this world. I also realized that some of the secondary characters can have more stories added from their POV. There is a rich world building here which I would love to see more expanded. A set of novellas set in this world would be a delight!
January 9, 2018
An epic conclusion to the series, made even more so because Cat stopped crying to the gods willy-nilly, book 2 almost gave me a headache. I will miss this series, i was wishing for more even as I flipped to the last page, I want to know what happens to Kato and the rest of the beta team, I hope there's a spinoff in the horizon.
June 21, 2018
Großartige Trilogie !!!
January 1, 2023
Seri güzeldi bunu söyleyebilirim.Kendini okutuyordu.Sadece çok fazla Cat ve onun kendini bulma yolculuğunu okuyormuşum hissini üstümden atamıyorum.Bir de bu süreçte kendini sürekli hor görmesi beni bir tık rahatsız etti.Çok arka arkaya okumam da bu hislerde etken olmuş olabilir.Daha geniş zamana yaysaydım belki bu kadar gözümde büyümezdi.
Bunun dışında elbet mutlu sonla bitti ama o son beni pek tatmin etmedi.Bütün bu yaşanmışlık bu yüzden miydi dedirtti.Savaş sahneleri, strateji planları...Sanırım romans kısmıydı bu kitapta sevdiğim olay.Ve yan karakterler.Beta Sinta ekibi ve aralarında ki sevgi bile tek başına okumak için güzel bir motivasyondu.
Piers asla içime sinmiyor ama geleceğe gitmesi bir tık merak uyandırıcı. Flynn ve Jocasta'nın akıbeti de keza okuru seriye devam ettirecek gerekli unsurlara sahipti.Kato ise bir yerlerde ve karşımıza mutlaka çıkacak gibi..Carver ve Bellanca'yı da eklersek sanırım yazar seriye devam edecektir..
Ben orta karar, okunur buldum.
Bunun dışında elbet mutlu sonla bitti ama o son beni pek tatmin etmedi.Bütün bu yaşanmışlık bu yüzden miydi dedirtti.Savaş sahneleri, strateji planları...Sanırım romans kısmıydı bu kitapta sevdiğim olay.Ve yan karakterler.Beta Sinta ekibi ve aralarında ki sevgi bile tek başına okumak için güzel bir motivasyondu.
Piers asla içime sinmiyor ama geleceğe gitmesi bir tık merak uyandırıcı. Flynn ve Jocasta'nın akıbeti de keza okuru seriye devam ettirecek gerekli unsurlara sahipti.Kato ise bir yerlerde ve karşımıza mutlaka çıkacak gibi..Carver ve Bellanca'yı da eklersek sanırım yazar seriye devam edecektir..
Ben orta karar, okunur buldum.
May 27, 2019
I'm going to divide this review into two segments. Things I liked and the things I disliked.
What every person longs for is a connection, whether they’ll admit it or not.
Things I liked
The world and writing, the book featured Greek gods and their meddling acts to the fullest, I love the way the author depicted that. The writing is also fun and witty which made reading this fun.
It’s the road to Fisa. There should be warning signs. Continue at your own peril. Danger. Are you sure this is the road you want? This way lies Andromeda, the Great and Terrible. TURN BACK!
The characters are unique in their own way. Friendship, family, love is well represented here.
Feminism at its fullest, not only is the protagonist a female, we also have other strong female characters in this book.
The things I disliked
The plot here is so underwhelming and somewhat predictable, for a final book in the series it was weak. The battle scenes that I admired in the previous books was absent here. We had just two battle scenes, and one was two against one.
The romance became super cringy, no longer adorable.
The defeat of Alpha Fisa was the worst thing ever, what was the point of all the build up then.
Everyone was just pairing up romantically, it was like TOG and ACOTAR all over again, it seems unreal. Imagine you and all your friends and family finding true love at the same time.
There’s a point when choosing not to care and actually not caring start to converge.
Alll in all it was an okay series, I just know that it could have been way better.
What every person longs for is a connection, whether they’ll admit it or not.
Things I liked
The world and writing, the book featured Greek gods and their meddling acts to the fullest, I love the way the author depicted that. The writing is also fun and witty which made reading this fun.
It’s the road to Fisa. There should be warning signs. Continue at your own peril. Danger. Are you sure this is the road you want? This way lies Andromeda, the Great and Terrible. TURN BACK!
The characters are unique in their own way. Friendship, family, love is well represented here.
Feminism at its fullest, not only is the protagonist a female, we also have other strong female characters in this book.
The things I disliked
The plot here is so underwhelming and somewhat predictable, for a final book in the series it was weak. The battle scenes that I admired in the previous books was absent here. We had just two battle scenes, and one was two against one.
The romance became super cringy, no longer adorable.
The defeat of Alpha Fisa was the worst thing ever, what was the point of all the build up then.
Everyone was just pairing up romantically, it was like TOG and ACOTAR all over again, it seems unreal. Imagine you and all your friends and family finding true love at the same time.
There’s a point when choosing not to care and actually not caring start to converge.
Alll in all it was an okay series, I just know that it could have been way better.
January 27, 2019
3,5 stars
Heart on Fire is the last installment in Kingmaker Chronicles and its probably the best thing about it.
In this book we continue to follow Cat while she is trying to make her Elemental Magic work. There is a lot of self searching in this book, which is annoying at some points. Too be honest I disliked the first 2/3 of this book. It was so boring at times, even though there was some action her soul searching made it unreadable. the first 2/3 of this book were my Tartarus.
I do love the concept of this world and some of the characters were okay, I just wish we weren´t stuck in Cats brain the whole time. Some perspective changes would´ve probably made this much better. I wish we could get to know Ianthe better. Pluss it wouldn´t hurt to have a pov from another Beta Team member (NOT GRIFFIN).
Heart on Fire is the last installment in Kingmaker Chronicles and its probably the best thing about it.
In this book we continue to follow Cat while she is trying to make her Elemental Magic work. There is a lot of self searching in this book, which is annoying at some points. Too be honest I disliked the first 2/3 of this book. It was so boring at times, even though there was some action her soul searching made it unreadable. the first 2/3 of this book were my Tartarus.
I do love the concept of this world and some of the characters were okay, I just wish we weren´t stuck in Cats brain the whole time. Some perspective changes would´ve probably made this much better. I wish we could get to know Ianthe better. Pluss it wouldn´t hurt to have a pov from another Beta Team member (NOT GRIFFIN).
March 4, 2018
Heart on Fire concludes the Kingmaker Chronicles series by Amanda Bouchet
I was hooked on the Kingmaker Chronicles series from the moment I read the first page of A Promise of Fire and each additional book has been a delight. I’m sad to see it end and I’d love to see a spin-off, because their are so many wonderful characters that have potential to do their own stories.
Heart on Fire starts right where Breath of Fire ends. So their is no time wasted in getting us back into the story and the coming war to deiced the fate of the lands. We are taking on an adventure, full of heart-break, enlightenment, and hope.
The book opens us to a very heart-breaking moment of betrayal that changes the lives of the Sinta family. For Griffin family is everything and to have one of your own betray you. Well, that leaves an everlasting impress on everyone. Cat has grown as a character and in Heart on Fire she has several realizes and enlightened moments, where she realizes her destiny, and that she is the personification of Hope for everyone.
Their is a lot more talking then action in this installment. It slowed things down a little for me. Everything has been leading up to Cat’s destiny. War is coming and not everyone will survive the war. I will say the ending battle happened with very little fanfare. I’m spoiled with the Andrews team and how they write their battle scenes, so I was a bit let down with how the whole ending battle turned out. It wasn’t written bad. It just didn’t have all the action-packed battle I was hoping for. Thou we do get some action battle scenes earlier in the book.
I have loved the friendships made with all the secondary characters we meet. I’m hoping we get spin-offs for several of the secondary characters. Their are so many wonderful possibilities and story threads to explore with all of them. Some things where left open on the secondary characters, so it gives me hope we might be returning to the Kingmaker world.
Heart on Fire is packed full of adventure going from one situation to another with no chance of letting go. I couldn’t stop reading and just kept turning the pages to see what would happen next.
To wrap it up, Heart on Fire, was a splendid read and a nice conclusion. I’m happy to see Cat and Griffen have a good ending. The whole series has been entertaining, the friendships and romance have been pleasurable, and the new world created by Bouchet is marvelous. All of this combined together gives us a fantastic new fantasy romance.
Rated: 4 Stars
** You do need to read the Kingmaker Chronicles in order.
I was hooked on the Kingmaker Chronicles series from the moment I read the first page of A Promise of Fire and each additional book has been a delight. I’m sad to see it end and I’d love to see a spin-off, because their are so many wonderful characters that have potential to do their own stories.
Heart on Fire starts right where Breath of Fire ends. So their is no time wasted in getting us back into the story and the coming war to deiced the fate of the lands. We are taking on an adventure, full of heart-break, enlightenment, and hope.
The book opens us to a very heart-breaking moment of betrayal that changes the lives of the Sinta family. For Griffin family is everything and to have one of your own betray you. Well, that leaves an everlasting impress on everyone. Cat has grown as a character and in Heart on Fire she has several realizes and enlightened moments, where she realizes her destiny, and that she is the personification of Hope for everyone.
Their is a lot more talking then action in this installment. It slowed things down a little for me. Everything has been leading up to Cat’s destiny. War is coming and not everyone will survive the war. I will say the ending battle happened with very little fanfare. I’m spoiled with the Andrews team and how they write their battle scenes, so I was a bit let down with how the whole ending battle turned out. It wasn’t written bad. It just didn’t have all the action-packed battle I was hoping for. Thou we do get some action battle scenes earlier in the book.
I have loved the friendships made with all the secondary characters we meet. I’m hoping we get spin-offs for several of the secondary characters. Their are so many wonderful possibilities and story threads to explore with all of them. Some things where left open on the secondary characters, so it gives me hope we might be returning to the Kingmaker world.
Heart on Fire is packed full of adventure going from one situation to another with no chance of letting go. I couldn’t stop reading and just kept turning the pages to see what would happen next.
To wrap it up, Heart on Fire, was a splendid read and a nice conclusion. I’m happy to see Cat and Griffen have a good ending. The whole series has been entertaining, the friendships and romance have been pleasurable, and the new world created by Bouchet is marvelous. All of this combined together gives us a fantastic new fantasy romance.
Rated: 4 Stars
** You do need to read the Kingmaker Chronicles in order.
October 14, 2017
*I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
"You wallow in self-pity when you could be taking your life back!"
This turned out to be the biggest disappointment of my 2017, I'm honestly heartbroken. I love the first two books, but Heart on fire was so boring and cheesyand I'm crying again because I deserved an amazing finale why did you do this to me Amanda
THE PLOT:
The banter, the Beta team and Griffin's amazing family were the most entertaining and amazing parts in the last two books, I think we can all agree on this.
And in Heart on fire, we barely see the secondary character we all love. This book could be called Cat and Griffinand their cringe worthy love story do stuff, we basically see only the two of them.
In addiction to that, every single scene (I swear I'm not joking)dragged on and on and on and on and I just wanted to sleep because I was bored out of my mind.
Oh and there's no epilogue. And a lot of loose ends. Why :)))))))))
THE ROMANCE:
"You're the air I breathe," he says without a trace of humour in his voice."
*cringe intensifies*
You see, Cat and Griffin weren't so cringeworthy in the first two books. In Heart on fire they were insufferable.
They have sex in the worst possible moments.
They talk and argue about their feelings instead of planning for the war.
Cat says 2347 times that if it weren't for Griffin, she'd be nothing. Just no. No no no no no no.
I just can't stand them together. Taken individually, I like Cat and I hate Griffin.
IN CONCLUSION:
The only reason I decided to give Heart on fire two stars instead of one is that I love the Beta team (minus Cat and Griffin) with all my heart, the greek mythology is amazing, I love Ares and Persephone and I really liked Cat and Carver's scene.
But the rest was a mess.
At least I got an arc so I didn't waste money on the physical copy.
"You wallow in self-pity when you could be taking your life back!"
This turned out to be the biggest disappointment of my 2017, I'm honestly heartbroken. I love the first two books, but Heart on fire was so boring and cheesy
THE PLOT:
The banter, the Beta team and Griffin's amazing family were the most entertaining and amazing parts in the last two books, I think we can all agree on this.
And in Heart on fire, we barely see the secondary character we all love. This book could be called Cat and Griffin
In addiction to that, every single scene (I swear I'm not joking)dragged on and on and on and on and I just wanted to sleep because I was bored out of my mind.
Oh and there's no epilogue. And a lot of loose ends. Why :)))))))))
THE ROMANCE:
"You're the air I breathe," he says without a trace of humour in his voice."
*cringe intensifies*
You see, Cat and Griffin weren't so cringeworthy in the first two books. In Heart on fire they were insufferable.
They have sex in the worst possible moments.
They talk and argue about their feelings instead of planning for the war.
Cat says 2347 times that if it weren't for Griffin, she'd be nothing. Just no. No no no no no no.
I just can't stand them together. Taken individually, I like Cat and I hate Griffin.
IN CONCLUSION:
The only reason I decided to give Heart on fire two stars instead of one is that I love the Beta team (minus Cat and Griffin) with all my heart, the greek mythology is amazing, I love Ares and Persephone and I really liked Cat and Carver's scene.
But the rest was a mess.
At least I got an arc so I didn't waste money on the physical copy.
December 30, 2017
I completely loved it. I finished reading Heart on Fire and went right back and started a re-read of all three books in this series again. My only hope is that Bouchet continues this series and gives us closure for the few open plot lines for the side characters, I'm caught up with the what ifs and where would that plot direction go?
I received an ARC copy of Heart on Fire from SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca. This is my honest and voluntary review. Heart on Fire is set for publication Jan. 2, 2017.
My Rating: 5 stars
Written by: Amanda Bouchet
Series: The Kingmaker Chronicles
Sequence in Series: Book 3
Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publication Date: January 2, 2018
ISBN-10: 1492626074
ISBN-13: 978-1492626077
Genre: Romantic Fantasy
Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/hear...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Kingmake...
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hear...
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
I received an ARC copy of Heart on Fire from SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca. This is my honest and voluntary review. Heart on Fire is set for publication Jan. 2, 2017.
My Rating: 5 stars
Written by: Amanda Bouchet
Series: The Kingmaker Chronicles
Sequence in Series: Book 3
Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publication Date: January 2, 2018
ISBN-10: 1492626074
ISBN-13: 978-1492626077
Genre: Romantic Fantasy
Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/hear...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Kingmake...
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hear...
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
March 26, 2019
Don't like how this series ends. Really, this should not be the ending. But given that the author has moved on to other projects, not likely she's coming back to this one.
When a series ends, I expect most things to be "wrapped up" with maybe some "hope" for the future. But when there are many different threads still ongoing and unresolved (tho the MCs seem to be stable), I don't call this a good wrap. Makes me mad, actually. Like you bought and spend time and energy on something unfinished. Or half baked.
Very unsatisfying!!!
3 stars is for the snappy writing. That's all fine. But it dragged on. Didn't move along fast enough. A number of plots not sure why they were there (again, the unfinished point).
I'd give this 2.5 rounded to 3. Might not read more from this author.
When a series ends, I expect most things to be "wrapped up" with maybe some "hope" for the future. But when there are many different threads still ongoing and unresolved (tho the MCs seem to be stable), I don't call this a good wrap. Makes me mad, actually. Like you bought and spend time and energy on something unfinished. Or half baked.
Very unsatisfying!!!
3 stars is for the snappy writing. That's all fine. But it dragged on. Didn't move along fast enough. A number of plots not sure why they were there (again, the unfinished point).
I'd give this 2.5 rounded to 3. Might not read more from this author.
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