Breath of Fire (The Kingmaker Chronicles, 2) Paperback – January 3, 2017

In book two of the Kingmaker series, BREATH OF FIRE, Cat and Griffin have many challenges ahead including navigating their passionately intense yet still developing relationship. And now, Cat has a family she cares deeply about and wants to protect. She has been less than forthcoming with her personal history and as happens with secrets, “the truth will out.” Griffin is none too pleased when he discovers the cataclysmic secrets Cat has been keeping from him. Cat’s true identity as the Harbinger of the world puts her and all those she loves in danger as she and Griffin embrace and follow their destines for a united Thalyria. They undertake quite the epic journey beset by magical trials and feats of bravery as well as engaging in a heroic contest in a rival province that will test all of team Beta Sinta’s strength and bravery.Cat’s heinous upbringing with an abominable mother, who is around causing major trouble, creates a big learning curve in her relationship with Griffin. His ability to love her despite all she has seen and done astounds Cat as she believed herself unworthy of the love now so deeply rooted in her soul. Their relationship gives this book tremendous heart that balances well with all of the fierce action of the story. They undertake, thanks in part to the whims and pleasure of the gods, breathtaking adventures and quests. The bond Cat and Griffin forge is strong and unbreakable; they work together as equals in their missions as Griffin tells her: “You are the shield and I am the sword. Together, we’ll forge a new world.” Even though Cat and Griffin go through some dark and difficult times, their conversations are imbued with fun and humor to lighten the load.Amanda Bouchet makes magic by skillfully combing elements of Greek mythology with the modern day sensibilities of the challenges a woman faces being a leader among men as she did in the first book of the series, PROMISE OF FIRE. Each tale has all the ingredients of an exciting read including action, adventure, and romance: the perfect trifecta for readers of this genre. The characters have a depth and a quality that makes reading this series a true pleasure. I like characters who, despite their fears, step out in bravery knowing full well they face the ultimate sacrifice which is the true meaning of courage. Cat and Griffin have a long way to go with many challenges to face and battles to fight, but there is joy in the journey because love is the greatest power of all to shed light on the darkness and overcome evil.

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

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

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

The story continues. I was worried that this book wouldn't be as good as the first. Well it pretty much is. The characters are still as strong. Still a good read. But just how much can Cat survive? That's the only thing that bothered me. But still a great read. Loved the fast paced action. Again another world for me to escape to. Now for book 3!

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

Kleiner Hinweis für alle Leser, in die Bd. 1 genauso wie ich vor einer ganzen Weile gelesen haben und nicht mehr 100 % alle Details wissen: Bd 2 beginnt basierend auf einem Ereignis aus Bd. 1 und Griffin regt sich fürchterlich auf, Cat ist am Boden zerstört. Haltet durch, ihr kommt schnell wieder in diese Geschichte rein und alles klärt sich auf. Das Buch ist komplett flüssig geschrieben und super spannend. Ich konnte es nicht aus der Hand legen und jetzt muss ich leider leider ein ganzes Jahr warten bis Bd. 3 erscheint.