Title: A Promise of Fire
Author: Amanda Bouchet
Published: August 2nd 2016 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
Kingmaker Chronicles #1
Catalia "Cat" Fisa is a powerful clairvoyant known as the Kingmaker. This smart-mouthed soothsayer has no interest in her powers and would much rather fly under the radar, far from the clutches of her homicidal mother. But when an ambitious warlord captures her, she may not have a choice…
Griffin is intent on bringing peace to his newly conquered realm in the magic-deprived south. When he discovers Cat is the Kingmaker, he abducts her. But Cat will do everything in her power to avoid her dangerous destiny and battle her captor at every turn. Although up for the battle, Griffin would prefer for Cat to help his people willingly, and he's ready to do whatever it takes to coax her…even if that means falling in love with her.
I had actually meant to read A Promise of Fire a while ago and then it somehow got lost in the shuffle. I’m grateful I waited though because I loved it and fortunately now I don’t have to wait for the second book. What an amazing all consuming fantasy romance.
The story is told in the point of view of Cat, it’s solely in her view so we don’t get inside the other characters heads. I really liked it this way and the fact that we never know what Griffin is thinking. It adds another layer. Cat is such a great main character because she is strong and saucy. She has been abused and tortured and finally escaped to adopted family of the Circus. She grows as the plot develops and doesn't just instantly open up because she meets this hunky warlord. She actually despises him in the beginning half and her only thoughts are on how to kill him. She is hoarding many secrets that she does not want to get out.
Griffin is a warlord who conquered a kingdom with his eyes closed...practically anyway. As the story progresses we find out exactly how Griffin managed this and what is true character is. He sets out to rule with kindness and prosperity for all. One of the key things about Griffin, Beta Sinta, and his family is that they possess no magic. Unlike the royals of all the other kingdoms. Which upsets what is considered to be the balance of power.
I loved the plot and the world building. Although most of the story takes place in the Southern region, as they head for the Sinta Castle. Cat educates her captors about the other regions. Being she is appalled by how little they know and what they have gotten themselves into. She also starts to see each member of the Beta Team for who they are as people rather than just another enemy. This is what causes her feelings for Griffin to gradually change. Although it is with much effort, especially on his part. There are just so many interesting things about the magic system and the politics of each kingdom.
This is a great fantasy romance and I felt that the writing was pretty flawless. I never felt like the pace was too slow or dragging. There was the right balance of action and down time. All the characters are great and interesting. The ending resolves some things but also leaves you anticipating the next book.
If you enjoy fantasy romance books. I would say definitely pick this one up.