Breath of Fire (Kingmaker Chronicles, #2) by Amanda Bouchet

Title: Breath of Fire (The Kingmaker Chronicles)
Classification:  Adult Fiction
Genre:  Fantasy
Series: The Kingmaker Chronicles (Book 2)
Format: Paperback; 448 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (January 3, 2017)
ISBN-10: 149262604X
ISBN-13: 978-1492626046
Author's Website: http://amandabouchet.com/
Notes: I borrowed the book from my local library.


The kingdom of Thalyria is about to be changed, forever, or at least it will if Griffin, the Sinta Beta, has anything to say about it. The kingdom is currently divided into three realms and Griffin wants them all to be united under the Hoi Polloi rule. A power play is about to go down and Catalia 'Cat' Andromeda Eileithyia Fisa (aka the Kingmaker) is the one to watch. If anyone can make it happen it's her--the lost princess of Fisa, a woman who finds allies and enemies wherever she goes.

This is the second book of the Kingmaker Chronicles Trilogy and I highly recommend you read the first book before this one. For one, it's awesome. Two, it's action packed with a lot going on. And finally, three, there is a lot to take in and you might feel a touch lost if you don't read 'A Promise of Fire' first.

This story begins where the last book left off. Cat is recovering from a near fatal attack. We found out in the last book that Cat can tell when a lie is told, can turn invisible at will, and can steal the magic from almost any other individual. I'm a little curious if it is all of these traits which make her the "Kingmaker" or if it's just her ability to identify lies. I'm guessing it's just the latter.

Cat's secret identity is finally revealed and Griffin is not happy. Oddly, I thought he already knew who Cat was. Let me just say he lost a few brownie points with his reaction. It proved Cat had good reason to keep her family ties a secret. I find it amusing that Griffin's family is like the 'day' to Cat's 'night' version of family. The two are so completely different that it's no wonder Cat is drawn to them. It's the family she's never had but always wanted.

In this book we see Griffin's plan to takeover Thalyria begin to take shape. Securing the borders of Sinta is a top priority and Cat has and idea of how to go about it. The knowledge she gained under her mother's heavy hand will be put to good use and help Griffin achieve his goal. Cat is the key to everything and in this book she finally comes into her own. Plus, the relationship between Griffin and Cat finally starts to solidify.

I couldn't help but give this one 5 out of 5 roses. Ms. Bouchet let the momentum of the first book carry through into this one. She breaks down the story arc into three neat and tidy segments (aka books) with each one leaving you feeling satisfied, but ultimately wanting more. I loved watching these two grow as a couple and seeing Cat become who she was always meant to be. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a SHOWER rating--a cold shower is necessary (need I say more?). Some books should come with a warning - make sure your significant other is handy or your shower is in working order. lol This series is definitely going on my keeper shelf. It's just that good.

The order of the Kingmaker Chronicles: