Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Breath of Fire by Amanda Bouchet Narrator: Mia Barron
Series: Kingmaker Chronicles #2
Published by Recorded Books on January 3, 2017
Genres: Fantasy Romance
Length: 15 hours, 21 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Goodreads
Audible
HE'S DESTINED TO DESTROY THE WORLD...
"Cat" Catalia Fisa has been running from her destiny since she could crawl. But now, her newfound loved ones are caught between the shadow of Cat's tortured past and the threat of her world-shattering future. So what's a girl to do when she knows it's her fate to be the harbinger of doom? Everything in her power.BUT NOT IF SHE CAN HELP IT
Griffin knows Cat is destined to change the world-for the better. As the realms are descending into all-out war, Cat and Griffin must embrace their fate together. Gods willing, they will emerge side-by-side in the heart of their future kingdom...or not at all.
The first book in the Kingmaker Chronicles series, was quite the sensation. I reviewed Promise of Fire on audio and was excited for more. Then Jennifer had real trouble with Breath of Fire. But when the audio was available, I had some mixed feelings. But I loved the mythology, gods and creatures. I wanted to see what happened with the characters. The politics and battles were a suspenseful mystery.
Perhaps being on audio, it was easy for me to get absorbed and enjoy. Mia Barron really infuses emotion into the story. I noticed the distinct character voices without it being a distraction. I did listen at 1.25 speed, which was a first for me. I had never tried a different speed and it was a fit.
Cat was my problem. In the first book, she was childish. I have a disconnect between the constant reminders she grew up being tortured and suffering and fighting to survive. Now, she wants to hide. I guess it makes some sense since she missed having a real childhood. But I’m tired of her self-indulgence which borders on being whiny. There is also an overabundance of sexy thoughts and sexy times here, which is incongruous
Many aspects I loved did continue. There was growth in the mythology, politics and battles. Cat grew as a character infinitesimally. Her compassion for others and willingness to fight for her team is still heart-warming. She continues to move forward on her HEA. I want to see her take on dear old Mom in the next round, Heart on Fire, available January 2, 2018.
About Mia Barron
Mia Barron is a theater, film and television actress. Her stage credits include Springtime for Henry and Heartbreak House, She Stoops to Comedy and Hedda Gabler. She was recently in 27 Dresses with Katherine Heigl, and also has a recurring role as the voice of Molotov in the cartoon network’s The Venture Brothers.
About Amanda Bouchet
Amanda 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. Drawing on her Greek heritage for the setting and on her love of all things daring and romantic for the rest, her debut trilogy, The Kingmaker Chronicles, took form. She writes what she loves to read: epic exploits, steamy romance, and characters that make you laugh and cry.
A French master’s graduate and former English teacher, Amanda lives in Paris, France. She met her husband while studying abroad, and the family now includes two bilingual children who will soon be correcting her French.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- Anne: 2017 Audiobook Challenge
- Anne: 2017 New Release Challenge
I think the whole first chapter needed to be axed but agree this wasn’t nearly as strong.
yes. It will be interesting to see how the third book plays out.
I really enjoyed the first book! I might give this one another try after the 3rd (and last) is released. I may do a reread of book 1 and maybe my mood will be better.
There were some parts which were harder to read, *eye roll* But I just ignored those and enjoyed the overall story.
Whiny characters can kill a book’s momentum quickly. I’m glad to see overall though it was still a good read for you. I have both of the books on my Kindle so I need to get cracking on them.
I hope you enjoy the third book when you get a chance to read/listen to it!
stephanie – I always appreciate character growth and I will be especially appreciative of it here. I am enjoying the world, the characters and the action of the story. I just have a few issue with the main character / POV.