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A Promise of Fire
A Promise of Fire
A Promise of Fire
Audiobook14 hours

A Promise of Fire

Written by Amanda Bouchet

Narrated by Mia Barron

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

4/5

()

About this audiobook

KINGDOMS WILL RISE AND FALL FOR HER

Cat Fisa isn't who she pretends to be. She's perfectly content living disguised as a soothsayer in a traveling circus, avoiding the destiny the Gods—and her dangerous family—have saddled her with. As far as she's concerned, the magic humming within her blood can live and die with her.
She won't be a pawn in anyone's game.

But then she locks eyes with an ambitious warlord from the magic-deprived south and her illusion of safety is shattered forever.

Griffin knows Cat is the Kingmaker—the woman who divines truth through lies—and he wants her to be a powerful weapon for his newly conquered realm.

Kidnapping her off the street is simple enough but keeping her by his side is infuriatingly tough. Cat fights him at every turn, showing a ferocity of spirit that burns hot … and leaves him desperate for more. But can he ever hope to prove to his once-captive that he wants her there by his side
as his equal, his companion … and maybe someday, his Queen?
LanguageEnglish
Release dateAug 2, 2016
ISBN9781501931468
A Promise of Fire
Author

Amanda Bouchet

Amanda Bouchet is a USA Today bestselling author of Fantasy Romance and Sci-fi Romance. She was a Goodreads Choice Awards top 10 finalist for Best Debut in 2016. For more about Amanda’s books with equal parts adventure and kissing, connect with her at www.amandabouchet.com.

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Reviews for A Promise of Fire

Rating: 4.035612458119658 out of 5 stars
4/5

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  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    The book itself is the first in a trilogy, and is the best in trilogy. Amanda Bouchet really didn’t manage to do justice to the promise of this first volume in the other two books. I really like this book in and of itself. But this is a review of the Audiobook. This narrator is AWFUL. She doesn’t really understand the concept of narrating a story. Grated on my last nerves. Such a disappointment. I’m never going to listen to ANYtHING narrated by her if I can help it.

    3 people found this helpful

  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    The books are set in a land called Thalyria. It seems to be based largely on Ancient Greece, with Greek language, Greek Gods (who are real in this world), etc. Half the world is ice and half is desert, or so it seems. Magic is stronger in the regions with ice, and weaker in the regions without. Magic is might in this world…

    Our two primary characters are Cat and Griffin. Cat is hiding from her evil family, and has made a home with the circus. She is kidnapped by Griffin, who is a warlord who has recently taken control of one of the three Kingdoms in Thalyria. He wants Cat because she has the magic his family lacks.

    Cat takes a long time to warm up to Griffin and his team, but I felt that was understandable considering that he literally kidnapped her, put her in danger and made her leave the only people she loved. Yup, fair enough. They are good guys though, and she can’t help but warm to them. Sometimes she resents liking them, which feels like it fits the situation pretty well! I’ve read other reviews that say Cat is a bit whiny, but frankly, I would be too if I was treated the way she was!

    I never felt like the story dragged, even after reading all three books in the trilogy. It’s an epic adventure and story, and so it feels okay that it takes three books to tell it.

    There is an enormous amount of world building that has gone on behind the scenes, and the creatures (some are mythical creatures I’ve heard of, some aren’t), the gods, the secondary human characters, etc., are all well described and feel like integral parts of the story. You get enough scenery to picture the scene, but not so much that you feel the need to skip pages of description.

    There is plenty of action, and if you’re squeamish, it might squick you out a bit. Even the healing scenes can be pretty gory or squicky in their own right.

    The general plot of the story is obvious, but the story doesn’t feel predictable. So many things happen that I don’t expect, and things don’t go how I thought they were going to, and it all adds up to keep me interested and keep me turning the page.

    The romance between Cat and Griffin is secondary to what is an epic fantasy adventure story. But it’s there.

    The secondary characters are fantastic additions to the story, and Kato is a clear favourite. I’m not sure if that’s because he’s Cat’s favourite or mine. Ha ha!

    All in all, it’s a fascinating read, and I rated all three books in the trilogy a solid five stars. I recommend them to anyone who enjoys fantasy or epic adventure stories.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I don’t think I’ve liked a book more than this book.I found the female lead relatable and the progression of her story so effortlessly natural that I started falling in love. 100/10 would recommend!
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    This is a great story with good pacing. The only complaint I have is with the heroine and her resistance to Griffin. I understood it at the beginning but by midway through the book it just became redundant, dramatic and annoying. She really has no good reason for it and it made Griffin look like a fool. I mean, you’re gonna die to save this dude and then get pissed when he kisses you and you like it??? (this scenario occurs 999 times it feels like)
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    So I am glad i waited to review this book. Initially i would have rated it 5 stars but the more and more i think about it the more i just cant justify 5. I really liked the idea behind the book. It was well written and funny. The character Cat made me laugh. Sometimes shes all over the place and her inner dialog was enjoyable. The Beta Team was also enjoyable however i just didnt fall for Griffin. He was over bearing and seriously KIDNAPPED her and it's almost like she got Stockholm's syndrome. That being said it didnt feel quite so bad bc right off the bat she likes the guys, even if she keeps that info to herself. I enjoyed how mythology was interwoven into this book and the storyline behind it. If Griffin had been refined more, not such an overbearing you will do what I say alpha it would have been much better.
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    This is so dumb. Honestly within the first two minutes she says he has strong shoulders that had "no doubt been swinging a sword since before he could walk" um what sorry? You lost me.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    5th time reading/listening 2this series that should say it all♥️
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    It’s okay.

    I’ve read some other reviews and I understand that a lot of readers have a problem with the VERY dubious consent that happens and while I totally understand that, it wasn’t an issue for me. That being said TW: dubious consent, romanticizing domestic violence, and cutting/self-harm for healing purposes.

    My biggest issue is that this book doesn’t commit enough. Cat is supposed to be this tortured anti-hero but I just don’t believe it. Most of her inner musings and actions come across as whiny rather than fueled by past trauma. Her sarcasm is childish and her “evil” is mundane. She has all this power and all this skill with weapons but it’s just not all that believable. She’s a perfect killing machine and she gets snagged by a “magic rope?” Okay…
    Griffin is boring. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a big bad boy with violent tendencies and an obsessive streak a mile wide, but he just didn’t do it for me. This is the man that conquered a kingdom in a night? Mkay.
    I like the Greek mythology and the magic is well explained enough, but again, it just feels half-way done.

    What I did like is that this isn’t a YA fantasy romance. I’m thirty, I don’t want to read about teenagers having sex. There’s at least ten years between Cat and Griffin, but that’s still better than thousands of years like I’ve seen in most fantasy books.

    I’m not going to finish the series. I started the second book but I find myself rolling my eyes and I’m only three chapters in so that’s a DNF for me.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I was hooked start to finish. If you enjoy alpha males, enemies to lovers and ancient Greek mythology, then this will be your cup of tea.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    There's a lot to enjoy about this book. While the main character herself is well flushed out with an interesting backstory set of magical powers and abilities and a love interest, one of my favorite parts about the book is the supporting cast of characters. They are diverse, have depth, and as the character moves from place to place she doesn't discard them never to be heard from again like so often the case in a hero's journey.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Nice start to the series, Cat is funny and a bad ass a characteristic I love in a heroine. Griffin so far has been an excellent love interest for Cat, he seems to genuinely care for her and not just want her for the power that she brings to his kingdom. I'm interested in what Poseidon has in store for the couple. My best guess is that they'll unite the three realms under Sinta's non magic rule I love the setting, Greek mythology is very cool and a great way to build a world the reader can get involved in without the boring bits of exposition needed to build a world completely from scratch.

    “The Origin? You mean the first king of Thalyria?”
    “He was a God, remember. Zeus’s son. Half-Olympian,
    half-Titan. A combination of the old Gods and the new. Zeus
    created Thalyria for him.”

    The Origin’s demigod offspring, two
    sons and a daughter, turned on him. They beheaded him and
    then fell into war with each other, eventually splitting their
    father’s kingdom into three realms: Sinta, Tarva, and Fisa.”
  • Rating: 1 out of 5 stars
    1/5
    I want to preface this by saying that I'm generally not nitpicky about certain themes in books - I actually have an entire shelf of questionable bodice ripper historical romance novels that I secretly love. BUT reading this was super uncomfortable because of how casual the abuse was and how the reader was being led to assume that the main character, Cat, deserved it. As though she was the one being difficult and should feel grateful that she was kidnapped and drug around by a rope because ultimately it was for a good cause and she would get to be part of their "team" if she could just behave and stop fighting them and trying to escape. I am actually kind of surprised that so many people rated this so highly. I feel kind of icky after getting through as much of this as I did.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    As a fantasy it does alright. The world-building was pretty neat. As a romance it fails completely by throwing consent out the window almost from page 1. Griffin (the main male character) was just so incredibly unlikable. Despicable even. 3 stars for nice setting, some interesting non-romance plotlines and the greek mythology bits.

    1 person found this helpful

  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Highly enjoyed this books. I couldn’t put it down!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Fun, fast read. Although I did squirm some at the consent issues.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Super great read! I'd only say at times Cat's fear irreverent attitude could seem immature and annoy me. But, I loved her. No character needs to be perfect, but she was perfectly strong, charming, and funny.

    A great hero too...
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Issues but overall good I have read a few reviews that have issues with the kidnapping and I agree, consent is damned important, a god declaring that he's her prize for being good still isn't consent. However, overall the story drew me in and kept me reading and made me want more. Griffin is an interesting character and good foil to Cat (whose patron god, Poseidon, apparently gave him to her for healing). Maybe he should have put some effort into seduction then maybe, just maybe, things might have been a bit easier all round, though the sarky reaction to the kidnapping is entertaining. About eight years before the beginning of the story Cat ran away from her abusive, powerful family and joined the circus and now she reads fortunes. Sometimes she knows a little too much about what's going on with a person but she dismisses it as coincidence, mostly. She also can tell when you are lying. In a world with Magic users who have most of the power and the commons who are starting to question the world order, she is straddling both sides, not really interested in power but often forced to use it. Powerful enemies on all sides and she has to try to find the least worst. Despite issues I enjoyed the read, Cat is fun, even if she does protest a little too much occasionally. She also is deeply aware that she can't ignore the problems around her.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Weak fantasy but the 'gods' kept me going (Roman, I think) Character development was not great and plot could have done with tightening up. Still, ok read.
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    Eh. It was a fine palate cleanser. Don't go in with high expectations, though. The writing is so/so, there are a few plot holes, the metaphorical fire/ice thing doesn't really make sense, none of the big issues were really resolved, and the romantic lead is... forceful. I didn't think it was horrible, but there were a few times where he skated the edge of acceptable behavior.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    A Promise of Fire by Amanda BouchetAahahahaha. Brahabwah.Ok, it’s this sweeping epic fantasy world with lots of fighting, killing, torture, magic, dragons and castles. Not a basis for laughter. But it’s also a romance that’s entertaining strictly from the heroine’s point of view.Worldly in some ways, and naive in others, her inner dialog is hysterical. It’s her job now to teach the new royals how to behave. It’s a losing battle. She learns to trust and love.Epic magic use and an epic love story. Very engaging even though I do not typically care for these fantasy worlds of power struggles and high death tolls. Surprising myself, I will probably read more by this author. Excerpt: “His fingers dig into my shoulders. Growling a curse, he lets go and drags his bloody hands through his hair, slicking it back. “How?” “How what?” His eyes flash. A muscle bulges in his jaw. “How in the name of Gods did you get magic fangs?” He flings a hand and toward the fallen. I refuse to look. I think what he’s really asking is why I didn’t do this before, why I didn’t call on the gods weeks ago and murder him and his men in their sleep. I suppose I could have, if the Gods were listening, and one in particular. But since Poseidon has taken Beta Sinta under his trident, I doubt he would give me the means to kill him. And I don’t take murder lightly. Killer or be killed, OK but so far, the Sintans haven’t hurt me. “Who cares?” I shrug. “The kingmaker’s alive and bound by an unbreakable vow. Hooray for you. Congratulations to the lucky tyrant.” “Cat. Be reasonable.”Reasonable? Reasonable! “Don’t ask me about magic and gods, and I won’t ask you about warlords stuff.” My tone let him know just how insignificant ‘warlord stuff’ is in comparison to magic and Gods. Beta Sinta’s Data gray eyes flicker with irritation. Ha! Sort of. Annoying him wasn’t actually that satisfying.”Excerpt from A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet
  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    It’s difficult to even rate this book because I realize that I am not the target audience here. I was looking for a fantasy romance where the fantasy elements took center stage alongside the romance. Instead, I got a romance novel so over-the-top that I almost couldn’t finish it. A Promise of Fire has the kind of insta-lust that makes me roll my eyes so hard they may get stuck that way, with an alpha-male hero that makes my inner feminist cringe. Not to mention, the heroine is painfully immature. But, somehow, I managed to get through the whole book, and it wasn’t all bad.The highlight of this novel is its unique worldbuilding. Different and refreshing, the setting mashes together magic and mythology in fascinating ways. This outstanding creativity is a major part of what pulled me along and made me want to keep turning the page. I just wish the story had spent less time on the well-worn romance and more time exploring this complex, compelling fantasy world.Unfortunately, the plot was predictable, the “mystery” about the heroine's identity was obvious from the start, and the ending was completely anti-climactic. This is clearly just the setup to a series with multiple, important storylines left unresolved. As much as I’d love to learn more about the gods, the oracles, the magical creatures, and the ice plains, I will not be running out to read to the rest of the books. The romance was just too overpowering for me.In short, A Promise of Fire was not my thing. It was shelved in the romance section for a reason, and, to be fair, it is a great read if you like a little fantasy with your romance. But if, like me, you’re not really into insta-lust and overbearing, alpha-male heroes, then you’re going to have a hard time with this one. Two stars because the worldbuilding genuinely rocked and because I can easily see how romance readers could enjoy this, even if it’s not the book for me.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    An addictive read. One that I couldn't put down. A Promise of Fire is a beautiful way to start a series. The characters know how to handle themselves and I wanted to know what happens to them next. The characters had the feelings that I've known them for a few years and that they were friends.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    5 "Poseidon's Goddaughter, the Kingmaker" Stars for the story and narration.I gave this audiobook an A for the story and A- for the narration at: AudioGals*Narrated by Mia BarronFantasy and mythology romance lovers, do I have a treat for you! Somewhat of a cross between George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones and a grown-up version of Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series, A Promise of Fire adds a flare of romance to an intricately woven fantasy plot. This book, the debut of the Kingmaker Chronicles series, had me simply mesmerized. I could not put down my earphones, so I binge listened to this close to 15-hour book in a little less than two days. From the clever mythology-based setting, which was introduced in easily digestible, bite-sized increments that made understanding this world seamless, to the romantic tension between the spunky and powerful heroine and her loyal and alpha hero (yet comically named “Beta Sinta” because he’s the second in command of the realm of Sinta), not to mention the heroine’s snarky humor (as this book is written in the first person from the heroine’s point of view), this listen has something for every romance lover! Moreover, as if the captivating story is not enough to get you to listen, the narration by Mia Barron is also expertly done, making this a great choice to experience in audio format.The world in A Promise of Fire is made up of two basic kinds of people, those who have magic (the “Magoi”) and those who do not (“Hoi Polloi”). For many years, the three realms (Fisa, Tarva, and Sinta) have been ruled by people with magic, with the lands in North (Fisan lands) having the most power. However, in a revolution the realm of Sinta (which sits in the South) has been taken over by a non-magical family. Griffin, the hero of this story – and who appears to be the real person that is calling the shots, though he has put his older and extremely meek and gentle sister, Egeria, on the throne – is a part of the ruling family of the realm of Sinta. Although Griffin and his family have taken over the rule of Sinta with their incredible might and wit, Griffin knows that to keep the land he must find a powerful soothsayer to guide his family in ruling the kingdom and determining how to out maneuver the inevitable politics with the other realms (something that Hoi Polloi have no experience in). So, Griffin sets out on a mission to locate a powerful Magoi to fill this role. The woman he finds is none other than our heroine, Cat.See the full review at: AudioGals.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy.allthingsuf.comA PROMISE OF FIRE is Paranormal Romance with the sweet, freshness of YA, a traditional adventure with the snappy wit of Urban Fantasy. Hitting the sweet spot between so many already wonderful genres, this is a funny, sexy, un-put-downable book.Cat is ferocious and hilarious, and allowed to grow out of her prickly shell in an organic way. While she and Griffin buttheads and throw sparks from the get go, their chemistry is given room to build in a lovely way. This romance has the freshness of young love mixed with the passion and fire of two headstrong adults resisting compromise. In other words, a devastatingly sexy combination.Offering the slow burn of a YA romance with the satisfying consummation of an adult romance, A PROMISE OF FIRE fulfills a craving I didn't even know I had. Book one was exciting, sweet, and an enormous amount of fun, I can't wait to read more of this series. Sexual Content: Sex scenes.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Fantasy, Greek Gods, Snark, Magic and Romance, Strong Women, Hot Alpha Men, Complex World Building with Fantastic Characters you can’t help but connect to. What else could you want ? Nothing this book is a complete winner.I finished it with tingly butterfly feelings of happiness.Cat is a young woman hiding from her pasta and the future she dreads. She has abilities that made her a hot property, desired by many. She is my kind of woman, a complete smart aleck, educated, street smart, and she has powers, really great powers. She hides in the circus, blending in, in plain sight until one difficult warlord takes her freedom away.The difficult warlord, aka Griffin is and arrogant cut throat intelligent who has “Eyes like Poseidon's wrath-stormy, gray, intense- the kind of eyes that hold you there.” Oh yeah, he is one hot alpha man, and he’s got a need that must be met and Cat is the answer. That need is, read the book and find out. I’ll tell you there is more than one need.The side characters are almost as good as the main ones. Griffin’s men are all uniquely funny, sexy and fully developed. Then there are the gods and goddesses and mythical beasties, Medusa, Hades, Zeus, dragons, Cerberus and more.I will be sweating out waiting for the next book in the series. There was some serious stuff going down and I need know !Here are a few lines that I loved, they still make me chuckle.Cat-“The mace he carries tells me he’d rather bludgeon than slice. I get that. There’s something satisfying about whacking people over the head.”- How could I not love this character ?Cat-“Never n a billion suns. Not even if Zeus showed up as a swan and tried to peck me in your direction. I wouldn’t go with you even if my other option was Hades dragging me to the Underworld for an eternal threesome with persephone”1 like ·
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Fabulous!Wow! This has everything. Feisty mysterious heroine, powerful easy on the eyes warlord, fighting companionsCat (Catalia Fista) has secrets of her own. Gods are becoming involved with her destiny--bloodthirsty and brutal as it seems to be.Cat is a mystery. She is 'from the north of Fisa. Where magic is might.' Escaping an unforgiving and brutal childhood where siblings are raised to fight for what is there's to prove their strength and cunning. Brother is turned against sister. All for the lure of absolute power. Acting as a soothsayer in a circus she avoids drawing attention to herself. Cat has fought to escape her heritage but it looks like it's coming to claim her.Cat is of the magi. Holding and using magic is part of her very being.Yet with Griffin--a warlord from the south, she is finding something more.I'm hooked! I am having serious difficulties waiting for the next in the series. Bring it on, soon!A NetGalley ARC
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This one was a definite winner for me. I found a whole lot to like in this book. I thought that the blend of fantasy and romance was well done. I was sucked into this story right from the story and found the characters, the world, and the overall story to be fascinating. This was a really strong start to a new series.I loved the world that this book was set in right from the start. It started out feeling almost like a historical novel but it was quickly apparent that this was a completely different world. A world full of magic and danger. I couldn't get enough of the magic in this story. I loved how the world building continued throughout the book and by the end I had a really good feel for the entire realm.I loved the characters. Cat was amazing. She had a lot of spunk and I quickly figured out just how brave she really is. She is a clairvoyant but not just any clairvoyant - she is the Kingmaker. She has worked to hide what she is so that she can have control over her own life. It seemed that we learned a little bit more about Cat's powers with every chapter and I thought all of her abilities really made the book more interesting.Griffin was pretty awesome as well. Even though he has the power to be Alpha of his realm, he is happy to let that title fall to his sister while he assumes the role of Beta. He seemed to want to see strong but fair leadership in his realm instead of the usual tyrant ruler. He isn't perfect...I mean he does kind of kidnap Cat and everything.I liked Cat and Griffin together. The always seemed to have respect for each other and a level of trust. I really enjoyed their banter and the the chemistry between them. There were even a few rather steamy scenes that were very well done as well. I liked how they quickly became very protective of each other and how their actions really demonstrated their feelings.I would highly recommend this book to others. It does have a strong romance theme but any reader that enjoys a bit of romance along with their fantasy will enjoy this captivating read. This is the first book by Amanda Bouchet that I have had a chance to read but I am already eager to get my hands on the next on in this series.I received a copy of this book from Sourcebooks Casablanca via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I'm so mad at myself for reading A PROMISE OF FIRE early. Why? Because I LOVED it and now I have to wait even longer to continue the story with book two. January 2017 can't get here fast enough.Cat is a huge mystery at first, but slowly her layers are pealed away and her secrets are revealed. I didn't love Griffin at first. I didn't like that he basically kidnapped Cat and held her against her will for his own gain. Slowly you start to see who he really is and there is definitely more to his decisions than appear.The romance is an important part of A PROMISE OF FIRE, but it's more of a dessert, the characters and storyline are the main course. Griffin's Beta team quickly became an essential part of the story and I loved the way Cat became part of their team. I loved the way everyone interacted even during the tough times.The world is well written, I felt like I was in the world as the story was told. I have so much more to say, but I don't want to ruin anything for you.As I said, I loved A PROMISE OF FIRE and I am very excited to see where Amanda Bouchet takes Cat and this story next. Crossing my fingers that I will get my hands on an advanced copy of BREATH OF FIRE.* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Amanda Bouchet A PROMISE OF FIRE is an amazing start to the Kingmaker Chronicles. This adult fantasy was captivating from start to finish. Catalia "Cat" Fisa has been in hiding. She is a rare clairvoyant who only emerges once every two hundred years known as the Kingmaker. She is captured by a warlord, Griffin, who intends to use her talent to help his recently conquered realm of Sinta in the south.I loved this story. Cat is a fantastic and complex heroine. She had a horrible childhood. She is strong mentally and magically. She is a good individual despite her upbringing. Griffin is an honorable warlord. He is a skilled warrior with a talent of his own. Cat and Griffin love to squabble and have great chemistry.The plot was interesting and had lots of twists. The magical versus non-magical issues are fascinating. I love that the Greek gods are part of this story. The story is mysterious and full of action and conspiracy. I cannot wait for book two, BREATH OF FIRE.Complimentary copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This was an amazing epic fantasy and wonderful start to a new trilogy. Cat has fled her home after a childhood of abuse and torture and has made a new life for herself in a circus. She is a soothsayer but she had picked up a lot of other skills too. When she catches the eye of Griffin who is Beta Sinta, second in command of Sinta, he first sees her for what she can do for his country.Cat doesn't want to leave her hiding place in the circus but he forces her to go with him. In fact, he binds her to him with a magical rope that doesn't let her get more than four feet away from him. Griffin is part of the Hoi Polloi who gathered an army of those like him and overthrew the Magoi who were previously in charge of the country. Now he faces threats from both the other Magoi in the country and from outside forces who just assume that a Hoi Polloi ruler can't keep a country.Cat, being out of her safe hiding place, has also drawn the attention of Andromeda, the Alpha Fisa, who wants to use her skills and control her. Cat gradually displays a number of magical skills besides her soothsaying. She is the legendary Kingmaker who can tell truth from lies. She can also make herself invisible, suck magic from other magic users and gain their powers briefly, and heal from major injuries.The worlds are controlled by the gods of the Greek pantheon and Cat is a special favorite of Poseidon who is her father. Hades and even Zeus also take an interest in her. There is some sort of prophecy that she is trying to outrun. The gods have thrown her into the path of Griffin and together they are destined to bring great changes to their world. But Cat doesn't want to trust him because she knows that Alpha Fisa will kill anyone that Cat cares about. Griffin is just as stubborn as Cat and he is determined that they will have a future together. I can't wait to read the next two books in this trilogy. I love Cat's snarky viewpoint and her character which is a finely balanced combination of fear and strength.