Last Updated on January 1, 2023 by ThoughtsStained
Breath of Fire by Amanda Bouchet was a whirlwind and in the best way.
I really enjoyed the first book of the trilogy, A Promise of Fire. Which I embarrassedly started reading without realizing it was a romance. It did make for a really fun surprise. This time around, I was ready to witness the romance between the couple I’d come to adore so much.
And then I read the first chapter.
Slight spoilers abound.
Book Info

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca | Release Date: January 2017 | Pages: 432
Age Range: Adult | Genre: Romance | Format: Paperback | Source: Borrowed
SHE’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.
On the Page
Referenced
Minor
Content warnings are written up by me, unless specified. Subject to being an incomplete list, though guided by referencing this list and trying to highlight as many as I can identify.

Review
Likes
- I’m one of those readers of romance who absolutely hates it when the main couple has any sort of conflict whatsoever. Especially considering, for so long, I read romance novels to fill a void in my own, non-existent love life (I know, sad, but true), when the couple fought or reach that “threatening-conflict” stage, I always hated that part; because dammit, if my love life was going to suck, at least let me pretend to be in love with X dashing character without having that love threatened! So, naturally, when I started reading Breath of Fire, my stomach immediately twisted in knots and I was completely unprepared to go deal with that kind of conflict in the first chapter.
- Just as I was equally unprepared to deal with what happened in chapters two and three. Let’s just say that reading those (and other sections) while sitting at work was probably not the best move. Flushed face. Accelerated breath. Chills everywhere. Amongst other things. I’m sure you’re catching my drift, here. This is a romance, after all.
- Though that balance and blend between both plots is probably my favorite aspect of the book, there are so many other aspects I adore, as well. Griffon. The incorporation of mythology. Griffon. The banter between everyone in Alpha Sinta. Griffon. The growing familiarity we get of Griffon’s family and Cat’s association (and role) with them. Griffon. The little bits of humor slipped in, especially in terms of word play or the style that the book was written. Griffon. The way that Cat overthinks like I do, making her so relatable. Have I mentioned I also have a major crush on Griffon?
Dislikes
- I will say that although I enjoyed this book thoroughly, I did find some moments a bit cheesy and sometimes, I thought the dialogue between Cat and Griffon to be a bit…much (then again, I’ve never had a man love me that much, so maybe I’m just inexperienced).
Rating

I thought Breathe of Fire was a strong follow up to an already really strong debut. I’m jazzed for the final book, Heart of Fire, to come out in January. And I’m pretty sure I’ll be looking up Bouchet’s next series after this one. You should check these out if you’re a fan of the romance genre!

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