Beneath the Burning Sea

Kingmaker Chronicles #5

by Amanda Bouchet

SHE'LL BURN BRIGHT ENOUGH TO RIVAL GODS

Separated from everyone they know and love, sworn warriors (and warring allies) Bellanca and Carver are on a gods-given travel to the famed realm of Atlantis, fight through every danger that awaits them, and find the Shard of Olympus in order to end Atlantis's generations-long magical punishment—all in Zeus's name.

Zeus needs an army if he has any hope of stopping Olympus's bloody coup, and headstrong fire Magoi Bellanca knows it's her duty to deliver one no matter the cost…to herself, to her own growing magic, or to the man she's come to desire with all the flames in her heart.

He left everything behind in order to guard her back as she faces down her destiny, and Carver swears that together, they can overcome any obstacle. But finding the shard is no easy task, and it's not long before Bellanca and Carver are dragged into the center of a deadly game of gods…one not even their combined hearts may be strong enough to survive.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Romantasy, Adult, Magic, Mythology

528 pages, Paperback

First published May 27, 2025

About the author

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. She writes what she loves to read: epic exploits, steamy romance, and characters that make you laugh and cry.

Amanda is a USA Today bestselling author of fantasy romance and space opera romance. She was a Goodreads Choice Awards top 10 finalist for Best Debut in 2016 with her first novel, A Promise of Fire.

For more about Amanda's books with equal parts adventure and kissing, connect with her online: www.amandabouchet.com

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Reviews

[Lis ~Cheese Fairy~ · Rating 2 out of 5]

✴︎ 2, WWE smackdown: fire mage and fish bowl compete in the olympiomachy brawl, stars ✴︎

This one stings, and I imagine it’ll be a lingering sore book subject. I’ve been waiting for Carver and Bel’s story since Heart of Fire came out in 2022. All that time, and this is what I get. I’m baffled by the amount of filler and how little actually happened. The first 22% is dull. I don’t know if I’ve ever read a book that started off with filler. A totally strange AND unenjoyable beginning. Things slightly picked up after that, but honestly this was bland, dim, and uninspiring. Really really bummed. While I haven’t loved every book in this series, I felt confident that Beneath the Burning Sea would be a winner. Bel has been my favorite series character, and I so wanted to watch Carver fall in love. That said, what an anticlimactic way for this story to burn out. Honestly, my 2 stars is probably for sentimental reasons. This just wasn’t good, but I’m not mentally prepared to go lower.

**Doing a reread with the previous books. Edited to add my Heart on Fire is from 2018. 2018!! I waited even longer than I thought. 😭😭

[Betül · Rating 4 out of 5]

**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**

I’m so happy Amanda Bouchet is back in this world—Beneath the Burning Sea is a fantastic addition to one of my all-time favorite romantasy series. This book has everything I love: mythology, magic, sizzling chemistry, and a romance that builds perfectly from friends to lovers.

Bellanca and Carver are total powerhouses—both strong in their own right but even better together. Bell is fierce, independent, and on fire (literally and emotionally), while Carver is the kind of steady, selfless hero that just does it for me. Their banter had me smiling, and their relationship development felt earned and satisfying.

The plot is original and intriguing, with a solid balance of action, romance, and fantasy. The mythology continues to be one of the standout elements of the series, and I loved exploring more of this world (Atlantis!) alongside two characters I could genuinely root for.

That said, I did find myself skimming through the last quarter a bit—it lost a bit of steam for me toward the end—but overall, it was still a great ride. The side characters added so much, and the emotional connection I felt to the leads really carried the story.

If you’re a fan of the Kingmaker Chronicles, don’t miss this one. It’s everything you’d want from a return to this world, and then some. Fingers crossed there’s more to come!

[James McRay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second of three ‘side-character’ books stemming from the Kingmaker Chronicles’ original trilogy. There is a backstory to Bellanca and Carver’s relationship which is fleshed out in Book 4, A Curse of Queens. I’d recommend at least reading that book before BtBS; but the original trilogy, starting with A Promise of Fire, is awesome, so go read that too!

I think I can best help us all if I set up this review in what I liked, and what I didn’t like. But first a primer: Beneath the Burning Sea picks up with Persephone sending fire-magic wielding Bellanca on a one-way trip to Atlantis to restore magic to the lost mythical land. Tagging along with Bellanca, of his own free will mind you, is Bel’s destined love interest, Carver. Action, romance, and adventure ensues.

WHAT I LIKED
. Bellanca’s Bel Badassery (trademark pending). New favorite character in the entire series, by a lot. (Sorry, Cat.) Bellanca gives new definition to the phrase, “Fiery Redhead.”
. Bel and Carver’s “antagonistic” banter. Quote marks intentional because the sexy sparks between the two MCs drives the romance. It’s a delightful love/hate, with compliments to Bouchet’s craft.
. The lost city of Atlantis. Bouchet gives the classic mythological lost city her own spin that fits well in her worldbuilding but also offers a unique take on the well-trod tale.
. So. Much. Greek Mythology. Throughout the series, the author backs up the truck and unloads every mythical creature and Greek god ever mentioned. Some cool magical water creatures in this one, including Ichthyocentaurs and Nereids. (Right?) Anyone with an interest in Greek Mythology will love this book and entire series.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
. The pacing of the romance. Bouchet loves a slow-burn romance and that’s great. I enjoyed Bel and Carver’s love turnaround more than Jocasta and Flynn’s in the last book, but it could have been tightened up still. I know the author wants to make the consummation of the romance epic, but it really didn’t need to cover three chapters.
. The pacing of the plot. Cool action scenes interspersed with long stretches of talking. Character development is important, but a few chapters could have been condensed or eliminated.

Overall, Beneath the Burning Sea is a solid 4-star Romantasy adventure. I really do love this series, and I’m looking forward to Bouchet’s unique take on the Underworld in the third side-character book which features fallen Beta Team member, Kato.

[Mindy Lou's Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was awesome! I love this world and reading about all these warriors. Bel was amazing. I love how it was Carver who backed her up instead of the other way around. If you love a woman who can kick some serious butt, you’ll love Bel. And even though Carver was in a support role, he was no beta. He’s strong, a warrior in his own right, and protective even though Bel could handle her own. Even though this featured a different couple from the last book, I highly recommend reading this series in order. Too much has happened in the previous books that connects to this book. It’s worth the investment!

[Georgia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Gods.

This book. ZERO NOTES. I loved every minute of this book!

Book 5 in the Kingmaker Chronicles, this time following Carver and Bellanca as they worked to bring magic back to Atlantis and stop the impending war of the Olympian Gods.

Ok ok first thing first. The plot really interested me in this book! So many questions got answered in this book and I actually really enjoyed the reveal of the true villain of this story. It felt really unique, particularly with Greek Mythology inspired fantasy books.

But my gods guys…THE YEARNING, the TENSION, the BANTER in this book had me absolutely feral. The “will they? Won’t they?” Was like torture!! After a few books with Carver and Bellanca as side characters, spending the entire book with just the two of them was perfection. I was curious to see if any other characters from the original trilogy showed up and got all warm and fuzzy whenever they were mentioned.

I could go on and on about this book but you are better to just read it yourself! What are you waiting for? Hurry up and go!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so glad Bellanca and Carver finally got a book!!! I loved Bellanca in the original trilogy and I was so excited to see the two of them realize their feelings for each other.

This book did seem a little slower paced than some of the others in the series, but I think a lot of that comes down to the fact that it was taking place in a new world with new characters and new history. It took Bellanca and Carver a little while to figure out where they fit in this world and what their next steps were supposed to be, but once it got started it really took off.

There was a really nice blend of character development, plot, adventure, action, and romance in this book. Carver and Bellanca are both incredibly strong characters on their own, but they're even stronger together, and it was so nice to see them open up to each other.

I will say the ending wasn't totally my favourite with how the final conflict played out, but a lot of the smaller things I was hoping would happen did actually happen, and I am excited to see where the story goes next

*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Ilene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fans who have been waiting for Carver and Bel's story will be clamoring for this book! Their story is everything fans could have hoped for. Filled with Bel's snarkiness and Carver's unwavering love for her. Set up with an almost impossible task it will take them working together to take down their enemies in hopes of taking their fated places as rulers of Atlantis. Bouchet delivers on all fronts here: adventure, fantasy and of course romance. The tension between Carver and Bel is unmatched. A five star addition to the series!

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bitch what?!?!?! I am SAT 🧎🏼‍♀️

[Jillsbooknook · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“...I haven’t wanted to spend a day without you since the moment we met…All I wanted to do is fight you, tease you, best you, infuriate you until you burst into flames, because then I actually felt something. Like I was alive again…”

Beneath the Burning Sea is the fifth instalment in the adult romantasy series, Kingmaker Chronicles. The first three books are a trilogy following a couple with that latest two being spin off following characters we know and love. It is recommended to read in order. Written in dual third person POV, the story follows Bel and Carver as they find themselves in a new world with a gods-given mission. In Atlantis where magic has been lost, they must find the Shard of Olympus to revitalise the world in Zeus' name and bring him an army. Yet this mission will be far from easy with a looming coup threatening Zeus and a realm bent on destroying them. As Bel and Carver find themselves relying on each other more than ever the connection between them grows...but can their combined hearts fight the game of gods or will they themselves be lost in the flames?

Bel and Carver are just EVERYTHING!

Bel is determined to show her strength as a fire Magoi and I loved her passion and focus. She truly believes in her duty and she is willing to risk everything for it. She struggles with her feelings for Carver but as time progresses the intensity is PERFECTION. Meanwhile Carver is in love even when he doesn't know it yet. He gave up his own world and family to stand by Bel's sides and their bickering and teasing shows just how in-tune these two are with each other. Together they compliment each other so well and I loved every minute of their banter and quest.

“This has been in the making since the day we met. You must know that. What are you afraid of? Tell me, and we’ll figure it out. Or tell me I’m wrong…”

In terms of spice this book is 2 spicy peppers out of 5 spicy peppers. The romance has an instant connection. These are characters who have been close prior to this book but they hadn't ever considered more. They have powerful chemistry from the beginning and it was absolutely amazing to watch to shift to something more. Spice does not occur until the later second half of the book because these characters have a lot to do with a quest and the threats of gods and monsters. When we get to spice it is detailed and romantic. I liked how passionate it was because this connection has been simmering for AWHILE. It was the cherry on top to a relationship that built beautifully with each tease, sharp reply, and fight to protect each other.

The story is primarily focused on completing a mission but it quickly becomes so much more with the conflict of the gods hanging over their heads, the cruel king they need to take down, and Bel trying to better understand her magic. There is plenty of action to keep you on your toes with fights, heists, and take downs while also still getting those quests that allow us to engage with mythological creatures and explore the world. Bel and Carver draw you in from start to finish and I loved their journey together and apart. There are twists and turns to help us figure out why there is a coup against Zeus as well as what is going on in Atlantis. The ending ramps up to this really big moment and the falling action is so satisfying alongside the epilogue that really brought closure to this story. I could not put this book down from start to finish.

Overall, if you love romantasy and/or Amanda Bouchet this book is exactly what you want. Powerful romance and epic quests make this an engaging story that I will read again and again.

Thank you so much to the author and publisher for this arc!

[Melissasfandomworld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall enjoyment! (book 1-3 remain my favorites though). The combination of action/Greek mythologie and lore/romance is always so well executed by Amanda (she gives it her own spin so its not a retelling of Greek mythology per se, but the elements/characters and such she uses are a lot of fun to see woven into it all. These are those kind of stories of which I'll never get enough. It reminds me a bit of Rick Riordan's story telling but then added with spicy romance/adult themes. At the end, some things 'come together' that has been present throughout the entire series and I really loved that. It was wholesome. There's also enough left 'open', enough possibilities left to explore more of this world and I really hope that's the case in the future; that there's more to come. I would love some books with the Gods' pov's for example, that would be absolutely awesome. And regarding some developments in this book, I'd also love to get a story set in the Underworld among other things. For now, I'm satiated again for a while but I'm really hoping there's more to come in the future.

[Elizabeth Wagner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series is so back and forth for me - I like the characters and overall world/plot, but some parts drag. I was primarily disappointed in Bellanca’s character development and her softening so quickly. I think if it had been outlined differently, it could have worked, but instead it felt like a huge shift, and “I guess this place changed me” was the quick explanation. I did enjoy her and Carver’s banter and how the story came together.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I kept wondering why I wasn't making any actual progress on this despite reading it a lot and then I looked at the page count. Anyway, I liked this a lot more than book four! The couple was more my speed. Curious if there will be more? It ended at a pretty reasonable place for the series.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily a five star read! I was so happy to be back in this world and didn’t want this book to end. This book follows Bellanca and Carver and I’ve been dying to read their story and it did not disappoint. The tension and banter between them was perfect and I loved getting to see a new part of this world.

Amanda could write a hundred books set in this world, and I would read them. I feel like there are so many more stories from this world that could be told, especially after reading that last chapter, and I hope we get them!

Thank you so much Sourcebooks Casablanca for sending me a physical ARC of this book.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Romance / Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4

*Thoughts*

Beneath the Burning Sea is the 5th installment in author Amanda Bouchet's Kingmaker Chronicles series. This series mixes Greek Mythology with Romance. The novel follows sworn warriors and reluctant allies Bellanca and Carver, who are on a divine mission from Zeus to Atlantis to retrieve the Shard of Olympus, a quest that could end Atlantis’s magical curse and bolster Zeus’s forces against a looming Olympian coup and a War between Gods. The couple knows they may never see their friends or family again because a war is brewing on Mount Olympus, and if they fail, the world loses.

*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*

https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...

[FV Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally posted at https://smexybooks.com/2025/05/review...

It’s been a long time coming, but finally Bellanca and Carver’s story is here!

This world began in 2016 with Cat and Griffin. The original trilogy followed the same main characters and introduced this world of mythology and magic. I was satisfied with the wrap-up of the original plot arc, but did wonder if my beloved secondary characters would also receive their own happily-ever-after. So, I was thrilled in 2022 to discover that yes, Finn, Carver, Jocasta, and Bellanca (and Kato?) would get their own books. It must be said that this series should definitely be read in order. I absolutely do not recommend reading Beneath the Burning Sea as a standalone.

After the events of A Curse of Queens, Bel and Carver have taken on a task from Zeus and agreed to journey to Atlantis and find the Shard of Olympus to restore magic to the land and end their punishment. They might never see their loved ones again, but when given a task by a god, you accept. Bel and Carver have long been adversarial allies, always sniping and verbally poking each other. But they are also steadfastly united in this dangerous mission. Now posing as husband and wife, Bel working at a family-owned restaurant and Carver joining the palace guard, they must find all the clues to the location of the Shard, while also flying under the radar of the current king of Atlantis.

Atlantis is a cruel place where women are second class citizens, and the king is willing to make a human sacrifice a day in his own quest to bring magic back to his island. Bel and Carver quickly realize they are not just up against a murderous tyrant but are also in the middle of a war of the gods.

I’ve been looking forward this story for a while. There is something about two strong personalities, who regularly argue and squabble having each other’s backs and falling in love in the midst of an epic battle. These two have been through it all, and saved each other’s lives numerous times, but that was while surrounded by their allies and friends. Now they are alone and have only each other to rely on. Bel is a royal with incredibly strong fire magic and Carver a magicless warrior, but they make a powerful team who are completely aware of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Their journey to coupledom has been several books in the making but ended up being well worth the wait as they finally realize what they mean to each other.

I think I’ve been reading so much romantic fantasy lately because I crave an escape from real life. I need the magic; I need the heroes to battle against the odds and come out on top. I need the action scenes and perilous journeys. This book has all of that and more. I really enjoyed how this author has taken well known mythology and integrated it into a whole new world.

For those of you wondering, there is a hint at the end to the next book in the series. I’m not saying Kato is about to find his own HEA, but I’m not not saying it either. I think a journey to the underworld is just what this series needs.

Final grade- B+

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I pick up a book from this series, I am reminded how much I love this world! I’ve been waiting a while for Bellanca and Carver’s story, and I am so happy to say it did not disappoint! This might be my favorite of the series so far! Last we saw Bel and Carver’s, they accepted a mission to travel to Atlantis knowing they may never see their loved ones again. Their mission for Zeus sounds simple enough but it is anything but. They must find the Shard of Olympus and restore Atlantis’s magic. Atlantis has been cursed for a long time now and is ruled by a king who is terrible in his quest to restore his own magic. Together, Bel and Carver will face other gods, magical creatures, and those standing on their way to restore Atlantis. They are the leaders Atlantis deserves and they will do whatever they can to protect the people. Because even so far from their home, Atlantis feels like home too. Especially when they are together. This story had it all! I loved Bel and Carter’s journey to this happily ever after. We’ve patiently waited for these two figure out exactly who they are to one another. And again, did not disappoint when they finally let it happen. We also have some epic battles of magic and magical creatures. And a war between the Olympian gods that is unforgettable and changes just about everything. I just couldn’t put this story down! I always love coming back to this world. And I really hope we will get more stories! There is so much left to tell.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Anne - Books of My Heart · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
 

Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

3,5 hearts

I read the trilogy which started the Kingmaker Chronicles series.   Cat and Griffin were the main characters there.   Now we are getting stories from the rest of Team Alpha.  I enjoyed the mythology, gods and creatures. I wanted to see what happened with the characters. In the novella, Of Fate & Fire, we learn about what happens with Piers, and in A Curse of Queens, we get the story of Jocasta and Flynn.
Beneath the Burning Sea takes us along with Carver and Bellanca to Atlantis. I think I remember them whisked off at the end of another book.  They try to fit in to learn more for their mission.  Bellanca works in a pub and makes friends with some co-workers.  The society is very misogynistic so Carver has to come to pick up her and her wages and walk her home.  Carver is working in the military guard.

They try to look around on their days off but aren't getting very far.  Carver needs to get into the palace unit so he can gather information on the King Eyrx and hear any prophecies from his oracle Cleito.  Instead, he tries to protect from a beating and that doesn't go well. They do get leads from the whole debacle.

Bellanca is there to take down the King and bring magic back to Atlantis ending the Punishment.  Someone is against Zeus and getting in her way.  They eventually figure it out.  Along with this plot, is the growing romance of Carver and Bellanca.  They "fake" being a married couple which eventually becomes real.  They both have serious traumas in their pasts to work through.  But they always support each other in the mission.

I found everything kind of slow developing for the first half.  After both the information and the romance picked up, the pace felt better.  There is a lot of Greek mythology here and the book includes a glossary of sorts at the end but I didn't know it was available until I got to the end.  The gods have a lot of involvement with the rest of the books in the series, also. It's a very long book but everything settles in the end with glimpses back at the characters from the other books.

I wonder if there will be more in the series. I think Kira is the only family member still unmatched into a relationship but she is still young.  But maybe other members of families or Teams will match up.  I hope the gods are done destroying lives for fun but that seems unlikely.

COYER May RAT

[GONZA · Rating 1 out of 5]

I gave up around 25 percent. I didn't like the two characters and I didn't even remember anything about this series anymore, at this point I would say I didn't even know why I was reading it anyway.
I was never one of those readers who would go back and read the old books when a new installment came out in the series....

Ho ceduto attorno al 25%. I due personaggi non mi piacevano e nemmeno mi ricordavo piú niente di questa serie, a questo punto direi che non sapevo nemmeno piú perché la leggessi. Non sono mai stata una di quei lettori che tornava a leggersi i libri vecchi quando ne usciva uno nuovo nella serie....

[kennedy parrish · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐ This series will forever live on so fondly in my mind. It's a difficult thing to combine the established stories of greek myth with newly created magical systems, concepts, and characters. This series from Amanda Bouchet may be the best I've read in this greek myth/fresh fantasy genre!!! I hope there are more books to come at some point!

[Victoria Yetnick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might’ve really been a 4 but my happiness and the ending and FINALLY getting Carver and Bel put it through the roof.

[Julie G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dang I just really love this series.

[Robin Logan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was very hard for me to get through. I don’t love the main characters, and the plot drug on and was really quite boring. I actually thought this was the next book in a series I liked better when I started it. This whole series has been just okay. I don’t think I’ll read anymore that come out in the future. Over 2 weeks to finish a book is a very long time for me.

[Kaitlyn Boyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

For some reason I remember loving the original trilogy wayyyyyy more… this had so much dialogue it made me think the author thought I was too stupid to figure out anything on my own

[Afroditi Darzenta · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading so many works of fiction where Apollo is a bad guy/asshole, him being an OK god felt kinda off... :P
Joking aside, this was a solid installment in the series. I liked both Bel and Carver, though, truth be told, I had to Google them to remember who they were. I had mixed Carver and Kato in my mind, and for the first couple of chapters, I was wondering why he wasn't blond and how the hell he came back from the Underworld.
I find it a bit annoying that (if I'm not mistaken), so far, with every couple in the series, when they get together, the woman is always a virgin, and by the end, they are pregnant, but it's not a dealbreaker.
The story was good. As a Greek, I like the use of mythology in the series, and the fight scenes were well-written and felt real. I liked Bel's character and how decisive she was, as well as that, by and large, she wasn't swayed by emotion.
I'm really looking forward to reading Kato's story!

[Bettina's · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was good. But damn, I miss Cat and Griffin.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Beneath the Burning Sea was beyond amazing. Bellanca the Firebringer Queen of Atlantis was awesome and Carver was ferocious as her ardent supporter and soulmate. I savored every moment of the action, snarky banter, the building of friendships and alliances, discovering lost family, watching them working as a team to defeat a brutal king, and completing their mission to raise Atlantis from the ocean was breathtaking.

The backdrop of the Olympians and warring gods/spouses, Hera and Zeus, added depth to the mythology and to the story. The reason for Zeus punishing Atlantis by sinking the city and inhabitants to the bottom of the sea was very thought provoking, just as much as his reasons for now wanting to raise the city and lift his curse was one reason for Bel and Carver’s mission.

The secondary characters were wonderful in rounding out this story, from dearest Cleito, Dex, Silas, Dione and her family (including her lazy husband), to Lilika and Dimitri. Seeing the Magoi and Hoi Polloi learning to live and work together was heartwarming.

The most poignant part of the story was the reunion with family in the now united Thalyria under the leadership of Cat and Griffin. It was awesome seeing beloved characters, the next generation of babies being born, and knowing that the exiled Piers had found his soulmate in Attica.

I didn’t want the story to end and my heart hurt for Kato, perhaps there is hope still for him. I hope to see who Kaia will mate, seems like it will be Lukos but time will tell.

Excellent adventure as this series gets better with every installment and hopefully there are more stories to tell in the Kingmaker Chronicles.

[Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, this was such an amazing read, I loved this couple and this setting, I had to keep reading!

[Rekha O'Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beneath the Burning Sea by Amanda Bouchet is book five in the Kingmaker Chronicles series, and I had such a good time with it.

I read A Promise of Fire a while ago and liked it well enough, though I never really connected with Cat and Griffin as a couple. The supporting cast, though? Loved them. So I skipped books two and three (which are pretty Cat-and-Griffin heavy) and jumped straight to A Curse of Queens—which I loved. This one picks up from there, and it completely worked for me.

In this instalment, Bellanca and Carver are in Atlantis, trying to restore magic to the realm so the people can rally behind Zeus in his latest celestial showdown. The story has a nice blend of high-stakes adventure and romantic tension. There’s a definite found family vibe, and a bit of forced proximity thrown in for good measure.

Bel might be brave and full of fire (literally—she’s a fire magoi), but she’s also never really experienced love or affection, so watching her slowly open up was really satisfying. Carver, still nursing an old heartbreak, doesn’t think he deserves love either—but together, they find something real. And when they finally get together? Let’s just say the sparks fly.

As someone who’s always been obsessed with Greek myths and legends, I had a great time with all the references to Zeus, Mount Olympus, and the usual divine drama. It’s fun and fast-paced, and while there are definitely a few plot holes, I honestly didn’t mind. This is a book you read for the adventure, the banter, and the chemistry—not to pick apart every magical rule.

What I especially appreciated is that even though this is part of a larger series, it reads like a standalone. You can jump in here (like I did), although having a bit of context might help you make sense of a few passing references. Still, it’s not essential, and it’s refreshing to have a romantasy you can read in a couple of sittings without committing to a sprawling saga.

The ending is explosive—literally and emotionally—and it definitely hints at more to come. I’ll be keeping an eye out for whatever’s next.

A solid four stars from me. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC—opinions, as always, are my own.

[Lynn Latimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bellanca and Carver are sent on a mission by the supreme god, Zeus, to return magic to the Atlanteans thereby getting them on his side against a pretender to the throne. They are very far away from families and friends in the famed city of Atlantis which had been punished by Zeus. Magic was taken away from all the people; the curse cannot be undone until the Shard of Olympus is returned. Their task seemingly next to impossible, Bel and Carver make a temporary home for themselves trying to find out any possible clues to help with their near Herculean mission.

Zeus requires humans to help with the coming Olympianomachy—the War of the Gods-- against one who would rule them all: gods and humans. As a Magoi with magic, Bel’s firebringer talents are essential to completing their task and shielding Carver as much as possible. While Carver is a strong warrior who would sacrifice all, he has no magical protections. Carver’s life has long been circumscribed by an early loss that left him mostly numb; however, Bel’s wild and stubborn personality rouses him not only to living life fully, but a fierce attraction to his partner in this essential undertaking.

As Bel and Carver work together, risking all, to complete their quest, they develop a relationship beyond the brutal task. Until recently, Bel’s whole life had been one of cruelty, mental and physical torture, in a family no one would ever wish for despite their magical abilities. She knows how to be a warrior; however, anything on a personal level frightens Bel more than whatever the gods can throw at her. Carver thought he lost his only chance at love years before; he is only just waking up to the possibility that perhaps Bel present and his future.

This new addition to the Kingmaker Chronicles contains all of the epic battles, gods, monsters, and deeply intense relationships readers have come to love with this series. Bel and Carver exemplify strength and courage in the face of capricious, warring gods who seem to care little for humans, as well as fighting an evil king seeking his own magic. Their mutual devotion, and determination to win despite the costs, makes for a tale very well told that will please fans of the series, and leave them hoping for more to come.

[PP's Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kudos to me for daring to review the fifth book of a series without reading any previous ones. And kudos to Amanda Bouchet for crafting the story in such a way that I was still captivated. This Greek Mythology re-imagination focuses on human tragedies and epic love stories in middle of war of Gods. Bellanca and Carver were soulmates but they didn't realize it till they were on the mission to save Atlantis and finally,save the other worlds.

🔥 paranormal/ fantasy
🔥 friends to lovers
🔥 A firebringer ( magoi) princess and a hoi polloi farmer turned prince
🔥Greek mythology

"I’m a Thalyrian princess. I’m Magoi. I’m the Firebringer, and Atlantis will rise again!”

Bellanca and Carver travelled from Thalyria to Atlantis on a mission to find the missing piece of Bel's amulet and use it to restore magic in Atlantis that will help Zeus gain advantage in the upcoming war of Gods. She has magic and Carver has skills but this is enemy territory. Bellanca is still working with the limits of her magic but they don't have much time before the present corrupt evil king gets the magic and tilts the balance. The plot was fast paced and exciting with endless twists and turns. It was a puzzle with pieces falling into place with each adventure of Bell and Carver..finally exposing Hera and the epic battle at the end.

I loved how their relationship bloomed and grew through the story. Their friendship was already strong. Their loyalty is unquestionable. But Bellance was in doubt if Carver has forgotten the heartbreak while Carver was cautious not to push her away. Their banter and humor provided a nice break in middle of the tense situation. Slowly their soulmate bond became whole and it was slow burn at the finest. They fought every battle together and their connection was intense. Greek mythology always fascinates me and the author presented in a fresh way. You have action, suspense and drama. You have slow angsty romance with beautiful blend of spice. You get adrenaline rush and swoony ending. Bellanca is fearless and fierce. Carver is so protective and always supported her to shine. They are the perfect partners.

Ps I need to go back and read the other ones

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily