A Circle of Flames

The Kingmakers' War #4

by Kate Avery Ellison

Briand has been taken captive by her mortal enemy, Auberon. As he takes her to the capital city of Tasglorn, she schemes to barter for her release by attempting to cooperate... and learn what she can about her magic gift.

Meanwhile, Kael gathers old friends in a desperate bid to rescue her from the Seekers' clutches.

Briand thought the Seekers were monsters. She's surprised to find they are more human than she could have imagined. Sometimes she even forgets they are her enemies.

With her loyalties tested and time running out before her magic kills her, Briand must prove herself Catfoot yet again.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Dragons, Young Adult Fantasy, Fiction

267 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 27, 2018

About the author

I've been making up stories since I was five years old, and now I'm thrilled to be able to do it as a full-time job. I have an obsession with dark fantasy, dystopian futures, and Pride and Prejudice-style love stories full of witty banter and sizzling, unspoken feelings. When I'm not writing, I'm creating digital art, reading funny blogs, or watching my favorite shows (which include TVD and BSG). I live with my geeky husband and our two bad cats in Atlanta, GA.

Click here to read the first chapter of THE CURSE GIRL!

Click here to read the first chapter of FROST!

Attention Book Bloggers ~ If you are interested in interviewing me or reviewing one of my books, send me a message. I'd love to hear from you! (Please note: I am currently not able to fulfill most requests for print copies at this time, but you can always ask. However, I am ALWAYS able and happy to provide e-copies or PDFs of my books in exchange for an honest review.)

If you're wondering why I categorize books as "breathless," "cake," or "amnesia," check out this blog post!

Reviews

[ShannaBanana✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ummm, does anyone else love Auberon as much as I do? Don’t get me wrong, I adore Kael but.... I think Ari has my heart ♥️ Kael and Briand’s dramatic relationship still annoys me. Even more than before if that’s possible. I just can’t with them. Now, Nath is another one that I absolutely love. It breaks my heart when he is faced with his worst fear and memories from his past. I’m continuing with these books u til the end only because of Auberon and Nath to be honest. The others irritate the crap out of me.

[Sylvia Mercedes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want a chance to win the first three books in this incredible series? I'm hosting a giveaway! Be sure to join my Reader Group so you can enter.



This book was basically one big WHAT?!?!?! moment after another . . . which, you know, I kind of love. LOL. What can I say? I’m a glutton for literary punishment! Kate Avery Ellison knows how to torture her readers in just the right away to keep them coming back for more.

But seriously, can Briand and Kael ever take a break? Please???!?!?

(Actually, you know I’m loving the angst, so . . . carry on!)

I loved the conflict between Briand and Auberon. He is one of the creepy Seekers, a terrifying villain and her captor, but . . . yeah. There’s a lot more to him than pure villainy. Long ago, Seekers and Dragonslayers lived peacefully together, and perhaps Auberon and Briand can find a way to resurrect some of that fellowship? Loved learning more about both the Seekers and the Dragonslayers and can’t wait to see how these revelations continue to develop as the series progresses.

Briand herself continues to grow as a heroine, and I am thoroughly enjoying her journey. Picking up Book 5 right away!

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start of by saying: what tHE EFF Jehn?!? Why would you do that to Kael? Considering it's Jehn, there has to be an ulterior motive or some reason for what he did, right? Jehn is a master at lies and spinning webs, manipulating/playing the people around him with his schemes, and if it is true about Kael having failed that test, I wonder if this is his "punishment". The test was never really explained and Briand didn't stick around after that.

And as for Briand and Kael, are they ever going to catch a break and actually be together one day? I feel like Kate Avery Ellison enjoys torturing them and the readers, making some headway into their relationship and finally admitting to each other how much they care for each other only to rip them away time and time again- but it's not like I can complain, I love reading the angst between them! Although it does make me wonder and anxiously lie in wait for the direction this war will take in the next book with the way it ended.

I was with Briand on this one and felt conflicted with Auberon, and felt myself liking him and his sister Jade, while hoping there's a way for them to be friends, like in the old times when Seekers and Dragonsayers apparently used to live peacefully beside each other in the islands. It was a nice change of pace to be in a Seeker's hand and learn about Auberon and more about the Seekers and the magic abilities of those who are blood gifted. And with the introduction of how the Dragonsayers and the Seekers are connected, I can't wait for the next book in the series to find out what will happen next in the war, with Kael and Jehn, and what awaits Briand, Nath, Crispin and Vox on their journey.

These books get more interesting as the story progresses with Briand becoming more stronger and sure of herself but I also really want Briand and Kael to be happy together! And for Auberon and Briand to be friends!

[Cody · Rating 5 out of 5]

How I love these characters!

I love Kate's stories. This one is by far my favorite. I remember when Gift of Poison was a stand-alone. Im so glad she continued Briand and Kael's story. Can't wait for the 5th book to see what happens in the Kingmaker's War. It can't get here soon enough!

[Racysteed · Rating 4 out of 5]

The series hits its stride

I've enjoyed the books leading up to this a lot but now the story and writing have reached their full potential. Take time for this series, you won't regret it.

[Mello ❣ Illium ✮Harry✮ ☀Myrnin☀ Torin Ichimaru · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still Loving the Series

It was a shock to find out the truth of Briand's kidnapping. I actually liked the time she spent with Auberon and Jade. Kael pretty shot himself in the foot in the end. Jehn needs a throat-punch.

[Heather M Jones-Lancto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate Avery Ellison, who is the author of the Frost series now has a series is called The Kingmaker's War. In the first installment of the Kingmaker's War, A Gift of Poison", our heroine, Briand is an orphan, living with her cruel Uncle, and barely getting by on her own. She is viewed as the castle troublemaker and has earned the nickname "Guttersnipe". Briand's actions get her banned from the castle, on the verge of being sent to the woodlands, when she discovers her cousin is involved with a secret society. Briand uncovers powers she did not know she was capable of and ends up a member of the secret band of rebels. The country is at war. A war between the "true" Prince who is living with his court in exile and the usurper Prince who is ravaging the land leaving in his wake destruction and death. The rebel leader of this secret society, Kael, enlists Briand to aid in their efforts to defeat the evil Prince and his army of evil Seekers.

As the series progresses you learn that Briand takes a stand, refusing to actually join the rebel of forces of the exiled Prince, while continuing to aid them on their missions. She eventually meets the Prince, who we learn is devious and untrustworthy in-spite of the fact that he maintains the unrelenting faithfulness of his followers; a prime example of this unwavering loyalty being Kael. No story is complete without a love triangle.....of sorts or at least I think it wants to be a love triangle. Briand and Kael fall in love. A long the way Briand develops a love hate relationship with a Seeker. A Seeker is an individual with special powers - be they the ability to heal, read other's minds, etc. The Seekers are tools of the Monarchist's cause and work for the evil Prince. The Seeker Auberon and Briand have formed an unwanted connection. At points in the story they become unlikely allies, working together to solve a shared problem, and yet at the end of the alliance each looks for opportunity to betray the other. The reader learns that Auberon has had a troubled past. I am going to just come out and admit I am full-on team Auberon. I think I have a thing for bad boys. Don't get me wrong, I love Kael and all his goodness, but Auberon is a troubled bad boy looking for someone to understand him. If we are being honest Auberon and Briand share a lot of similar life experiences and can relate on a level she cannot with Kael. A couple of times now Ellison has lead me to believe that something special was building between Briand and Auberon but I am really starting to wonder if the romance isn't all in my head. I guess we will see.

Right now there are 6 completed books in the Kingmaker's War with book 7 due out October 29th, 2018. I read the first 4 books in two days. The story drew me in from the first sentence. As a bonus these books are available via Kindle Unlimited.

Books in the series:

A Gift of Poison (Book 1)
A Bed of Blades (Book 2)
A Kiss of Treason (Book 3)
A Circle of Flames (Book 4)
A Shield of Sorrow (Book 5)
A Court of Lies (Book 6)
A Reign of Thieves (Book 7 - Due Out Soon)

Grammar - 3
There are a few minor grammatical issues with these books. It is not overwhelming but a couple of times I found myself re-reading a sentence. Words were missing or in the wrong place. If this is something you find to be problematic then it might be an issue for you but in the grand scheme of things it was not a deal breaker.

Plot - 4.5
I love the story. A young woman who has had to struggle in life to survive. She eventually finds herself and her purpose. Along the way she develops her own identity and her own belief system. Briand learns to read, she becomes educated, she learns to fight, she sees the world, she finds a cause that she supports without getting lost in that cause, and she becomes an individual. She takes the skills she used to survive as a young teen and uses those tools to make her mark on the world.

Believability - 4.5
The story is fantasy. It is a wonderfully made up world with dragons and other imaginary creatures. Ellison has built an environment for these characters and creatures to live in. I believe that sometime or somewhere this world and these people could exist.

Cover - 3.5
The covers are nice but don't have that "wow" factor. As a person who has historically been drawn to a book by it's cover I might not have taken a second look if it wasn't for my already familiarity with the author. I loved Kate Avery Ellison's Frost series and was already onboard for the Kingmakers War regardless of the way the covers looked.

Ending - 4.5
The story has not yet concluded so the ending is really not a factor to consider at this point. Each book is definitely not a stand alone. The story flows effortlessly from book to book and a reader needs to read from the beginning to fully understand the storyline.

Price Value - 4.5
For me they were free with Kindle Unlimited and you can't beat free. If you do not have Kindle Unlimited the price is relatively low and the books are well worth the cost.

Overall - 4.5
I am in love with this series. I downloaded the first book when it came out and forgot it was in my kindle until a couple of weeks ago when I rediscovered it Labor Day weekend. I love all the characters, even the ones I don't think I am supposed to. Sometimes when a series has this many books I find one that I will struggle to complete at least one of the books but each book in this series has been truly engaging.

I highly recommend this series and wait with baited breath for the next installment.

[Anca · Rating 5 out of 5]

The covers for this series (minus book 1) are horrible. I almost didn't want to read them because the covers were so awful and cheesy. Depending on the series, I don't like reviewing each book at a time and I like to review them as a whole. I know that this series is not done (much to my dismay) but I found it absolutely lovely. These books were also so short that I was able to read them in a few hours.

I am sad Ellison doesn't have a fifth book out yet and I have no idea when she will. This series thus far has been a wonderful adventure. There were a lot of unexpected plot twists with an intricately woven story. It is filled with magic, dragons, creatures and adventure.

Briand is a force to be reckoned with. She is cocky, arrogant, witty, smart, strong and everything I love about a female lead. She follows her head for the most part and sometimes her heart, which was nice to see in A Circle of Flames. I liked her, no no, I loved her character. I especially liked that Ellison made her pretty, but not too pretty. She was not a vain character and never once did she try to use being pretty to her advantage. I have gotten so sick of female MC's who are overly perfect and beautiful. Flaws are good, and Ellison used Briand's other non-physical charms to get what she wanted.

Briand's rag tag group of travelers were all endearing and grew on me, especially Nath. He ended up being one of my favorite character's who started off as an arrogant jerk and turned into a softie. It was so endearing, and I enjoyed his banter with Briand.

Kael was not my favorite character and by the end of A Circle of Flames I was over the whole, are they aren't they a thing and his bullheadedness. I found him weak as a character as well. There was so little we learned about him. I liked Auberon's character so much more. He had more depth and more of an interesting background. And respected his loyalties more than Kael.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book!!!! I loved this book sooooooooo much.

The fourth book opens up with Briand, dragonsayer and all around awesomesauce, getting kidnapped right under Kael's nose by the Seeker Auberon. The novel follows them as they bicker, threaten, and generally dislike each other...until they don't. All the while, Kael has gathered his most trusted friends, Nath, Meara, and Tibus and a new addition Crispin to rescue her from the Seeker's clutches. Only they don't realize Briand has her own agenda with the Seeker since he may be one of the only people who can help her control her magic, the same magic that might kill her without training. And Auberon has his own reasons for wanting to train Briand control.

This book was rife with internal battles. Briand fought the entire book against any feelings of camaraderie or compassion for a man who suffered as much abuse as she had growing up. Auberon fought against his desire to be genuinely liked instead of despised for what he can do, and he hated seeing Briand as a potential ally. Kael struggled to control his rising frustration and worry for the woman he is finally figuring out he wants. The entire novel is full of varying motivations driving characters to do things they didn't want to do. Or pity and empathize with certain individuals who were supposed to be their enemy. But those lines were not as distinct by the end of the novel, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I personally loved getting into Auberon's head and seeing the why behind his character. He was given so much depth and Briand was able to grow because of it. She's no longer simply a guttersnipe, but becoming a warrior in her own right. And I loved it.

Plus, we finally got more information on dragons and dragonsayers, which will hopefully continue to be fleshed out as the books go on. I can't wait!!!

[Belladonna💙 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it.

The previous books were a bit of a drag, where I thought that they could have been and would have been better if combined into 1-2 books. Nevertheless, I held on as I’ve read KAE’s Frost Chronicles and was happy with that (except for the ‘Epilogue’ and the events that transpired there— which I sincerely hope she did not replicate here, because it just destroyed one important element that was built up throughout the series). But, I digress. So going back, I like that this series has many plots and subplots, conniving and shrewd characters, characters you want to hate but slowly rubs on you, characters you want to forever love but sometimes want to hit, etc.

What I like best though is that the main FC, who was constantly being used as a pawn, is now out to venture on her own, under no one’s orders, to make herself the feared dragonsayer that she’s supposed to be.

Again, love it and can’t wait for the 2 or 3 or 4– oh wait— the next 6 books on the series. 😂 In the meantime, good luck work and goodbye 8 hours of sleep.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally some much needed background info on Briand’s character. Still a bit too much will they/won’t they fluff, but at least the Seeker flashbacks are providing some of the character background info you’d like to see in the first book of a series.

There is an incredibly vague flashback to a dream from book one that is barely described at all other than to mention Briand and another woman are both riding dragons. Her meeting and recognizing the woman from the dream seems like it would be explored, but like the dream itself it is basically glossed over. Things like that plus some editing misses are what keep me from rating this higher.

[Dangermousie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A surprisingly good read even if I think the prince dude everyone is fighting for is an annoying tool and they should establish a republic instead. Seriously - is KAE ever going to explain why Kael is so loyal to him and why as a reader I should care that dude should be on the throne other than the other ruler is worse? It's like picking cholera versus plague.

Still, Briand and co are cool characters to read about, I feel reluctant sympathy for the Seekers and the romance progresses at the slow but good pace.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

a great series

I'm not gonna go into detail, but you should definitely read this series! I had the hardest time getting through the first book, to the point where I stopped reading it entirely. After a couple months I came back to it again, and started from the beginning. I am so glad I did! Great writing, intriguing relatable characters, drama, action, intrigue, mystery, and just enough romance to leave you wanting more. Cannot wait to read the fifth book. I definitely reccomend this series to anyone!

[Mary A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still enjoying...

When I first started this series I had no idea how big the story was. I read the first book, then started the novella between the 1st & 2nd book but stopped for a while. It felt too hopeless. I don't have anything against characters going through great hardship, but it just seemed hard, hard, hard with not much hope. But I came back and things started to change. There most certainly is an underlying indomitable spirit that gives hope even throughout an ongoing struggle. On to the next book!

[Clarissa (The Bookish Wanderer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this book i've been left kind of in shock. Do I still ship Auberiand? Yes I Do! Is Auberon just missunderstood? Heck Yeah! Did he deserve better! Yaas! Did Kael deserve to be pushed in the river? No but it was funny! Do I ship Briael? Kinda! Is Prince Jehn trustable? Hell to the no! Is Prince Jehn a Douche? The Douche of all Douches! Is Prince Jehn still hot af? yes! Do we still like Prince Jehn? Sadly yes!

[Sarah Hickner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m still loving this series! Truthfully I have no idea what the cover and title have to do with this book (most of them seem irrelevant imo). But it doesn’t change that the book was so good! The author is weaving quite a web with all the characters - who to trust? Who is evil? Everyone is hiding their own truths and friendships are forming in unexpected places. This book certainly complicates things for the rest of the series and you may finish it hating a couple people. Excruciatingly good

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

I don’t really like leaving reviews because I never know how to say what I feel about the book I just read. However this book deserves something written about it. I love Briands character and her inner strength is incredible. The ending made me cry (I’m blaming pregnancy hormones) and I am really looking forward to reading what happens in the next book. Highly recommend this series.

[Maurina Beasley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed the story line...

I have enjoyed the story line. But it does annoy me for there to be so many books to read. It would be better to have less books with more pages instead of so many books of less than 200 pages, thus the 4 stars. It gets frustrating to read so few pages and then have to download another book to continue.
But if you enjoy fantasy with danger and love included, you should enjoy this series.

[Ella King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book in the series

This was definitely the best book yet in the series. The author is an excellent writer which is rare to find when you read about two books a week. Her story has continued to get better with each book. I am anxiously awaiting the next book. And in the meantime will be imagining what my own dracule would be like.

[Eim | frecklesnfantasy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flipping amazing

I started this series yesterday and have just purchased the 5th book! It’s literally amazing and I can’t put it down. I picked it because it seemed interesting and it had my one requirement- dragons. I didn’t expect to be engulfed in a far away world eagerly following Briand’s story. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read.

[Shirley Owusu-Ansah · Rating 5 out of 5]

That just broke my 💔

What just happened? Each book makes you feel like the story can conclude it then something happens that makes you want more. I loved getting to know more about Auberon and I hope we continue to read about him in the following books. What is Jehn doing?? I hope he has a plan, because he just broke Briand heart.

[Clara Berge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning

This series is brilliant. I haven’t read books that pull me in like this in a long time. As an author myself I find it hard to ignore mistakes but these books are magically written. The characters feel like friends you want to spend time with and even the bad guys touch your heart. Worth reading. Thanks for putting them on kindle unlimited too!

[Esther · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

I was disappointed in the last book, but this one was on point! It was slower. There was a great relationship build, and the tension was perfect. I had no idea what to expect.
*This book is rated PG. There are no swear words. The couple of kisses that happen are mild and not detailed. There is some blood violence, but nothing gory.

[Brandy Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another chapter

This book felt like a place holder. I don’t feel like it accomplished anything. Nothing gained nothing lost. I hope the next book is just as riveting as the past books v

[Rachel Cass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa

I can't even with this fourth installation in The Kingmaker's War! I was all over the place! As seems to be the trend, every time I think I've figured out something, I'm proven completely wrong! Nothing is quite as it seems. Definitely recommend!

[Mariko L. Odhner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, less good than previous

More typos. Some of the characters’ actions seem less motivated than in other books. It’s okay, but I suspect the author is just trying to write as many books as possible, which actually makes me less likely to buy any given one.

[Hannah Henkel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book! I have to say that I struggled a little bit with the first 2 books in the series but this one was worth pushing through the first two. That's why I almost never give up on a series.

[Margie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tragic

I find that each time the main characters find happiness it is cut off. I sure hope that the next installment finds them truly happy.

[Yvonna Sherlock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

Many unexpected turns and plot twists. This story keeps getting better and better. And more interesting with each book in the series.

[Shannon Heck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frustrating, but good

You know you are reading a good series when you are so invested that you find yourself incredibly angry with the choices the characters make.