Of Fate and Fire

Kingmaker Chronicles #3.5

by Amanda Bouchet

The Kingmaker Chronicles meets modern-day New York City

Piers, an exiled warrior from Thalyria, finds himself in the Big Apple just before the holidays. The world and everything in it might be utterly foreign to him, but that won't stop Piers from helping to complete a vital mission for Athena. His goal? To protect Sophie, a French teacher from Connecticut who's suddenly knee-deep in inexplicable phenomena, danger, and henchmen after an Olympian treasure that should never have ended up in her hands—or remained on Earth after the Greek gods abandoned it.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy, Fantasy Romance, Mythology, Novella, Audiobook

139 pages, Paperback

First published December 22, 2021

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

[Lucie V. · Rating 3 out of 5]

✅ Mythology
✅ Pace
✅ Ideas and plot
✅🆗 Characters (the little we saw of Sophie was nice)
🆗 Development of the ideas and plot
❌ Insta-love

2.5 stars

Sadly, I am not a fan of insta-love at all, so I struggled to really enjoy this novella for that reason.

Pink gaped at him. She did that a lot. “I don’t know what circus decided to spit you out, or what wardrobe from Narnia, but life has value here. And murder has consequences. You can’t just kill people,” she insisted.
“Fine.” Annoyed, Piers flipped his sword around and brought the hilt down on the man’s temple.

This novella shows us what happens to Piers after he tries to strike a deal with Ares in Heart on Fire to get rid of Cat. Piers is no longer in Thalyria, he has been sent to New York City where he runs into Sophronia (or Sophie), a descendant of Hercules who is trying to escape from a dangerous man who’s after her because she is in possession of a very powerful crystal shard that was stolen from him.

I know this is a novella, so there is not as much time to develop a slow-burn relationship, but sadly I struggle to get on board with insta-love. The romance between Sophie and Piers felt rushed and underdeveloped. I would have preferred to see them get to know each other, and have hints of romance to come, rather than seeing them jump into bed after knowing each other for only a day. I understand the idea that their life was in danger, and it was a “let’s enjoy tonight in case we die tomorrow” type of situation, and that would have worked fine with me if it was only lust and physical attraction between them, but it was clearly more than lust because they were both wishing that the other would never leave them and that they would have a future together, and they couldn't bear the thought of leaving the other because their life would lose its sense without the other.

Sophie, being a descendant of Hercules (and Zeus) has magical powers, even though she never knew about them before, and of course, they reveal themselves just when she needs them, only for us to learn after that it was a one-time thing and that she would never have access to her magic again. I just feel that the whole thing about her having magic was pointless and mostly served to force Piers to see some resemblance between Sophie and Cat, to humanize Cat in his eyes, and to make him feel bad about what he did to Cat and what he thought of her.

The ideas and the plot are not bad, but I think there would have been enough here to make a longer novella, or a shorter “regular” novel, instead of packing everything in a 118 pages short book.


1. A Promise of Fire ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. Breath of Fire ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. Heart on Fire ⭐⭐⭐.5



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[Alaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of Fate and Fire is the first novella within the Kingmaker Chronicles. I was honestly surprised that this was coming out this month since I didn't even know a novella was being added. Then I was surprised once again to see that it was all about Piers. So, yes, zero hesitation on my part and bought the book within seconds of it being released.

I'm just going to say that Piers and Sophie were completely adorable. At first, I was so confused because we are thrown into the real world instead of where he was originally. This definitely gave me Thor vibes and I loved that Sophie basically said what I was thinking. Plus, these two had some really cute chemistry and I loved their dynamic so much.

My only complaint is that the book is so short. Which, yes, I get that it would be since it's a novella but dang it - I wanted more from these two. I will say that watching them grow together and live out their little HEA was pretty cute. Now I'm excited to jump into the next book!

[James McRay · Rating 5 out of 5]

[July 2025] There are a couple of details in this short x.5 novella that comes up in Beneath the Burning Sea, the latest book in Bouchet's Kingmaker Chronicles series. So, I thought I'd give it a quick reread.

[December 2021]
I am such a sucker for the fish-out-of-water time-travel romance, and the tie-in to Bouchet's Nightchaser series was brilliant! Villainy clearly is hereditary. And big no judgement to Piers. I still think revolving doors are cool.

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

This is a must read for fans of this series. It helped close that door for Piers so that no one will wonder what became of him. Without giving anything away, I'll just say that I'm so happy for him. If he had to be exiled, I loved that he got a fate to make it all worth it.

[❁ lilyreadsromance ❁ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Umm ahh huh... This does not bodes well for me. It's not a good novella for me. Things were too rushed, the romance part felt a little underdeveloped, and the little mythological part also failed to pique my interest.

Now, I would probably go into the next book more cautiously.

[Vee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars ~ [4.73/10]

I am such a champion of Amanda Bouchet because back before the fantasy romance boom, she was one of the few authors writing adult books in that genre and I clung to them like a lifeline. I can't tell you how many times I google searched 'books like A Promise of Fire' and came up with very little. However, that was also how I found some older fantasy romance books like Tairen Soul and Sevenwaters. I feel kind of bad that her books arrived a touch too early to really ride the fantasy romance wave and I think they sometimes get looked over, but she'll always be an autobuy for me.

That being said, I'm not a huge fan of in-world novellas. More often than not I resent reading them if I have to (with a few exceptions as always.) I think this one did it's job though and it's also not required reading for the series as a whole, which is a plus. Whilst I wasn't that enthralled in the story, it did give me a good refresher of the world before I head into book 4 so I appreciate it for that!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in present day, Sophie is being pursued by thugs sent by a scientist after a treasure that should be returned to a goddess, and Piers, exiled from Thalyria, finds himself in a strange land called New York and drawn to help Sophie. It doesn’t take long for Sophie to believe that Piers isn’t from around there and she’s glad for the help from this extremely hunky warrior. Piers is out of his element, but protecting Sophie is something he can certainly do, but how to assist her in her mission is something they’ll have to figure out together. I really enjoyed this story and loved how everything all worked out.

[Maria Vale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bouchet did such a masterful job of tying so much together in such a short space: There's adventure, magic, passion but also the bemused confusion of a Greek hero confronted by New York City and of a Connecticut-based French teacher who finds out the capricious gods of her heritage are real.
The Kingmaker books are comfort reads for me, I'll admit, but this was originally written for the Fire of the Frost anthology and serves as a beguiling taste of Bouchet's world for anyone who isn't addicted.
Yet.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to read about Piers. How he handles another world. It's a great story within a great series.

[Cyd’s Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a novella and I’m so sad I have taken so long to get round to this, I have been desperate to know what happened to Piers and I’m satisfied by his ending tbh.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Piers is kicked out of Thalyria as his punishment and winds up in a different realm…modern day NY.

While I was furious at Piers for his previous actions, he truly thought he was doing what was best for his family. I’m glad he got a chance at redemption. Sophie is a wonderful heroine that I could stand up and root for.

This sweet novella is a nice snack while awaiting the fourth novel in the Kingmaker Chronicles, “A Curse of Queens,” due to release in October.

As always, well done Amanda Bouchet. I would love to see this awesome series brought to screen someday soon.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a charming and fun read! Bouchet really did a lot in a short period with this one. The romance between Sophie and Piers felt completely natural and had me seriously invested despite this being a novella.
This acted as a wonderful bridge to the main series: there was enough tying it to Piers' family that I felt their absence just as acutely as he did, but Sophie was likeable, and Piers was completely endearing through her eyes. In the first couple of pages, I worried that there wouldn't be much in this novella that emotionally tied me to the main series, but Piers was reminiscent to me of Carver and Griffin. Since family is such an important concept in the series, it felt like they were just prominent enough in the story to call back to the main series. And all the while, I could still totally see how creative this was. It felt like Bouchet was having a lot of fun. I know I did.
What a fitting end for Piers! Such an enjoyable story. I am really looking forward to see any future novellas set in this series.

[Anne - Books of My Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this short which shows what happens to Piers and also connects to Novalight in the series with Tess Bailey.

Piers ends up in modern day NYC. He is flabbergasted by modern technology but sees it more as magic. He meets Sophie who is a descendant of Zeus and turns out to have actual magic. Athena helps them with their problems. The romance between Piers and Sophie is quick and lovely.

[Romane | Bookylicious · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was not expecting a modern setting.
One day, I will really read the blurbs

[Lindsay Schmid · Rating 2 out of 5]

Useless story. After loving the trilogy.

Still dislike Piers.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay I really wanted to know about piers, it was too short. I think there's something more to happen so I AM DYING FOR THE CAT ANS GRIFFING BOOK THATS COMING UP. I really want them to reunite with Piers, he's a good man. All in all I feel at peace after waiting for so long. Miss Amanda I'm in love

[Jana Versée · Rating 3 out of 5]

"They arrange, nudge, influence, sometimes shove. But it´s all with a potential outcome in mind. After, it´s up to us, their players and pawns, to make our choices and move our pieces around the board."

[Zoë Ann Book Queen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really did not expect to love this but I'm so glad I was curious enough about Piers that I picked it up <3

[Lynn Latimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Piers, a warrior and scholar who was permanently exiled from Thalyria after a reckless decision that separated him from his beloved family, is now in modern day New York City at Christmastime. Not only is it a huge paradigm shift for the intellectual member of Griffin’s family, but Piers meets a woman, Sophie, a French teacher from Connecticut of Greek heritage to whom he feels a connection. Although from different worlds, Piers and Sophie find themselves drawn together, in part due to a relation with the Olympians from his homeland particularly Athena. The gods are not limited to one dimension and so also have some powers in this world. Sophie has a magical weapon that never should have left Thalryia; she is now running from some bad folks who want it desperately and will stop at nothing to have what they desire.

Piers and Sophie have to do their best to outwit, outlast, and overcome those with evil intent while a growing mutual attraction pulls them together in some pleasurable ways. New York at Christmastime has its own magic adding spice and beauty to the story. Piers’s ability to cope and adapt to his new strange surroundings along Sophie’s determination to do what is right with all her own considerable skills makes for an enjoyable read with action, adventure, and romance.

This novella is set in the Kingmaker Chronicles world between books three and four. Because Piers left his family in such a heart wrenching way, I was very happy to see his personal story have some redemption and to know that he is not forever lost in darkness and sorrow. The fans of this series will want to have this essential story before the next book, A CURSE OF QUEENS, releases this Fall.

[TheMadHatter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual Rating: 2.5 Stars

I absolutely love the kingmaker chronicles and have read the trilogy numerous times and I think it is one of the best fantasy romance series on the market. However, I was a little hesitant about reading this because I don't have a great track record with novellas (pacing just never works for me). However, I wanted a good Piers story - so paid full price for this...

Unfortunately, I didn't really like this novella and I am probably being a little generous in my rating because it is part of a series I love. I was really looking forward to seeing a redemption story with Piers - but having it set in our world (Strike 1) with an insta love theme (Strike 2) and not actually focusing it around his geeky/bookishness (Strike 3) meant this was not for me and I can't see myself ever reading it again. It was rushed and the mythology was boring and I think this was a missed opportunity to give Piers the story he deserved rather than the silly "Enchanted" rip-off of someone from a different realm being dumped in NYC with traffic light/car confusion that this turned into...just a tad disappointed.

Reading Challenge
Aussie Readers 2023 Annual A-Z "Follow the Clues" Challenge: "Q" Read a Quick book (Under 200 pages)
Aussie Readers 2022-23 QEII Challenge: Read books with titles that spell out Corgi (O - Of)
Aussie Readers 2023 February "Kate Forsyth" Challenge: Read books with author initials that spell out Fantasy (A = Amanda)

[amanda kt · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute little Christmas novella that makes you fall in love with the only member of Griffin’s family you didn’t love already. Without spoiling too much, this has a definitive side quest feel, with Piers sent out of time to present day New York. Imagine Elf, but with a plot involving Greek gods and billionaire scientists. If you don’t like Christmas or insta-love, this might be a little too cheesy for you…but as a fan of this world I enjoyed this quickie and the “fish out of water” comedy. And yes there’s a little spice too!

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know this is a novella but everything happened too quickly for my tastes. In love in the same day, actually I think the whole story occurs over 2 days? And things seems so abrupt. Almost like when you run out of time and have to cut things short but the story itself was a nice tie up to Piers' story. Would have like to see him regret and agonize over his choices a bit more though. Overall 3.5 stars

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella was a charming, fun addition to the main series. Reading a modern American voice in Sophie was jarring throughout but I loved getting another dimension to Piers' character and motivations, and the appearance by Athena was pure comedic genius. Overall I thought the internal logic worked well tying it into the main series. I can't wait for book 4 soon!

[Tilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

This was a decent novella to finish the story for Piers and give him some redemption.
I liked the story and the characters and it had some great humour. But it alsonfelt very rushed and too easy. I wish things had been a little more difficult for them to sort out but it has definitely filled a gap in the story and I can't wait to read the next book.

[monibookishnerd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just everything was too rushed, from the insta-love, eliminating the threat to the happy end but it's a novella.
I was quite surprised from where the term fated mates suddenly came from because so far it wasn't used and it feels a bit awkward.
I'm always a fan of redemption and it was entertaining though not to compare to the previous books of the series the Kingmaker chronicles.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 💫

This was a decent quick read and felt like pacing and story was great for a novella. Unfortunately it’s about Piers and I just really can’t stand him 😂

I really would have loved a novella about Ianthe and Lycheron and their story especially since we got the teaser of their romance while Cat was in Tartarus!

Either way, I liked the modern crossover and enjoyed the read. It’s definitely not essential to the overarching story so if you’re not a fan of Piers, I don’t think there’s any harm in skipping 😅

[Nancy Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unexpectedly didn’t realize this was a Christmas novella to the series with Piers story. Honestly I wanted him to be punished but then I read this and my heart actually is feeling bitter sweet. I’m glad he found joy in another world but also sad he’ll never get to celebrate life and joys with his family. Anyway. I’m going to go and try not to cry.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I did not think anything could redeem Piers in my eyes but Amanda absolutely made me love him. I adored Sophie and this quick story of Ancient Greece colliding with NUC. A really satisfying way to wrap up everything that happened with Piers.

[Melanie Dirks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable novella and definitely a redemption for Piers. I didn’t like him before but now I do. He saw the error of his ways and learned from it. I’m glad he got a happily ever after and Sophie was great!

[Knight Of · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admit I was bit lost when reading since I didn't read the other book in the series yet. But it was sweet and cute enough for me.