A Promise of Fire

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I am on a quest to find adult fantasy romances that are actually worth recommending on my blog. A Promise of Fire is one that sits on the border between recommend, and just move right on by. If it helps you decide if you're going to read this one, I don't think I'll be picking up the rest of the series any time soon. The writing just wasn't there for me – it reads as very extremely modern when the world it's set in is clearly inspired by Ancient Greece/Rome. The main character, Cat, frequently says ‘Gag' (and I mean FREQUENTLY.) in response to things she doesn't like, and just...overall it felt like she had been ripped from modern day and dropped into this setting. The author also mentions hairties at one point which just yanked me out of the setting real fast.

The hero, Griffin, was rather nice, but felt a bit...overly likeable? Like he had a bit of a protective side, was jealous, but also warm and kind. He was fantastic in battle, and wanted the country that he took over to make changes for the better. I don't know, friends, he felt almost unrealistic to me. His family is also extremely welcoming, friendly, and again, felt rather idealized.

The plot was there, but its not something that has me begging for answers, or reaching for the next book in a hurry. The steam is fairly steamy, but nothing to write home about, I don't think. One detailed scene, and a couple almost-there-but-not-quite scenes, too.

Overall, this particular novel is mediocre in my eyes. We can do better, pals.