
Beneath the Burning Sea by Amanda Bouchet
Kingmaker Chronicles #5
Fantasy Romance
May 27, 2025, by Sourcebooks
ARC
Review by Angela
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+
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