Amanda Bouchet Books in Order

Where to Start Reading Amanda Bouchet

For most readers, the absolute best place to start is with A Promise of Fire, the opening novel of the acclaimed Kingmaker Chronicles. This series represents Amanda Bouchet's signature style: a passionate blend of high fantasy, ancient Greek mythology, and intense romance. Starting here allows you to experience the world-building from the ground up and meet the core characters who shape the events of subsequent spin-offs.

If you prefer science fiction over fantasy, you can start with Nightchaser, the first book of the Endeavor trilogy, which shifts the romance and adventure into a space opera setting.

The Kingmaker Chronicles Reading Order

The Kingmaker Chronicles is Bouchet's most popular series. The first three books form a complete story arc focusing on Catalia "Cat" Fisa and Griffin. The later books expand the universe to focus on different couples within the same world, specifically members of "Team Alpha."

The recommended reading order follows the publication timeline, with one minor chronological placement for a holiday novella:

1. A Promise of Fire (2016) – Introduces Cat Fisa, a powerful soothsayer hiding in plain sight, and Griffin, a ambitious warlord who captures her to aid his newly conquered kingdom.
2. Breath of Fire (2017) – Continues Cat and Griffin's journey as they navigate political danger, rising magic, and the meddling of the gods.
3. Heart on Fire (2018) – The final book in Cat and Griffin's initial trilogy, concluding their struggle to unite the realms and claim their destinies.
4. Of Fate and Fire (2021/2022) – A holiday novella (first published in the Fire of the Frost anthology in 2021, then released as a standalone in 2022). Set in the same universe but with a contemporary crossover twist, it follows Piers (an exiled Thalyrian warrior) and Sophie (a French teacher) in modern New York City. Chronologically, this fits best as Book 3.5.
5. A Curse of Queens (2022) – The fourth full-length novel shifts focus to Jocasta, Griffin's sister, and Flynn, a loyal member of Team Alpha, as they embark on a dangerous quest to the realm of Mystral.
6. Beneath the Burning Sea (2025) – Book five focuses on Bellanca, a fiery Magoi, and Carver, a battle-hardened warrior, who travel to the sunken realm of Atlantis on a quest for Zeus to secure an army.

The Endeavor Series (Nightchaser Trilogy)

For readers who want to swap mythical fantasy for starships and rebellion, the Endeavor series delivers a fast-paced sci-fi romance. It follows Tess, a Robin Hood-style spaceship captain, and Shade, a mysterious passenger with dark secrets, as they fight a tyrannical galactic empire.

• Nightchaser (2019) – Capt. Tess Bailey is on the run from the Galactic Overseer when she rescues Shade, leading to intense chemistry and space battles.
• Starbreaker (2020) – The story continues as Tess and Shade struggle to stay ahead of their enemies while dealing with high-stakes galactic threats.
• Dawnmaker (Unreleased) – Planned as the third and final installment of the trilogy. While some databases list it with a 2023 release date, it has been delayed and does not yet have an official publication date.

New Fantasy Series: Heirs of the Second Dawn

In 2026, Amanda Bouchet launched a brand-new fantasy romance series set in the war-torn world of Ellonrift. These books are designed as interconnected standalones with no cliffhangers, making them highly accessible to new readers.

• The Light Under the Shadow Wing (2026) – Focuses on Idallia, a phoenix rider in the Dragon King's Elite Wing, and the Dragon King himself, Bale Cinderheart.
• Fate of the Evernight Throne (Upcoming 2027) – The highly anticipated second book in the Ellonrift universe.

Standalone Novellas and Anthologies

Outside of her primary series, Amanda Bouchet has published shorter fiction that offers quick entries into her romantic worlds:

• A Curse for Spring (First published in 2018 in the Seasons of Sorcery anthology, and released as a standalone ebook in 2020) – A standalone fairytale-style fantasy romance following Prince Daric and Rain, the physical manifestation of the goddess of Spring.
• Fire of the Frost (2021) – A winter-themed fantasy romance anthology containing Bouchet's novella Of Fate and Fire, alongside stories by Jeffe Kennedy, Grace Draven, and Darynda Jones.

Reader Advice and Continuity Notes

Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind before you start reading Amanda Bouchet's catalog:

• Can the Kingmaker books be read as standalones? The first three books (Cat and Griffin's trilogy) must be read in order. While A Curse of Queens and Beneath the Burning Sea focus on different couples, they build directly on the overarching political and mythological plot lines from the original trilogy, so reading them in sequence is strongly recommended.
• What is the steam level? Bouchet's novels are known for high steam levels, blending detailed romantic relationships with high-stakes adventure plots.
• Mythological Accuracy: Bouchet draws heavily on Greek mythology, but she adapts these myths to fit her own original worlds (like Thalyria and Ellonrift), creating a unique mythological blend rather than a strict historical retelling.