Beneath the Burning Sea is the 5th installment in author Amanda Bouchet's Kingmaker Chronicles series. This series mixes Greek Mythology with Romance. The novel follows sworn warriors and reluctant allies Bellanca and Carver, who are on a divine mission from Zeus to Atlantis to retrieve the Shard of Olympus, a quest that could end Atlantis’s magical curse and bolster Zeus’s forces against a looming Olympian coup and a War between Gods. The couple knows they may never see their friends or family again because a war is brewing on Mount Olympus, and if they fail, the world loses.
Bellanca is a fierce fire Magoi with a fiery spirit to match, and Carver is her steadfast companion, whose loyalty anchors their dynamic. Their journey through Atlantis's perilous, myth-soaked realm is fraught with danger, from battling mythological creatures to navigating a deadly game orchestrated by feuding gods and a maniacal psycho willing to sacrifice women and children for power. Bouchet excels at blending heart-pounding action with witty, banter-filled moments, creating a narrative that feels both explosive and intimate.
The “frenemies-to-lovers” arc between Bellanca and Carver is a highlight, with their chemistry crackling through sharp exchanges and gradual vulnerability. Bellanca’s journey from emotional guardedness to opening her heart is particularly compelling, grounded by her complex backstory and fiery independence, while Carver’s quiet strength makes him an ideal counterpoint. The world of Thalyria continues to shine, with Atlantis serving as a vivid, immersive backdrop.
Bouchet’s integration of Greek mythology feels fresh yet familiar, and the inclusion of bonus material like maps and illustrations enhances the experience. The found-family theme, a staple of the series, adds warmth, making the stakes feel deeply personal. While the plot occasionally leans heavily on familiar fantasy tropes, Bouchet’s skillful character development and emotional depth keep it engaging.
The story itself stands well as a semi-standalone, though familiarity with the series enhances appreciation of its broader arcs. This is especially true when the characters start talking about events and characters who appeared previously in this series, like Cat and Griffin, Jocasta and Flynn, and Prometheus, as well as numerous Gods and goddesses like Hera, Zeus, Athena, Hades, Persephone, Apollo, Hermes, Dionysus, Hephaestus, and Artemis.
One could read this to the end and say to themselves, "Well, it has been a nice long road, but this seems like the right time to say goodbye to these characters." That being said, my only negative commentary is that there is too much steamy romance and insufficient fighting between the Gods/Goddesses.
