I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads 
 4.5 Stars. 
 Breath of Fire had a difficult task ahead of it- living up to the anticipation the debut in the series created. While that was an impossible task, as everything was new and exciting during book one, the sequel made a strong attempt. 
 Cat and Griffin take on the realms in this installment. Mission 1: protect their territory. Mission 2: infiltrate. Mission 3: Stay alive during Mission 1&2. 
 The opener was slightly difficult to digest and felt out of place, as if Griffin suffered from a character trait lobotomy, where he acts out of character. It's resolved as quickly as it started, but if I were to don my editor hat, I would have told the author to reel it in and find another path to the same conclusion. This tainted my reading experience for a few chapters, because it was written in a different writing style, perfect for a different genre, and at odds with how book one ended. Book two literally picked up where book one ended, which I just finished, so it was whiplash and confusion for both me (the reader) and Cat, followed by nonstop makeup sex. 
 I will state the novel takes some time to get moving, maybe a quarter of it, where I was unsure what the plot would be for the entirety. (I felt the author didn't know either, and that's my professional opinion) But once it's revealed, the book takes off at light-speed, flowing fluidly, making the reader ravenous for more. 
 On the adventure front: the novel had this in spades. It reminded me of dungeon looting in an MMORPG, mixed with the ability to respawn of a first-person shooter. The dungeon (cave and arena, and everything in between) was filled with imagery that was lifelike and exciting, creating creatures in my imagination. However, knowing Cat could respawn, took the emotion out of her nearly dying nonstop- this took my enjoyment away and became repetitive. (Not that I want the author to kill anyone) 
 On the romance front: the author could've chosen to break up Cat & Griffin or make them a stronger couple, and I thank the gods the readers weren't subjected to unnecessary angst (after that opener). With book one including the build-up to their relationship, book two is working out the relationship kinks while kicking butt and taking names- partners. However, where I felt the lusty tidbits in the predecessor added to the overall enjoyment and anticipation in the novel, there was a ton of between-the-sheets action by our couple in Breath of Fire- it felt like filler in a wash-repeat style and at inopportune times. A few scenes would have added value to their relationship- I ended up skimming past about 4 more. But that's my reading style: I need tension and buildup, but once a couple is together, it becomes boring and repetitive in an 'I've read it before' sort of way. That's how my mind works, and I don't assume another reader's does. Since there are many fantasy traditionalists who don't enjoy it turning more erotic, I felt the need to add it to my review. I'm in the 'less is more' camp, but I do want some, which is why I praised it in book one but not two. 
 There is a strong thread of family throughout the series thus far. Family doesn't necessarily equate blooded either. I enjoyed the bits of human emotion displayed by Griffin's family, and the side stories shown. I'd love a more in-depth look into the romances happening beneath the surface, as they seem to promise an angsty read, but I'd want it from their POV. (Hoping) 
 Book three is set by the events in this installment, and I can't wait to get my greedy little hands on it and see how it all plays out. I truly look forward to anything this author publishes next.