This has such a great hook and plot. Got a little stalled out in the middle, but the end brought it all back together. Ready for the next already!

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5| 3.5 stars rounded up

Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

A Tribute of Fire follows Lia, a princess of Locris, who is selected for a deadly tribute to the Goddess in which two young women must race to her temple ina foreign land to atone for her ancestor violating the Goddess and her temple over a thousand years ago. Lia is chosen alongside her adopted sister and best friend.

I enjoyed the world building in this novel, and I loved the portrayal of female friendships and sisterhood. With that said, the romantic relationship between Lia and Jason felt like complete insta-lust and enough lacked depth for me to believe it was love and not just lust.

The focus of the book felt a bit jumbled for me and I would have loved to see Lia and Jason have more meaningful character development, but I still really enjoyed this book and will definitely read the sequel.

**Rounded up to 3.5
A Tribute of Fire is the first in Sariah Wilson's The Eye of the Goddess series. This fantasy offering is a mixed bag, but ultimately worth the read.
Lia (Euthalia) is a princess of Locris, a country that has been under a curse for a thousand years. Nothing will grow on their soil and they must import everything they use. Because an ancestor committed an unspeakable crime, the goddess worshipping nation of Ilonia has demanded tribute each year of two maidens who must attempt to run a gauntlet to try and reach the sanctuary of the Temple. Those who do not are killed and burned by the men of Ilonia. No maiden has succeeded in that 1000 years. Lia intends to change that and try to discover how she can end the curse on her land. She trains for a year to survive the gauntlet and it will not be a spoiler to state she does succeed (there would be no story if she died). Now she must figure out how to save her country.
Parts of this book were very good. I do like the character of Lia and her sisters are pretty well drawn for a beginning book in a series. Jason smirked a bit too much for my liking. Unfortunately the book dragged at times and got a little repetitive, but overall it was an entertaining read. The action was great. The emotions not as much - a little too much angst. I absolutely despise cliff hangers which this book has, but the world building is pretty good. The book has its ups and downs, but I think it is worth the read for fantasy lovers and I do want to find out what happens in the second book.
*Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really got sucked in to this story which follows Lia, princess of Locris, a nation doomed by the actions of one of her male ancestors thousands of years ago. To atone for his crime, every year two maidens are selected as tributes to the goddess and taken to Ilion where they must race through the streets to her temple to seek sanctuary. In their way stand most of the men of the city, ready to fight to the death to prevent them from reaching the temple. No Locrian maiden has ever succeded, but Lia knows it's the only way to save her country.

I had anticipated that the majority of the book would focus on the race, battling through the streets, but in fact, there are several other points of equal focus too and at several times I was holding my breath wondering what would happen next. I would have liked more of the race actually though I thoroughly enjoyed what came before and after too.

Lia is a fighter in many senses of the word but can over-estimate her abilities - I love a character who has to reanalyse based on shifting information and this happens to her throughout the book. She is a bit of a horny teenager who has never been kissed before but Jason, her love interest is a fascinating character - so easy and jovial, always quick to move on and things seem to roll off him like water off a duck's back.

There are several 'twists' towards the end and although they aren't all as much of a surprise as I would have hoped there is a cliffhanger - I want the next book now!

Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC, this is my honest opinion.

Rating: 3.5

An enjoyable read, but not executed as well as it could have been. The pacing was off to a slow start, as the introduction into the world and Lia began.

The Ancient Greek inspiration was a nice background to develop off of with its rich mythological background, and this book built its world well off of it. Our main character is fierce and headstrong, her character developing while she was in the trial. I loved reading the character interactions, as well as getting to know these characters through Lia's view. Some bits could have been more informative, while some bits needed to cool down on the description since it just oversaturated into one area.

The ending was intense - there was foreshadowing sprinkled throughout, but it was still a bit tough to get through.

Overall, I think the book was a bit long for what it was, but it was still decent.

An interesting world with a cliffhanger that has me needing more and ready to continue this story with book two next year!

A few things I am happy with: Greek mythology, started off very strong, the world building, pretty likable but flawed FMC and her found family. This book made me cry and once you read a certain part of the book, so will you. There were creatures lurking, magic to be discovered, action, mystery, enemies to lovers to enemies to lovers to enemies. All around a fun read.

With that being said, I did have some reservations. Some predictable moments. FMC/MMC strange scenes in the beginning that I can look past (we’ve all been a young adult with big new feelings and I know I acted silly when I was that age-19), but knocked down the rating for me. It was an bit odd with how they meet and interact for the first time.

Thanks NetGally for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 Stars
That ending though *phew*
The things I loved about this book were the characters/found family and the plot was refreshing.
I started out thinking that it was going to be going one way and then it took a sharp turn in a different direction which I enjoyed. I was surprised multiple times which is getting increasingly difficult the more I read in this genre.
My main negatives are:
1. The name Jason is so distracting and weird especially when put against literally every other name in the book.
2. I didn't get the connection between them. The plot itself and what was happening in the temple was way more interesting than anything happening between Lia and Jason. But I'm thinking that might be remedied in the next installment.
All that to say, I'll for sure be reading the next one.

Thank you to Sariah Wilson, Tales and Teacups and NetGalley for the advanced audiobook in return for my honest review!

A Tribute of Fire is a Greek mythology-inspired romantasy novel by Sariah Wilson, where the fate of a cursed nation lies in the hands of a fierce princess. She must complete a death-defying ritual to restore her lands and save her people. This novel is a refreshing departure from many popular romantasy stories, offering a unique take on gods, enemies-to-lovers dynamics, and a heroine who can save herself.

What I appreciated most about the story was how multifaceted the main character, Lia, is. She's deadly in battle yet compassionate toward the women who surround her. Her complexity makes her an engaging protagonist. However, some of the other characters, particularly Jason, felt like fantasy archetypes. For example, Jason fits the mold of the "mysterious, handsome man the FMC (female main character) wants to climb like a tree." Their relationship often felt unbalanced—at times I found myself questioning, Why is this marketed as enemies to lovers when they both just want to rip each other's clothes off?

BUT. THE. ENDING.

By the end, I was completely hooked. I can't wait to see how both Lia and Jason develop in future installments, and I'm particularly curious to learn more about Jason's backstory.

Aside from the relationship dynamics and a few character tropes, the main story and writing were fantastic. One of the things I appreciated most about A Tribute of Fire was its digestibility. The worldbuilding felt organic, and Wilson clearly took her time crafting a unique magic system and immersive world. I’m already eager for the next installment—no, seriously, Sariah, I need it now!

This was a great book! I really enjoyed reading and cannot wait for book 2. The characters and the world building was amazing, I was completely immersed in the world.

Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. I think I prefer Sariah's romance books over fantasy. I struggled with this one and I wanted to like it, but it just fell short for me.

This was amazing!!! I was so entranced by the mythical creatures and temple. I cannot wait to learn more about the Goddess and Thalia’s connection with her!

To start with all I can say is wow! The cliffhanger at the end just has me ready to read more!
This book was absolutely amazing!
I may have stayed up late a couple nights just to finish it!
Watching the journey that Lia takes to try and save her country is a journey worth following! You have left me wanting to know whether she finds the eye of the goddess!
And how you made Jason to be who he was! I never would have guessed in a million years!

This book follows the journey of princess Lia and Quynh and their journey to save their country. They have been selected as the ones to run the race to the ilionian temple to try and save Locris! Lia makes it to the temple and finds out so many things on the way and while there. So many secrets to find out!

Enthralling and super engaging!
If you love fantasy with romance and a strong heroine, the you will live this! I lived Lia!

Oh my goodness this was fun! I’m still getting into adult fantasy and adult romantacy more and more and trying to figure out what I love and don’t love, however this is going into the category or really enjoying. I think it was fun and it made me feel so many things.

In *A Tribute of Fire*, USA Today bestselling author Sariah Wilson delivers a captivating blend of adventure, romance, and high stakes in a thrilling fantasy that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Set in the cursed desert nation of Locris, the story follows Princess Lia, a fierce and determined young woman who must navigate a deadly ritual designed to sacrifice Locrian maidens to an earth goddess worshipped by their rival nation, Ilion.

The premise of the novel is riveting, with the fate of an entire nation hanging in the balance. Lia’s journey begins with the devastating realization that she has been selected to participate in the annual tribute game—a brutal race through the deadly streets of Ilion, where no maiden has survived in over a millennium. The stakes are high, and the dangers she faces are relentless, both from external threats and the treacherous challenges within Ilion itself. Wilson does an excellent job of creating an atmosphere of constant tension, where each turn and decision could mean life or death for Lia and her people.

What sets *A Tribute of Fire* apart is the rich world-building. The rivalry between the desert nation of Locris and the powerful Ilion, the cursed ritual, and the goddess at the center of it all are explored in detail, drawing readers into the story’s complex politics and cultural dynamics. The labyrinthine city of Ilion becomes a character in its own right—an ever-shifting, dangerous maze that mirrors the physical and emotional battles Lia faces. Wilson’s ability to craft a vivid setting helps immerse readers in the high-stakes environment and keeps them invested in the narrative.

Lia is an incredibly strong protagonist, driven by love for her people and an unyielding sense of duty. She’s a well-rounded character—brave, intelligent, and deeply empathetic, but also conflicted, especially when it comes to her relationship with her sister, Quynh, who is also in danger. Their bond adds an emotional depth to the story, as Lia faces the impossible task of protecting her untrained sister while navigating the life-or-death race ahead.

The romance in *A Tribute of Fire* is a slow burn, adding another layer of complexity to the plot. Lia’s attraction to Jason, a sailor from Ilion who both challenges and attracts her, creates an engaging tension. Their relationship develops against the backdrop of their countries’ animosity, making their connection all the more forbidden and fraught with emotional conflict. Wilson masterfully balances romance with action, keeping the pace brisk and the stakes high.

The action sequences are intense and well-paced, with every challenge in the race feeling more harrowing than the last. The tension between survival and loyalty, personal sacrifice, and the greater good creates a compelling narrative that doesn’t let up until the final pages. The trials Lia faces are harrowing and death-defying, making her journey all the more gripping.

The ending of this one left me with all the feels!
There were so many twists in this one, and I am proud to say I guessed two of the big ones! 🤪 But I wasn’t sure until that ending!

This book has a beautiful forbidden romance with a SLOW burn 🥵
There are challenges, curses, fighting, and even some magic and a dragon encounter that I feel whole heartedly will not be the only one!

If you enjoy mythology and romantasy that also leans into the action, and political intrigue, this one is a must read!

All the Yes’s!!

OH MY GOD!!! first of all thank you so much to Sariah and the team of Tales & Teacups for this digital ARC copy I received through Netgalley.

First of Sariah, you can’t leave it on that ending and then apologise in the authors note. GIRLLLL I NEED MORE ARE YOU KIDDING ME. I loved this book so much, it had themes of found family, enemies to lovers, fantasy, strong female characters and the setting I could picture so so clearly and it gave me a similar vibe to game of thrones.

I have literally stayed up until 3:30am to finish this book. It has become my obsession. I truly truly loved it omg and I can’t wait for the next one!!

Bad ass Princess FMC.
Flirty MMC that .. also kicks ass.
Fated vibes, though not specifically mentioned but parts of their interactions certainly gives that impression.
Forbidden romance, but also marriage of convenience. A little confusing but I'm not complaining.

The story is set in a brutal world for a female, specifically Ilian ladies, the FMC is "picked" as a tribute from Locria, to the Goddess of Ilia, in which she and one other must race to the temple, through a maze of city foreign city, while being hunted to the death by men like some kind of Hunger games.

I saw the"who Jason is really" plot twist from the first meeting. I didn't see his complete 180 in personality though, expecting that will be explained in book two.

I loved the found family vibes with her sister acolytes, and the forbidden romance. The chemistry between Lia and Jason was great, as was the banter.
That cliff hanger at the end is going to haunt me until the next book is out !

“It only takes one person to change the world, one person to save a life.”

What you can expect:
🏹inspiration from Greek mythology
🏹curses
🏹magic
🏹dragons
🏹gods
🏹hidden identity
🏹prophecy
🏹found family

Lia is a princess from a cursed nation. She needs to survive a life-and-death race to the temple of the Ilion goddess to save have people from her curse and also protect her sister.

During this race she is helped (and distracted) by a handsome man named Jason. The tension and banter is so good. And there is a connection between them that I want to know more about that.

The book is full of action and twists that keeps you hooked. I like that the group of women from the temple helped her without any questions. They are strong and have a lot of courage.
We only have Lia’s POV, so Jason is a mysterious character with many secrets.

Even if I figured out part of the twist at the end, that was very interesting and I hope the next book will be at least as good as this one.

Thank you Netgalley and Montlake for an advanced copy of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

✔️ Strangers to Lovers
✔️ Forbidden Romance
✔️ Fated Mates

What. A. Freaking. Ending. 🤯

As someone who avoids posting spoiler reviews I am having such a hard time telling you guys how I feel about this book. Wow, just wow. This book is fast paced and while it is long there is SO much going on that it doesn’t feel that way. The storytelling and world building were both amazing and were so incredibly believable. No details were missed and it truly felt like watching a show.

The freaking characters in this though were what dreams are made of. 😉 Lia was such a badass FMC and I loved how smart, funny, and caring she was. I felt myself rooting so fiercely for her that I could feel her adrenaline rush and emotional roller coaster through the pages. I also absolutely fell for Jason’s swoonworthy bad boy character. I was penciling in his name for Book Boyfriend goals after their very first meeting. 🤣🤣 Not to mention chapter 43 which was better than any storyline I could have ever imagined. 😍 And finally….can we talk about the banter and chemistry between these two?!?!? Holy smokes this was PERFECT. I wish I could bottle this and put it in every book. 🤣 Needless to say this was an amazing read and I am so thankful I got to experience it. Now….please tell me the second book comes out next week? 🤣🙏🏻

“This sparking energy between us, like lightning was flashing and filling the entire room with heat and light? Overwhelming and terrifying all at the same time?“

“It’s like we’re two flames, drawn to each other, meant to burn brightly together.”