A Tribute of Fire - Sariah Wilson

Holy forking shirt balls. This was FANTASTIC. I literally don’t think there is one single aspect of this book that I disliked. I was enthralled INSTANTLY. I could hardly put the dang book down. What did I love? Every dang thing about this book. However, I’ll list a few a few for you. The healthy female relationships, the strong women, the politics, the belief systems/Gods, the lore, the mother freaking romantic tension that you could cut with a bloody knife, and the list goes on. This book, mark my words, will be one of the best books in the coming years. I love everything about it, and I have already pre-ordered book two. Sariah Wilson, you just became an auto buy author for me. One of the top reads of the year, hands down.

What you can find in this book:
- Strong & Stabby FMC
- Broody MMC
- Enemies to Lovers
- Forbidden Love
- “Who did this to you?”
- Hidden Identities
- Deadly Games/Competitions
- Goddesses & Curses
- Found Family
- Strong Feminine Relationships
- Greek Mythology
- Epic Romantasy


**More Social Links will be added once I post about the book once I receive a physical copy to take photos of for my socials**

⭐️ 3/5

Good debut for an established author who is stepping into romantasy.

This however was only "okay" for me.

I felt like there was a lack of deeper character connection. I'm also a mood reader and wasn't really pulled here, nor there, with my moods... as though nothing impactful or meaning was happening. Which is a shame.

The FMC... I have thoughts. I'm going to leave them there. She wasn't too enjoyable, but hey, one of my book bestie loves her. Me, not so much.

If you want a fantasy with mythological mix, then this is it.

If you're a fan of greek mythology and romantasy books that are fast paced, action packed, and hard to put down, then you're going to love this book! The story follows Lia, a princess of her country Locris, and her country has been suffering from famine for a thousand years after being cursed by a goddess. In order to try and break the curse, Lia has to enter a deadly trial. Lia is a strong FMC and a fighter, but she's also naive in other areas - so there's a nice balance to her personality. The world building is easy to follow, and the magic system is intriguing. I love that there's a beautiful focus on female friendship and sisterhood in this book as well. And of course there's Jason :) They have great tension and banter, and a slow burn push pull, with enemies to lovers to ? We'll have to see in book 2! I had so much fun reading this book, and I NEED to know what happens next, especially after that cliffhanger. I can't wait for book 2!!

This book brought out a bit of mixed reactions within me. On the one hand I loved the plot of the maidens running for their lives to survive and the whole sisterhood/found family trope that follows after the brutal chase. It was great to see the bond between the girls and them finally finding a home within each other.
On the other hand, the romance bit could've been done better I think. Instant attraction and then just lusting after each other without actually knowing one another seems a bit far fetched. It would've been good to see some depth to the relationship albeit they were never really given the time to get to know one another in the first place.

It took a long time to get into it but now I would like to read whatever comes next. An interesting a different story for sure.

Wow.

I adored this book from start to finish!! And devoured it in a matter of days.

Lia is a fabulous stabby FMC and I love how fierce and protective she is. I loved the links to Greek Mythology and thought the storyline was really unique. The beginnings of the magic system was really interesting and I can’t wait to see how it progresses.

The ending…. I just can’t cope with the fact I can’t just start reading the next book. I’m not sure how I’ll wait to be honest.

Would thoroughly recommend this book!

Wow, where to begin. I sometimes find myself very dubious going into a new fantasy/romantasy book because they can feel very copycat.. but one thing I noticed with A Tribute Of Fire was how fresh it felt. You aren’t instantly bombarded with never-ending world building (thank you!), its gradual and not overwhelming. The characters - I don’t even know where to begin. Lia is confident, headstrong, and for lack of a better word - ballsy. She knows what she wants and won’t let anyone get in her way. I liked how in the first few chapters you learn about her family, their brief but relevant back stories, especially that of her little sister.

We’re blessed with some many wonderful topics in this book - hidden identities, arranged marriages, sisterhood, but also with that comes the secrets and betrayal. This book had it all. There were scenes that had my adrenaline pumping, had me crying into my coffee, and others than had me literally laughing out loud (the goose in particular - if you know you know).

The last quarter of the book had me on an emotional rollercoaster, the twists Sariah added to this part of the story were immaculate, and the ending.. the ending had be screaming “WHAT?!” What a cliffhanger. I need the second book.. instantly.

thank you to the author for the arc!!

Greek mythology, a badass FMC, deadly trials, romance - what more could I possibly ask for?

after reading The Song of Achilles, I was itching for another great mythology-based read and A Tribute of Fire totally delivered.

if you love a slow-burn, forbidden romantasy vibe - you’re going to be obsessed!!!

I do feel that there were some pacing issues throughout, and found myself wanting to “press fast forward” at some points, which lead me to subtract a star from my rating.

that being said, I’ll definitely be recommending and can’t wait for book 2!

Princess Lia’s nation of Locris has been cursed for over a millennium by the Earth Goddess. When her rival nation Ilion holds their annual death-defying race to reach the Goddess’s temple, she is one of the tributes. But when her sister is put in danger and Lia develops feelings for the handsome Illinoian sailor Jason, can she overcome these obstacles to life her nation’s curse?

I absolutely loved this book! When Lia was in the race, I could just feel the tension and dread. I also loved that all the female characters are strong & badass. One part in the sorry made me cry, and it takes a lot for me to cry while reading. The chemistry and banter between Lia & Jason was just intoxicating, and then the plot twist and cliffhanger had me shook! I just started reading fantasy/romantasy this year, and I’m in love. For all my Sarah J. Mass fans, A Tribute of Fire is your next obsession!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Tribute of Fire

Thank you Netgalley and the author for providing a copy of this ARC!

This book was amazing!

I love Lia, the FMC, she was fierce, smart and had so much depth to her character. She faces so many trials and tribulations but always chooses to do what is right. The romance and building chemistry between Lia and Jason is intense to say the least.

The banter, the lust, the adventure all combines to be this brilliant tale. Side characters all feel relevant to the story; never was there a point while reading I questioned the reasoning behind it.

The world building and character development is fantastic! Magic, dragons, fate, greek mythology…what isn’t there to love?

The underlying feeling of the unknown, I could sense this book was setting the scene for book 2 is present throughout, and the cliffhanger?! Book 2 couldn’t come sooner!

We meet Lia who is off on a journey to obtain a relic of her nations goddess but there is a slight issue...it lies within enemy lands. In order to get there she will have to face a well known trial of that nation which will get her the freedom to continue her search. What she didn't count on was Jason, who found himself available often when needed and very easy on the eyes. But Lia must stay focused and survive to return home with the relic.


This book which is the first have you cheering Lia on in every aspect of her journey, there are some laughs along the way. Expect to be waiting for the next book because at the end you will be shocked.

Thanks to the author and publishing team for the opportunity to experience Lia's journey. I'm excited for the next book.

Rating: 5/5
I received an eARC for my honest opinion.

Okay, seriously this is the best book! It hit me in all the right places that makes me love reading. When you read this book, you find that it is a fantasy with romance, action, mystery, mythology and magical creatures. You will find the tropes: forbidden romance, strong FMC, touch her and die, fated, enemies to lovers, and a slow burn. Oh, and be ready you will want that second book right away because you will be swept away into a new world where two women are picked to be tribute to the Goddess in Ilionian, but it's only women from Locris. When Lia the princess of Locris makes sure that she is one of the sacrifices to the Goddess all in the name of making sure that she saves her kingdom, but sometimes things don’t go the way that we want. Instead, Lia finds sisterhood, empowerment, and determination to bring this kingdom to their knees.

I seriously cannot say too much about this book because I know that I will give away something that will spoil the book because I loved it that much. All I can say is this author knows how to write a book that will draw you in and hook you all the way to the end, but be ready there is a cliffhanger, and it will leave you screaming nooooooo… I need the second book now, okay well for me it did. I loved that Wilson adds in Greek mythology, but it's not the main focus but instead gives you bits and pieces throughout the book to what might happen. I loved that it didn’t feel like I was reading a book that was set in a modern time but in the past. The pace of the book was fast even though it’s the first book of The Eye of the Goddess, for me it didn’t feel like the first book at all, but I felt as though I already knew the characters and all their trials and hardships. I loved the magical system in this book and can’t wait to find out more about it. I found myself able to connect with the characters and even relate to them as well. I loved that even though this was character-driven you will see the plot clearly and you will not be left feeling like you’re missing out on something.

The characters in this book were amazing. I loved that Jason was so intense, sexy and just had the right amount of mystery to him, that you will be coming up with reasons why you want him right next to you instead. I loved the banter between Jason and Lia so much, I found myself laughing at them and then at times I was dang I needed more of these kinds of moments. Both of these characters were written so well and in depth that I felt as though I was really friends with them. You will find hints throughout this book if you look closely but no worries that it will spoil the book.

Gosh I could go on and on, but I won’t, I am going to end this review now. However, I have one more thing YOU REALLY NEED TO READ THIS BOOK.

I want to thank NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to review this book.

“In the stories, the beasts that must be vanquished are always female. Have you ever wondered why? It is because men have always feared women’s destructive potential. Knowledge gives us power. Your power is a threat. Especially the women in this room.”

A story of female empowerment, found family and true grit. Following, Lia, in a world split by a vengeful earth goddess. She is a princess of Locris, a desert nation where the goddess cursed 1000 years ago to have no growth. Every year two Locrian maidens are chosen to race for life or death in a thriving neighboring nation. If the maidens make it to the temple of the earth goddess, they are deemed safe and will serve her as an acolyte until death. But none have ever made it in. Chosen for this race, her life changes the second her feet hit the ground in Illion. A race for life, to save her people, to save her remaining siblings.. One for all.
The cliff hanger was absolutely noooooo joke though. I need that second book 😭

You know a book has you in a chokehold when you find yourself dreaming about it. I honestly see this being one of my tops reads of the year and I need book 2 right now 😅.

In this captivating story we follow Lia, Princess of Locris, as she competes in a thousand year old event as a tribute to the Earth Goddess where two maidens are dropped into an enemy city and must fight their way to the temple. Lia is a fiercely determined character and I immediately loved her as I followed her on her journey.

I could not put this down and found myself actively trying to read slower because I wasn’t ready for the story to be over. The FMC Lia had me intrigued immediately and then when she meets Jason who she finds herself unexplainably drawn too, I was hooked. The plot kept me on edge as I was trying to figure out what was coming next. The beautiful way stories of Greek mythology was woven into story is perfection. The romantic tension FOR DAYS, coupled with the angst from the amazing chemistry / pull between our characters is excellent. I’m not sure how else I can say this book is a must read!

I cannot recommend this book enough if you like the following things:
🔥Greek Mythology
🔥Found Family (a sisterhood)
🔥Enemies to Lovers
🔥Slow Burn romance
🔥Hidden Identities
🔥Royalty

I love how romantasy is becoming the latest craze in the romance book world, and that Sariah Wilson is dipping her feet into it with a really fun, suspenseful story that will have you hooked from the first moment you meet Lia.

A Tribute of Fire follows the tried and true formula for romantasy books that just works. You get a strong female heroine whose apparent only usefulness is an arranged marriage. However, before that marriage can come to be, she sacrifices herself for the good of her dying country by ensuring her name is chosen for the annual sacrifice that risks two maidens in a life or death race that has never been won in a millennium.

And you don’t have to wait long in the story to see Lia take this risk and hope that she can survive the labyrinth race to the Goddess’ temple - only the story doesn’t end there.

From this point the story does slow a bit with world building and the introduction of other characters at the temple, but what really keeps you glued to the pages is the appearance and reappearances of Jason – a sailor she met on her way to the maze who she has instant chemistry with and then some.

I loved the back and forth between these two and only wanted more. You know that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to Jason who shows up at the most interesting of times for Lia but you don’t really understand what he’s all about until the very end of the story with a jaw dropping revelation. Plus you know that more is brewing for Lia as well.

She also forms sisterly bonds with a few other young women whom I hope we will see more of as well.

This is definitely a must-read for romantasy fans that will keep you glued to the page and eagerly awaiting book two which drops next year. This was one of my most anticipated, new romantasy books of late 2024 and it did not disappoint.

*Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

This author is soo devious! LOL On the one hand, she pulls you into the world of romantasy with a compelling story while on the other hand, she wallops you with book 2 scheduled for release ONE YEAR FROM NOW!!! Joking, not joking....

A Tribute of Fire is an unusual and original story that I absolutely enjoyed from the opening pages. The characters, the plot, the twists and turns, the heated kissing scenes - oh yeah, definitely the kissing scenes! - all pay tribute (see how I worked that little jewel in ?) to this author's ability to weave an entertaining novel in a genre that might be difficult to sell to hard-core romantics. Trust me when I say that it is worth the read!

This is a long book, 500+ pages. However, it is so engrossing that you aren't even slightly bored. I personally devoured A Tribute of Fire! In closing, let me say one last thing. All writers should read this book to understand the power of great kissing scenes!
5 stars (more if they would allow it!)

Locris is dying, and the only way to save her home is for Lia to put herself in danger. A thousand years ago Lia’s ancestor committed and atrocious crime, so the earth goddess cursed Locris. Now, every year two maidens must travel to Ilion and survive being hunted, if they make it to the goddess’s temple they will be given sanctuary, if not then death. Lia believes is she can make it to Ilion she can find the stone and return it to her homes temple it will save her city. But trouble will find her and having a handsome sailor who keeps showing up doesn’t help anything. What will happen once she is Ilion? How will she survive? And will the other maiden survive with her?

This first book in a series was an interesting start. The premise is intriguing and I don’t think I realized it was based off of mythology which makes sense. Lia is an interesting character and I appreciate her ingenuity and cunning. Some parts of the book felt a little slow which I think can be attributed to being a fantasy series with an intricate background so it needs the set up. I love/hate the cliffhanger. I appreciate when authors can do a good cliffhanger but also hate them when the next book isn’t out yet! I am intrigued and can’t wait to see what @sariahwilsonauthor the next book entails.

I think you will like this book if you enjoy…

• insta-love romance/banter
• Greek mythology
•deadly competitions
• girlhood

The storyline was interesting and engaging. The main character, Lia, is selected as a tribute to compete in a deadly trial where two tributes have to run through a city to reach the temple of the goddess and claim sanctuary all while being hunted!

It’s mysterious and action-packed. I found myself wondering what was going to happen next if Lia made it to this mysterious temple. I loved that Lia found a place amongst her group of girls and how they quickly became sisters! The mystery around the goddess and the temple leaders was very intriguing.

What fell short for me was that some of the descriptions might be misleading. I would not consider this book to be enemies-to-lovers, slow burn, or Reylo. The main characters were making out on top of each other the minute they meet at only 7% into the story. They’re constantly flirty and very much into each other any time they are near the other. Reylo romances usually entail a broody/grumpy x sunshine duo but our MMC was definitely an energetic and bubbly flirt which personally didn’t align with my Reylo soul.

I also found the big reveal at the end to be a bit predictable. However, I do think this is a great set-up to what could potentially be a great slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers situation in the upcoming book (that is, if they’re not all over each other within the first few pages!)

I am definitely very interested in reading the next books and am looking forward to it! I will place my rating of this book at 3.5 stars because the story interested me enough to want to continue the series and I have a strong feeling it will get even better as it goes.

This book! Wow. I'm hooked and need Book 2 because that ending was a nail biter.
The world building and story has a greek mythology with Hunger Games vibes, swoony sailor, fierce and determined FMC, meddling gods and goddesses, banter, twists and turns, betrayals, and magic.
Loved it, fast paced read, leaving me wanting more!

Fantasy and Greek mythology mixed in an action-packed and captivating story. It starts with a bang, I was completely immersed since chapter one, I loved Lia, our fierce heroine and the enemies to lovers trope. The only thing I didn’t like is that I have to wait for book two, I can’t wait.

Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.

𝗔 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗢𝗳 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 by Sariah Wilson releases November 1, 2024.