Ares has been an outcast for millennia. He never fit amongst the perfect golden gods of Olympus, and wandering the land from battle to battle has taken its toll. Yet when the titans return, he musters for one last battle, knowing it could be his last.
Adrian Wagner is a monster. After a fatal crash a decade ago, he rose as a vampire, but dragons? Well, those are something else. When an attack on the Hunt building imbues him with uncontrollable fire, he not only has to contend with the dragon inside him but also develops a strong bond to the ancient, terrifying, leather-clad warrior who once rode over battlefields on the back of the mighty wyrm now occupying Adrian’s body.
Only Ares isn’t what Adrian expected, and unraveling the layers of the misunderstood god proves the most worthwhile effort in Adrian’s short immortality. Too bad they met in the middle of a war that might kill them both.
Things are heating up in the war against Chronos and his Titan cohorts and so it's time for the bad boy of Greek Mythology to step up to the plate!
Enter Ares, God of War - and Courage - which people often forget in their rush to tar him with the brush of arrogance, destruction and rage, surprisingly a largely overlooked deity when it comes to myths directly relating to him.
He's mostly known for having an affair with his brother Hephaestus' wife Aphrodite, and being on the wrong side of The Trojan War.
But he's always been a fave of mine, not least because he fathered Harmonia, the Goddess of Harmony and Concord, as well as the Amazons, all strong women!
Here, our authors take a twist on Harmonia's mythology, her marriage to the founder of Thebes, Cadmus, and turn him into one of the bad guys, slayer of Ares' dragon companion and stealer of his immortal fire.
Which brings the war to the door of the New York Hunt and newly designated Huntsman Adrian Wagner, who we met in Julian and Prometheus' book. I won't be giving any spoilers away but I loved how Sam and Waverly used another lesser known piece of mythos to give Adrian his own unique plotline and put him firmly into Ares' path.
Given that this is the final book, drawing things to a close might have seemed like it would be a massive undertaking, but instead we get a really clever narrative thread which tightens the net and brings things down to a single conflict in the deserts of Utah and a surprising sacrifice.
The absolute best thing about this book though is how Adrian provides a home for Ares, a God who's been shunned simply because of the part of the Pantheon he overseas.
I'm really sad, if this is final book, to be leaving the Sons of Olympus behind, although obviously there are a few more who could get a book but I'm not sure they're worthy (yes Apollo I'm looking at you).
Together with the Lords of the Underworld, these have delivered brilliant romances giving new life to the Greek Pantheon and beyond.
#ARC kindly received from the authors, I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am honestly sad to see this series ending! I have loved all of these books. I also love the fact that we are back in New York where Julian and Prometheus are. 🥰 Adrian was such a scatterbrained vampire in their book so I was excited to see how he has adjusted. He is now the Huntsman of NewYork and feels woefully unprepared for the coming fight. Ares may be the god of war, but he is exhausted and ready to have a home. I loved these two characters and his daughter Harmonia was an absolute delight! What a great way to end it!
I think this is my favourite of all the books set in this world! I loved Ares and Adrian - they both showed a lot of character growth. The battle was ferocious, if quick, but I would have liked more exploration of Tigani’s effect on Adrian and his role in the war. It was great seeing characters from the other books as well.
Ahhh, I absolutely love it when gods show their humanity, and Ares in all his complicated past and present is stunning. No one will touch my Prometheus but Ares comes super close with the amount of love I have for him. He will always have a special place all his own.
“Ares wanted closer to it. He wanted to taste that fire. Tigani’s fire, maybe, but now Adrian’s fire. And it sounded f*cking delicious.”
Mmm, and yes Adrian and Ares are delicious, prickly but the best kinds of heroes are. Family drama, battles to save the world, and a love that won’t be defeated, I adore Ares and Adrian. I’m sad to say goodbye to this fantastic series but with an ending like this one that sends us off in style and with hearts full of smiles, well, they’re the ones I want.
While I didn't read the previous in the Sons of Olympus Series, I did read the Lords of the Underworld before this one. For me, it definitely makes sense to read the Lords of the Underworld before this one because of how prominent Prometheus and Julian were here. Also, it's where we get our first look at Adrian and a better sense of some of the past scenes mentioned. While I definitely liked Ares and I thought Adrian was cute, I felt like I was missing something between them. I could just be in a mood, but I really wanted more of Tigani and how Adrian was affected by this new power. I think I kept waiting for Adrian to talk with Ares about what he was feeling with that, that I kind of missed all the other interactions between the two. I did see how Adrian felt he could be himself around Ares and how Ares got the genuine support without any strings attached from Adian. Yet, I still was left with wanting a bit more. I also kept expecting Adrian's mother to be featured a bit more than just at the end. He mentioned a few times how they were close but had a strained relationship now and the scene at the end felt a little too clean. Like I would've liked to have seen them interact before the big battle and then maybe again afterwards to gage any differences in their relationship.
Like most of the others in the two related series, there is some heat but it's not overpowered. I did like the spicy scenes and it was cute which couple costume Adrian chooses for them. I think I was just missing that spark that really caught me with the Lords of the Underworld and I know this is definitely on me. Adrian was a character who I thought I'd really connect with but just didn't for whatever reason. I'm not sure I really understood his insecurities as deeply as he felt them. Ares was much more relatable for me as he always felt the disapproval from others and turned that into self dislike, even if that wasn't the case.
I gave it 3 for me but I really wanted to give it more as it did wrap up the overarching plot nicely. Plus we got a nice few cameos from the Lords of the Underworld (and I love Lach). For whatever reason, this one just didn't hit the same for me and I didn't get as emotionally attached to these characters as I have others.
“I feel safer,” Adrian whispered, “steadier, with you.” He must’ve drifted off then, because if Ares had an answer to that, Adrian didn’t hear it.
We finally got to the moment of truth between the titans and the gods. This wasn't my favorite installment in the series but as always it was easy to read. In my opinion the relationship and the plot felt a little bit rushed. Though I loved the cameos from previous books. I wonder if Apollo is going to have his own book. I just love when spoiled characters find their complementary partner.
Not gonna lie, I read the original trilogy a while ago so clearly I didn’t remember Adrian at all. He did a great match with Ares. But I felt their relationship was more insta-lovey than the other installments and maybe that’s why I didn't fully connect with them. Like something was missing. Maybe I needed more moments with them alone (and with Pancake too!).
Another son of the olympus that finds his significant other. A quick read where finally some matter are going to be solved.
*Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a free and honest review*
This was a well-rounded and ultimately satisfying ending to a fantastic series.
It's also a captivating exploration of intricate character of Ares, the god of war, and his journey toward newfound love.
This isn't the Ares you learned about in school. He's tired, complicated, and while he understand the inevitability of war, he doesn't take joy in the destruction and tragedy it brings.
His character goes beyond the traditional depiction of a fierce and unyielding god. In "Warfire," Ares is portrayed with depth and complexity, revealing layers of vulnerability, passion, and internal conflict. This nuanced characterization adds a refreshing twist to the well-known mythological figure, making him more relatable and engaging.
We also get to see the culmination of Adrian's journey towards maturity, and it's great to see him coming into his own.
The narrative is well-paced, balancing moments of intense action with quieter, introspective scenes. The chemistry between Ares and Adrian is palpable, adding a romantic layer to the story that complements the overarching theme of self-discovery.
Overall, I loved the journey, and I'm sad this series is over.
Let me lead with this: My favorite interpretation of Ares to date! You think Ares, and you think of the typical, arrogant, brash, ready to start a fight Ares. Not this tired version of him. Tired of being held at arms length by not just Zeus, but the rest of his godly family who see him as a tool, a means to an end. Nothing more than a fight-hungry soul and not someone who deserves love and respect as well.
Enter Adrian. Sure he was scattered to the four winds when we first meet him, and we see that a little in this book but we also see him stepping into his own, and figuring out who he is as a vampire...and a vampire that's housing dragon fire. Ares grounds him in ways he needs, and he builds Ares up in ways HE needs.
I'm sad to see the series and world come to an end in this book, I'd have loved to see what Ares does going forward given the events of the book, and things alluded to near the end, but in all it was a good ending for a good series.
I received an ARC of Warfire, and this is my honest review.
To say goodbye to this world and these characters, that is. I thought I was prepared, but honestly I’m sad and it’s because it was all love the entire time.
I loved the lore, the characters, the overarching plot that carried through the entire thing, the absolutely beautiful “we aren’t saying fated mates love, but it’s definitely fated mates” love everyone fell into, and the way everything just worked. The whole time.
Even when there were things that were a little wonky, you didn’t notice because it was that immersive, and you don’t care too much when something has you in that right of a chokehold.
And I couldn’t have loved this particular book more. Ares and Adrian were fantastic, and Pancake was worth the price of admission alone.
4.25/5. The vibes? They stayed good. I’m glad Ares and Adrian got more time on page since I missed out on that with Hephaestus and Anteros. I’d give a lot to have more, but if this truly was the end, what a way to go.
Warfire is the third in the Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes’ Sons of Olympus series and related to another of the authors’ series, Lords of the Underworld. I have not read that other series and I think that caused some issues here. There were characters I wasn’t familiar with and events that took place either off page or in the Lords series that impacted the plot of Warfire. As a result, I felt as if I was dropped into a story already in progress and left scrambling to keep up. I think to fully enjoy this book, you have to read not only Wildfire and Fireforged, the first two books in the Sons of Olympus series, but have read the Lords of the Underworld series as well.
I am sad that this is the final book in the series, but OMG, so enjoyable. This one features Ares and Adrian. Adrian is a vampire and part of the Hunstman group in New York. When he kills one of the Titans, he inherits his fire. When Ares arrives, he lets them know the Titan carried part f the magic and spirit of his dragon. As Cronus has now freed the gorgons from Tartarus, there are those that do not want to fight. While out one night with Ares, Adrian befriends one of the gorgons. This was an epic book with how they all the gods and vampires got together to defeat Cronus. I don’t want to forget that Ares also saved a kitten which Adrian named Pancake. Great world building, lots of action and the romance between Adrian and Ares was very sweet. Loved it and cannot wait to read more from these authors.
Okay my reading time is greatly diminished so has my tolerance for, what I'm perceiving as, author mistakes and have very little patience for the story to get moving. So I can't with Adrian's attitude of "I used to be so and so and now I'm a vamp-police officer (or sth) but what I can do but do it", especially since eff me if I remember who Adrian was from the previous book.
Anyways, the death penalty came when Ares thought to himself that Apollo's expression would be good on a Saturnalia card... a what now? You are using the Greek mythology and Pantheon and then refer to a Roman holiday? Yeah NO! Nope, no, no! I know that the Romans borrowed the whole Greek Pantheon and gave it fancy latin names, but screw that! I don't care if this was supposed to be witty or sarcastic or whatever, it was off-key for me and killed the story.
***3.5*** I liked it, even though I struggled to understand what kept them together except attraction? Their mutual love for the kitten? Feeling peace when around each other? Adrian not cowering but facing him and other gods head on? But a relationship is more than that, you need to communicate with one another, want to do something together (and meeting parents and going on A party doesn't count IMO). The jump from to I love you mere moments later was just 🤯 for me.
Warfire is the third book in the Sons of Olympus series and is best read in order with the other books in the series. This book is about Ares the god of War and Courage and Adrian a vampire with a dragon inside him. I couldn't put the book down once I started it. I just wanted to find out how everything ends in the series. I loved the world building and the characters in the series. I'm sorry to see this series end. I would definitely recommend this book and series.
I do not usually title my reviews by the characters, but it was needed here. These two are just both so unexpected and this story was just what they needed! Ares is so misunderstood, and we get such a beautiful glimpse of the lonely man. Adrian has become a Vampire huntsman and is fitting into himself now. We are in New York with some Julian and Prometheus mixed in the action as well. A really sweet kind of romance with perfect series wrap up for this world of Gods, Dragons and Vamps oh my!
Adrian became the Huntsman when the old one (Julian) became the Master of Vampires in NY. He’s slowly getting used to his job and position. A war is coming to a head and Ares god of war turns up to help them. Adrian and Ares become close, they find peace with each other. Their group of other gods and partners will need each other to win.
I enjoyed this! I do wish we got more Adrian and Ares time, but end of the world and all that. Also, the ending and how abruptly the conflict was resolved was kind of a downer. Like, they were all worried and furiously prepping for battle and then just nope. And we don't get any POV from the person who inherited powers so how is he doing? Overall a good end to this series.
So, imagine that the Ancient Greek Gods were real and still here today. This story is about Aries, the god of war. He has seen so much conflict over the millennium and is just tired. Adrian is a young vampire who is just settling into his own. This was a wonderful story and I’m glad I read it. Highly Recommended
3.25 stars A tiny bit anticlimactic, after everything that's happened in the previous stories. I think I liked the three Lords of the Underworld books more than the Sons of Olympus, although it was a nice touch to have Zeus's three nicer sons end up happy -- I have no need for fucking Apollo to ever find an HEA, thank you very much.
I have been waiting for Adrian's book since I first read about him. There is just something about him that appeals to me. He means well even when he makes mistakes and the learns from those mistakes. I also loved the representation of Ares. In so many stories Ares is seen as brutish, mean and kinda dumb. Burns and Fawkes did an amazing job of making the god of war sympathetic. A great conclusion to the trilogy.
This Is a 4,5 The story Is awesome as Always, but the final confrontation feels rushed, but It could be because i loved Ares and Adrian and their interactions. The significant role of Prometheus certainly doesn't hurt!
Warfire is the third in the Sons of Olympus series. I feel like I was waiting forever for this one but the wait was definitely worth it. Adrian is the huntsman and Ares the god of war has come to help. I was surprised by the depth of Ares! Overall a fantastic ending to the series.
I always try to post a review of a book because it helps the author on Amazon be recognized, but this one was hard to review because I was maybe not in the right headspace to enjoy it. Love most of the books by this author duo, so it was probably just me.
Ares was strong and fierce but he was also misunderstood and never really belonged. Meeting Adrian changed everything. They became each other’s safe place and everything in between. Adrian saw the real Ares who simply wanted to cuddle his cute kitten. These two were beautiful together.
I really enjoyed this book and devoured it in one go.
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*