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The Eye of the Goddess #1
A Tribute of Fire
The fate of a cursed nation depends on a princess who must outwit a mortal enemy and outlast the trials of a death-defying ritual in a thrilling adventure by USA Today bestselling author Sariah Wilson.
Lia is the princess of Locris, a dying desert nation cursed centuries ago by an earth goddess—one still worshipped by the thriving and adversarial nation of Ilion. Every year, Ilion offers the goddess a two Locrian maidens forced to compete in a life-and-death race to reach her temple. In a millennium, no maiden has made it out of Ilion alive. This year, Lia is one of the hunted.
An education in battle gives her a fighting chance, but the challenges are greater than she Lia’s beloved but untrained sister Quynh has been put in the path of danger. The winding streets of Ilion itself have been transformed into a labyrinthine maze of countless choices and dead ends. And if the risks weren’t significant enough, Lia is reluctantly drawn to the commandingly attractive Jason, an Ilionian sailor she loathes to trust and desires like no man before.
The tribute game is on. It’s up to Lia to lift the goddess’s curse, restore Locris to its former glory, and change the fate of every young woman destined to follow in her path.
Lia is the princess of Locris, a dying desert nation cursed centuries ago by an earth goddess—one still worshipped by the thriving and adversarial nation of Ilion. Every year, Ilion offers the goddess a two Locrian maidens forced to compete in a life-and-death race to reach her temple. In a millennium, no maiden has made it out of Ilion alive. This year, Lia is one of the hunted.
An education in battle gives her a fighting chance, but the challenges are greater than she Lia’s beloved but untrained sister Quynh has been put in the path of danger. The winding streets of Ilion itself have been transformed into a labyrinthine maze of countless choices and dead ends. And if the risks weren’t significant enough, Lia is reluctantly drawn to the commandingly attractive Jason, an Ilionian sailor she loathes to trust and desires like no man before.
The tribute game is on. It’s up to Lia to lift the goddess’s curse, restore Locris to its former glory, and change the fate of every young woman destined to follow in her path.
527 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,076 reviews
December 17, 2024
Please give me book two immediately
October 17, 2024
The FMC was a horny moron.
January 14, 2025
How am I supposed to wait for book 2, that was insane!! This was such a FUN read!
January 6, 2025
“..𝑰𝒕’𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒘𝒆’𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒘𝒐 𝒇𝒍𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔, 𝒅𝒓𝒂𝒘𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓, 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒏 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒍𝒚 𝒕𝒐𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓.”
“𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒔𝒐 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝒘𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒚 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓.”
First off... THAT CLIFFHANGER?!? WHYYY? 😩 i'm saying this right at the top of my ereview so you’re AWARE of what awaits you, okay? AGH.
Anywayyyy, I absolutely loved this book! It’s got that perfect romantasy vibe for beginners: a straight to the point plot, a flirty MMC, a warrior FMC, and easy-to-follow world building.
The story follows Lia, who lives in Locris, where every year two maidens are taken as tributes to the Goddess and must race to her temple to atone for a mistake the Locrians made over a thousand years ago. Lia’s determined to save Locris, and the only way to do it? Survive the race and find an item hidden in the temple. Easy, right? NOT.
I thought the race would be the book’s peak, but wow, so many unexpected twists kept me on the alert while reading. Lia’s character development is amazing! You see her break, get back up, and fight on so many freaking times AGH what a fearless woman! 💪
And then there’s Jason our love interest and let’s just say the temple (where men are not allowed) does not keep him from getting close to Lia… wink wink. 🔥😉
Another aspect I LOVED? The delicious forbidden vibes! Once you hit a certain point, temptation is EVERYWHERE, and you’re gonna eat it up.
things I liked ˋ°•*⁀➷
- the sisterhood of the priestesses
- the tension between the main characters
- the cliffhanger at the end AGH
- a small plot twist that had me gasping
tropes
🗡️witty banter
🗡️forbidden romance
🗡️strangers to lovers
Thank you Sariah Wilson for giving me an eARC in exchange for my honest review
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱｡ꪆৎ ˚ ok im done with contemporary for a while... so... HI FANTASY!
“𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒔𝒐 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝒘𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒚 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓.”
First off... THAT CLIFFHANGER?!? WHYYY? 😩 i'm saying this right at the top of my ereview so you’re AWARE of what awaits you, okay? AGH.
Anywayyyy, I absolutely loved this book! It’s got that perfect romantasy vibe for beginners: a straight to the point plot, a flirty MMC, a warrior FMC, and easy-to-follow world building.
The story follows Lia, who lives in Locris, where every year two maidens are taken as tributes to the Goddess and must race to her temple to atone for a mistake the Locrians made over a thousand years ago. Lia’s determined to save Locris, and the only way to do it? Survive the race and find an item hidden in the temple. Easy, right? NOT.
I thought the race would be the book’s peak, but wow, so many unexpected twists kept me on the alert while reading. Lia’s character development is amazing! You see her break, get back up, and fight on so many freaking times AGH what a fearless woman! 💪
And then there’s Jason our love interest and let’s just say the temple (where men are not allowed) does not keep him from getting close to Lia… wink wink. 🔥😉
Another aspect I LOVED? The delicious forbidden vibes! Once you hit a certain point, temptation is EVERYWHERE, and you’re gonna eat it up.
things I liked ˋ°•*⁀➷
- the sisterhood of the priestesses
- the tension between the main characters
- the cliffhanger at the end AGH
- a small plot twist that had me gasping
tropes
🗡️witty banter
🗡️forbidden romance
🗡️strangers to lovers
Thank you Sariah Wilson for giving me an eARC in exchange for my honest review
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱｡ꪆৎ ˚ ok im done with contemporary for a while... so... HI FANTASY!
January 17, 2025
i knew it was coming but that ending was INSANE
September 21, 2024
Obsessed.
This story is filled with a princesses fierce determination to do what needs to be done. Her nation is starving. Year after year, century after century they suffer famine all because of a goddess’s act of selfishness. She ran away with her lover and was destroyed for it.
Now, 1000 years later one nation reveres the goddess and receives bountiful harvests and the other receives famine and suffering. But a powerful relic of the goddess could change everything, and our main character Lia has set out to claim it. The relic is rumored to be located in enemy territory- and the only way to get there is a one way ticket that will likely end with her meeting the gods of the underworld. The enemy nation has a special way of honoring their goddess through sacrifice. They allow women from their enemy nation a chance at freedom and serving their goddess as a priestess IF they can survive the run from the docks to the temple.
Just like the goddess herself ran from her responsibilities to live her own life, the maidens must too run for their lives. The men are permitted to hunt them in this sacred trial of fire.
The moment Lia steps off the boat, it is the first of many trials she will face while on enemy soil. But she has a plan. Survive, find the relic, save her people. But she never expected to be distracted and aided by an infuriatingly handsome sailor who just happens to be everywhere she least expects him.
I loved this story of female empowerment, determination and found family. This was a huge set up for the next book and I cannot wait for more!
And a shout out to the geese guarding a library. I’ve never laughed so hard!
This story is filled with a princesses fierce determination to do what needs to be done. Her nation is starving. Year after year, century after century they suffer famine all because of a goddess’s act of selfishness. She ran away with her lover and was destroyed for it.
Now, 1000 years later one nation reveres the goddess and receives bountiful harvests and the other receives famine and suffering. But a powerful relic of the goddess could change everything, and our main character Lia has set out to claim it. The relic is rumored to be located in enemy territory- and the only way to get there is a one way ticket that will likely end with her meeting the gods of the underworld. The enemy nation has a special way of honoring their goddess through sacrifice. They allow women from their enemy nation a chance at freedom and serving their goddess as a priestess IF they can survive the run from the docks to the temple.
Just like the goddess herself ran from her responsibilities to live her own life, the maidens must too run for their lives. The men are permitted to hunt them in this sacred trial of fire.
The moment Lia steps off the boat, it is the first of many trials she will face while on enemy soil. But she has a plan. Survive, find the relic, save her people. But she never expected to be distracted and aided by an infuriatingly handsome sailor who just happens to be everywhere she least expects him.
I loved this story of female empowerment, determination and found family. This was a huge set up for the next book and I cannot wait for more!
And a shout out to the geese guarding a library. I’ve never laughed so hard!
November 20, 2025
✩ 2 stars ✩
What to Expect:
➼ Enemies-to-Lovers
➼ Forced Proximity
➼ Hidden Identities
➼ Deadly Trials
➼ Prophecy/Destiny
➼ Found Family
➼ Gods/Goddesses
➼ Inspired by Greek Mythology
➼ Narrated by Therese Plummer
➼ First Person Single POV
I feel like everything I’m about the say is mildly spoilery, so read on at your own risk! A badass FMC Lia is not. She talked a big talk and bragged endlessly about her training, but without help, she would have died in the trials just like all the rest. If I’m honest, it did bother me that she didn’t make it through on her own merits.
The romance was the worst kind of insta love with a huge helping of deception slathered on top. They were seriously one of my least favorite couples to date. The incredibly obvious plot twist near the end did not endear me to the MMC at all. If I had to compare them to one couple, it would probably be Thea and Wilder from The Legends of Thezmarr series who I hated. Most of y’all ate that shit up though, so maybe many of you would liked them. 🤷♀️
The whole premise of this story made very little sense to me. Usually, as a story progresses things begin to make more sense, but in the case of this book I felt like I understood less and less. I guess potentially we could get more answers in book two, but I’m not sure there’s really anything I could learn that would make the trials feel necessary.
I was gifted a copy of this book and the following book in the series by Amazon, so I feel like I should continue, but we’ll see if I can push through...
Thank you to Amazon and the author for the gifted finished copy in exchange for an honest review.
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read: I received a gifted copy of this from Amazon back in September and I’m excited to finally dive in!
Trying hard to pretend it’s not ominous that Meaghan hated it. 😅🙈
≪ ◦ ❖ ◦ ≫
Connect with me on Instagram
What to Expect:
➼ Enemies-to-Lovers
➼ Forced Proximity
➼ Hidden Identities
➼ Deadly Trials
➼ Prophecy/Destiny
➼ Found Family
➼ Gods/Goddesses
➼ Inspired by Greek Mythology
➼ Narrated by Therese Plummer
➼ First Person Single POV
I feel like everything I’m about the say is mildly spoilery, so read on at your own risk! A badass FMC Lia is not. She talked a big talk and bragged endlessly about her training, but without help, she would have died in the trials just like all the rest. If I’m honest, it did bother me that she didn’t make it through on her own merits.
The romance was the worst kind of insta love with a huge helping of deception slathered on top. They were seriously one of my least favorite couples to date. The incredibly obvious plot twist near the end did not endear me to the MMC at all. If I had to compare them to one couple, it would probably be Thea and Wilder from The Legends of Thezmarr series who I hated. Most of y’all ate that shit up though, so maybe many of you would liked them. 🤷♀️
The whole premise of this story made very little sense to me. Usually, as a story progresses things begin to make more sense, but in the case of this book I felt like I understood less and less. I guess potentially we could get more answers in book two, but I’m not sure there’s really anything I could learn that would make the trials feel necessary.
I was gifted a copy of this book and the following book in the series by Amazon, so I feel like I should continue, but we’ll see if I can push through...
Thank you to Amazon and the author for the gifted finished copy in exchange for an honest review.
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read: I received a gifted copy of this from Amazon back in September and I’m excited to finally dive in!
Trying hard to pretend it’s not ominous that Meaghan hated it. 😅🙈
≪ ◦ ❖ ◦ ≫
Connect with me on Instagram
October 16, 2024
A TRIBUTE OF FIRE
ˋ°•*⁀➷ 3 stars
no spoilers!!
• i got this from the read early opportunity? for kindle members, and i initially chose it because the description and premise were so intriguing to me. greek mythology, a girl forced to compete in a dangerous trial - like i was so sure this was gonna be amazing.
• unfortunately for me, this was just... fine? like the so-called life and death situation lasted, maybe 7 chapters?? and then stuff happened after that, but not really at the same time??? i don't even know how to explain it other than this whole book felt like a set-up for the sequel.
• i was bored for most of the middle of this book. i'm not sure if i'm delusional and important, fantastical things 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 actually happening throughout this book, but it seriously felt like not a single thing was going on other than these two horny 20 year-olds having sex dreams??? like am i crazy??? i couldn't give you one single example of a high stakes, hard-hitting, emotional, action-packed moment in this whole book following lia winning the trial.
• lia and jason... insta lust, then an attempt at enemies to lovers i guess, but even then all i'm reading in lia's head is - 'omfg this guy is so hot, but he's illionian so i hate him, but i would bone him rn if i could, but-',,, like girl..? GET IT TOGETHER PLEASE 🙏 i really did not gaf about this romance in the slightest. lia and her damn temple sisters were far more interesting and dynamic than those two freaks together 😭😭
• the story itself and the world are cool, but i think i enjoyed it more bc i'm a greek mythology NERD to the bone, so. i also like the ending, it has an interesting twist that actually made me want to read book two, but it was a littleeee obvious 🤏🏼 i had been suspecting from around chapter 8 or 9, but it was still good.
• overall, this was an okay read. engaging and quick to get through, so i will hold out hope for a better time in the next one!!!
ˋ°•*⁀➷ 3 stars
no spoilers!!
• i got this from the read early opportunity? for kindle members, and i initially chose it because the description and premise were so intriguing to me. greek mythology, a girl forced to compete in a dangerous trial - like i was so sure this was gonna be amazing.
• unfortunately for me, this was just... fine? like the so-called life and death situation lasted, maybe 7 chapters?? and then stuff happened after that, but not really at the same time??? i don't even know how to explain it other than this whole book felt like a set-up for the sequel.
• i was bored for most of the middle of this book. i'm not sure if i'm delusional and important, fantastical things 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 actually happening throughout this book, but it seriously felt like not a single thing was going on other than these two horny 20 year-olds having sex dreams??? like am i crazy??? i couldn't give you one single example of a high stakes, hard-hitting, emotional, action-packed moment in this whole book following lia winning the trial.
• lia and jason... insta lust, then an attempt at enemies to lovers i guess, but even then all i'm reading in lia's head is - 'omfg this guy is so hot, but he's illionian so i hate him, but i would bone him rn if i could, but-',,, like girl..? GET IT TOGETHER PLEASE 🙏 i really did not gaf about this romance in the slightest. lia and her damn temple sisters were far more interesting and dynamic than those two freaks together 😭😭
• the story itself and the world are cool, but i think i enjoyed it more bc i'm a greek mythology NERD to the bone, so. i also like the ending, it has an interesting twist that actually made me want to read book two, but it was a littleeee obvious 🤏🏼 i had been suspecting from around chapter 8 or 9, but it was still good.
• overall, this was an okay read. engaging and quick to get through, so i will hold out hope for a better time in the next one!!!
October 26, 2024
This book is so good, that I won’t regret staying up late to tell you about it even though I have to get up with a toddler in 4 hours. Sariah Wilson has written an incredible Romantasy book that is going to be the perfect introduction to the opposite genre (fantasy vs romance) rabbit hole that reluctant readers might need. The tropes you know and love from BOTH romance and fantasy are all here and executed immaculately…including one I didn’t expect. The only thing I’m mad about is that I need book two like, tomorrow…and my copy was an ARC so that is going to be a lot longer than I’d like. Romance readers-take a leap into fantasy, and fantasy readers-open your heart to a heavy romance subplot, because I promise this book does not disappoint. I’d rate it 6⭐️if I could.
October 2, 2024
“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.”
…this did not need to be 500 pages.
i was intrigued by the concept of a tribute of fire—a greek mythology-inspired romantasy about a princess training to compete in a life-or-death race in order to break the ancient curse on her nation—but it just didn’t work for me on so many levels.
it’s a very paint-by-numbers story. popular tropes are popular for a reason, i get it, but if you’re going to lean into predictable plot points to the extent that wilson does, i need something else to carry the story—whether that’s beautiful prose, witty dialogue, or some kind of twist, subversion, commentary, anything. unfortunately, i didn’t get any of that here. the book ends with THREE “shocking” twists and somehow each is more predictable than the last.
then there’s lia. i found her frustrating and difficult to root for. she wants to save her country, but despite her training, she’s quite shortsighted and naive to the potential repercussions if she fails… and she has all the subtlety of a sledgehammer in her “investigation.” she’s also constantly sidetracked by lusting over jason, which would be more understandable if he wasn’t the one carting her and her sister to their (likely) deaths. their chemistry did become more believable about two-thirds of the way through the novel, but by that point i was so irked by her being a horny idiot that i didn’t really care. her saving grace was her relationships with her sisters. i enjoyed their dynamic, bond, and fierce loyalty to each other.
while this book is not for me (obviously), it draws heavily on greek mythology, which i think readers may find appealing, and i appreciated the value placed on lia’s female friendships.
thank you to netgalley, sariah wilson, and montlake for the eARC!
rating: 2.0/5.0 stars
“i’ve always admired women willing to deal a little death when crossed.”
August 3, 2024
I have read every book Sariah Wilson has written, and I can unequivocally say that this is her best one.
Swoony heroes are a given, and Jason was no exception. Lia was an amazing, multi layered heroine and I loved her journey and growth (so far, there's more to go).
The mythology references were enthralling. I want to fall down a greek mythology rabbit hole to learn more about what is "real" and what the author developed or embellished for the story.
Also, I found the writing style really well suited. It had a vaguely modern feel that made the story easier to digest without going so far as to disrupt the tone and jar you out of the setting. A really well done blend that I have noticed some authors have difficulty with lately.
And finally, I need the next book immediately, please.
Swoony heroes are a given, and Jason was no exception. Lia was an amazing, multi layered heroine and I loved her journey and growth (so far, there's more to go).
The mythology references were enthralling. I want to fall down a greek mythology rabbit hole to learn more about what is "real" and what the author developed or embellished for the story.
Also, I found the writing style really well suited. It had a vaguely modern feel that made the story easier to digest without going so far as to disrupt the tone and jar you out of the setting. A really well done blend that I have noticed some authors have difficulty with lately.
And finally, I need the next book immediately, please.
October 12, 2024
It’s decent? There really isn’t any character development for the MC aside from increasing levels of horniness.
September 25, 2024
DRAGONS?! A GODDESS?! TEMPLE TRAINING!?! SEXY SAILOR?? Ummm, yes, please!
I need book two IMMEDIATELY!
MY JAW WAS ON THE GROUND READING THE LAST FEW CHAPTERS. Did I have my suspicions about a certain someone not being who they said they were?? Yes. But it still shocked me, and I'm so ready for this Lovers-back to-Enemies in book two!
I need book two IMMEDIATELY!
MY JAW WAS ON THE GROUND READING THE LAST FEW CHAPTERS. Did I have my suspicions about a certain someone not being who they said they were?? Yes. But it still shocked me, and I'm so ready for this Lovers-back to-Enemies in book two!
Read
February 21, 2025i have to dnf. i just do not care about this story or the characters, and unfortunately when i skimmed the end to hopefully keep me hooked, it made me less excited to read it. so, i won’t rate this but i am marking as i read it because i read 150 pages, and it was a pain so i deserve it
August 29, 2024
I NEED BOOK TWO
October 14, 2024
Amateur level writing and an unimaginative story line 🤷🏼♀️
September 29, 2024
4.5 Stars
A Tribute of Fire by Sariah Wilson delivers a thrilling adventure with a fierce FMC, cursed nations and a sizzling romance that had me hooked from page one.
Lia, the princess of a doomed desert kingdom, is thrust into a deadly race where survival is far from guaranteed. Every year, her rival nation of Ilion sends two Locrian maidens to compete in a brutal ritual( a life or death race to the temple of a goddess).
No one’s ever made it out alive. This year, Lia’s the one being hunted. But here’s the twist, her untrained sister Quynh is thrown into the fray too.
Suddenly, Lia isn’t just fighting for her life; she’s battling to save her sister in a stranger maze like city where one wrong turn could mean disaster.
Oh, and did I mention there’s a dangerously attractive sailor named Jason? He’s Ilionian (so, you know, technically the enemy), but the tension between him and Lia? FIRE!! Let’s just say I was rooting for them from the start.
Lia’s character is everything you want in a heroine, brave, determined, and just vulnerable enough to feel real. Her love and pain towards Quynh had me teary eyed. (If you read the book, you will know what I mean)
The world building is intense and descriptive, with a cursed nation, superstitious characters and a goddess who looms over every twist and turn.
Sariah Wilson kept me hooked with nonstop action, deep stakes, and just the right amount of sizzling chemistry. The Chemistry between Lia and Jason had me giggling and kicking my feet. I could not help but root for these two.
If you're a fan of high stakes fantasy with a dash of romance, A Tribute of Fire is the book you won't be able to put down. If you are like me, reading into the late night, prepare to lose sleep over this one!
A Tribute of Fire by Sariah Wilson delivers a thrilling adventure with a fierce FMC, cursed nations and a sizzling romance that had me hooked from page one.
Lia, the princess of a doomed desert kingdom, is thrust into a deadly race where survival is far from guaranteed. Every year, her rival nation of Ilion sends two Locrian maidens to compete in a brutal ritual( a life or death race to the temple of a goddess).
No one’s ever made it out alive. This year, Lia’s the one being hunted. But here’s the twist, her untrained sister Quynh is thrown into the fray too.
Suddenly, Lia isn’t just fighting for her life; she’s battling to save her sister in a stranger maze like city where one wrong turn could mean disaster.
Oh, and did I mention there’s a dangerously attractive sailor named Jason? He’s Ilionian (so, you know, technically the enemy), but the tension between him and Lia? FIRE!! Let’s just say I was rooting for them from the start.
Lia’s character is everything you want in a heroine, brave, determined, and just vulnerable enough to feel real. Her love and pain towards Quynh had me teary eyed. (If you read the book, you will know what I mean)
The world building is intense and descriptive, with a cursed nation, superstitious characters and a goddess who looms over every twist and turn.
Sariah Wilson kept me hooked with nonstop action, deep stakes, and just the right amount of sizzling chemistry. The Chemistry between Lia and Jason had me giggling and kicking my feet. I could not help but root for these two.
If you're a fan of high stakes fantasy with a dash of romance, A Tribute of Fire is the book you won't be able to put down. If you are like me, reading into the late night, prepare to lose sleep over this one!
December 22, 2024
Ahh this book is SO SO SO good!! Definitely one of my favorites of the year! I feel like this is going to put me in a book slump and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since I read it.
Going into this book I had thought that the hunt/race to get to the temple would be the majority of the book, like a multi-day affair at minimum, but it was quick and only took up a small portion of the book which I'm glad about because the rest of the book was so captivating. (The actual race itself was less than a day.) The story went in a completely different direction than anything I could've imagined and I really like that the blurb doesn't give anything away - you basically go in blind regardless. I don't want to say much else about the plot for those reasons, but trust me it's awesome.
Jason and Lia... oh I'm so obsessed. Their relationship unfolds in a slightly unconventional way and it's such a unique twist. I can't wait for the sequel because I really need to get more of a grip on who he is as a person and his backstory (read the book and you'll know what I mean!) I need more of them ASAP! Lia is so feisty and gritty in the best way, while Jason is mysterious, devoted and so unserious🫶
I think I'm usually pretty good at picking up on plot twists, but the epic twist at the end of the book? I had no idea that one was coming. And the SECOND plot twist at the end? Yeah I was literally on the floor at that point. I need. the. sequel. now. I'm still not over the utter shock of the ending. Sariah Wilson, the woman you are!! 😵
Going into this book I had thought that the hunt/race to get to the temple would be the majority of the book, like a multi-day affair at minimum, but it was quick and only took up a small portion of the book which I'm glad about because the rest of the book was so captivating. (The actual race itself was less than a day.) The story went in a completely different direction than anything I could've imagined and I really like that the blurb doesn't give anything away - you basically go in blind regardless. I don't want to say much else about the plot for those reasons, but trust me it's awesome.
Jason and Lia... oh I'm so obsessed. Their relationship unfolds in a slightly unconventional way and it's such a unique twist. I can't wait for the sequel because I really need to get more of a grip on who he is as a person and his backstory (read the book and you'll know what I mean!) I need more of them ASAP! Lia is so feisty and gritty in the best way, while Jason is mysterious, devoted and so unserious🫶
I think I'm usually pretty good at picking up on plot twists, but the epic twist at the end of the book? I had no idea that one was coming. And the SECOND plot twist at the end? Yeah I was literally on the floor at that point. I need. the. sequel. now. I'm still not over the utter shock of the ending. Sariah Wilson, the woman you are!! 😵
August 6, 2024
Never has a cliffhanger had such a strong effect on me! This book... Wow! Sariah, you have officially got me in a chokehold and I am happy to remain here.
Where to begin...
So, Lia, our protagonist, is absolutely captivating. Her strength, determination, and unwavering commitment to her beliefs, even at personal risk, are admirable.
Her adelphia, her found family of sisters, are such a wonderful group of women and their bond is beautifully portrayed.
Jason, the love interest... Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy... He is intense, he is sexy, and he is undeniably mysterious. There's an instant connection between him and Lia, and while I'm usually not massively into insta-love/lust, in A Tribute of Fire this will make sense as the story progresses, and I'm certain book 2 will shed more light onto the situation. There's a very fated-mates feel to this story.
The banter and tension between him and Lia had me swooning - it was such a viscerally exciting development and it had me struggling to put the book down at all, I wanted more more more!
The world-building is unique and so interesting, and it's written in a way that is easy to digest. I love the Greek mythology aspect to this book, it is wonderfully written, taking from Greek history and weaving in magical elements in a creative way. I can't wait to find out more about the magic system that's being built.
I am desperate for book 2 - I don't know how I am expected to wait patiently, but I will do my absolute best!
Where to begin...
So, Lia, our protagonist, is absolutely captivating. Her strength, determination, and unwavering commitment to her beliefs, even at personal risk, are admirable.
Her adelphia, her found family of sisters, are such a wonderful group of women and their bond is beautifully portrayed.
Jason, the love interest... Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy... He is intense, he is sexy, and he is undeniably mysterious. There's an instant connection between him and Lia, and while I'm usually not massively into insta-love/lust, in A Tribute of Fire this will make sense as the story progresses, and I'm certain book 2 will shed more light onto the situation. There's a very fated-mates feel to this story.
The banter and tension between him and Lia had me swooning - it was such a viscerally exciting development and it had me struggling to put the book down at all, I wanted more more more!
The world-building is unique and so interesting, and it's written in a way that is easy to digest. I love the Greek mythology aspect to this book, it is wonderfully written, taking from Greek history and weaving in magical elements in a creative way. I can't wait to find out more about the magic system that's being built.
I am desperate for book 2 - I don't know how I am expected to wait patiently, but I will do my absolute best!
November 2, 2024
4.5⭐️ that ending had me SCREAMING!! like an embarrassing amount of screaming 🙈😅
This book had some crazy plot twist! While reading I had two main theories and let me tell you I both gasped and screamed when I got the answers to them!!🤯🤯 Even though I was pretty sure I was correct (and I was), I had not realized what consequences me being right would have!! One of the theories was maybe a little obvious to an avid fantasy reader, but my jaw still dropped!
I can’t remember the last time I annotated a book this much because I had soo many theories and questions and it made me pay extra attention to the book because I wanted to find all the small hints and clues in the text!🫶🏼 We didn’t get answers to everything - not even close - so I’m super excited to see what will happen in the next book and find those answers!
The romance - while important - was a side plot, but as in it’s building up (still lots of tension) and I can’t wait to see what happens between them!
I do like Jason and his mysterious ways, but I also wanted to punch him quite a few times and at the same time I was smiling every time he appeared! Make that make sense 😂
Thank you so much Sariah for this amazing ARC!! I cannot wait for the next book!!💙
(I got this as an ARC but this is still my honest review🤗)
This book had some crazy plot twist! While reading I had two main theories and let me tell you I both gasped and screamed when I got the answers to them!!🤯🤯 Even though I was pretty sure I was correct (and I was), I had not realized what consequences me being right would have!! One of the theories was maybe a little obvious to an avid fantasy reader, but my jaw still dropped!
I can’t remember the last time I annotated a book this much because I had soo many theories and questions and it made me pay extra attention to the book because I wanted to find all the small hints and clues in the text!🫶🏼 We didn’t get answers to everything - not even close - so I’m super excited to see what will happen in the next book and find those answers!
The romance - while important - was a side plot, but as in it’s building up (still lots of tension) and I can’t wait to see what happens between them!
I do like Jason and his mysterious ways, but I also wanted to punch him quite a few times and at the same time I was smiling every time he appeared! Make that make sense 😂
Thank you so much Sariah for this amazing ARC!! I cannot wait for the next book!!💙
(I got this as an ARC but this is still my honest review🤗)
October 17, 2024
I read this whole thing and did not retain any of it. My degree is in classical studies but this was so boring. All this girl ever did was think about kissing. So much so that the word kiss has lost all meaning to me.
To be honest, I finished this book solely because I was waiting for Jason to turn out to be a minotaur, and I'm not even totally sure why I thought there was a minotaur in the book. Probably because she calls the city a maze, I guess.
My god, what a waste of my time.
To be honest, I finished this book solely because I was waiting for Jason to turn out to be a minotaur, and I'm not even totally sure why I thought there was a minotaur in the book. Probably because she calls the city a maze, I guess.
My god, what a waste of my time.
October 25, 2024
TITLE: A TRIBUTE OF FIRE
AUTHOR: SARIAH WILSON
PUB DATE: 11.01.2024
The fate of a cursed nation depends on a princess who must outwit a mortal enemy and outlast the trials of a death-defying ritual in a thrilling adventure
THOUGHTS:
Exciting
Compelling
Memorable
What a wonderful start to a new Greek inspired new series from one of my favorite authors. This romantasy read stole my heart and I cannot wait to read the next installments. We follow Lia, the Princess of Locris as she battles to compete to save her land in a life and death race that no one survives. With the help of Jason she beats the odds and he wins her heart. This was such an epic read I could not put down and left me longing for more.
Pick this one up if you want to read a new romantasy series, enjoy Greek mythology, enjoy magic and adventure, and want to read a fantasy adventure book.
AUTHOR: SARIAH WILSON
PUB DATE: 11.01.2024
The fate of a cursed nation depends on a princess who must outwit a mortal enemy and outlast the trials of a death-defying ritual in a thrilling adventure
THOUGHTS:
Exciting
Compelling
Memorable
What a wonderful start to a new Greek inspired new series from one of my favorite authors. This romantasy read stole my heart and I cannot wait to read the next installments. We follow Lia, the Princess of Locris as she battles to compete to save her land in a life and death race that no one survives. With the help of Jason she beats the odds and he wins her heart. This was such an epic read I could not put down and left me longing for more.
Pick this one up if you want to read a new romantasy series, enjoy Greek mythology, enjoy magic and adventure, and want to read a fantasy adventure book.
Want to read
January 16, 2025i just randomly found this and why is the love interest's name jason
August 17, 2024
I got this book as an ARC and now I have to wait so long for the next book! This book was SO GOOD! It’s fantasy with a little romance. The main character must face a deadly trial to earn an opportunity to save her home and she really goes through it. This book is full of strong, fierce women, unique adventures, a little bit of romance but not the super spicy kind, and so much more. The focus on strong women bonding together to overcome all odds was beautiful! I seriously cannot say enough good things! I will say without giving anything away that it ends in such a frustrating cliffhanger but I mean that in the best way. I can’t wait for the next one!
November 2, 2024
This book was not for me. Firstly, it didn't need to be 500 pages, it was way too long. Secondly what's wrong with the FMC. I was intrigued by the blurb but all I found in this book was a horny FMC who couldn't stop thinking about kissing the guy who was leading her and her sister to death.
People who like Greek mythology might like it more (for that reason) but I will not be continuing with the series.
I received an advance copy of the book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
People who like Greek mythology might like it more (for that reason) but I will not be continuing with the series.
I received an advance copy of the book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 27, 2024
Thank you so much to netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with a copy for review purposes!
4⭐
A tribute of fire by Sariah Wilson is a romantasy inspired by Greek mythology. If you are familiar with The Iliad by Homer? Humerus? (don't know which version is common and which is not) and in general with the Trojan war, you’ll find yourself catching the details that inspired this world and being like “OH! I know this!” just like I did.
The story follows Lia, princess of Locris, on her journey to try and save her dying kingdom. From the synopsis I expected the trial to take up a lot of the book, but man was I wrong. There’s so much more that happens and there’s quite a few plot twists, and a huge cliffhanger at the end.
If you’re looking for a book that focuses only on the worldbuilding and the fantasy aspect, then you probably won’t give 5 stars to this. But if you’re in search for a good romantasy filled with tension? You are in the right place. This does at perfect job in finding a balance between fantasy and romance, alternating moments between the fmc and mmc and action.
I enjoyed this a lot, will definitely pick up the sequel when it comes out!
(P.s.: I found this in the read now section of my netgalley profile, so take this as your reminder to always check that!)
4⭐
A tribute of fire by Sariah Wilson is a romantasy inspired by Greek mythology. If you are familiar with The Iliad by Homer? Humerus? (don't know which version is common and which is not) and in general with the Trojan war, you’ll find yourself catching the details that inspired this world and being like “OH! I know this!” just like I did.
The story follows Lia, princess of Locris, on her journey to try and save her dying kingdom. From the synopsis I expected the trial to take up a lot of the book, but man was I wrong. There’s so much more that happens and there’s quite a few plot twists, and a huge cliffhanger at the end.
If you’re looking for a book that focuses only on the worldbuilding and the fantasy aspect, then you probably won’t give 5 stars to this. But if you’re in search for a good romantasy filled with tension? You are in the right place. This does at perfect job in finding a balance between fantasy and romance, alternating moments between the fmc and mmc and action.
I enjoyed this a lot, will definitely pick up the sequel when it comes out!
(P.s.: I found this in the read now section of my netgalley profile, so take this as your reminder to always check that!)
November 8, 2024
✨spoiler-free✨ arc review
my rating: ★★★★
aesthetic: 🗡️🏛️🖤☀️👩🏽🦲🕊️💫🏜️⚓️🐉👑
tropes: enemies to lovers, slow burn, death trial, found family, stabby fmc, dragons, greek-mythology, ‘who did this to you?’
This was an extraordinary take on the Trojan’s and Greek mythologies. The concept was that two Locrian maidens are selected to participate in a death race each year to appease the goddess because of the actions that were conducted by a Locrian centuries in the past. This was such a high stakes, intense, and magical read.
Lia was unlike any female character portrayed in this book, she had a strong determination and will to sacrifice herself to save the many maidens that couldn’t save themselves or wouldn’t be able to save themselves in the centuries to come if something didn’t change. As well as the deathly races her nation was plagued by a famine that left them without produce and many aspects of life, so it felt natural for her to question everything when she found her way to Ilion.
The male main character (aka Jason) did leave a lot up to your imagination. Where his loyalties lied, what his pure intentions were, and if everything he said was a ploy or if he was being his truest self. I loved their immediate connection, not love at first sight but fated together beyond anything Lia could comprehend. You would really get inside Lia’s head through Sariah’s writing style, it was so thoroughly detailed that it was like you became Lia.
The sisterhood was wholesome, they didn’t question each other beliefs or pasts, and remained faithful to one another through thick and thin. The actions of the priestesses did frequently leave me questioning the way things would turn in the end but nothing prepared me for most of plot twists that’s occurred and I’m still reeling from the cliffhanger ending.
Thankyou so much to Sariah Wilson for sending me an advanced copy of her fantasy novel, and I’m seriously in dire need of book 2!
‘A Tribute of Fire: The Eye of the Goddess’ releases November 1st
my rating: ★★★★
aesthetic: 🗡️🏛️🖤☀️👩🏽🦲🕊️💫🏜️⚓️🐉👑
tropes: enemies to lovers, slow burn, death trial, found family, stabby fmc, dragons, greek-mythology, ‘who did this to you?’
This was an extraordinary take on the Trojan’s and Greek mythologies. The concept was that two Locrian maidens are selected to participate in a death race each year to appease the goddess because of the actions that were conducted by a Locrian centuries in the past. This was such a high stakes, intense, and magical read.
Lia was unlike any female character portrayed in this book, she had a strong determination and will to sacrifice herself to save the many maidens that couldn’t save themselves or wouldn’t be able to save themselves in the centuries to come if something didn’t change. As well as the deathly races her nation was plagued by a famine that left them without produce and many aspects of life, so it felt natural for her to question everything when she found her way to Ilion.
The male main character (aka Jason) did leave a lot up to your imagination. Where his loyalties lied, what his pure intentions were, and if everything he said was a ploy or if he was being his truest self. I loved their immediate connection, not love at first sight but fated together beyond anything Lia could comprehend. You would really get inside Lia’s head through Sariah’s writing style, it was so thoroughly detailed that it was like you became Lia.
The sisterhood was wholesome, they didn’t question each other beliefs or pasts, and remained faithful to one another through thick and thin. The actions of the priestesses did frequently leave me questioning the way things would turn in the end but nothing prepared me for most of plot twists that’s occurred and I’m still reeling from the cliffhanger ending.
Thankyou so much to Sariah Wilson for sending me an advanced copy of her fantasy novel, and I’m seriously in dire need of book 2!
‘A Tribute of Fire: The Eye of the Goddess’ releases November 1st
August 6, 2024
ARC review! i absolutely loved this book way more than i was expecting. this book blends the romance, fighting, magic, and mythology seamlessly and i was truly impressed. i loved lia’s determination and fire and you get to see her grow. the banter was fantastic and the plot truly kept on my toes. now the end… i truly did not see either plot twist coming and my jaw DROPPED and i couldn’t believe the book was over. i cannot wait to see what book 2 has in store!!!!
November 2, 2024
“You should not let strange men kiss you this way.”
Tropes:
✨Greek mythology
🖤Deadly Hunt
✨Cursed land
🖤Enemies to lovers to enemies
✨Fated Mates
🖤Hidden identities
✨A prophecy
🖤Beautiful friendships and sibling bonds
I was lucky enough to get both an ARC and ALC of this book and it was a wonderful experience.
The author grabbed my attention since the beginning with her beautiful writing, interesting plot and characters.
Lia is a survivor, a fighter who’s willing to do anything for those she loves, including sacrificing herself.
Jason was an enigmatic charmer and seems strangely, irresistibly drawn to Lia and she to him, not being able to keep their hands from each other without knowing why.
I loved the concept of adelphia and the sisterhood Lia formed with her friends, it was like a found family that would do anything for one another, it was really heartwarming seeing how they protected her at any cost. And I’m really intrigued by Suri, I hope to see more of her in the next installment.
The revelations, plot twists, the ending and that cliffhanger has me desperately waiting for the sequel and I can’t wait to see how Lia and Jason’s relationship will evolve as well as the Goddess’s plans and motives!
Huge thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, the author and Tales and TeaCups for providing me not only with an ARC but an ALC as well!
Tropes:
✨Greek mythology
🖤Deadly Hunt
✨Cursed land
🖤Enemies to lovers to enemies
✨Fated Mates
🖤Hidden identities
✨A prophecy
🖤Beautiful friendships and sibling bonds
I was lucky enough to get both an ARC and ALC of this book and it was a wonderful experience.
The author grabbed my attention since the beginning with her beautiful writing, interesting plot and characters.
Lia is a survivor, a fighter who’s willing to do anything for those she loves, including sacrificing herself.
Jason was an enigmatic charmer and seems strangely, irresistibly drawn to Lia and she to him, not being able to keep their hands from each other without knowing why.
I loved the concept of adelphia and the sisterhood Lia formed with her friends, it was like a found family that would do anything for one another, it was really heartwarming seeing how they protected her at any cost. And I’m really intrigued by Suri, I hope to see more of her in the next installment.
The revelations, plot twists, the ending and that cliffhanger has me desperately waiting for the sequel and I can’t wait to see how Lia and Jason’s relationship will evolve as well as the Goddess’s plans and motives!
Huge thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, the author and Tales and TeaCups for providing me not only with an ARC but an ALC as well!
August 8, 2024
OOOOOOH BOI. This book...wow. 10/10 Recommend. I haven't read other words by this author but I saw that another author I liked was pumped about this book so I jumped to get an advanced reader copy. The complexity of the deities to the weaving of the environments, this book was like eating a cinnamon roll. Well, how I eat a cinnamon roll anyway. You start at the outside layers of the sweet treat. So, the author takes the time to build characters I care about, with impending doom weighing on the FMC's shoulders. The FMC makes her way through intense trials, with the ever present end goal looming in the distance. You're unraveling the cinnamon roll now. Throw in the MMC who is just taunting and pulling at the FMCs attention and heart, and BOOM. Suddenly you're at the middle of the cinnamon roll, savoring all the new information. And...cliffhanger. Cannot wait for the next book!!
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