This was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. I loved the world building and the characters. The system was very easy to follow and it was nice getting it in a mix of storytelling and Lia’s training. There were plenty of heart racing action scenes as well as some romantic ones. I loved the girls that Lia got to know and their role in her journey. Not gonna say much about it other than the scene at the library had me cracking up laughing. I need to know what happens after the way it ended. I can’t wait for book two.

I really enjoyed the fantasy elements in this book, though I found the romance a bit underwhelming—surprising, given Sariah Wilson’s background in contemporary romance. It’s something I’ve noticed with authors transitioning to romantasy; finding the right balance between fantasy and romance often leads to rushed or underdeveloped relationships.

The world-building sucked me in. I’m fully invested in the goddess storyline, especially with the hints that something isn’t right with the priestesses, which will definitely draw me back for the next book.

The strongest bonds in this story are the friendships and family connections. Despite limited time with Lia’s family, their closeness and support shine through. In the latter half of the book, we get to see Lia form a strong friendship with her group of acolytes that makes you invested in the story.

As for the romance, the insta-lust didn’t quite work for me. If this attraction had evolved into genuine feelings in a more tangible way, I’d be more on board. Jason and Lia don’t spend enough time really getting to know each other—we’re told they connect in dreams but only see them kissing. Actual scenes of them talking or sharing moments in these dreams would have made the romance feel more authentic. I’m hoping the second book gives them more time together, allowing their connection to grow in a believable way.

As an author, the best compliment I can give a book is “This was so good it made me want to sit down and write.” Let me tell you—I made the mistake of finishing A TRIBUTE OF FIRE right before I went to bed last night…I was up for hours thinking about the ending (!!!) and brainstorming for the book I’m currently writing because I was feeling so inspired 😍 I’m so glad I was able to get an ARC!

Lia was a confident heroine worth rooting for and I loved the romance. Every chapter was more impossible to put down than the last!

If you’re a fan of enemies to lovers (Reylo style 😎), deadly trials, Greek mythology, dreams that might be more than dreams 😏, and will-they-won’t-they break her vows of celibacy 🤭 then absolutely check out A TRIBUTE OF FIRE!

This story beautifully weaves together fantasy and Greek mythology with unforgettable world-building and high-stakes adventure. Each page kept me on my toes with twists, turns, and surprises!

Lia’s bravery and determination made her such an inspiring lead, and the tension-filled, slow-burn romance with Jason was chef’s kiss! The found family vibes and the sisterhood in this book brought so much warmth, even through moments of hardship. I’m excited to see where the story goes next!

I’m still speechless. This is one of my favorite reads of the year. Stop what you’re doing and read this book!

There is not a page of this book that didn’t have action, toe curling kisses, sisterhood, or one twist after another. I gasped out loud so many times, my husband kept asking me what was wrong.

Lea is amazing. She epitomizes strong, determined loyal women. There were so many characters that stood out, I could go on and on. One in particular I won’t mention but wow.

The history of the Goddess and the lands were fascinating and the author does an excellent job of introducing the back story and legends. I was instantly captured by this book. And now the agonizing countdown for book two starts.

I also listened to the audio and the narrator, Therese Plummer, was amazing. The emotion of the characters and situations came through perfectly with her voice.

I received an eARC from the author, and a NetGalley link for the audio. I also bought a copy from First Reads. All views are my own.

This is a story I’m completely invested in. I want more. The cultural background and story is so unique and interesting. As a lover of anthropology, and Ancient Greek mythology, this book touched every base for me. My favorite detail is the descriptions on clothing, weapons and food, the thought process, faith, and way of living in the culture and time. I felt very immersed in this story.
I am anticipating and hopping out of my seat waiting for the next book!
Immediately, for me this story opens to a complete adrenaline rush, and towards the middle steadies out, and lots of twists and events unfold, and not everything is explained, and to me that is what has captivated me with this story, I was so interested the entire time! Im still hooked and I have so many questions.

My favorite character is definitely Lia, I think she’s headstrong, and understands her weaknesses well. Her duty and her thinking is relatable, and I appreciate her realness. A woman of high status in that time period would not know physical affection, and I think that’s is perfectly written, and an important detail to understand what it might be like for Lia.

This story just packed a punch, and I need the next one like I need air.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the author for allowing me to read this astonishing story. This is my honest review.

Tropes:
- enemies to lovers
- Slow burn
- Found family
- romantasy
- Sisterhood
- Trials
- Standby fmc
- animal companion

To start I found Wilson’s writing to be solid, her world building to be top tier. I loved the focus on sisterhood and found family trope.

I enjoyed Lia’s character and her determination to save her cursed kingdom. J enjoyed that she was headstrong but inquisitive. I wish side characters had been expanded upon further because it felt that they were there to only support the fmc.

Only a glimpse of the magic system was revealed in this first installment and am interested to learn more in the sequel.

My main issue with this one is the first 20% had me hooked but the remaining 80% was extremely slow paced.

If you don’t like to read unfinished series I suggest waiting for it to be finished as it leaves off on a doozy of a cliffhanger.

If you are a fan of Greek mythology, stabby fmcs, chosen one and a hint of deadly trials don’t hesitate to pick this one up.

Release date today! 11/01/2024

Thank you to Sariah for reaching out with an e-ARC copy of her work in exchange for an honest review.

I liked the beginning and the last 20%, but the rest was extremely slow-paced, which I’m not a fan of when it comes to fantasy. The plot itself was intriguing, and the ending made me want to pick up the next book, which is great.

- enemies to lovers
- romantasy
- enemies to lovers
- slow burn

A Tribute of Fire

This book immediately hooked me in and I couldn’t put it down. I finished this book in 24 hours and couldn’t stop thinking about it in the in between when real life got in the way. You all know by now that I basically NEED an audiobook while I read, and this was perfect because I needed to listen while I drove, cooked, even brushing my teeth. I was hooked and I loved the audiobook — I think the narrator did a great job!

“Every year, Ilion offers the goddess a sacrifice: 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.”

Yes. Please! This was action packed, with a great story line and beautiful, tension filled, forbidden love, slow burn romance! The twists and turns that led to that cliff hanger…?!? Ok I need book 2 NOW.

If you like:
✨Romantasy
💋Strong FMC
☠️Life and Death Race
🚫Forbidden Love
🖤Enemies to Lovers
🗡️Honor and Duty
🔥Slow Burn
🏛️Greek Mythology

Pick up this book NOW! You’ll thank me later 💋

#bookreview #bookreviewer #arc #advancedreaderscopy #advancedlistenercopy #alc #audiobook #atributeoffire #fantasy #romantasy #romantasybooks #fantasybooks #bookstagram #booklover #bookaddict

A Tribute of Fire is a solid romantasy with -

*enemies(ish) but also lovers
*found family
*trials (kinda? for a hot sec?)
*strong FMC
*dream connection
*goddesses
*secret identities

The world building was pretty light and easily digestible and it was an enjoyable read. I thought having the geese be the guards of the library was hilarious, and actually laughed out loud, because I do truly find geese terrifying. The premise of the story was really interesting and I am excited to know more about the goddess and how Lia will return prosperity to her kingdom. I feel like we were being teased with the talk of magic but not actually experiencing any (or slight glimpses perhaps) so I am looking forward to exploring that more as well.

Some other thoughts -

*I would have liked to know more about the other girls at the temple - I feel like they were just there but we, as the reader, knew very little about them, other than they supported the FMC

*It was weird to me that every character has a strange fantasy name, but the MMC is just "Jason"

*The pacing felt a bit off at times - I would love to have dragged out the race to the temple longer, and cut back the scene where she sneaks out of the temple at night (I was honestly so stressed at how long she was gone and how many stops she made)

*I KNEW JASON WAS THE PRINCE FROM THE BEGINNING and I was waiting for that revelation the entire book (but if you don't read fantasy, maybe the plot twist shocked you)

*I also had a strong suspicion that Lia's sister was still alive (we never knew that she died, only that Lia had to leave her) so that didn't surprise me either

I will be continuing this series to see what happens next for sure. Thank you so much to Sariah for an eARC in exchange for my honest review!

Our main character, Lia, had such a strong presence through this story. The pacing and balance between storyline and romance was done perfectly and the Greek mythology really added another layer to it. This was such a good read and had so many parts that I couldn’t see where the author was taking us, which I feel like allows all the twists and turns to be that much more exciting

This book was so beautifully written. I need the second one immediately!! I love a strong FMC and the Greek mythology with plot twists was fabulous! I love when you feel like you’ get so immersed in a story you forget that you’re reading and that’s what happened for me, as I’m trying to figure out who to trust as everything unfolds!!

This romantasy had such a perfect blend of fantasy, action, Greek mythology, romance, and a fierce heroine who is willing to defy all odds to save her nation. The writing was so beautiful and compelling and Lia is such a strong character. Her determination was so incredibly captivating.

I loved her tension and dynamic with our MMC Jason as they step into dangerous territory of becoming enemies to lovers. I also loved the elements of found family shown by the fierce loyalty shared between the sisterhood.

The cliffhanger ending was absolutely devastating and I cannot wait to read book 2.
Thank you Sariah and Tales & Teacups for the opportunity to read this beautiful story!

Lia, princess of Locris, has been training in secret to be the first to survive a life-or-death race in order to break the goddess’s curse on the Locrian people. Even with her training, it seems an insurmountable task, with thousands of men lining up to battle. Add in threats to her two beloved sisters, a mysterious sailor with whom she shared a secret kiss, and a never-ending maze and mystery, and I’m sold. A fast-paced story of survival, family/sisterhood, and battle, it was so easy for me to jump right in, even as someone who doesn’t read a ton of fantasy. Lia’s journey is a page-turner, and I can’t wait to see where she and Sariah take us next!

Much like Lia, I have a lot of questions about the world. I want to know more about the magic, specifically. I'm not quite sure how it works or who really has magic. I don't even know if they know if they truly have magic.

I loved Lia as our lead. She's so headstrong and inquisitive. She's stubborn, but when you think about where she comes from, it makes sense. Jason was a great mysterious romantic interest. Although I did find him being in places conveniently, suspicious. The sisterhood between the girls was so nice. I could feel the love Lia was feeling through the pages. I hope they're able to keep that bond.

I'm very excited to see where this series goes. I want to know so much more about this world. I want to see Lia succeed and hopefully also get the love she's been wanting. Like I need book 2 in my hands right now.

Thank you so much Sariah for the ARC! I enjoyed every minute of it.

The premise was strong, but for me, it was lacking. I think I was expecting more action and suspense similar to the Hunger Games based on the summary. However, the race to the temple lasted, maybe one chapter? After that, I was fairly bored for most of the book. Lia was naive and kind of annoying. Her hormones ran rampant over just kissing a guy. Admittedly, I skimmed a large portion because I simply was not invested. The ending had predictable twists, and needless to say, I will not be reading the next book.

I received an advance ebook through Netgalley but the review is my own.

Tags:
-romantasy
-enemies to lovers
-secret identity

Spice: 1/5

First person
Single POV

A Tribute of Fire is a fascinating story about a young woman wanting to make a difference in her world, after her people have been oppressed. There was so much story packed into this book, and I loved the roots in history, along with the fantastical elements of the goddesses and magic. I can tell that we have only just scratched the surface with all this series has to offer, and I'm excited to see what's next.

There were a few sections in the middle of the book where I wasn't entirely sure where the story would go. It didn't take long before the action picked back up, and I didn't want to put it down. There are a few slower parts, if only because of all of the rich history behind this world.

This is a really cool and unique story, and I would recommend it to all fantasy romance lovers.

Thank you so much to the author & NetGalley for allowing me to read this arc!
Let me just start by saying I LOVE enemies to lovers & Greek mythology so this was exactly what I was looking for! I had so much fun reading this book! The writing was great & I loved the romance. When I saw it had Reylo vibes I knew it was going to be perfect (& it was)😩 I loved the world, the magic system & all of the action! I kept wanting to read more & then I got to the end?! That cliffhanger makes me want the next book now🥲

5 ⭐️ YOU EVER READ AN ARC THAT RUINS YOUR LIFE?! This was SO GOOD!!! I absolutely ate this up!! It was so unique, unlike anything I’ve read recently. So well written and engaging, there were times I literally couldn’t put it down!

I also want to say thank you so much to Sarah Wilson for this ARC! I feel so grateful to be trusted with her story.

Lia was such a great character to read about. She is so determined and smart, and cares so deeply. Her special relationship with her sister was so special and really touched my heart.

The Adelphia was my favorite, I absolutely love these girls and the found family. Jason! Oh Jason, the things I would let you do to me. I need more Jason!!

Everytime I thought I knew where the book was going, I was wrong, there were so many twists and turns and it held my attention the whole time.

I need the next book immediately!!! That ending was insane and I have so many thoughts and even some theories. I can’t wait to see what is in store for Lia and Jason.

This book was an incredible ride with twists and turns that kept me guessing! Just when I thought I knew where the story was headed, it would veer in a new direction. Jason, the roguish Ilionian sailor, is the ultimate charmer—I couldn’t help but fall for him. Lia was also a fantastic character; strong, stubborn, and fiercely protective of her sister, Quynh.

The romantasy elements in A Tribute of Fire were spot-on, and while the pacing slowed a bit in the middle, it didn’t take away from the thrill of the beginning and the intensity of the ending (especially with that cliffhanger!). Wilson’s choice of an ancient Romanesque setting was perfect, with rich details that brought the old-world gods and culture to life. If you’re into tales of curses, intense trials, and a fierce heroine fighting for her people, this is one you’ll want to pick up. Can’t wait for the next book in the series!