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💭 My Thoughts: Throughout the entirety of this audiobook, I was completely captivated! I am a mood reader at heart but no other book had my attention during this audiobook. The narrator Thérèse Plummer @plummertherese did an amazing job! Usually I get a little bothered during different character’s dialogue but I barely noticed this time. I thoroughly enjoyed her performance.
The female empowerment and rage was so expressive in this book, I felt every emotion of the fmc Lia. She fought so hard and cared for everyone so deeply. It was a constant battle of trust and physical determination. Not many would have worked as hard as Lia, but she was doing this for the good of her family and her people. I tried so hard to predict what was going to happen and the plot twist and the ending had me flabbergasted! Wow. Not what I was expecting but an amazing turn of events. If you enjoy lots of action, goddesses, mythical creatures, female empowerment and a crazy good cliff hanging ending, I definitely recommend this book!

Thank you to Tales and Teacups for the ALC. I really loved the way the narrator was able to capture the emotions of the fmc and the story. It kept me pressing play and turning pages.

This is a fast-paced greek inspired romantasy. The FMC is a princess who wants to free her nation from a goddess curse, and in order to do that, she has to compete in a trial and make it to the goddess temple for sanctuary however, no one from her nation has survived in over a millennium. Honestly, her character went through so much. I remember thinking "when is she going to catch a break?!"

The middle was a little slower, but it focused a lot on her female friendships and sisterhood, which I loved so much!

The romance was a very slow burn but also a little insta love. I'm not sure how else to explain it. They were instantly drawn to each other, but their relationship developed very slowly. I loved their back and forth banter! I really enjoyed the MMC. He was giving Flynn Rider vibes.

I feel like I knew where the story was going but also was still shocked with how things unfolded. There were definitely some pieces of foreshadowing sprinkled in there. I'm hoping to see some growth from Lia. It does seem like her experiences will help shape and develop her character in the next book. I will definitely be picking it up to find out what happens next!

I definitely recommend if you love:

-hidden identities
-slow burn
-found family/sisterhood
-high stakes trials
-stabby fmc
-banter
-dragons/mythical creatures

Overall I give it 4.5⭐️

Theresa did an aboslutely incredible job in the narration of this book. I couldn't stop listening.
Her character voices were easy to decipher, her emotion was captivating and empowering. It was a great audiobook to listen to, one of the best solo narrations I have listened to in a while.

The immaculate storytelling in this book is amazing! I am a lover of anything in the realm of historical cultures, especially when the mythology is intertwined, and Sariah did not let me down.
Lia is a princess of Locris, which is a nation cursed by the Goddess after an ancestor did the unthinkable to a woman seeking sanctuary. Knowing her fate to marry a prince of a land she hates; she seeks to find a way to restore her kingdom to its former glory no matter the cost… which is why when she is chosen alongside her sister as tribute. Everything changes.
There were sections of this book where my heart was in my throat, not only from the incredible action sequences which were fast-paced, and descriptive but also more relatable than most. But also, the raw emotion. It was hard to catch your breath during those scenes.
If you love a bit of romance, this book still has the romance aspect. The tension, the banter, and the forbidden aspect. Which was great.
I did find that the more descriptive, story-weaving parts of the story had enough happening to keep me engaged. It was in the little details and comparisons, one that stuck with me was between the Goddess of the Earth and the Saviour being the person that brings new life. I learnt that most monsters in mythology were female, which was a connection I hadn’t put together before. The ‘never again’ scene in the gymnasium, an Antipode being an absolute monster (in a great way).
I adore Lia’s character, and I cannot wait for the rest of the series.

This story and these characters are amazing. Sariah Wilson has outdone herself as she weaves the tale of Princess Thalia (Lia), sacrificing her safety for the good of her country and future. "One for many."

The world building in this book is spectacular, and is written in such a way that readers can absorb it without being overwhelmed. It's interwoven into the individual story of Lia's adventures and is totally captivating. The relationships between characters is wonderfully done and leaves readers invested in everyone.

There is non-stop action and mystery that keeps the story moving along as well. Readers won't want to put the book down, I know I didn't! To top it off we get a sweet but intense new love brewing when the unexpected Jason catches Lia's heart before she realizes she even wants to give it away.

The audiobook version has spectacular narration that is easy to listen to and keeps listeners engaged.

If you love a fascinating fantasy with mystery, romance, adventure, and a strong female main character, get this book!!

Spice level: 🌶️(1/5)

I was so excited to read Sariah's first romantasy book. I adored the strong woman main character energy. She had a sword and knew how to use it in a world that wanted to take its vengeance out on her. Through her eyes we see all that she's sacrificed and would be willing to for the sake of her family and country. The book also has found family, sacrifice, steam and forced proximity. I can't say more because *spoilers*, but I have so many more questions than I have answers.

A Tribute of Fire had me reeling with its unexpected plot twists! I’m usually pretty good at guessing where a story is headed, but this book kept me on my toes right until the end. Just when I thought I had it figured out, it threw in surprises that left me genuinely shocked. The cliffhanger ending was the ultimate twist, leaving me with so many questions that I cannot wait for book two to answer.

If you’re looking for a fantasy romance that will keep you guessing, this one is an absolute must-read! Therese Plummer was spectacular. Her performance with different tones for different voices helped me fly through this book. I couldn't put it down. Thank you to Sariah, Literary Media Tours, Netgalley & Brilliance Audio for my Advanced Reader Copy.

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.

Rating: 4.75 stars rounded up to a deserved 5!

Read if you like: The Bridge Kingdom, A Fate Inked in Blood, Throne of Glass, The Prison Healer Series!

Thank you to the author for providing the audio ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I truly enjoyed this read! Although it’s an adult novel, the writing style reminds me of some of my favourite YA.

The story unfolds in an ancient world with Greek mythology influences, specifically a retelling of the distant aftermath of the sacking of Athena’s temple during the Trojan War. At its heart is Lia, a fierce heroine is on a mission to save her nation. The author has crafted a well-rounded protagonist who possesses depth and flaws, making it easy to root for her throughout.

Without giving too much away, here are some themes and tropes you can expect:

- Enemies to lovers (though not in the pure sense)
- Found family
- Sisterhood and female empowerment
- Mini trials and challenges
- A badass FMC

The pacing was well-balanced, with a steady flow of events that made the world feel authentic and immersive. It’s evident that the author has done thorough research, and as a lover of ancient history, I particularly appreciated the references to the hetairai and the subtle nods to mythology.

I deducted 0.25 of a star because the romance at the start didn’t quite resonate with me; however, it grew more compelling as the story unfolded, and the cliffhanger was especially scream worthy.

Overall, this book is perfect for fans of mythology retellings who seek a strong, believable FMC and a cast of supporting characters that truly engage the reader. Trial is one of my most underrated reads of 2024, and I’m eagerly anticipating Book 2!

This is my second read. This time around, I read via audiobook.

A Tribute of Fire is an engaging take on Gods and mythology. The world building was sufficient to paint a picture but didn’t go overboard where readers are lost in the details. The writing is also done in such a way that those new to the fantasy/romantasy genre can dive in without being overwhelmed. I enjoyed the FMC, Lia, especially her growth journey throughout the story. The chemistry and draw between Lia and Jason is palpable. You can’t help but root for them from their very first meeting. More than that, though, I loved the found family Lia created with her adelphia. Each sister in the group balanced the others out. The plot is full of twists and secrets to keep readers engaged. There’s an overwhelming sense throughout the story that something isn’t quite right and that feeling is reoccurring with the various situations Lia finds herself in. While certain reveals felt predictable, that may be a “me thing” with the overwhelming number of romantasy books I’ve read. It also didn’t take away from my enjoyment reading the book. While the narrator wasn’t what I pictured in my head, the performance more than made up for it. The narrator put so much effort, energy, and emotion into the story making it a highly enjoyable experience. You could really feel what Lia was going through with how well done the narration was. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and would highly recommend it. Between eyeball reading and reading via audiobook, I preferred the audiobook, but you can’t go wrong with either option. I also can’t believe Sariah ended it the way she did. I am in desperate need of book 2.

Thank you Netgalley brilliance publishing sariah Wilson Wilson literary media tours for the alc. My opinions are being left voluntarily. I am super picky with ny fantasy books and this wad just what I wanted it to be.. I loved the characters I loved the plot I loved the narration I loved it all. Excited to see what's next...

4.5/5☆