Absolutely stellar! I was not expecting a cliffhanger, so to get through the book and get to that point I was in utter shock and need more immediately! It was addictive and I didn't want to put it down. The audio was great and kept me engaged.

Thank you Sariah, Literary Media Tours, and Netgalley for sending me an ALC of A Tribute of Fire! It is an honor to have been selected to read this story ahead of time, and I absolutely loved every minute of this book.

The narration was incredible, and I was impressed with how well done it was.

This story would be an exceptional read for fans of The Hunger Games meets Greek Mythology. There are also dragons & magical creatures alike wandering throughout this story.

A very long time ago, a Goddess performed a poor act (running away with her lover), and time and time again the nation suffers by famine. However, there is a way to possibly restore the nation to lush and bounty. To make that happen, there is a specific object that a maiden must capture to restore the nation. Unfortunately, the way to make this happen is selecting two maidens to run for their lives through an enemy territory while they are being chased by men whose intentions are to kill them. For hundreds of years, these maidens have unfortunately not made it out alive nor have they found the object.

Our main character, Lia, is unfortunately one of the selected two who must enter the enemy nation to find this object, and her persistence does not go unnoticed.

I will keep this review spoiler free, but I am on the edge of my seat. To say I ate this story up is an absolute understatement. Never have I been so keen to give a book five stars. This story tied in all of my favorite things - hidden magic, forbidden love, sacrifice, betrayal, and more. This story encapsulates sisterhood and womanly love, determination, and selflessness in the purest form.

The end of the story made my mouth hang open, and I had goosebumps all over my body. Thank you again, & I cannot wait for book two to be here already!

A Tribute of Fire is a fantasy romance novel that follows our protagonist, Lia, the princess of Locris, which is a desert nation suffering under a centuries-old curse from an earth goddess. The concept of having two Locrian maidens as tributes in a deadly race had great potential, with elements of Greek mythology and an epic romance.

The fantasy element of this story was very interesting and got me hooked. However, in my opinion, the fantasy takes a backseat to the romance, which I did not like at all. I loved the first quarter of the story where Lia prepares for the race where she wants to get selected as a tribute in order to put an end to the curse on her land. However, the actual race is a pretty short part of the book, which confused me. The writing for the fighting sequences, however, was excellent, and I could picture it all! Her life at the temple with her "found" sisters was also very compelling, and I liked her interaction with these characters a lot more than the love interest. There was fierce loyalty among them that was honestly her saving grace.

Lia meets Jason back in Locris before the trial starts and has her first kiss, and we find out what an AMAZING kisser he is... and this is repeated over and over and over. If I had to read about what an amazing kisser Jason is one more time, I would seriously lose it. Girl, you don't even have any other experience to compare it to? Jason also accompanies her on the voyage, and Jason becomes the one and only important factor in her life, apart from finding the eye of the goddess. It was insta-lust, and she keeps thinking about him, wanting him, dreaming about him for absolutely no reason, and getting sidetracked from her actual mission. I feel that the book would have been much better if the romance didn't take up such a big portion of the story, and towards the end, I had to drag myself to finish the book.

Overall, I really enjoyed the writing and the concept, but the romance is what ruined it for me. I also did not enjoy the inner monologue of Lia and how it made her sound immature. The ending was also very predictable for me, but there are some things unsaid from the first book that would make me pick up the next one. The narrator did a great job, and was pleasant to listen to. I believe romantasy readers would absolutely devour this story!

3,5⭐

Thank you to Netgalley, Sariah Wilson, and Tales and Teacups for the eARC and Audiobook!

I was really excited about this one, and I think I would’ve enjoyed the experience more with an ebook. Unfortunately, the narrator for the FMC sounded like an older woman, which made it hard to picture the character as intended. Her pitch even fluctuated within the same chapter, which was distracting.

The story itself was enjoyable at first, but my respect for Lia dwindled quickly—especially when she kissed the MMC, Jason, at their first meeting. Hoping to salvage my reading experience, I alternated between the ebook and audiobook. While the premise was promising, I didn’t really see the appeal.

I’m glad others are enjoying it more than I did, but sadly, I had to DNF it at 25%.

I really wanted to like this. I was looking forward to a sweet or cleaner romantasy, but this one just fell flat for me. I was too turned off by the insta-LUST from the get-go and repelled by the way too steamy first kiss with a complete stranger, only because the girl didn't want to die without having experienced a kiss. I pushed onward, hoping to be drawn by the plot, but then got turned off again by the amount of times the girl thought of her "enemy" (not so enemy since she kept lusting after him). It was too much and became eye-rolly. I pushed onward, thinking oh, she'll find her a new purpose with the sisters. But I found that just bizarre. Like ninja nuns. And the thoughts/dreams kept coming. I finally called quits about 38%. This book is too long to continue to force myself to finish something I didn't care for. Also, I didn't care for the audiobook narrator at all.

Sorry, just not for me.

I wish I would have read this book sooner! It was so good! I absolutely loved it and it was equally as addicting. I loved the chemistry between our princess and Jason. Their attractiveness and how reluctant Lia was always drew a smile to my face. The race to the temple or be unsliced was just brutal but I was equally enthralled. I have so many questions about the goddess, Lia, Jason, the bird, and dreams. Omg. So much!! That ending was just shocking and that hook!! Very well done.
The narrator, Therese Plummer does a wonderful job portraying Lia, Jason and many of the other characters in the book. Her voice kept me engaged till that jaw dropping end. Loved it!

Wow this was a thrilling and addictive read! I really enjoyed the elements of Greek mythology that were woven into the story to create a unique plot, drawing from myths that I haven’t seen featured before which was refreshing. There is quite a bit of world building to be established but it is done in an artful manner throughout the story so as not to dump information onto the reader.

As for the characters, I loved Lia’s fierceness and determination to fight for a better future for her people. This story emphasizes female empowerment and the power of sisterhood. The bond Lia shares with her adelphia is so heartwarming and I can feel there is more to these characters to be explored. There is an interesting dichotomy at the temple of being protective of women’s choice yet shackling them with restrictive vows that I know was written this way purposefully and I’m looking forward to this being further delved into.

Now the romance. I loved the banter between Lia and Jason! He is such a shameless flirt and it was highly entertaining. The circumstances that Lia finds herself in had me wondering how we would see a romance bloom but never fear because there was nice workaround. The attraction these two feel towards is each other is through the roof and it starts off as insta-lust but remains a slow burn. And there’s clearly a reason for their draw towards each other.

The plot was an action packed in the first half with the journey to Illion and the dangerous, heart pounding trial but cools off somewhat in the second half to allow for Lia to explore her new world and form the necessary bonds. Did I predict the two big plot twists at the end? Yes and it was extremely satisfying to yell ‘I knew it’. This first book does an excellent job of setting the stage for a grander plot with bigger players to follow in the rest of the series. I cannot wait for the sequel!

Also shout out to the guardian geese that had me cackling 😂.

Thanks to the author and the publisher for the ALC. The narrator was excellent and kept me engaged throughout the story so this would make a great listen as well.

🎧If you’re looking for a wild ride packed with action, goddesses, and mythical creatures, “A Tribute of Fire” by Sariah Wilson is calling your name. Lia, the fierce FMC, faces cursed nations and a steamy romance that had me hooked from the get-go. And let’s talk about Thérèse Plummer’s narration of the audiobook—it’s top-notch! She nails every emotion and keeps the characters’ voices distinct, making it super easy to follow. Her performance brings Lia’s journey to life in a way that keeps you totally invested.

Fair warning: this book ends on a killer cliffhanger. But don’t worry, “A Vow of Embers” drops in July 2025. If you’re into high-stakes adventure and female empowerment, this one’s a must-read!

Thank you @sariahwilsonauthor, @brilliancepublishing, @literarymediatours, and @netgalley for #gifted audiobook. All opinions expressed are my own.

I love this story, and this audiobook was such an amazing experience!! This was a new-to-me narrator, and Plummer did such a wonderful job bringing this story to life!

This was a fun fantasy read. I loved the pacing and how the story moved along. I liked the FMC's tenacity, strength, and desire to save her people. There was good tension between her and Jason along with some sizzling chemistry. Everything culminated into a dynamic ending that will leave you wanting more. I also thought the narrator did a good job conveying all the emotions etc.

I was worried that this would be another fantasy trial book with competitors but I was pleasantly surprised. This was so different from what I was expecting and I really enjoyed it!

I am totally here for Jason and I hope hope hope he is end game though I don’t know after that ending 😳. Lia’s sisters were great and I hope to see more from them in book 2 as well.

My only complaint was that it was a bit drawn out in parts and there was so much unexplained hatred from both sides solely based on where someone was from even after getting to know them. I’m hoping some of that resolves in book 2.

I really love that romance authors are dipping in to fantasy. They do a great job writing the romantasy side of things and I love it!

Spice: 🌶️/5

Read this if you like:
🏛️ Found Family
🏛️ Enemies to lovers to enemies
🏛️ Fake Identity

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

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

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

The characters in this book were amazing. I loved that Jason was so intense, sexy and just had the right amount of mystery to him, that you will be coming up with reasons why you want him right next to you instead. I loved the banter between Jason and Lia so much, I found myself laughing at them and then at times I was dang I needed more of these kinds of moments. Both of these characters were written so well and in depth that I felt as though I was really friends with them. You will find hints throughout this book if you look closely but no worries that it will spoil the book.
Having the author narrator this book made it even better, she knew that the characters were feeling and how they would react. I could feel what the characters where feeling and that was because she really helped to make me more invested in them.

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

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

Wow! I loved this one and couldn’t stop listening! I love a strong and determined FMC. This book grabs you and takes you on a ride. Everything worked together for an immersive experience. So good!

Sariah has done it again! Incredible world building in a rich and vibrant new world filled with characters that you will want to be and be with! The plot, pacing and progression gave us so much anticipation and that ending has me wanting nothing but more! We already knew Sariah knows characters abs how to make you love them but this one toon that feeling to an all new high! A triumph!


I really loved that the narration really matched the Rich and descriptive world we were given and it brought these already vibrant characters even more to life!

I love a strong willed and determined female lead in a fantasy adventure and that is what Sariah Wilson delivered! I can't wait for the next book in this series.. it was awt up so well to continue on. The narrator I was engaging and easy to listen to.

I have really enjoyed many of Sariah Wilson's romantic comedies and was definitely intrigued when I saw she wrote a romantasy and that it had Reylo vibes, it made me excited to pick it up. This book was good and had things about it that I liked and wanted to know more about, such as the Greek mythology vibes and some of the mystery Lia was uncovering, but it did not meet the hype for me. That being said, the cliffhanger does make me want to know how things will shake out in book two. Ultimately, though, I really wanted to love the romance and unfortunately, even with all the sparks (which were hot), it fell flat for me because it felt so lusty instead of having any real depth or deep emotional connections.
I liked the twist at the end even if I had already guessed that would happen. Again, the romance had so much potential and opportunity, but I felt like any time it started to go deep, it became too much about the physical. I wanted to have some bigger reason for the characters connections and if I am being honest, if this was Reylo inspired, like Star Wars, it left me disappointed. Things could have been really cool, but nothing went beyond the surface. I don't know if the second book will make up for that, but if it's all physically driven like this one, it's just not going to have the emotional elements I am craving.
This is a closed-door romance. There are some moments it gets close to being fade to black, maybe "door cracked" but nothing does happen on the page.
I listened to the audiobook version of this novel from Netgalley and Brilliance Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own. The audiobook was easy to follow along too and I did like the narrator.

This has been one of my most favourite reads of the year! Mythology, feminine rage, strong women, hidden identity and trials.

Our fmc is on a mission to save her city from an ancient curse the goddess laid upon their land. Her life is thrown on the line but she’s prepared for exactly this but when the time comes she’s thrown an absolute wild card and must rethink her entire plan.

Enemy to lovers with slow burn (it seems like it starts off hot but works into a fantastic slow burn). There’s mythical creatures and so many secrets. This was such a captivating part 1 but get ready for that cliffhanger!

In A Tribute of Fire, the number 5 can be connected multiple times in reference to the goddess. To expound, there are 5 elements, 5 Acolytes, 5 Senses, and vows to the goddess are taken on the 5th day of being in the temple. And, after reading/listening, I can easily add another 5 to the mix by rating this a 5 star read as well!

Here’s why—I’m such a big fan of Sariah’s writing and her characters are top tier. To begin with I admired Quynh and Lia’s sisterly connection, their unconditional love for one another was so heartfelt. The chemistry between Lia and Jason was enthralling and to say I was giddy with excitement whenever I read their scenes would be an understatement. I also truly loved Lia’s bond with her adelphia and how their relationships evolved as the story unfolded.

The high stakes plot was interesting and kept me invested in the story for its entirety. I mean, I was IN IT, listening to Therese Plummer narrate while I read the physical made this journey all the more enjoyable. She narrates with such an enthusiasm, it gave me that full immersive experience that I always crave when reading a book.

While I typically yearn for an HEA, that cliffhanger ending was bitter sweet for me. I may have cried and screamed because those plot twists left me shook in the best way. With that said, I’ll be anxiously awaiting for book 2, because I NEED it just as much as Lia NEEDS the Eye of the Goddess!

Wow! This was actually my very first Sariah Wilson book, and this audiobook was captivating! I loved the easy world building and the characters had me hooked!

A fun new fantasy!

Read if you love:
Greek mythology
death trials
single pov
forbidden love
plot twists
hidden identities
stabby heriones
strong friendships
swoony kissing scenes

I listened to the audiobook and there were times I wished I had a physical copy in front of me so I could read it faster! The narrator was fantastic and the plot drew me in and kept me captivated. Loved the great world building that was enough to know what is happening but not so much to overwhelm the reader and the romance was super swoony! Can't wait for book two!


CW: fighting scenes with deaths, two brief parts that were a little steamier (but still closed door!) than the author's romcoms and were just past my comfort level but I am sure I am that I am in the minority! If you like the sweet/steamy level in this authors' romcoms, you will most likely be fine with this one!

I received a complimentary audiobook but a positive review was not required.