I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Set Fire to the Gods by Kristen Simmons, Sara Raasch Series: Set Fire to the Gods #1
Published by Balzer + Bray on 8/4/20
Genres: Fantasy & Magic, Young Adult
Pages: 432
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
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Ash is descended from a long line of gladiators, and she knows the brutal nature of war firsthand. But after her mother dies in an arena, she vows to avenge her by overthrowing her fire god, whose temper has stripped her country of its resources.
Madoc grew up fighting on the streets to pay his family’s taxes. But he hides a dangerous secret: he doesn’t have the earth god’s powers like his opponents. His elemental gift is something else—something that hasn’t been seen in centuries.
When an attempted revenge plot goes dangerously wrong, Ash inadvertently throws the fire and earth gods into a conflict that can only be settled by deadly, lavish gladiator games, throwing Madoc in Ash’s path. She realizes that his powers are the weapon her rebellion needs—but Madoc won’t jeopardize his family, regardless of how intrigued he is by the beautiful warrior.
But when the gods force Madoc’s hand, he and Ash uncover an ancient war that will threaten more than one immortal—it will unravel the world.
Short and Sweet
Ash comes from a long line of gladiators but when her mother dies in the arena Ash knows she has to take down her fire God.
Madoc has been fighting in the streets to pay for his family’s taxes, but he doesn’t have the Earth God’s power but something else that hasn’t been seen in a long time.
After the Gods declare war on each other, Madoc and Ash’s paths cross. Madoc is exactly what Ash needs but Madoc isn’t ready to risk it all to help the enemy.
Characters
Ash: Ash is a dancer until her mother dies in the arena and Ash is forced to become a gladiator. Ash has a lot of resentment towards Ignitus the fire God, she blames him for how the people of Kula are struggling and how he keeps giving away her country’s resources. Ash is determined to take him down, she cares about others but she has one goal in mind.
Madoc: Madoc grew up on the streets until he was taken in by the Metaxa family. Madoc doesn’t have the ability to control the Earth so during fights his brother and friend Elias helps him. Madoc cares deeply for his family and would do anything to keep them safe, most of the decisions he makes revolves around them.
Romance
Ash and Madoc: Ash and Madoc meet during their fight in their arena. Madoc throws off Ash with his compassion and sympathy. I liked these two they were supposed to be enemies but there was something between them that led them to be allies instead.
My Thoughts
~ We got both Ash and Madoc’s POV in this book. I didn’t prefer one over the other.
~ I thought it was interesting to see the gladiator battles in the arena. We saw different people fight and advance to the next round. Ash was one of Ignitus’s fighters and Madoc was one of Geoxus’s.
~ Both of the God’s had bad tempers. Most of the fights between them led to a battle between their champions.
~ Madoc doesn’t have Earth power, but he has something else, the ability to control others. He doesn’t really know how to control it but he’s learning.
~ There was more going on than just the God’s looking for someone to fight in their war, but a bit of a conspiracy that involves someone trying to take everything from these Gods and somehow Madoc is in the middle of it.
~ We only get to see Geoxus and Ignitus but I would like to see the other four sibling Gods.
~ Ash had other gladiator friends which was nice to see, Madoc also had his family as a support system.
Overall
The book started off a bit slow for me but around 25% it started to pick up. I liked seeing Ash plotting against her God and Madoc just trying to make it long enough to ensure that his family would be okay. I wasn’t ready for what happened in the end but I’m excited to see what the next installment has in store!
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