Set Fire to the Gods audiobook

TW// (view spoiler)[ murder (of adults, children, parents), violence, mentions of torture, mentions of child abuse, grief (hide spoiler)]Random fun story about this book: This book happened to be involved in two of my biggest health issues over the past few years. First, my preorder arrived while I was hospitalized in 2020 and my parents brought it to the hospital to cheer me up. And then I freaking got covid while in the middle of reading it in 2023. It’s an unfortunate coincidence… but I’m just going to blame Petros for it. (If you’ve read the book, you’ll know why I hate his guts.)I’m going to try to be as coherent as possible in this review, but this review probably won’t be as detailed as my other reviews since I’m trying to write it while I’m still battling covid.I’m a massive Kristen Simmons fan, so it’s no surprise that I enjoyed this book. Set Fire to the Gods is what would happen if Avatar: The Last Airbender met The Hunger Games but some mischevious gods were added to the mix. It worked really well to create an interesting story with fun world building.Madoc and Ash, the two leads, were both really well written. They had complex personalities and backstories that were super intriguing. While this book has a lot of unique worldbuilding, it’s Madoc and Ash that carried the story and made this book enjoyable. There were several great side characters as well and I’m guessing that the sequel will work on developing the side characters even more. Rook and Elias in particular were two side characters that really stood out to me. I was rooting for them both from the start and I was crushed whenever things didn’t go their way.Some of the plot twists were predictable, but there’s one major twist in the story that made me shook to my core. After reading Kristen’s Vale Hall series and seeing how many twists she included, I should’ve expected a big twist in this story but I was caught so off guard and literally gasped because of what happened.The only issue I had with this book is that there is a ton of information thrown at the readers really quickly in this book and I wish the information would’ve been revealed slower. There’s seven gods, six countries with unique cities, fictional names for the magic system, and a wide cast of characters that are all introduced within the first two chapters. It was really overwhelming and all the information felt really dense, so it slowed the pacing of the story. I eventually got in the swing of it after the first third of the book, but I wish this book had been a little longer so that all the introduction stuff could’ve been done gradually.Overall I really enjoyed this one. Set Fire to the Gods is a great first book in a duology and I can’t wait to read Rise Up from the Embers to see what happens next. I’m also looking forward to reading more of Sara Raasch’s works in the future. This was the first one of Sara’s books that I’ve ever read and if all of her books are this enjoyable, then I’m sure she’ll become one of my favorite authors.

THIS REVIEW & MORE → Paws and PaperbacksARC provided by HarperTeen through a giveaway.Set Fire to the Gods can easily be described as Spartucus meets Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which gladiators fight to the death using elemental magic to settle skirmishes between the gods. And yes, it’s just as awesome as it sounds.The worldbuilding is what really drew me into the story. Set Fire to the Gods is set in a Greco-Roman inspired world in which humans are either divine–possessing elemental magic–or undivine. All mortals are descended from the six gods and the type of magic you possess is dependent which god is your ancestor.The story is told through alternating POVs of the two main character, Ash and Madoc. I found both their characters to be well-developed and I enjoyed reading from both their perspectives. Madoc is undivine and engages in street fights with his brother to help support their family. Ash is a fire dancer and the daughter of one of the best gladiators for the fire god, Ignitus. They each have their own struggles and agendas throughout the book and it was satisfying to watch them grow, both on their own and together.I really wish there had been more gladiator fighting scenes, because they were excellently written! They were full of heart-pounding action and suspense. The book had a few fight scenes but I would have loved to read more of Ash and Madoc fighting in the arena. As far as the pacing, it started out strong but began to loose a lot of steam as the story went on. It lost the momentum it had built in the beginning.Set Fire to the Gods satiated my appetite for anything gladiator. I keep hoping and wishing this particular aspect of fiction will make its way into YA books, so I was really happy when this book was announced. Expect action-packed gladiator fights, elemental magic, and excellent worldbuilding in this YA fantasy!

What a surprisingly strong and unique YA Fantasy! I really enjoyed this and will definitely pick up the sequel when it arrives.

this is the best book i have read in a VERY long time.

This was one of my most anticipated books for 2020 and it did not disappoint, it now holds pride of place in my top 10 books of the year. I've not read anything by Kristen before but I have read Sara's Steam Raider's duology which I absolutely LOVED. I loved the elemental magic system in this book. We have multiple gods who each have a different type of elemental magic (fire, earth, water, etc.) and they each rule over their own country. Each country have mortal children born with the same powers as the god that ruled them. Wars have very few casualties as the gods choose champions who will then go face to face in the arena against the champion picked by the other country, and whichever champion wins is the winner of the war, however the gods are very petty and will start wars over the tiniest thing - literally like a baby throwing it's toys out of the pram.I loved the main two characters with all my heart; we have Maddoc who lives in the Earth god's country but is Undivine, his Divine father threw him out when he showed he had no powers and a poor Divine family took him in and his adoptive brother Elias cheat in street fights which helps them get some extra money for the family but also gets them into a spot of bother. I love Maddoc, he's an absolute sweetheart who just wants to protect his family and there are things about him which we learn in this book, some I was shocked at and others not so much. Then we have Ash who is the daughter of the Fire god's champion, Ash accidentally causes a - very petty - war between her god and the Earth god and so Ash and Maddoc meet. There is lots of scheming and plotting and so much action in this book, both from the arena fights and then the outcome of aforementioned scheming and plotting, that I really struggled to put it down. There is also a pretty predictiable romance side plot but it didn't take away from the main plot although I think (and hope) the romance will be a bigger feature in the sequel... which I am so excited for and don't want to wait until next year for.So if you like books with an elemental magic system, gladiators, politics and schemeing then this is definitely a book for you, I highly recommend it and it's actually already out now so no excrutiating wait for a pre-order.

OMG I LOVED THIS BOOK! Not only is it co-written by one of my favourite authors, but it has elements that I absolutely adore in general. I love elemental powers and I am an ATLA fan through and through (I watched it when I was a kid and continued throughout my entire life!). I also am a huge classics nerd, and while I prefer Ancient Greece, gladiators are such an interesting part of Roman history that I can't not love the premise. The world-building was chef's kiss and while that caused the beginning of the book to be a tad bit slow, I was totally okay with it! I am such a sucker for learning about new worlds and some of the details just made me so giddy. Now, our two main characters are just amazing. I love Madoc with all my heart and he deserves a big ole hug. And Ash, I mean I think I might be in love with her? She's such a good character and the arc that she goes through in this first book captivated me. It sets up such an interesting sequel and I CANNOT WAIT for it to come out next year!!!!!!!!!!!I have so much more to say, but that will get into spoilers. I don't want to ruin it for anyone. Message me on here or on Insta if you want to squeal about this book!!!!!!!!!!READ THIS!

One word: Fearless.Oh my God, watch me walking into 2021 by reading a book I didn’t have many high expectations from. And being surprised at how freaking great it was!I do not need to say that the authors have done a fabulous job with the story and also the strings that attach the main plot to sub plot without the charm of either of the scenarios wearing off.A completely new world, new setting and a new idea where no stone has been left unturned. Very well polished and established. If I go into the story, I’ll probably get lost and spill the spoilers out. Both the plot and the character development were done at the perfect pace, making sure that the readers don’t miss out in the thrill of either of them.The main theme of the book is the cruel nature of power. You play an important role in this story if you have power, and an even bigger one if you don’t - and are in the pursuit of it.With the wholesome work of portraying a scene of pitch perfect elemental Gods and the people who either despised them or followed them blindly, the “every coin has two sides” angle worked pretty nicely. In the times where the story could go off track, it did not, maintaining the charismatic storytelling without the reader getting bored even for some times. Yes, even though some minor parts a little predictable, you can’t say that for the whole story where you are caught off guard many a times.There are some stories which continue in an awfully slow and unnecessary manner for the good part of the 400+ pages, and suddenly dump the plot twists and turns and shocks in the last few pages. This is not one of them. Right from the beginning, little open ends had been left, as well as some questionable things that ignite a sense of curiosity in the reader. It is because of these aspects that all the huge and surprising twists in the story while it progressed at an enjoyable pace actually seemed very sensible and satisfactory, without mocking the main motive of the book.I must say that the authors proved to be very gutsy, by taking so many gigantic steps right in the first book. And not only did they take the steps, but also pulled them off really well.There’s something about the writing which is so professional and perfect that it is capable enough to fill in where the plot creates a dent or a gap where something isn’t happening. That’s the power of somebody who knows what they are doing, and trust me, the experience and the perfection of both these authors reflect in the stunning words on every page. They didn’t collaborate for nothing, and it shows. The to-the-point dialogues, the perfect dissemination of the plot among the two points of views is so exceptional that I am in awe of this story. Not many authors have a knack of dealing with the two POVs in a way that is NOT repetitive, predictable and boring, but Sara Raasch and Kristen Simmons definitely do. The plot, at a first glance isn’t larger than life or out of the world. Most of us have read the story of characters like Madoc and Ash in multiple YA books - the pursuit of something leads one into trouble; or a rebellion on a quest to avenge something or someone - and that’s the real challenge. To have a similar concept and build something unique in its own way. Everybody knows how to start running, but very few know how to continue running and reach the end gracefully. That’s the case with this book too. The story starts off like any other, but the way the layers are built one upon the other is what keeps you glued to its pages. The graph of the plot and the storytelling itself shoots upwards, chapter by chapter.The wiiiiiiiideeeeeee range of characters were handled and given importance to, no matter how big or small they were. They weren’t lost and forgotten, but actually given proper stories to which played a huge role in the connection formed between the reader and the character.An amazing story, though not perfect. Not to be missed. Will be awaiting the sequel!

Set Fire to the Gods by Sara Raasch and Kristen Simmons.This book followed Ash and Madoc. They live in a world controlled by 6 different elemental gods. Ash descends from a line of gladiators loyal to the fire god, Ignitus. Madoc lives in the land loyal to the earth god. Despite not being blessed with the earth gods powers, he still tries out to be a gladiator. Secrets. Plots. Revenge. (This. Is. Sparta.) .So this one isn’t Sparta. Not really. I liked this book a lot more than I thought I would though..Things I liked:-Ash is awesome. She wants better for her land and her people. -I enjoyed the backstory of the gods and the reveals that went along with it. -Madoc’s adopted family were great. -Madoc’s determination to endure despite his horrible childhood. .Things I didn’t like:-That one character had to die. 😩-The main villian too easily let the heros go at the end and just disappeared instead. I understand that they had to get away so we could have the next book but I was a little surprised. Perhaps they are just “biding their time”. 🤷🏻‍♀️.There were other things that I really liked about this book but can’t mention cause *spoilers*. .I really enjoyed this book and will be continuing the series. 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

One huge reason why I don’t read many low star reviews is that they kinda ruin my opinion on a book that I haven’t read yet. I like to make my own critiques and feelings about a story as I read it. And not everyone is going to like a book, someone who doesn’t like spicy romances most likely will not like a spicy romance book. Not that there is much spice in this one, there’s a ship but it’s totally pg. Considering that first point…guess what I did for this one. Yes. I did read the reviews and it kinda ruined the beginning as I was thinking about others opinions on the book and found it hard to like. But I kept reading and literally omfg y’all it’s so good.I grew up literally in love with avatar the last airbender. It’s my fav show ever and I love any book with super powers. This is basically that show but with fricken gladiators. The movie adaptation of hercules 🥵. Anywaysss it’s so so good. In my opinion. You might not like it but I did sooooo 5 stars.If that review even made any sense lmao I have a weird mind.

So magic, gladiators and an ancient war I'm very interested! The beginnen of the book felt slow but at the same time fast. I liked the whole world that felt like the Roman empire. At the beginning I didn't really connect with both of the main characters, luckely at some point the feels came and I just had to continue reading. The story got a hold of me and I start loving it. Their is a slow-burn romance and it fits the story very well. I liked that is was a slow-burn since it made much more sense I think than love at first sight. Also the whole way the magic works in this book I like. That even the most powerfull can be undon. I can't wait for the second book since it felt like it stopped in the middel of the story, or maybe even at the start of all things. I recomend reading this book. And don't give up if the first part of the book can't really take a hold of you

Oh my God!! I totally loved this world, the characters and the drama, the plot, the twists, everything I loved everything!!!I love books with magic, weird gods, a fine and interesting couple, love and family and fights and this book gave me all of that, so, I don’t have to say how happy I am*dancing around the computer*Of course I was suffering at the beginning of the book because, mama Char dies so, I was sad because of that. It was really funny to see how the gods in this story behave, I mean, they were like: “you’re playing in my side of the park” solution? “WAR” everything was fixed that way and when I read that I was like “dude grow up, don’t you have a better solution?” but what else, I continue, intrigued of course, to know what was going to happen and I was please in every way possible.The writers made a wonderful job with this world, it is beautiful and what little I could picture of every nation or land were Geoxus and Ignitus live was amazing, how every land is fix to serve every god and how their people see them – even though there is a lot of poverty – how this world is detail, how the magic works alongside with the history if every character was wonderful. There was no confusion as to how things work or what every character is and wants. I mean everything about this book is smooth and perfect I instantly loved Madoc and Ash, I understood their story and I liked that every piece of the plot is well played. The experience of reading this book was beautiful, I was in the story with them, I cried when they did I felt hopeless, frustrated (view spoiler)[ because you know, the last part when Ignitus and Geoxus fight and Madoc’s part in it, I hated it, I almost screamed because I felt powerless (hide spoiler)] I wish I had better words to describe this book.This book has that special thing where you don’t have any problem understanding what’s going on, where you know there is going to be a fight but there is more to it and you pay attention to every detail to figure out who is the bad guy and what is going to happened and I felt and did all of that. The adventure, betrayal and discoveries this book has once you get to care about the characters are amazing.I already said it but, I loveeeeddd the characters!! Madoc is an amazing boy, who has a big, big heart and cares about the people around him, he is kind, sweet, and honest, a gentlemen and I loved everything about him “Can I kiss you?” Ahhhhhhhh I loved him! He has a big fight coming to him, not just a physical one but one that will shape his future no matter what choice he’ll take. I loved his relationship with the Metaxas and how his past didn’t transform him in a monster but into a wonderful and kind boy.Of course, we have Ash as well; she is also amazing, trying to find her place in the world, trying to fight her god while surviving at the same time. She is a fighter with the heart of a dreamer; I liked her chapters and every memory she showed about her mother or friends – because we don’t have the time to really meet them, we do through her memories – she has a purpose but she doesn’t let that purpose to take away the common sense of doing what is right and I liked that.The only bad think I have to say about this book was their insta love, I mean, okay, Madoc is intriguing but after one day she says he know all of her secrets and after two days they say they know each other better than anyone, I couldn’t help but to roll up my eyes. Maybe they like each other and they felt butterflies in their bellies but not insta love, please.I can’t wait to see what is going to happened next, I want to know more about their world, the other lands, their gods, if I get to meet more characters please give me more characters I’m picturing a world without gods but if that’s the end please don’t kill Madoc, the Metaxas, Ash or Tor in the process.