Set Fire to the Gods

Publisher
Age Range
13+
Release Date
August 04, 2020
ISBN
978-0062891570

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. The fights put Madoc in Ash’s path, and 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.

Editor reviews

2 reviews
Set Fire to the Gods Book Review
Overall rating
 
3.7
Plot
 
N/A
Characters
 
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Writing Style
 
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Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
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I was so excited for this book. After reading Sara Raasch’s other books and falling in love with her writing, I couldn’t wait to dive in. This book was enjoyable but it didn’t become so until it was almost over. The beginning was definitely necessary to set up the world and understand how the tournaments work but it was just so slow. It wasn’t until the last third of the book when it picked up. I really enjoyed the background of the world though but I wish the tension between the Gods were more dived into. While the focus on Ash and Madoc were important, I felt like there was just so much that was missed. The division wasn’t introduced until the end but there was so many other things happening that it didn’t really get the focus it needed. At that, the end just felt rushed. With a slow beginning and then everything happening all at once in the end, it just didn’t feel cohesive with the story. I really enjoyed the ending and it does make me want to continue to the next book, I just wish that energy was throughout the whole book instead of the ending.

The characters were okay. It took me way too long to actually really like them but I do like them. I definitely was rooting for them in their own way. I really enjoyed their progression and how everything ended up was interesting. But they felt almost flat? I’m so used to snarky and funny moments in Sara’s old book and that’s what makes me fall in love with her characters. I know this is a different book and with another author, styles changed but it was really missing from this book. Even though it was a more serious toned story, the characters just didn’t have that flair I’ve come to expect from Sara’s character. I hope that the next book gives us a little more.

FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, Set Fire to the Gods by Sara Raasch and Kristen Simmons was a decent book. I was expecting something a little more epic than what was delivered. The plot and the world were interesting but the beginning and middle seemed to drag a little too long. It was the ending that really saved the book and made me want to continue. Ash and Madoc were good characters as well but didn’t have that spark that I came to expect from Sara’s book. While I did enjoy it overall and do recommend the book, I wouldn’t rush to make it a priority.
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