Avatar: The Last Airbender meets Gladiator in the first book in this epic fantasy duology in which two warriors must decide where their loyalties lie as an ancient war between immortals threatens humanity—from Sara Raasch, the New York Times bestselling author of the Snow Like Ashes series, and Kristen Simmons, acclaimed author of Pacifica and The Deceivers. Perfect for fans of An Ember in the … The Deceivers. Perfect for fans of An Ember in the Ashes, And I Darken, and The Winner’s Curse.
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.
more
In a land that some possess magic and gladiators determine which Gods win wars, two enemy fighters become unlikely allies. As alliances are formed and enemies are made, a greater mystery is unraveled. And in the midst of it all is a forbidden romance. This was a fun unique tale that will keep you flipping through the pages and guessing until the very end!
Set Fire to the Gods blends Avatar: The Last Airbender and Gladiator to create something new and unique. Used together, the authors were able to create a novel that expands upon both. The gods of the elements have separated the world into countries they govern, but there are more than the four basic elements. These authors have also created two more: flora and beast talkers. It is interesting to see these additional elements and the exploration of this rare soul element. Giving the story these added elements gives the story the edge it needs to be genuinely compelling.
Intriguing Elements to Storytelling
Not only are there added elements to the story, but the Gods in the novel have made themselves accessible to the people. They ultimately govern their countries, giving themselves castles in which to govern. They address their countries and people instead of just being an omniscient being. There are times when the novel is reminiscent of Roman mythology, not only because of the gladiator edge but with the Gods themselves.
The gods came into power, protecting the humans from the Mother Goddess who grew jealous of the humans. The Gods had to team up together to destroy her. That history in the novel creates a mythology for the characters because it is the foundation of this world.
The Gods go to war, but instead of invading each other’s lands, they select their best fighters and host Gladiator fights, betting their land and resources.
This aspect of the novel is thoughtful because it shows how the Gods care about their people enough not to risk the lives of all their people. While honorable, the gladiator fights still put too much at risk for the people, creating tension between the Gods and the people.
The Gods, too create a class system between those who have a divine gift and those who are undivine. This just serves to create more tension in the story, giving the reader an idea of how the world operates for these characters. Like anyone with magic or power, they abuse it and the Gods care more for those with power than those without.
Set Fire to the Gods is a story with layers. There are layers to the Gods, and layers to the story that make it unpredictable. The layers are filled with tension and intrigue because there is more happening than meets the eye.
Now, while the worldbuilding is unique and fresh, and the fantasy is compelling, what makes the reader gravitate towards the story is the characters.
Strong Characterization
Ash and Madoc are the two central characters that break up the story. Ash is a Fire danger, and Madoc is an undivine posing as an Earth elemental with the help of his adoptive brother. Both are headstrong characters, but each has a softness that allows them to balance each other out. Ash’s mother was killed in a gladiator match, propelling her in the life of a gladiator, and the abduction of Madoc’s adoptive sister propels him into the ring for the money. These characters have different things drive them, but as their paths cross and mingle, they unravel more than they thought.
Alongside the development of the story, these characters grow and reflect the passage of the story. They balance each other out, both fighting for their loved them and their land, seeking to undo the damage done by the Gods.
Admittedly, they do not start as engaging, but when push comes to shove, they grow into characters worth reading. They pull the reader into the story; their fight and energy make them relatable and compelling. They grow and evolve into stronger characters. While their romance comes off as underdeveloped, their friendship is well-developed, giving their dynamic a prosperous footing. There is room for improvement in the romance area, but with the strong friendship that defines and pulls them together, there is no doubt that their romance will improve in the series.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately Set Fire to the Gods is an incredible novel. Fast-paced and character-driven, the layers to the story offer up a well-constructed, unpredictable story worth reading.