I love the cover of this book! This was a really thriller cozy fantasy! I wasn’t a big of the phoenix racing. But I do think the story was well written. I think my issue was I thought it was going to be just like fourth wing. If you go into thinking like that, you may not enjoy this book.

The plot is good and it’s definitely a unique story! There was no spice which I enjoyed. Definitely worth giving it a chance. I’m glad I was given the opportunity to read it early.

Thank you NetGalley, Mikayla and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the eARC!

Publication Date: July 15 2025
Rating: ✨✨ ✨

#NetGalley

4.5/5 stars
Of Flame and Fury is an action-packed YA fantasy that brings something new to the genre with its thrilling take on phoenix racing!!
From the very first page, the story launches into high-stakes competition, rivalries, and tension that had me hooked ⚡️. Kel and Coup’s dynamic is a standout, rivals forced into a partnership that slowly evolves into a heartfelt, slow-burn romance 💘.
Their banter, backstories, and emotional growth made them easy to root for, and the found family theme gave the story a strong emotional core 🫶.

The world building was intriguing, but I did wish for more context around key elements like the phoenix breeds, the AB disease, and certain plot twists that needed a bit more setup..
Some parts felt rushed or underexplained, especially for a YA audience, but the energy of the story and the originality of the concept more than made up for it.
The tropes, rivals to lovers, fake dating, underdog team, were familiar but well-executed and perfect for fans of The Hunger Games or Fourth Wing 🎯.

Overall, this was a fiery, fun read with a lot of heart ❤️‍🔥. A strong debut that makes me excited to see what the author does next!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Of Flame and Fury is an exciting, fast-paced fantasy featuring phoenix tamers, dangerous races, and a tense rivals-to-lovers romance. I loved the fiery chemistry between Keyln and Warren and the unique focus on phoenixes. The world-building was creative and immersive, though I would’ve liked a bit more depth for some side characters. Overall, this was a thrilling read, and I’m eagerly awaiting the sequel!

In a world where they race Phoenixes, one of the teams named the Crimson Howlers is looking for some new teammates. One of the original members, Kel, who is the owner of the team's Phoenix Savita, is forced to work with a cocky rider named Warren "Coup" Coupers after they lose their rider and Coup is kicked off his current team. For 2 years these two have butted heads on the track. But soon realize they both want the same thing, to get out of debt and to help their loved ones. So they have to let the past go and work as a team. And their hatred soon is turned on it's head, leading to other feelings.

After a tragic accident at Kel's home, she and Coup are offered a sponsorship with a millionaire who is researching better ways to care for Phoenixes. But soon it turns out there's more to this millionaire than they originally thought. Can they trust him to care for Savita or will things soon go up in flames???

I loved this book. The connection between Kel and Coup and their little found family. Along with the Phoenixes racing. It was nice to have a different story when lately everything has really been centered around dragons. Which don't get me wrong, I love. But I liked that spin on a different creature and how they handled riders and the different aspects of racing and so on.

If you are looking for a fast paced story with a different spin with romance and found family. This one is for you!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free ARC copy!

3.5 stars!

This was super cute! I think I went into it expecting higher stakes, but it felt like more of a cozy fantasy. I loved the phoenixes and the kind of urban fantasy setting. I would have liked a bit more of an explanation in some areas - how did the collars work to rein in the phoenix magic? How did medicine work? People had no magic, but were able to super speed up the healing process? And I also would’ve liked more foreshadowing in some areas, maybe some mentions of Kel having blank spots in her memory? With the limited foreshadowing in that regard, it made the ending feel a bit rushed. Also, there was an epilogue spot but no actual epilogue. I’m not sure if that was just because it was an ARC or not, but I was looking forward to the ARC to answer that final question of if Kel and Savita succeeded and was left a tiny bit disappointed not to have that.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book and I thought it was a great cozy fantasy.

2.5⭐️ 0🌶️(YA)

I really enjoyed that this is a standalone YA fantasy story and was action packed and a fun little read! Overall, I enjoyed the story but felt like it needed some edits to improve the overall comprehension. The ending was good but I wanted a bit more out of it as well to make it even more satisfying - it left a few too many loose ends untied for me.

This book had action from the FIRST PAGE. It was a great way to start the story, but it did come at the price of the backstory and world building, which I felt was lacking at the start. While I greatly appreciate when the start of a book isn’t an info-dump, I would like the context of the world and what is happening and I felt like I didn’t really get that. It took me a while to understand the purpose of the story and the messaging that the author intended. While overall, the messaging felt a little weak, I’m okay with that for the intended audience. It also took a while for me to figure out the direction the story was heading because I didn’t have enough understanding of the world, the backstory, or the context. For example, if I were to explain this story to someone in one sentence, I don’t think I would be able to, because there are a lot of moving parts and it doesn’t exactly come to a concise point.

Similarly, some terms in the world building, like the disease AB and its symptoms, and the variations in species of phoenix were only used briefly and didn’t get enough context to be memorable. I worry that younger readers (as this is a YA book with an age range of 14+) may not comprehend these facets of the world because they aren’t built out enough, and may be too confusing or disorienting for them. While the story is appropriate for their age, the world building needs to be more accommodating to fit a YA audience. I likely wouldn’t recommend this to my young loved ones until they were 17 for this reason.

There is also a plot hole about one of the plot twists - it is missing some backstory and needs additional details throughout the story to justify how the characters came to the conclusion of the twist. It wasn’t noticeable or detailed enough to make sense until the mentioning of Estra right before the reveal.

TROPES
This story utilized quite a few tropes. Occasionally it felt a little too cliche, but I do think it works for a YA audience. Some of the fake dating trope, especially as it related to media coverage, felt similar to the Hunger Games, so young readers who have read that series and enjoyed it may resonate with this story as well.

THE CHARACTERS
For the length of the story I thought the characters were decently developed. I did want a bit more from the MCs though. While we heard about Kel’s last name having some clout, we never got to know why. I also wanted a bit more about Coup’s childhood before his mother passed. The side characters felt very well developed though for their roles which was nice!

THE ROMANCE
I think this was the best part of this story! I loved the slow burn, rivals to lovers, and the banter was fun but age appropriate for a YA audience. It kept me on my toes and I was really happy with the direction the author took the romance between the two MCs.

Oh my gosh, move over dragons a new animal has taken over! Right from the beginning the reader is thrown into the world of Phoenix racing and all of the chaos it has to offer.

Majestic and magical, a phoenix is full power and grace. So much power in fact that the only way they can be raced somewhat safely is by wearing a special collar to taper their heat, created by Cristo Industries.

Kel is one of the best tamers around, she is deeply invested in her phoenix’s care. Savita is a powerful being, passed down in her family: from grandfather to father and now her. Unfortunately the price of her care over the years has forced Kel into the racing scene; trying to find the balance between the belief that phoenixes are wild animals to be protected and to provide for them all by winning races.

When the latest rider on her team (the Howlers) loses her life in a race, Kel is faced with a new dilemma. Team up with Coup, the reckless and arrogant rider known all over CAPR and his brother or face sure ruin and have her farm (plus Savita) taken away. Just as the new Howlers team runs their first race a new twist occurs: none other than Cristo from Cristo Industries wants to recruit them for his own racing team with a promise of a solid future. It sounds almost too good to be true and we know how that saying goes…

What an amazing debut novel! I was so invested in the characters and the phoenixes that I was so disappointed when I finished the book. The story’s plots are woven together so artfully that it was easy to keep up with how everything (and everyone) is connected. A few times I was wonderfully surprised at the direction the author took. This book is a beautiful compilation of fairytale, myth, science, and adventure!

My one sad note: I couldn’t read the epilogue and now I must wait till July! Special thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this arc copy!

🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟

This was such a great read! The story pulls you in right away with a fast-paced, high-stakes opening that immediately has you hooked.

We follow Kel Varra, who races her phoenix, Savita, in hopes of winning enough prize money to keep her farm afloat after her father’s death. When things don’t go as planned, Kel accepts an offer to work with Cristo Industries, teaming up with Dira, Bekn, and her rival racer, Warren Coupers (Coup).

Some sparks fly between Coup and Kel and there is some great banter and tension between the two, but it is not the main focus of the story.

Meanwhile, there’s an incurable disease spreading, as well as a resistance group who is fighting for the rights of the phoenixes. There are a few twists and turns throughout that I did not see coming.

The book does a great job showing how far people are willing to go to protect the ones they love, even if it means making questionable choices.

The pacing does slow down a little after the first few chapters, but the second half more than makes up for it with non-stop action and tension. I also really enjoyed the side characters, and I’m definitely hoping for a sequel so we can spend more time with them.

Overall this was a fantastic debut novel and I highly recommend it if you enjoy

-phoenix racing
-rivals to lovers/reluctant allies
-fake dating
-only one saddle
-morally grey villain
-found family
-conspiracies
-animal rights

Strong 4 stars!!

Of Flame and Fury || Mikayla Bridge

4.25 stars

"The fire felt like bottled sunlight. Like a fast breeze or a sharp melody. Harsh and unstoppable--and something Kel wanted to bask in forever." .

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book. Releases July 15, 2025.

Quick summary: With the death of her father and her absentee mother, Kel has only two things she can rely on, her best friend Dira and her phoenix Savita. Desperate for funds, Kel and Dira have to participate in phoenix racing, hoping to place high enough to get paid enough to pay the bills and keep Kel from losing her farm. Phoenix racing is thrilling, and deadly, so when they lose their rider in a race, Dira employs daredevil rider Warren Coupers and his brother to work on their team, the Crimson Howlers. However, Coups and Kel absolutely despise each other. When the media becomes interest in Kel and Coups after they calm an uncollared phoenix, the world becomes interested in the Howlers, gaining recognition from a rich sponsor, Cristo. Due to devastating events, the crew have no choice but to join Cristo, but what he's offering may be too good to be true, and it could put their lives, and Savita's, at risk.

Thoughts: This is a refreshing new YA fantasy series. I absolutely love the use of phoenixes, and I love that, unlike dragons, they are more animal-like and more brutal. The fact that they are practically immortal was also interesting. There is more to this story than racing, there is a dangerous, uncurbable disease going on, there is a political battle between those who engage in phoenix racing and those who believe in phoenix welfare and freedom, and there is of course the underlying romance which is enemies to lovers with a splash of fake dating. Spice is 0/5 (only kissing) but could see there being more spice if there is an additional book. There is a nice mix of characters in this story, and although the main character is Kel, I thought, for the most part, the characters are well fleshed out, but some more time could be spent on the supporting characters. There was a little plot twist in this story that I didn't see coming, and I thought it was well done. The villain is also done very well, because they aren't completely evil, making choices that would be difficult for anyone in their position. With the way this story ended, I'm sure there will be at least one other book, and I definitely would read another book in this universe.

-YA fantasy
-enemies to lovers
-fake dating
-phoenix racing
-political scheming
-animal rights
-morally gray villain
-found family
-3rd person POV

Spice 0/5

This was fast paced and exciting! Things kept happening and the characters don't have the time to think through what to do next, acting on instinct. So fun, and I can't wait for more of this.

Going directly into the Phoenix race was confusing. I had a hard time understanding the animals, the roles and titles, and didn’t feel invested in the characters. The early death seems anticlimactic due to not fully grasping the logistics of the rider and the Phoenix.

I found this book really interesting! I loved the premise and while it took some time to get into the story I ended up loving it!
Absolutely action packed and the Phoenix's were to die for! I loved the racing and the sub plot lines were fun too! I will absolutely be recommending this story to my book club and friends! Thank you netgalley for the chance to read this book!

This was a solid good time.

It's like F1, with phoenixes.

There are a few really cool racing scenes, a little bit of mystery, and a touch of romance.

Personally, I would have liked to see a little bit more world building. And more races. The final third of the book also feels a little rushed.

Kel will go to the ends of the world for her phoenix, Savita, and when she's left with no choice, she accepts a job racing for a tech company that teams her up with her rival. When it becomes clear that lives are in danger, she has to figure out who she can trust before it's too late.

This is a story about the bonds of friendship and the risks we take to protect the people and things in life that are important to us. It's about learning to trust our gut and having to lean on those that we least expect to be able to.

I love the mixture of real world elements with fantasy. I did keep imaging the phoenixes as Chocbos from the Final Fantasy games (in my defense, there is racing in that too). This also felt like it was supposed an enemies to lovers but i feel like the original dislike/hate/enemies didnt have a strong enough backstory behind it to warrant the "hate" but once it was evident they did like each other, that felt natural to the story and flowed seamlessly. I do find that this book is a perfect YA introduction to fantasy since it has so many real world references such as social media (with the video views) and things like the Tele-coms. I also like the research on AB, I do hope there will be a second book to dive deeper into that research Cristo was doing.

A unique take on the Phoenix and a thrilling debut fantasy. I was quickly drawn into the world that was created and couldn't stop reading.

**Book Review: *Of Flame and Fury* by Mikayla Bridge**
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (3.7/5)

Mikayla Bridge’s *Of Flame and Fury* is a fiery blend of adrenaline-pumping phoenix races, complex world-building, and character-driven plotlines that takes flight in a genre full of spark. While it doesn't lean into the "spicy" side of fantasy romance, this book burns in its own way—with tension, danger, and high-stakes intrigue.

At the heart of the story is Kel Varra, a fierce and determined heroine whose bond with her phoenix, Savita, brings warmth and heart to the narrative. She’s thrust into a deadly competition where survival means more than just finishing first—it means outmaneuvering secrets, political games, and betrayal. The races are thrilling, gritty, and pulse-pounding, delivering moments that make you hold your breath.

One of the standout elements is the world-building. Bridge crafts a vivid, smoldering island setting where fire is currency and danger is constant. The backdrop is rich with magic, rebellion, and conspiracy, with just enough tech intrigue to add an edge. The slow-burn pacing in the first half gives way to a tension-filled second act that makes the wait worthwhile.

The dynamic between Kel and Warren “Coup” Coupers simmers with that classic enemies-to-allies friction. While there’s little to no spice—barely even a kiss—the banter is sharp, and their chemistry adds emotional depth to the plot.

This is very much a plot-forward novel. Themes of found family, survival, and sacrifice run deep, and while romance takes a back seat, the emotional beats still hit. It's a story built on grit and heart rather than steam, which may not satisfy readers looking for heat, but will absolutely captivate those who love layered fantasy with a strong heroine and immersive world.

**Bottom line:** *Of Flame and Fury* is not a spicy fantasy romance—but it doesn’t need to be. It shines with immersive world-building, high-octane action, and a heroine who’s as brave as she is battle-worn. A solid 3.7/5 stars. Here’s hoping for more in the series!

Book Review: Of Flame and Fury by Mikayla Bridge
Phoenix races? YES, PLEASE.
This book throws you straight into a world where danger meets adrenaline—survival is the name of the game, and every race could be your last.

The world-building is next-level—vivid, imaginative, and packed with secrets, politics, and pulse-pounding intrigue. You won’t want to leave.

Kel is ready to risk it all. Coup? Irresistible, stubborn, and the perfect match for that fiery enemies-to-lovers tension. The banter between them? So good!

If you’re a fan of high-stakes fantasy with heart, heat, and unexpected twists—you’re in for a wild ride. I can’t wait to see where this series goes next!

4+⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/5

Of Flame and Fury was a fun read. I'd love to see a phoenix!! I found myself rooting for Phoenix freedom throughout the book.

Thank you so much for the chance to read and review! I realllyyyy wanted to like this book. I knew it wasn’t going to be like fourth wing level but with it in the description I figured it would still be good. Unfortunately for me I really just couldn’t get into it due to the racing. I think if you love more action based books this would be a good read but unfortunately just wasn’t mine.