A high-stakes romantasy set in a world of phoenix racing, deadly conspiracies, and undeniable chemistry. I absolutely loved Kel and could not get enough of her enemies-to-lovers with Coup. Along with all the twists you won’t see coming, pick this up if you loved Fourth Wing or Iron Widow!

𝐎𝐟 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐮𝐫𝐲 started off with a 𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐠—✨𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒕, 𝒉𝒊𝒈𝒉 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒚 𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈✨—but somewhere along the way, the story lost me in the smoke. 🌀🔥

The phoenix racing? 𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐘 𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐅𝐘𝐈𝐍𝐆. High-stakes, fast-paced, and absolutely thrilling—I was so here for it. But the world itself? I couldn’t quite figure out where (or when) we even were. Was it modern? Dystopian? Fantasy? A little bit of everything but not enough of anything to ground me? My GPS was 𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑡 in this one, and the late introduction of the AB disease only added more fog to the road. 🤔

✨ 𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅:
🔥 Adrenaline-fueled phoenix races (𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑑𝑟𝑎𝑚𝑎)
💖 Sweet romance moments tucked between the action
🏆 That glorious underdog energy in the races

✨ 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆 𝑻𝒊𝒎𝒆:
🔥 fierce underdog vibes
💘 soft romance with a rivals to lovers energy
🐦 legendary magical creatures (𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝ℎ𝑜𝑒𝑛𝑖𝑥𝑒𝑠 𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙 𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠)
🚩 classic high-stakes tournament

𝐁𝐔𝐓 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑 𝐌𝐄 𝐎𝐔𝐓:
I 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑 to love this more…but by the end, it felt like the story forgot where it was going. The pacing hit the gas when it should’ve slowed for the emotional turns, and before I knew it—𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟. 😭

I closed the book feeling…𝑢𝑛𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑑. Because I read the ARC, I didn’t get the full epilogue, and honestly? It felt like the story ended mid-sentence. I’m still not sure what really happened—or if the emotional payoff I was waiting for ever actually arrived. It left me with this quiet, 𝑠𝑎𝑑 feeling…like I’d been promised a grand finale and instead got a flicker before the flame went out. 😩😩

It wasn’t the most satisfying conclusion 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑚𝑒, but I do think younger YA readers and those new to fantasy will really enjoy the fast pace, sweet romance, and high-stakes excitement. 💕

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲, 𝐌𝐚𝐜𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰! ✨

It’s a good story but I was expecting a little more in the end. The ending is a cliffhanger but left the reader with more questions.

Very first of all, thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan for providing an eARC in return for an honest review!

First things first: The comps make no sense.
Second: I still had fun and enjoyed this book despite (in spite?) of the comps.

There are small overlaps (feminine rage, dragon/phoenix riders, big background conspiracy), but none big enough to warrant these comps in my opinion.

I can definitely see readers being disappointed by the book if they go in expecting differently.

Onto the book:

I enjoyed our very flawed main character POV (I did not see the twist coming at all! Kudos!).
Kel is a very seventeen year old seventeen year old who has had to handle more at ther age than she was supposed to. Fiercely protective of what she has (even if it is falling apart), dead/missing parents, an explosive bird and a rag tag team of phoenix riders. When her team is falling apart and her home burned down, she makes hard choices to keep her precious phoenix bird safe. She tries hard to keep her integrity intact and disliking handouts and selling herself away for resources chafes at her. Her suspicions and paranoia start early on and culminate later. I give her kudos to be a very realistic main character who loves her phoenix more than is good for her. Love me a competent female main character.

Warren Couper aka Coup is the "antagonist" at the beginning but joins Kel's new team at the Big Tech Corp. He seems cocky and antagonistic, but he is actually rather capable and his act was easy to perceive. His stupid penchant for self sacrifice is very noble. I do think he's competent tho, which is kind of rare nowadays.

The athmosphere seemed kind of split to me. First I perceived the setting to be in a dusty dry and hot desert - with the phoenix racing, their heat signatures and greenhouse setting at the farm. And then, pretty quickly after, we realize it's more of an actual urban setting, surrounded by tropical (?) jungle. This gave me a bit of whiplash and I had some trouble picturing the actual setting and areas. The big corporation was shown and told easily as a dead clinical setting - a dead (ha!) giveaway that someone sinister was at play.

The plot advanced quickly after the initial setup, although the pattern of traning, PR dates, racing was a tad predictable. But predictable is good because then you can throw a wrench in this pattern to crash the final race. I'm still not quite sure what the initial goal was for the final race through the jungle. It felt like it was a giant risk for all the phoenixes (which were apparently so precious). The hidden antagonists making their play during the race was a really fun surprise. I also loved that there was no holding back in showing that the "wild" / uncollared phoenixes were actually dangerous. (I do guess they are also territorial and dont take kindly to strange collared birds invading on them).

The reason behind the big phoenix conspiracy being a Tech Mogul Trying To Save His Child is not quite that unique - still gave some humanity to the Big Boss. I felt nothing for him when he got incinerated by the Phoenixes later on. (Comeuppance, f-yeah!).

In terms of relationships in this books, I also think the "enemies-to-lovers" trope does not fit either. Kel and Coup start out as rivals more than "enemies", and they do learn to tolerate each other quickly. Not every small interpersonal conflict means people are enemies nowadays. Their romance was quite sweet tho, how slowly it progressed. I do think Kel was a tad overly aggressive at some point. Coup should have come clean earlier that he knew her via her father. The side relationship with Kels teammate and the tech girl was predictable (ofc the lesbian is evil corp!) but at least they didnt get fridged - yay for character development.

Even though this book's comps were not what I would usually pick up (FW was so-so, and have not yet read IW), I had a lot of fun with this book. I rooted for the characters to find out, to make up, to omg just kiss already, and to please survive. (the ending was a brutal cliffhanger). If you loved The Phoenix Keeper (person totally in love with their animal charge, hashtag I Would Die For Savita) and some sports romance (F1-romance maybe???), then this book is for you!

4 stars!

I may be in the minority, but I just couldn’t get into this book. I couldn’t buy into the main characters and their enemies to lovers romance. Kel was one of those heroines that I still don’t know if I really cared for in the end. The premise is great and I really was so excited to read this one. It just didn’t live up to keeping my interest. I found myself having to make myself finish it. Thank you NetGalley for the Advanced eARC.

The following review is taken from Storygraph:

"If you like Fourth Wing, read this.

Of Flames and Fury reads like something that was directly inspired by Fourth Wing, changing around a few elements (dragons for phoenixes, army for racing, etc). If you go into it understanding that, it's a great time. I was gripped by the action, Kel's character development, and the Coup/Kel enemies-to-lovers dynamic. If I had one complaint, it's that the book wasn't longer to allow for a slower burn -- but then it could have dragged. I spent the last 40 pages glued to my chair to see what would happen. The book is essentially an exploration of the human-animal bond, so great for environmentalists or animal rights lovers. It's also quite clean compared to most romantasies.

At this moment it does have an ambiguous ending, as a warning. I read this as an ARC, so it looks like there will be an epilogue of some kind in the final copy that hasn't yet been fully written/edited."

Specific notes for the publisher:
- Your move to market this as a Fourth Wing comp title is a good move. It reads as VERY similar vibes. I would genuinely not be surprised if Mikayla Bridge was directly trying to write something similar. This book has a very strong chance of going viral on Tiktok if you can get it into the Booktok communities, and I would anticipate the main criticism will be that it reads as a bit derivative (which, when has the romantasy community cared about that?) The only barrier you might face is the fact that it isn't very smutty -- which, as an ace reader, is actually a bonus in my book.
- Seriously?? I'm going to have to check out this book from the library to find out how it ends. I know you probably just didn't have the epilogue ready yet but that ambiguous ending was EVIL.

Of Flame and Fury is an enemies-to-lovers romance set in a fantasy world where phoenix racing is popular. Not all is well in this setting: the wild phoenixes are endangered and a mysterious disease is plaguing the population. When a wealthy industrialist offers to help the financially struggling team, their future seems secure until new threats appear.

𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝑴𝒆 𝑶𝒖𝒕, 𝑭𝒂𝒔𝒕 & 𝑭𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝒎𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝑭𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒕𝒉 𝑾𝒊𝒏𝒈… 𝑨𝒉𝒉 𝑺𝑰𝑮𝑵 👏🏻 𝑴𝑬 👏🏻 𝑼𝑷!

If you’re a speed junky like me and get a thrill from racing 🏁 AND also feel bonded for life to your animal babies. 🐦‍🔥 This is the book for you! The spike of adrenaline from the get go is INSANE! I physically could not put this book down and was kept on edge the entire time! 🙌🏻😮‍💨

Of Flame & Fury has the right amount of EVERYTHING! Action, Drama, Fiery Romance, & of course fantastic magical flying creatures! Are phoenixes the new dragons? 👀 🤭 💕

👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻 In regards to the romance tropes we have: “enemies to lovers” meets “fake dating” between our headstrong phoenix tamer (Kel Varra) and her arrogant rival (Warren Coup). Let’s just say that this duo gave me loads of laughs with all the flirtatious bickering they did causing my “feet kicking in the air” moments🙊 which I KNOW we’re all suckers for! 🥰 ❤️ definitely can’t wait for a second book (if that’s the plan 👀) to read more about them 🫶🏼😍

Also I can’t leave behind the star of the show: Savita our Phoenix. 🐦‍🔥♥️ I had SO MANY emotions when it came down to Sav, I truly started to feel like she was my own. 🥹🫶🏼 We received amazing races, as well as heartbreaking and heart swelling moments from her. Towards the end she had my heart wrapped around her wings. To say the least I was left wanting more time with our beloved phoenix. Hopefully we get more from her soon! 😌🙃🐦‍🔥

Mikayla, you did an amazing job with the world building and all the plot twists it came with. Many rounds of applause to you! 🫶🏼👏🏻🫶🏼 Need this to become a movie ASAP 🎬🥵

With that being said, put on your racing gear and saddle the hell up cuz you’re in for a HOT ride! 🐦‍🔥🔥

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan for this amazing ARC! 🙌🏻

This was an excellent young adult fantasy read! I did not want to put this book down! This book had such a cool and unique concept, I loved the idea of racing phoenixes and the overall world that the author created. This book had a great cast of characters as well. There was so much packed into this read making it an amazing fantasy book. I definitely recommend picking this one up when it comes out in July.

Read this if you like:

📖 Enemies to lovers
📖 High stakes
📖 Phoenix racing

Ahhh I knew it was gonna end there!!! I read this through NetGalley arc and now am impatiently waiting for the next book! WOW I loved it, granted it did take me some time to attach to the characters but when I did ahhh!!! I’m impressed and loved this plot line, there are parts that were pretty predictable but also necessary. Appreciate the author’s beautiful mind and ability to drag me into this world with these characters def recommend!

This world was so unique and I love it. The phoenixes are described beautifully and the story line was gripping. There was so much action and the romance was well balanced and didn't over take the plot at all. I can't give this book enough praise or even find words to describe how much I loved everything about it.

I really enjoyed the sample I received of this one so much that I immediately requested the full book. I found the writing easy to follow along and the storyline unique. If you love YA fantasy and/or racing then definitely give this one a try.

Unfortunately by the 40% mark this one isn’t working for me so I am (soft) DNF’ing for now. I’ve tried to pick it back up over the last 6 weeks or so, to no avail. For me, the pacing slowed down after the first few chapters and I don’t feel invested enough in the main characters - so it’s time to set it aside and hopefully revisit in the future.

This book soars. I devoured an ARC of Of Flame and Fury, and I’m not exaggerating when I say I’m fully, irreversibly obsessed. Think Fourth Wing meets Iron Widow, but with phoenix racing, a fiery enemies-to-lovers romance, and the kind of tension that keeps you up way past your bedtime.

Kel Varra is a fierce, layered protagonist you can’t help but root for, and her dynamic with Coup? Chef’s kiss. Their banter is electric, their chemistry undeniable, and watching their reluctant partnership burn into something deeper was pure reading bliss. Bonus points for Savita, the sassiest phoenix to ever light up the page—I would die for her.

Mikayla Bridge blends adrenaline-pumping action, sharp political intrigue, and swoon-worthy romance in a world that feels fresh and dangerous at every turn. The stakes are high, the magic is volatile, and the final act left me breathless.

If you love underdog teams, slow-burn tension, and morally gray choices with major consequences, you need this book on your summer TBR. I already need book two like I need air.

I know everyone is looking for their next romantasy read and I think they will find Of Flame and Fury scratches that itch in the best way possible. Strong, female lead, palpable chemistry and constant bickering, evil, rich geniuses and phoenixes! What more can you ask for?! Oh and creative, crazy races!

I really loved every moment I spent with this story, I loved the main characters, I loved the secondary characters, I loved the phoenix, Savita. I loved the creativity. I loved the pacing.

I know everyone will enjoy this one.

with gratitude to netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

Thank you to NetGalley and Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Of Flame and Fury is a YA fantasy is set in a a magical world where humans and magical creatures co-exist, but in a tense and dangerous way. The story revolves around the deadly and high stakes business of Phoenix racing and includes found family, a young enemies to lovers romance, political tension and the spread of a deadly, incurable disease.
The main character, Kel, has only two things she can rely on, her best friend Dira and her phoenix Savita. With her parents both gone and desperate for funds, Kel and Dira are forced to participate in phoenix racing, hoping to place high enough to pay the bills and keep Kel from losing her farm. When they lose their rider in a race, Dira convinces daredevil rider Warren Coupers and his brother to join their team, the Crimson Howlers. However, Coups and Kel absolutely despise each other. When the media becomes interested in Kel and Coups after they calm an uncollared phoenix, the world becomes interested in the Howlers, gaining recognition from a rich sponsor, Cristo. With their finances waning, the crew have no choice but to join Cristo even though his Phoenix racing practices are questionable. The Howlers will all suffer under Cristo’s sponsorship, but Kel will risk all to save her Phoenix, Savita.
This story is faced paced and the racing scenes are thrilling (and sometimes gruesome). I liked the characters and the found family aspect of their relationships. The immortality and brutal nature of the phoenixes was fascinating and well-developed. I enjoyed this story and will definitely look forward to the sequel.

This book has a unique take on racing. Most people hear racing and they think cars or horses. This book is about racing phoenixes! Which is something different, and that's what pique my curiosity. It is a slow burn, enemies to lovers trope. The world building was very well executed. I enjoyed that the beginning of the book has a "key" to what types of phoenixes there are. It was very helpful in keeping everything straight. There is a lot of tension between the main characters, and the plot was very well done.

This book was phenomenal. There’s no trope I adore more than enemies to lovers and Mikayla Bridge perfects that and more in her debut.

COUP. I could wax poetic about Coup. I might have just met my new favorite book boyfriend. He is perfect, and Kel is perfect, and Sav is perfect, and altogether they are everything. In short, OF FLAME AND FURY is perfect. Read it.

Of Flame and Fury by Mikayla Bridge is a fast-paced, emotionally charged fantasy that had me hooked. The heart of this story is Kel—a strong, gritty, and determined protagonist who refuses to back down, even when the world keeps trying to take everything from her. Her bond with Savita, her phoenix, is beautifully written and gave the story so much heart. You feel her desperation, her fire, and her unbreakable will to protect the one thing she has left.

The high-stakes racing was intense and you never knew what was going to be thrown at you. Add in some slow-building romance that unfolds at just the right pace, and you’ve got a story that blends action and emotion really well.

The world-building was immersive and I can’t wait to see where Kel’s journey goes next—this is a series I’ll definitely be following.

I’ve been needing a book Iike this after the disappointment that was Onyx Storm! The world building was cool, and I enjoyed the Phoenix aspect. I won’t give anything away, but I will definitely be buying this book and recommending it.

Mikayla Bridge did not come to play!!! She did her her big one when she wrote Of Flame and Fury. This book was had incredible world-building and an even better plot. The writing was so unique and will have you vividly depicting the book and have you feel as though you are living in those pages as the characters. It was filled with so much action and survival. There was never a dull moment in Of Flame and Fury. The plot and characters just flow so smoothly and it was an absolute joy to read this. I definitely will be recommending this to all of my bookish friends.


If anyone is thinking about giving this a read, DO IT!!! You won't regret it one bit.