Of Flame and Fury had me locked in with the description, and as I kept reading, had me cheering for the Howlers!

"Now, this is Pod-racing!" Or rather Phoenix racing! I'm always a sucker with books with mystical creatures and this did not disappoint. This was a fun, easy read and the world building was straight forward and set the scene perfectly early on! And also the chemistry between our two leads, Kel & Coup were filled with lots of fun banter and personality. That ending had me screaming though and I need the next book soon to find out what happens next!

Rivals to lovers, found family, political intrigue, mystical beasts, f1 racing but with phoenixes!!

Thank you so much again for the ARC opportunity!

4-Star ARC Review – Of Flame and Fury by Mikayla Bridge

Of Flame and Fury is a thrilling and fast-paced debut that grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go. Set on a volcanic island where phoenix racing is both a deadly sport and a way of life, Mikayla Bridge weaves a high-stakes tale of ambition, betrayal, and slow-burning romance that will keep readers on the edge of their seat.

Kel Varra is a fierce and determined protagonist leading a team of misfits, the Crimson Howlers, in their desperate bid to win the races that could change their lives. The world-building is vivid and immersive, with flaming skies, smoldering ash, and the electric tension of the racetrack painting a cinematic backdrop for the story’s events. The phoenixes themselves are stunningly imagined, especially Savita, whose bond with Kel adds real emotional depth.

The enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Kel and Coup is filled with banter, friction, and just enough vulnerability to make it feel authentic. Their chemistry grows naturally, and their relationship adds heart to a plot already pulsing with danger and intrigue. Some twists felt slightly predictable, and a few pacing hiccups in the middle slowed the momentum, but the explosive final act more than made up for it.

Mikayla Bridge shows a ton of promise as a new voice in romantic fantasy. Of Flame and Fury is perfect for fans of Fourth Wing and Iron Widow. Especially those who love underdog heroes, complex rivalries, and magic that burns as bright as the romance. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for what this author does next.

3.75⭐️ rounded up
I think this is a great debut YA novel! I will say the world building is pretty simple to almost non-existent, so it really just focuses on the Howlers and their team building. Not really much character development, as it is mostly focused on the Phoenix 🐦‍🔥 and saving them.
But, overall it is enjoyable and I think very accessible, digestible, and simple enough a younger audience would enjoy it.

I went into this book curious but cautious. The idea of phoenix racing sounded cool, but I wasn’t sure how it would play out. Turns out, it’s even better than it sounds. From the very first chapter, I was hooked. This story is fast-paced, fiery, and full of heart.

Kel Varra, the main character, is fierce, loyal, and incredibly determined. Her bond with her phoenix, Savita, is one of the strongest parts of the story. When her racing team, the Crimson Howlers, faces a sudden loss, Kel has no choice but to partner with her rival, Coup, whose cocky attitude makes their dynamic intense and often hilarious. Their enemies-to-lovers arc felt believable and earned, and I appreciated that it didn't overpower the rest of the story. The romance is a subplot, but it adds just enough spark to keep things interesting.

The world-building was one of my favorite parts. The phoenix races are creative, vivid, and full of danger, with each track presenting new challenges. The stakes feel real, and the action scenes are written so well that I could clearly picture every moment. I also liked the deeper themes that emerged, especially around the phoenixes themselves. The story explores the idea that these creatures, while trained and ridden, are still wild at heart. They can't truly be controlled, and they don't owe anything to the humans who try.

The found family aspect of the Howlers was a highlight. Their dynamic grows organically throughout the book, and I loved how each character brought something different to the team. Dira, Bekn, Rahn, and Savita all added their own flavor to the group and made the emotional moments hit harder.

There were a few areas I wanted more from, like the backstories of the other racing teams or how the racing league works overall. The subplot around a disease affecting the island also left me with some questions. As someone who works in healthcare, I found myself wondering how certain things could happen without explanation. Still, these were small things in an otherwise captivating story.

The ending left my jaw on the floor. I’m really hoping this isn’t a standalone, because I need more time with these characters and more answers after that final twist.

📚 Recommended if you enjoy:

Magical creatures that actually feel wild

Found family dynamics

Enemies-to-lovers with real tension

High-stakes competition

A fresh take on YA fantasy

Who knew I could love a phoenix more than a dragon??? This book was so good, great banter, cool races. Lots of action and romance. Thank you so much for the ARC!

I can’t even form words to explain how hard I cried at the end of this book. My heart broke for the main characters and I can only believe in my heart they got the happy ending they deserve.

This book moves quickly in that you fall in love with the characters and their histories, and you become so deeply involved in their world you don’t want it to end.

Of Flame and Fury is a magnificent read for fantasy, thrill seeking and romance readers alike. There are even elements of mystery.

Just when you think you know where the story is going, the author throws you for a loop and steals your breath away.

I highly recommend this book if you love a good thrill, a dystopian esque world and a team of characters you can’t help but love.

Now, where can I get some Howlers merch???

Thank you NetGalley ❤️❤️❤️

of flame and fury has irrecoverably changed me as a person. I have been destroyed. I am dead. I am not okay!!

as far as characters go, I really loved everyone in this little found family unit. everyone had their place and they all made sense to the story. the banter between the characters was spot on, as well as the dynamics between everyone. kell really is the MVP.

as for the romance, it drove me to insanity (in the best way)!! I was begging for something to happen. it felt like the author was teasing and toying with me. when things finally started happening, I was like an addict finally getting their fix.

the world building, mythology, history and literally everything about the world was incredible. I couldn’t get enough of it, and wanted it to go on forever. the writing is so fast paced, I was on the edge of my seat from the very first page.

I absolutely need there to be a second book. and if not, I will lead the revolt!!

This has got to be one of the most fresh and new fantasy books I have ever read! The concept of phoenix racing and the world that was created here is unlike anything yet to be seen. I was quickly enraptured by this world and captivated until the very end. Now I can’t wait for the next book! I am not sure if this book was being marketed as a romantasy but I would say the romance is more of a subplot and cherry on top of this gorgeous fantasy story.

The one thing that I struggled with was the different locations mentioned in the book and what they represented/the various cultures. It may have been mentioned in the beginning but there was a lot of information dumped when were literally thrown head first into the world. It would have been helpful to have more refereshers as we continued reading and understood the world better!

Thank you Netgalley for an ARC of this book.

Came here for the Phoenix racing, stayed for the banter fake relationship, and politiL intrigue!

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the author for my gifted copy!
Did I miss the wording building, yes but I'm thinking that more is coming in book 2 *crosses fingers*

Overall this was a great read and I'm looking forward to the next one in this series!!!

Kel is a phoenix tamer and parr of the Howlers, a team of phoenix racers. During the Howler’s last race, they lost their rider due to an accident. Kel blames Coup, a reckless rider from the opposing team. Without a rider, the Howler’s can’t race. What happens when all of a sudden Coup happens to be looking for a new team to join as well?


This was good but it took me so long to get into. I think part of it was the world building but I can’t seem to immerse myself in this world until about 50% through. This was cool though and a little different than the usual fantasy novels we’ve been getting. ❤️

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan for this ARC 🫶🏻

Big thank you NetGalley and to the publisher for the chance to review this book pre-release. Unfortunately this one just wasn't for me :( Not a fault with the story, the writing just didn't work for me personally.

What is it with me and my highly anticipated titles being a disappointment?! I was so excited to read this one. I had high hopes. I thought I found my newest obsession. I was so wrong.

This started out great. I was intrigued. I mean I will never not be interested with phoenixes. And phoenix racing? Sounds wonderfully cinematic! But somewhere along the way, I just lost interest. Maybe it's more of a me problem? I don't know. This book had all the potential to be great but the execution was just... boring. I can't even remember what I read, honestly. I just remember the phoenixes. That's it.

I'm sorry. I really wanted to love this one.

Thank you so much @macmillan.audio &@fsgbooks for the e & audio Arcs!

This was a story about rising from the ashes
I wasn't sure what to expect going into this bc l've read various fantasy novels involving racing of some kind and they've all felt very formulaic- not this one!
This was such an enjoyable, well paced read. I loved the phoenix lore and the difficulty navigating morally impossible decisions in a world where magical creatures exists alongside humans. Looking forward to book 2!

This book was a super slow burn for me, it took me a while to get through. I stuck with it because of the many glowing reviews, and to be fair, building a new fantasy world from scratch takes time and care. The essential elements are there: the story, the romance, the potential.

My reading pace might also be a factor, I read 12 books this month, so I was likely a bit overwhelmed. I plan to revisit this in winter when I can approach it fresh, ideally as my first or second book of the month. The timing might make all the difference.

This was such a fun YA romantasy summer read!

It’s a debut for the author, Mikayla Bridge. Very light hearted, action-packed, and original story. I loved the topic of phoenix racing. This is what drew me in to read the book in the first place. I think I needed a change of pace from dragons, and this was similar yet different enough to satisfy my need to something new. The phoenix racing is akin to if horse racing and F1 racing had a baby. Very fun and accelerating.

I don’t get to say this often, but the characters were so fun and lovable. I loved their innocence, but still a very fiery bunch that kept me on my toes. They were just very enjoyable to curl up with at the end of the day. A true sense of found family with this crew of teens, and I felt like a Howler as I read as well. I also loved our non-brooding, cocky MMC, Warren “Coup”. I also have been reading too many broody leads lately and he was just the right fix of sunny golden retriever energy that I needed. While I loved our FMC, Kel, I would say, Savita, her phoenix, stole the show. I loved every moment with her, and missed her dearly when she wasn’t on the page.

Definitely pick it up! It’s compared to a Fourth Wing meets Iron Widow. I really think it had a vibe of its own though. It’s also marketed as an enemies-to-lovers, but I got more reluctant teammates, maybe even rivals, vibes from Coup and Kel than enemies. Plus it all starts with some fake dating! Very entertaining. As a YA, it’s pretty closed door, but I love that every once in a while too. The sweetness in the romance is so rewarding.

We were left with a great cliffhanger to pick up from in Book 2! I’ll definitely be looking forward to continuing with the series.

I loved immersive reading the ARC with the ALC. Safiyya Ingar did a fantastic job verbally bringing this world to life. There were many characters she plays and she gave each their own flavor and spirit.

Thank you NetGalley, Farrar, Straus, and Giroux for my ARC, and Macmillan Audio for my ALC.

Current rating: 5 out of 5 ⭐️. Thank you Mikayla Bridge, Macmillan & NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced reading copy and rip out my heart.

Dragons? Nope, gimme all the phoenix books from now on. You’re telling me this is Bridge’s debut? Because the writing, the storytelling, the world-building, the twists, the turns - everything reads as a seasoned author. Kudos to Bridges for an ELECTRIFYING debut. I want more, I loved every single relationship and friendship. All of the Howlers chemistry was beautiful.

<spoiler> Alchemists that ending is not fair when you’re reading an ARC and the Epilogue isn’t finished. What do you mean that’s the ending?! Blasts I need more information. </spoiler>

I already placed a preorder for a finished copy because I NEED to not only have eyes on that epilogue ASAP but also have a copy to reread in the future.

First and foremost I’d like thank to NetGalley for a gifting me a ecopy of this book. I am forever thankful and my review is a honest reflection of my towards this book.
This book for sure gave me “trying to be the next Fourth Wing” vibes but just with phoenixes. Which I feel it stuck its landing a little shakily but ended up being a pretty solid action packed book.
I enjoyed seeing Phoenixes take the spotlight and was always excited to see how the author spun their mythology into such action packed story..
I will admit that I started to get bored in some aspects and kind of tuned out here and there but that ending left me feeling satisfied.
Overall a book I’d recommend to anyone who is looking for gripping story about a girl and her Phoenix mixed with some heart stopping action and romance

Kel is broke. So broke, in fact, that she has agreed to race her beloved phoenix, Savita, to win a cash prize to pay for her overdue bills and save her family home. When her team suffers the loss of its phoenix rider, Kel begrudgingly accepts Warren Coupers, the pompous and and reckless rider from a competing team. After the success of her new team, Kel is approached by a representative from Cristo Industries, a tech company set on eradicating all phoenixes for their potential danger to humankind due to their magic. While hesitant to accept, Kel ultimately does so out of desperation and must discover why Savita has garnered so much interest from the tech mogul himself.

The first half of this book was difficult for me to get into. I found the world building to be a bit slow and too direct for my liking, but overall I found the concept to be unique and interesting. I haven't yet joined the whole dragon romantasy fad, but it did feel reminiscent or at least related to that specific style of book based on what I've seen/read on Booktok and other social media. This is solidly geared to a YA audience and has a few of the romantasy tropes: fake dating, "enemies" to lovers, orphaned female protagonist, conflict based on miscommunication or lack of communication, corrupt governments, secret rebellions, etc.

What I loved most about this book was the overarching conflict that held all the subplots together--the corrupt government and Cristo's motivation for working with Kel and Savita--as well as the underground rebellion of it all. From the last race on, I was hooked on this book, and sped through the last 30% to figure out what happened as quickly as possible. I was sad the arc version did not come with the epilogue, so I'll have to check this book out in print to see what I missed and I'll definitely be checking out book two to see where Bridge takes this plot and these characters.

A new favorite!

Such a good YA romantasy! I was a little skeptical of this one, but boy, did this book take me by surprise! The concept, the characters, and the romance! Everything kept me intrigued until the very last page. The ending too!

This book really went above my expectations. Kel was a deeply intriguing character, and her development throughout the book was very well done. I also loved Dira! She was fiery, and her friendship with Kel was well written. But the MVP, the heartthrob, Mr. Warren "Coup" Coupers! He stole my heart with his banter and his prowess. He stole my heart and had me wrapped around his finger. Even Savita, such personality and characterization. I cannot wait for book two. I have so many questions, and I can't wait to see where this story will go.

I really enjoyed the phoenix aspect too. It was nice to delve into a world that wasn't strictly magic or dragons. It felt unique, and I was able to set it apart from other fantasies I've read lately. Overall this book was super enjoyable and easy to read. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone looking for a fun and unique YA romantasy.

I would like to thank the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review, All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rating 4.7/5

I was pleasantly surprised by this story. It started off a bit slow, but once I got through the first chapter I didn’t want to put it down.

The writing style is easy to read while also providing beautiful detail about the landscape and setting. I enjoyed the evolution of the characters, including the fun banter! The romance subplot was a nice addition to keep the reading enjoyable.

I don’t often read YA, but think this would be a great book for those who do.

A great debut novel by an author. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Mikayla Bridge, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/215700931