Of Flame and Fury creates a magical world where humans and magical creatures co-exist, but in a tense and dangerous way. Kel, our main character, has lived alongside a phoenix her whole life, and competes with her in deadly, high-stakes races in order to earn money to pay off her debts. It's a dystopian novel in the way that children participate in deadly events in order to earn money and fame. There are deadly high stakes, magical creatures, found family, and a bit of a mystery/conspiracy element. The second half of the book really had me gripped and was very engaging! The racing scenes had me on the edge of my seat, filled with worry over the fate of our characters. I finished this book and immediately thought - omg I need the epilogue/book two right now! I wish that the beginning of the book spent a little more time explaining the world - I was confused on the different islands, references to "the continent", and why does Kel have all this debt? Overall, I thought this was a great read and I can't wait to pick up a copy when it releases!

** Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review **

Of Flame And Fury by Mikayla Bridge presents an intriguing world with a premise brimming with potential, but ultimately, the story falls short in a few key areas. The setting, magic system, and character dynamics offer a solid foundation, but the plot feels underdeveloped, leaving much to be desired in terms of depth and engagement.

One of the major issues I found with the book was the writing style. There’s a noticeable reliance on telling rather than showing, which weakens the emotional impact and character development. Instead of allowing the characters’ actions and dialogue to reveal their motivations and growth, the narrative often spells things out explicitly. This not only reduces the subtlety of the storytelling but also makes the characters feel less dynamic. We’re told what’s happening, what they’re feeling, and what’s at stake, rather than experiencing those things alongside them.

The plot itself also struggles with pacing. Key events seem to happen without much buildup or tension, which makes the stakes feel less real. Rather than building suspense, the story often moves from one plot point to the next without allowing readers to fully absorb or invest in the developments. As a result, some of the more dramatic moments lack the punch they could have had.

I really enjoyed how intricate the world building was. I especially loved the Phoenix races.
The first 20% dragged on a little bit for me, but once the pace started to pick up, I was having a great time and didn't want to put the book down!
The characters are teenagers so sometimes they did things that left me feeling frustrated as the reader. But I've come to expect situations like that in YA books.

Overall this was a great read, with a unique plot!

I DNF'd at Chapter 6. I found a lot going on very fast confusing. I personally don't like seeing Phoenix as these wild destructive creatures. It felt like we were trying to make Phoenixes like Dragon's and it just didn't work for me. I just couldn't get myself to want to read past Chapter 5. It slightly caught my interest by Chapter 3, but not enough.

Oh my goodness! The sheer intensity of this book had me on the edge of my seat! This is an electrifying, action-packed, and wildly original story that transports you straight into high-stakes races—only this time, instead of cars, we have phoenixes! The adrenaline, the danger, the heart-pounding thrill of every competition had me stress-eating my way through snacks while frantically flipping the pages. My fellow book lovers, do not sleep on this one!

From the very first page, Of Flame and Fury throws you into a world of fire and ambition, where phoenix racing isn’t just a sport—it’s a deadly game of survival. Kel Varra, our fiercely determined protagonist, is an underdog you can’t help but root for. She’s bold, stubborn, and willing to risk everything to win. And then there’s Coup—arrogant, maddening, and yet utterly irresistible. Their rivalry crackles with tension, making every interaction between them feel like a battle of wills. The enemies-to-lovers trope? Flawlessly executed! The slow-burn romance, the lingering stares, the push and pull—it’s the kind of dynamic that keeps you hopelessly hooked. I found myself whispering “just kiss already!” more times than I care to admit. And yes, I fully embraced my obsession by brainstorming ship names for them (Kelco? Koup? Someone back me up here!).

Beyond the romance, the world-building is simply breathtaking. The idea of phoenix racing is fresh and exhilarating, and the descriptions make you feel the heat of the flames and the rush of the wind as the riders battle for victory. But this isn’t just a story about winning a race—there’s a deeper layer of political intrigue, dangerous conspiracies, and secrets that could change everything. The stakes are impossibly high, and just when you think you know where things are headed, the plot takes a sharp turn that leaves you gasping.

One of my favorite things about this book is how effortlessly it blends different elements—action, fantasy, romance, and suspense—without ever losing momentum. The pacing is relentless, yet it still takes the time to develop its characters and relationships in a way that feels authentic and compelling. The side characters are just as intriguing as the leads, and I found myself desperate to know more about them (Dira and Bekn need their own spin-off, I’m just saying).

For fans of fantasy, romance, and high-intensity storytelling, Of Flame and Fury is an absolute must-read. It’s fierce, exhilarating, and packed with everything you could want—betrayals, secrets, pulse-pounding action, and a romance that burns brighter than a phoenix’s flames. If you love books with heart-racing competition, rich world-building, and characters who feel like real people, this one needs to be on your radar.

A massive thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) for sharing this ARC of one of the most anticipated fantasy books of the year in exchange for my honest opinions—I truly appreciate it!

Mikayla Bridge started out with a BANG💥
With comparisons to Fourth Wing & Iron Window, this book had all the plot and all the character development one could ask for!
The upbeat mmc, Coup and the anxious fmc, Kel start their relationship as enemies (blush) and slowly but surely grow into something more. With the dangerous and fast paced environment that revolves around racing Phoenixes, Kel & Coup forge a fake bond that seems to evolve into being not-so-fake…
A thrilling, powerful, and enchanting tale that captures the readers attention from page one.

Of Flame and Fury is an exhilarating, fast-paced fantasy that delivers a unique premise—racing massive fire phoenixes. The concept alone is enough to draw readers in, and the execution keeps the momentum going. The story is packed with adrenaline, secrets, and high-stakes competition, making it a must-read for fans of action-filled fantasy.

The writing style is light and engaging, making for an easy, immersive read. While some moments felt predictable, the twists—especially the ending—still managed to surprise me. The Kel and Coup relationship added great tension, keeping me invested beyond just the thrill of the races. And Savita? Absolutely loved her.

Overall, this was a fun, fresh read that I devoured in one sitting. If you love phoenixes, fierce competition, and characters with strong dynamics, Of Flame and Fury is definitely worth picking up.

I really enjoyed the premise of this and found it quite unique. I liked the enemies to lovers, reverse grumpy sunshine going on between the main characters. The phoenix riding and competitions were fun to read about and I liked how they were depicted as truly wild animals that were tamed. The secrets and paranoia from the main character were also a great plot. For a debut author, I think Bridge really knocked it out of the park with this one.

Thank you #netgalley for the Arc.

This is the must-read fantasy novel of the summer. I am obsessed with this world that Bridge has created. I made the very dumb (smart?) decision to read a chapter in a gas station parking lot before I started my 3 hour drive. I ended reading the whole last 20% of the novel and crying in that parking lot. I cannot scream enough how much I love this book and I think more people should be talking about this upcoming release. It has all the elements BookTok loves in a fantasy novel: rivals to lovers, found family, magical creatures, he falls first, dangerous games, and so much more!

Bridge left me wanting to know so much more about this world. I want to know more about the magic, the Alchemists, Kel's mother and father, Coup's mother and more. But none of these questions left anything to be desired with the story. The novel is fast paced and carries the reader through this crazy world of magical creatures, phoenix racing, and fake dating.

The last four chapters are so beautifully written that I can't stop thinking about them. One of my favorite lines is "The song was made of windchimes and lightning and barren heat. It was Cendor, in all its sharp, wild, breathtaking beauty." And there are so many more passages but I don't want to give away too much!

Run, don't walk, to add this one to your TBR. Also, I'm gonna need to know more about this future standalone set in the same world. I really hope we're going to another island!

Review goes live March 24

This was just what I wanted in a fantasy book! The book was fast paced and very interesting with a great plot and just the right amount of romance.

If you enjoy authors like Stephanie Garber, Meg Cabot, and Kiera Cass, watch out for Mikayla Bridge!
This author has created an amazing new world full of phoenix races and other magical creatures. The idea of phoenix racing is inventive and new. The chemistry between the two main characters amazing. The side characters were all so well done I loved them all. The epilogue though. Y’all my arc was missing the epilogue and now I have to wait until July to know 😭😭.

What I loved:

❤️ The world building: it was so well done and unique. The phoenix racing tracks had an almost Hunger Games vibes to them which I loved. I do hope that when Bridge writes more she’ll stay in the same world and give us more info about the other countries and their magical beasts.

❤️ The main characters: I loved Coup from the beginning. He’s got it all, the snark, the smirk, the good looks, I would die for her vibes, like can I order one of these for me? (Hubby forgive me for my love of fictional men haha.) Kel is flawed and grumpy. Don’t we love a grumpy sunshine romance? Oh don’t forget the enemies to lovers (almost rivals to lovers) trope as well. Kel is such a real person and she makes mistakes. I really enjoy that about a character.

❤️ The side characters: Bekn and Dira were both so well wrote. I need to know more about both. I hope the author writes a spin off. Because I need more of these two and the world that she created.

⏺️ There wasn’t anything I disliked, although I would love more world expansion. The ending was a tad predictable, but that comes with the YA genre.

Synopsis:
Kel is the caretaker of Savita a Carnel Phoenix who she races with her team the Howlers. After her rider perishes in an unfortunate accident the team needs a new rider and in steps Coup. A daredevil who wins races but his antics tend to get him fired. Kel hates the man but the team needs his help. When disaster strikes Kel’s home her only option is to be sponsored by Cristo Corporation (who is against everything that she is,) once there she and the team must work together to win dangerous races. Can Kel and Coup put their differences aside to win together? Or will they both go up in flames?


I really hope the author continues with this world, I need more. Also. The epilogue I neeeed it. That’s all. 5 star read. Read it now.


Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing.
I was given an arc and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

A combination of F1 and horse racing, but with murderous phoenixes and a magical plague, this book was fun from start to finish. There is fake dating, a one-sided rivals to lovers with Kel being an absolute bitch to Coup and eventually learning to calm down and see him as a person, a friend and not an obstacle. To understand him as someone who, just like her, lives for and loves phoenixes. It’s a natural, well-written progression and I buy into their friendship and romance. And, get this, there’s a reason for Kel to act how she does, to be as narrow minded and vicious as she is … and it works so well with the plot.

The phoenix races are a fun idea, with all manner of hazards, complications, tricks and traps to catch birds and riders out. There is a fair amount of rider deaths, with mentions of blood, burns and other injuries to both riders and phoenixes. The world building has had a great deal of thought put into it, with different magical, elemental creatures held captive and studied by humans in the hopes of utilizing and commodifying their magic.

It’s an interesting world that I really want to see more of, with a great and grounded romance, strong friendships and a clever, well-structured plot. Thank you so very much to Net Galley and the publisher for letting me have an ARC.

Phoenixes. Magic. Enemies to lovers. An incurable disease. “Of Flame and Fury” by Mikayla Bridge is an incredibly fun and wild ride that I had the pleasure of reading.

I love the enemies to lovers trope, so this was fun and so sweet to read. Kel and Coup has amazing chemistry, and I found myself rooting for them! I also knew who we could trust and not trust early on in the book, but it was executed so well that I couldn’t help but keep turning the pages.

In any case, what predictability this may have, it made up in uniqueness and creativity in its setting. Living with phoenixes? How amazing and creative is that? I have never read a story that revolved around these special birds. Therefore, whenever something occurred when the humans interacted with these creatures, it was always entertaining, fresh, and new.

The plot was steady and was never dull. As stated earlier, the tropes were predictable, but I was still able to find the joy in reading. There were a couple of plot points that were left untouched. This informs any reader that there will be a second book, especially with this particular ending, which I simply cannot wait for!

I happily rate “Of Flame and Fury” by Mikayla Bridge a 5 out of 5 stars.

My opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, and the author for giving me an ARC and the opportunity to read “Of Flame and Fury”.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC. I really enjoyed this book with its literal "sky-high stakes," and "explosive twists". I loved the "enemies to lovers" dynamic and the strong female characters. I felt that the characters were well developed and continued as their relationships evolved.
I loved the originality of the world with dangerous phoenixes and volatile magic,. I can’t wait for the next book in the series. Rated up from a 4.5.

Book Review: Of Flame and Fury by Mikayla Bridge

I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of Of Flame and Fury through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, and Mikayla Bridge for this opportunity to read it in advance!

Summary:
Mikayla Bridge's debut novel, Of Flame and Fury, transports readers to an island forged from ash and veiled in fire, where phoenix racing reigns supreme—a perilous yet lucrative sport. Seventeen-year-old Kel Varra leads the Crimson Howlers, an underdog team striving to clinch victory in the annual races. Faced with the loss of their rider, Kel reluctantly partners with Warren "Coup" Coupers, an infuriating rival who occupies her thoughts more than she'd like to admit. As the stakes escalate both on and off the track, Kel becomes entangled in a shadowy conspiracy that threatens her team, her cherished phoenix Savita, and her burgeoning feelings for Coup. The narrative weaves together elements of high-octane racing, simmering romance, political intrigue, and volatile magic, building up to a climactic showdown that could spell doom for all involved.

Tropes:
- Phoenix Riders
- High-Stakes Racing
- Found Family
- Fake Dating
- Complex Magic System
- Young Adult
- Mild Romantic Content (intense make-out scenes)
- Secrets and Betrayals

My Review:
Of Flame and Fury is a scorching debut that immerses readers in a world where phoenixes blaze trails across the skies and hearts ignite amidst fierce competition. Initially, I found Kel's fiery disposition and youthful angst a bit grating, but as the story unfolded, her character matured, revealing layers of vulnerability and determination that resonated deeply. Bridge masterfully crafts a unique setting where phoenix racing is not just a sport but a way of life, fraught with ethical dilemmas and perilous challenges. The depiction of phoenixes as wild creatures subdued by human innovation adds a compelling layer of tension, prompting readers to ponder the morality of such control.

The dynamic between Kel and Coup is electric, evolving from mutual annoyance to a partnership forged in the crucible of adversity. While their transition from rivals to allies—and perhaps something more—is somewhat predictable, it is executed with a charm that keeps the pages turning. The supporting cast enriches the narrative, embodying the 'found family' trope that adds warmth and depth to the story.

Bridge's world-building is both intricate and immersive, painting a vivid picture of a society where magic and technology intertwine. There are moments where the complexity of the world may lead to confusion, and a more detailed exposition of the island's history could have enhanced understanding. However, these minor quibbles are overshadowed by the narrative's momentum and the high stakes that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

The final act of the novel is nothing short of breathtaking. Just when I thought I had the plot figured out, Bridge delivered a twist that left me reeling—a testament to her skill in subverting expectations. The cliffhanger ending has me eagerly anticipating the next installment, as unanswered questions and unresolved tensions linger tantalizingly.

In conclusion, Of Flame and Fury is a thrilling ride that combines adrenaline-pumping action with heartfelt character development. Mikayla Bridge has set the stage for an exciting series that promises to delve deeper into the complexities of its characters and the fiery world they inhabit. For fans of high-stakes fantasy with a touch of romance, this novel is a must-read. I rate it 4.5 stars!

Very fast paced and enjoyable. The concept felt fresh. The training and racing of phoenixes felt very new. Her dynamic with the FMC was fun. I will be picking up the sequel.

A romantasy that has dystopian vibes, right up my alley. All the perfect tropes too...rivals/Enemies-to-lovers, grumpy/sunshine, fake dating, and found family. I ate this up. I loved loved loved the fire phoenixes so much!

This was an amazing debut novel. I can't wait to see what this author does next as I will be right there to buy to straight away.

Thank you net gallery for this arc! Flames and fury is correct! This book had me burning to get through it. It’s fast paced and as captivating as the amazing phoenixes mentioned in it! 🔥🦅

Slow burn romance, banter, races full of suspense and thrills, betrayal, unexpected plot twists, grief, strong bonds, a true enemies to lovers and forced proximity couldn’t get any better!

Summer is not reader for the scorching ride this book pacts so strap in and get ready for the races!

No spoiler but I felt like I was left hanging by the ending. Will there be an epilogue? That kinda felt like a cliff hanger…

“Of Flame & Fury” follows seventeen-year-old Kel Varra, a member of the Crimson Howlers phoenix racing team. Drowning in debt, she has to find a way to win enough money to save her home from being repossessed. The Crimson Howlers need a new rider that can help them win, and Warren Coupers, the best rider in the league (and her bitter rival), needs a new team to race with.

As Kel pushes her disdain for Warren aside in order to win, she’s hit with another roadblock: her home is burnt to ash just as a super rich tech mogul offers her and Warren a sponsorship to race with his resources. Unable to turn down the offer, she reluctantly takes Savita (her phoenix) and agrees to race for him. Once there, Kel has an overwhelming feeling that something is amiss and works to uncover the truth to keep Savita safe.

This book was so enjoyable to read from start to finish. I found the characters to be extremely likeable: Kel is smart, hard working, tenacious, and follows her moral compass; Warren is talented, determined, and appears to be a press loving “bad boy”, but he’s really just playing the game.

The world building was interesting and incorporated unique magical creatures like phoenixes, sprites, serpents, and sea monsters. Each region has its own magical creature that’s meant to be worshipped and honored. However, the humans have found ways to exploit the sacred creatures, such as forcing the phoenixes to race on deadly tracks.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I loved the tension and banter between Kel and Warren; it was never awkward or forced. I loved the pacing of the chapters and the ratio of action to dialogue. Kel was an extremely likeable main character that I was rooting for the whole time.

My only complaint is that I can’t wait for this to be released so I can FINALLY read the epilogue. I have to know how it ends! I hope to see more from this author in the future!!