4.5 out of 5

This ARC/sample gave me the first ten chapters, and let me tell you—it might just end up being a five-star read once I get the full book. I’m already obsessed. This is 100% going to be one of the books of the summer.

The world-building? Top tier. The FMC is strong, grounded, and easy to root for, while the MMC is that perfect blend of cocky and caring. I’ll admit I was a little nervous going in—based on the description, I thought it might feel too familiar—but it absolutely stands on its own. I’m beyond excited to see where the story goes next, and yes, I’ve already pre-ordered my copy.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC sample in exchange for an honest review.

Love when we get sneak peaks for a few chapters first from the publisher! I’m grateful to have been approved for the full ARC which I will be reading. This sample had me hooked:)

Ok this sample has me hooked! I was able to get the full copy so I’m going to head into that. Looking forward to seeing where it goes!

A heart-pumping start and excellent set up to the CAPR and Kel. Kel’s relationships with her team and phoenix seemed fully fleshed out, her antagonistic relationship with Coup was compelling. Excited to read more!

I am definitely going to be getting the full book! This sample was the first 90 pages and it was just getting going. I’m excited to learn more about the phoenixes and their riders and tamers, as well as see the growth between the characters. I have a feeling this will be a really great book!

I am hooked after reading the sample! I really loved the world that the author created and was so intrigued by the idea of phoenix racing. It felt new and different among the plethora of fantasy novels out there. There was so much action that occurred in the first few chapter which is a great way to draw folks in. I am looking forward to reading more soon!

I am absolutely hooked with this sample. I am so happy I am able to read the whole book as well. Thank you!

I had the chance to read the first ten chapters of "Of Flame and Fury" by Mikayla Bridge. WHAT A TEASE! Is it July yet? With a mix of magic, danger, and a hint of romance, it led me into a world where power is both a gift and a curse. Even in just these opening chapters, it’s clear this book is setting up for an intense, action-packed ride.

A Quick Look at the Story

In a world ruled by fire and fury, the protagonist is caught in a battle she never wanted but can’t escape. With forces beyond her control threatening everything she holds dear, she must harness her power before it’s too late. But danger isn’t just external; secrets from her past could be the key to survival or the thing that destroys her completely.

First Impressions: What Stands Out

From the first page, the stakes feel high, and the pacing keeps things moving without feeling rushed. It’s the kind of read where you tell yourself “just one more chapter” and suddenly an hour has passed.

A Strong, Relatable Heroine
The main character is fierce but layered. She’s not just powerful; she’s struggling, learning, and adapting. Her internal conflict makes her feel real, and I found myself rooting for her immediately. If you love protagonists who are both strong and vulnerable, you’ll be hooked.

Intriguing Magic System
Fantasy lovers will appreciate the way magic is woven into the world. It’s not just a tool, it has consequences. The balance of power, the risks of wielding it, and the mysteries surrounding it all add depth to the story.

Final Thoughts

Even though I’ve only read a sample, I’m already invested. The world-building is compelling, the characters are engaging, and the tension is just right. If the rest of the book keeps up this momentum, it’s going to be a must-read for fantasy fans.

Who Should Read This?

If you love fantasy books with strong heroines, rich world-building, and a touch of mystery, Of Flame and Fury should be on your radar. Fans of Fourth Wing and Serpent & Dove will likely enjoy the mix of action, intrigue, and slow-burning tension.

I was given a copy of the first 10 chapters of this book. The opinions in the review are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley for this sample chapter preview of a new fantasy about a world where Phoenix racing is real and the stakes are high for one team of racers. This book started out in the middle of a race and I promptly lost all interest. It is hard for me to feel to much concern about the death of a character I have never even had a chance to meet. I won't be picking up this one.

The chapter sampler was extremely compelling and definitely hooked me in. I wanted to read more about Kel, the world, and the fantastical creatures. The dialogue, the prose, the high stakes were all written well and it makes you feel immersed in the story. I like the use of different types writing within the story that adds layers to the plot. Overall a great start.

This chapter sampler was action packed, and gave me exactly what I needed to be wanting more. In just a few chapters, the author has done an amazing level of world building to explain the use and controversy of Phoenix racing. Additionally each of the main characters already have a phenomenal level of dimension, as we begin to learn that the MMC may not just be an attention seeking a-hole like she assumes. I’m definitely adding this book to my highly anticipated reads list!

I wanted to check out the sampler before I committed to the full book. I am definitely all in and will be reading the full book! I will leave a full review after reading, but so far it’s a 5 from me!

Kel was so fierce and determined and Coup was the perfect mix of cocky but with golden heart. I can't wait to see where this duo goes. The worldbuilding was original and interesting, with futuristic sports and media and environmentalist themes of saving the phoenixes from deforestation. I love this wasn't your typical Medieval or Victorian England inspired YA, but rather sci-fi / dystopian like. We need more YA sci-fi!

I started reading this and then realized this is just a sample. I'm going to come back and do this review once I've read the full book.

This book is being compared to Iron Widow and Fourth Wing, and because of these comparisons, I was intrigued right away as I enjoyed these two books (Fourth Wing for the dragons and Iron Widow for the Female Rage). Plus, this book includes mythical creature as companions, which one of my favorite trope.

This sampler did its job of enticing me. I now want to read more of this world. The phoenixes in this story were described in a new and refreshing way. I enjoyed reading about the different types.

Additionally, I felt the desperation of the characters and their situations, and while their desires is nothing new, I personally find it compelling. The sampler did a good job of hinting at the plot, and I would like to see how the author expands upon the story. This writing in this sampler is accessible and straightforward, and because of this, I lost track of the fact that I was reading. There were no clunky sentences to hinder my reading experience. I think the writing style is appropriate for the young adult genre.

So far, I do not see how it fits the comps of Fourth Wing and Iron Widow. This doesn’t matter anymore as I feel like this book can stand on its own legs without those comparisons. I look forward to reading this book in its entirety.

Wow, what an interesting and unique story. I haven't read anything like this in a long time-- if ever! Very excited to see how the rest of this plays out.

Worst part of this was me forgetting it was only a sampler. I kept trying to get to the next page until it clicked. I'm ready, so ready to read this whole book!
I think the initial world seems really captivating with the way phoenixes are used. Personally there's not enough fantasy books with phoenix making a main appearance so this one holds a whole lot of promise for me!

I also really like the obvious dislike between Coup and are FMC whichI'm hoping will be our romance

This was pretty fun so far! The story has intrigued me enough to keep an eye out for the full thing! I like the writing style so far and am curious where the story will be going!

This book jumped right into the action and took me a minute to figure out what was going on, but once I did, I was hooked! We dive right into the dangerous world of phoenix racing. The chapter sampler was action packed and I'm definitely intrigued enough to want to read the rest of the book!

This eARC sample was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book kicks off with a bang and throws you into the middle of the world of phoenix racing. It felt a little jarring starting in the middle of the action and it made it harder to understand what was happening. I also had a hard time connecting with the characters and felt the main character, Kel, was just not relatable because she was always so angry. I also had a hard time buying the enemies to lovers so far, even if the male love interest is the most interesting character, mainly because the story started in the middle of their feud and the reason why they hate each other wasn't very believable for me. I am hoping the plot carries this book until the characters become more likable. The world of phoenix racing and the phoenixes themselves are the most interesting part so far.