This sampler definitely made me excited to keep reading. The rivalry between Kel and Coup reminds me of Divine Rivals in the best way possible and the world and racing is so intriguing. I cannot wait to find out more!

Right out of the gate, Of Flame and Fury takes off as a fast-paced story and it continues its momentum through the first 10 chapters I was approved to read. This story follows 17 year old Kel and her Phoenix Racing team. The stakes are high in Phoenix Racing, both on and off the track, as the prize money is a means of survival for the team and Kel. When circumstances change the team dynamic, Kel has to partner with Coup, a Phoenix rider from a rival team, and the enemies-to-(hopefully)lovers tension is palpable. While I was only approved to read the first 10 chapters, this story sets itself up for a plot full of political intrigue, world-building with a rich history of Phoenix species, complex family and friend dynamics, and dangerously exciting Phoenix races.

Ok yes I need to read this asap! I’m a huge fan of iron widow and this has me hooked! Palms sweating and heart racing already!

Thank you for this sampler. I appreciate the opportunity to leave honest feedback voluntarily.

From the first page, Of Flame and Fury completely drew me in. The worldbuilding is vivid and fresh, blending fantasy and romance in a way that feels original and immersive. What stood out most were the characters—unique, engaging, and full of life. Each had a voice and depth that made them feel real, and I was especially captivated by the concept of phoenixes—not just their existence, but the twist that they’re racing. That detail alone hooked me right away.

The plot is fast-paced and gripping, with enough tension and mystery to keep me glued to the pages. It’s clear the story is building toward something big, and I’m already eager to read the full book.

If I had one critique about the sample, it would be the emotional pacing in the opening chapters. There’s a heavy emphasis on the sound of a character's scream, which is described multiple times in intense detail. However, the emotional weight behind the event that triggered it felt somewhat glossed over in comparison. The narrative lingers on the auditory impact rather than delving into the deeper emotional consequences, which made that moment feel slightly unbalanced.

That said, it didn’t take away from my overall excitement. This sample promises an epic story full of heart, heat, and high-stakes fantasy. I can’t wait to read the full book and dive deeper into this world.

Highly recommended for fans of romantic fantasy, magical creatures, and strong character-driven stories.

The story of a small island built on the back of phoenix racing as a sport, shows how people are willing to do whatever it takes to make a fortune.

The first hundred or so pages of "Of Flame and Fury", start with a bang and kick us straight into the action with a phoenix race. When tragedy strikes Kel Varra and the rest of her team, the Crimson Howlers, have no choice but to partner with Warren "Coup" Coupers to try and win the race and try to earn their fortune.

Overall, from what I was able to read in the sampler, it's a solid foundation for a fun YA fantasy romance story, with some bad guys brewing in the background. However, I don't think I'll be missing much by not finishing the rest of the book once it comes out. It feels very reminiscent of books like Fourth Wing in a different font. You know instead of dragons let's use phoenixes, but they're huge and we can ride them. It doesn't seem like there is anything new happening here, but that was the case with Fourth Wing and plenty of people loved it still.

This is only a sampler, so I scammed through it to see if I’d like to request the full book. It wasn’t for me personally, but I can definitely see how others would like it.

I immediately when to request the full copy of this book after finishing this sampler. The world building is rich and unique - I have not yet read a fantasy with phoenixes. In many fantasies the mythical creatures are bonded to the main characters, which is somewhat the case here, but I like the aspect that they are still wild animals and dangerous. I don’t like animal racing in general, so I’m interested to see where the plot point of Kel and her father working to better conditions for phoenixes goes. I already love the tension and dynamic between Kel and Coup and am eager to continue the story!

I just read a chapter preview for the book Of Flame and Fury. The cover hooked me, its beautiful. I liked the glossary in the beginning. Thos books seems to have a lot of world building and I think I would have to read a physical copy to keep up with all the details. The chapter sample I read did have me interested in purchasing and reading the book in its entirety.

This sampler had me hooked from the very beginning! I loved how right away we got information about the different types of phoenixes and what makes them good or bad for racing. It's a good intro into what you're going to be getting yourself into.

During the first chapter we start off by being put directly in the middle of a race and from there we just take off flying (like a phoenix). Everything was so fast paced which is something that I really appreciate in a book like this. It felt like at every corner something was happening and like every page had important and meaningful information to be absorbed. There were some many interesting plot points as well that I'm so excited to dive further into such as the cultists, the disease that took her grandfather, and what Kel is going to do about the offer she gets. The actual racing is also so intriguing and I'm excited to get more. It really feels like this book has a lot of good things going for it.

I also really enjoyed what we got of the characters so far. Our main character Kel is dealing with some very interesting internal issues around phoenix racing but overall just has so much love for Savita, her phoenix, who has a personally of her own. Coup is also very intriguing and I can't wait for more to be revealed about him as I feel like there much more beneath the surface. I especially can't wait to see Kel and Coups relationship grow and develop more through the book.

Overall, my only critique would be that I felt quite overwhelmed with how many characters were introduced at the same time in the very beginning. I was having trouble keeping them all straight but it righted itself very quickly so it wasn't a big deal. Other than that, this sampler truly had me hooked and I can't wait to read the rest!

This sampler did its job! I was not sure from the description if I would be interested in reading this/collecting a special edition of this for my shelves but the sampler has me HOOKED. The most intriguing aspect of the opening chapters is the politics within this world of phoenix riders.

I love the friendship and loyalty between the two female team members and I love the dedication to brotherhood of the two male team members. And while the love interests are pretty apparent, I am hopeful that we leave spice and most of the romance to the side and keep the heat on the phoenixes and the politics surrounding the races.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the advanced "sampler."

I had a hard time with this one. I struggled getting invested in the characters. Seems like plenty of others enjoyed it so I’m one of few that wasn’t really feeling it. I still think everyone should check it out but it’s a pass for me.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the excerpt

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

This sampler was so good! I've never read a book that solely revolved around phoenixes and I was immediately intrigued. The pace was perfect, the world-building was unique, and the characters were entertaining. When I first started, I must admit I was a bit confused but it wasn't for very long. By the next chapter I was hooked. After only 10 chapters I NEED more! I will absolutely be continuing the book when it's released and I can't wait to watch Kel and Coup's relationship bloom.

For fans of:
- phoenix racing
- enemies-to-lovers
- forced proximity

*Thank you to Netgalley, MacMillan Children's Publishing Group, and the author, Mikayla Bridge, for the this advanced chapter sampler!

Thank you allowing me to sample this book, although, Flames and ashes—it was such a tease! I have it preordered now so I can read the book upon publication. I want to know what is going to happen! I’m fuming with that cliff hanger!

[Read 10 chapter ARC]

In the first 10 chapters I have gotten to read I am loving the new and fresh take on the Phoenix. These powerful and dangerous immortals being used to race, while also being hunted and studied. Meanwhile you have this bada$$ FMC Phoenix tamer who has this deep relationship with her own phoenix and has to ensure it does unalive its rider.

I couldn't put it down and was on edge for what's next. Can't wait to get my hands on the full book.

I think a basic version of this should be included as a download with the audiobook - like a list of the phoenixes and their types and maybe a simple character list. As an audiovisual learner this would greatly help the comprehension and keep things sorted (It's hard to go back and quickly review phoenix types in the audiobook). Thanks!

-- I'll be leaving my full review with the audiobook

4.5⭐
It's crazy how it has only been a few chapters and I'm hooked already. With all the action happening it can see it in my mind like I'm watching a movie. I am down to start the full book and finish within a day, that's how invested I am with this book. Thank you Netgalley and the author for giving me a arc copy of the first couple chapters

This book had me hooked from chapter one! I loved how it started right in the action and never lost momentum. Kel and Dira's friendship and bond is felt from the very beginning and it gives a great foundation for Kel's character to be established upon. You immediately feel connected to Kel in how fiercely she defends Sav so when Coup and his brother enter the picture, we the reader are also just as protective of Sav and their safety but just as conflicted as Kel as we already understand and sympathize with her situation.

I was surprised by how fast I was able to get into the world building of this book as it usually takes me a while to fully get into romantasy books. Can't wait to read the rest of this YA debut novel!

Unfortunately I really struggled to get into this sampler. I probably won't be picking this book up when it releases. I appreciate the ability to have sampled this story and to see whether it snagged me the way its comps did. I hope this debut finds its audience, but I will not be part of that audience.

Oh. My. Goodness. I am absolutely ACHING to read the rest of this story. Kel is a tough gal! It could be because I read this on one of the hottest days of the year, but I could swear I felt the heat from the phoenix.

Thoroughly thrilling, fast paced, and exciting. I know there’s much more going on behind the scenes and I cannot wait to read more!

Fans of Hunger Games and Fourth Wing will devour this one!

I was already excited for this book, and now having read this preview, I am even more excited! Centered on competitive Phoenix racing, this book feels unique compared to other fantasy books on the market right now. I look forward to seeing how the story progresses!