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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
*ARC courtesy of netgalley
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
ARC Review of “Of Flame and Fury” by Mikayla Bridge
⭐ 4/5 Stars
⭐ 4/5 Stars
“Of Flame and Fury” is a high-octane, enemies-to-lovers romantasy set in a world of volcanic ash, political scheming, and deadly phoenix races. Think Fourth Wing meets Iron Widow, with a fierce heroine, a brooding rival, and enough heat - romantic and otherwise - to keep you turning the pages late into the night.
I was immediately pulled in by the rich world building and the intense, atmospheric setting. The stakes felt real, both on the racetrack and in the emotional undercurrents between Kel and Coup. Their tension sizzles, but it’s the blend of found family, layered betrayal, and unexpected twists that really sealed the deal for me. Kel is a force of nature - flawed, loyal, and full of fire - and I loved seeing her clash (and connect) with Coup. The phoenix lore was fresh and vivid, and the pacing balanced action and character development so well. I am so eager to see what Mikayla Bridge writes next!
Thank you NetGalley, Mikayla Bridge, and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group / Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own ♡
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Racing phoenixes, fierce rivals, and a world on the edge of burning.
In a world where phoenix racing is both deadly and lucrative, seventeen-year-old Kel Varra and her underdog team, the Crimson Howlers, are desperate to win the annual races. To do so, they need a new rider, leading Kel to team up with her arrogant rival, Coup. As tension builds on and off the track, Kel’s home is destroyed, and she’s forced to take a job from a mysterious tech mogul with a dangerous interest in her phoenix, Savita. Amid political intrigue, growing romance, and volatile magic, Kel uncovers a conspiracy that puts everyone she loves at risk—especially Coup, as her feelings for him ignite into something much more intense.
Of Flame and Fury blazes a fresh trail in the genre, turning away from overdone creature tropes and diving headfirst into something far more original: phoenix lore. The worldbuilding is rich and vibrant, with different breeds of phoenixes, a mysterious and poorly understood magic system, and a dark societal structure that demands their magical beings be collared.
One of the book’s most compelling twists is its choice of setting: not a war-ridden battlefield or an enchanted college, but a high-stakes racing circuit. The Howlers deliver just as much adrenaline - but with a focus on speed, rivalry, and grit. These scenes are dynamic and immersive, making you feel the heat of the wings, the roar of the crowd, and the rush of magic-infused competition.
Layered beneath the action are subplots that add even more depth: the stirrings of rebellion, a desperate scientific search for answers, and the looming threat of a deadly, incurable disease. These elements build pressure on the characters, driving them into desperate choices and reckless decisions.
If you’re a sucker for a slow-burn hate-to-love romance, this one delivers. Kel and Coup’s banter is razor-sharp, their tension palpable, and while their romance remains a background thread, it’s an addictive one. However, the PG-rated closeness only hints at what might come later.
At its core, though, this story is about found family. Kel and Dira’s relationship is especially moving, capturing the love, conflict, and deep-rooted loyalty of sisters by choice. Their bond is the emotional backbone of the story, anchoring the fantasy elements in something deeply human.
And that ending? Absolutely jaw-dropping. Just when you think you’ve pieced everything together, the final chapters sweep the rug out from under you. Confusing, emotional, and wildly unexpected - it sets the stage perfectly for a sequel (hopefully!) full of magic, mystery, and perhaps a little more romance.
In a world where phoenix racing is both deadly and lucrative, seventeen-year-old Kel Varra and her underdog team, the Crimson Howlers, are desperate to win the annual races. To do so, they need a new rider, leading Kel to team up with her arrogant rival, Coup. As tension builds on and off the track, Kel’s home is destroyed, and she’s forced to take a job from a mysterious tech mogul with a dangerous interest in her phoenix, Savita. Amid political intrigue, growing romance, and volatile magic, Kel uncovers a conspiracy that puts everyone she loves at risk—especially Coup, as her feelings for him ignite into something much more intense.
Of Flame and Fury blazes a fresh trail in the genre, turning away from overdone creature tropes and diving headfirst into something far more original: phoenix lore. The worldbuilding is rich and vibrant, with different breeds of phoenixes, a mysterious and poorly understood magic system, and a dark societal structure that demands their magical beings be collared.
One of the book’s most compelling twists is its choice of setting: not a war-ridden battlefield or an enchanted college, but a high-stakes racing circuit. The Howlers deliver just as much adrenaline - but with a focus on speed, rivalry, and grit. These scenes are dynamic and immersive, making you feel the heat of the wings, the roar of the crowd, and the rush of magic-infused competition.
Layered beneath the action are subplots that add even more depth: the stirrings of rebellion, a desperate scientific search for answers, and the looming threat of a deadly, incurable disease. These elements build pressure on the characters, driving them into desperate choices and reckless decisions.
If you’re a sucker for a slow-burn hate-to-love romance, this one delivers. Kel and Coup’s banter is razor-sharp, their tension palpable, and while their romance remains a background thread, it’s an addictive one. However, the PG-rated closeness only hints at what might come later.
At its core, though, this story is about found family. Kel and Dira’s relationship is especially moving, capturing the love, conflict, and deep-rooted loyalty of sisters by choice. Their bond is the emotional backbone of the story, anchoring the fantasy elements in something deeply human.
And that ending? Absolutely jaw-dropping. Just when you think you’ve pieced everything together, the final chapters sweep the rug out from under you. Confusing, emotional, and wildly unexpected - it sets the stage perfectly for a sequel (hopefully!) full of magic, mystery, and perhaps a little more romance.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Kel Varra has put together a group of phoenix racers called The Howlers who are desperate to win, needing the prize money to survive on. However, after after a difficult race they need a new rider and the only one that will help them reach their goal is her longtime rival Warren Couper. Together they get a sponsorship deal that should bring them to new levels of fame and money, but Kel doesn't totally trust that they have their best interests at heart. As the team progresses she and Warner have to spend a lot of time together... is something hot brewing between them or is it just the phoenixes? Of Flame and Fury is an intense, action packed story with phoenixes, intense politics and a slow-burn romance. The perfect book for fans of fantasy and F1 racing!
Mikayla Bridge has taken aspects of books we all know and love and completely turned them on their head to create a unique story with a deadly premise. I really enjoyed the depth of Kel and her relationship with Warren as well as her dedication to her phoenix. I did find the plot pretty predictable and not overly complex but overall it was an enjoyable read.
Mikayla Bridge has taken aspects of books we all know and love and completely turned them on their head to create a unique story with a deadly premise. I really enjoyed the depth of Kel and her relationship with Warren as well as her dedication to her phoenix. I did find the plot pretty predictable and not overly complex but overall it was an enjoyable read.
adventurous
medium-paced
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The world of phoenix racing is completely impractical. Phoenixes are wild creatures that are aggressive, burn bright (literally), and are, well, wild. Attempting to control one is perhaps a long, dangerous lesson in futility, but that doesn't stop the Cendorian Association of Phoenix Riding (CAPR) from putting on their deathly spectacles, nor does it stop their citizens from engaging in bloodthirsty droves, as racing teams and spectators alike. This doesn't sit well with Kelyn, nor did it with her deceased father. Kel grew up with her grandfather's phoenix, Savita, and is Sav's tamer for her racing team in the CAPR leagues. Phoenixes don't trust easily, especially Savita, and neither does Kel. So when the Howler's new rider dies trying to place in the latest race, Kel is positive Sav won't take to the new rider her best friend and winger, Dira, has them take on. Kel is also positive that their new rider, Warren Coupers, both a menace on the track and her nemesis, is a mistake waiting to happen. But while Coup defies all expectations and earns Savita's trust quickly, Kel remains unconvinced. Then their lives are entirely upended, as the (in)famous tech guru, Cristo, extends an offer to sponsor the Howlers. Kel's father warned her about this man, but they need the money, especially when her farm and aviary is set aflame by faulty wiring. Kel and her friends are immediately thrust into a far more dangerous game than any of them could have bargained for... and are still unsure of who to trust, including amongst each other.
Okay, so, they had me at phoenix riding on this one. Which does, understandably, sound impossible, but I love how Bridge navigate the various forms of tension in this story.
The family bonds of Kel and Dira fray and reform just as extremely close friends' would in real life, and the brothers also feel true in their simultaneous love and annoyance with each other. Considering the trauma that each of them has faced, it's no surprise that trust is hard to come by, especially when your knowledge of someone else's experiences are primarily through rumor. Bridge does a great job expressing the frustration of loving and hating people you're close to, and trying to come to terms with your own past experiences in the wake of new information. It's subtle but deft in its execution; the romance of rivals makes sense in this tension-fueled environment, especially with a mutual love of the phoenixes at the center of the story.
Another thing that blew me away was the careful attention to the interaction between the humans and the phoenixes they ride, train, and flee from. There is no shying away from the dangers of wild animals, especially fantastical ones, nor the understandable war between technology and the natural world/the magical. Animal cruelty and experimentation is discussed frankly, and with the revulsion such acts deserve. And even though she is effectively a member of the family, Savita is always treated and respected as a wild animal first and foremost. There's no glorification of the exotic pets here. These may seem somewhat trivial in the grand scheme of the story, but the author has done a great job of making her points on extinction, deforestation, and other human-wrought issues both clear and impossible to oppose. I was expecting a fantastical creature driven romantasy, and didn't expect a lesson on the dangers humanity poses the world we so eagerly possess. I'm absolutely not angry about it; I think it makes the story that much stronger. It doesn't quite feel like a lecture, either, which is wonderful.
My one tiny issue with the book: it leaves me wanting SO MUCH MORE. There's clearly a huge world we have left to explore, and unanswered questions. If this is to be a standalone (I truly don't know!), it still works as one. But the maybe-cliffhanger is almost painful. It's either the best way to end the story or the worst way to leave the audience hanging until the next book. I can't decide which it is. That almost makes it better. Either way, I know I won't be forgetting this book or its world anytime soon.
So many thanks to NetGalley and Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Okay, so, they had me at phoenix riding on this one. Which does, understandably, sound impossible, but I love how Bridge navigate the various forms of tension in this story.
The family bonds of Kel and Dira fray and reform just as extremely close friends' would in real life, and the brothers also feel true in their simultaneous love and annoyance with each other. Considering the trauma that each of them has faced, it's no surprise that trust is hard to come by, especially when your knowledge of someone else's experiences are primarily through rumor. Bridge does a great job expressing the frustration of loving and hating people you're close to, and trying to come to terms with your own past experiences in the wake of new information. It's subtle but deft in its execution; the romance of rivals makes sense in this tension-fueled environment, especially with a mutual love of the phoenixes at the center of the story.
Another thing that blew me away was the careful attention to the interaction between the humans and the phoenixes they ride, train, and flee from. There is no shying away from the dangers of wild animals, especially fantastical ones, nor the understandable war between technology and the natural world/the magical. Animal cruelty and experimentation is discussed frankly, and with the revulsion such acts deserve. And even though she is effectively a member of the family, Savita is always treated and respected as a wild animal first and foremost. There's no glorification of the exotic pets here. These may seem somewhat trivial in the grand scheme of the story, but the author has done a great job of making her points on extinction, deforestation, and other human-wrought issues both clear and impossible to oppose. I was expecting a fantastical creature driven romantasy, and didn't expect a lesson on the dangers humanity poses the world we so eagerly possess. I'm absolutely not angry about it; I think it makes the story that much stronger. It doesn't quite feel like a lecture, either, which is wonderful.
My one tiny issue with the book: it leaves me wanting SO MUCH MORE. There's clearly a huge world we have left to explore, and unanswered questions. If this is to be a standalone (I truly don't know!), it still works as one. But the maybe-cliffhanger is almost painful. It's either the best way to end the story or the worst way to leave the audience hanging until the next book. I can't decide which it is. That almost makes it better. Either way, I know I won't be forgetting this book or its world anytime soon.
So many thanks to NetGalley and Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty
This may be my new favorite Young adult fantasy novel.
The plot is fast paced and starts moving right from the beginning. The energy of the story is palpable. Due to so much of it being centered around racing, flying and fire, you always feel like you are there in those races. The author did an excellent job making those scenes come alive.
I would call this story a fantasy with romantic elements and those are done very well. the Enemies to lovers story intriguing and the banter is a lot of fun.
There are a couple of predictable elements that I could see coming and that did knock it down a half star for me, I still enjoyed those aspects of the story and felt that they were necessary to the plot.
Overall, this story was a really enjoyable read and I cannot wait for book 2.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Of Flame and Fury is Mikayla Bridge's debut novel and she showed up! The story is about Kel who is a phoenix tamer. After her father dies she is left trying to keep things afloat with her phoenix racing team. She is forced to join forces with a rival phoenix rider, Coup, and a tech company that Kel has reservations about.
This YA fantasy had me hooked from the beginning with a high stakes phoenix race. The plot continues at a decently fast pace which kept me interested through the entire story.
The world building is immaculate. I couldn't get enough about the magical creatures and the racing dynamics. I really enjoyed seeing phoenixes as the main creature in the story. It was something different from what I have read lately and was super refreshing.
The characters are loveable and you get a found family aspect with the racing team. The rivals to forced allies to lovers relationship between Kel and Coup is sweet, not spicy.
This book is full of twists that will have you questioning the length one will go to save their loved ones.
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a pretty good fantasy debut! There's lot of action, and I was just fascinated by the whole phoenix riding thing. I did have a hard time picturing phoenixs large enough to ride. But the world building was done well, with a strong cast of characters at the core. If you like YA romantasy, definitely check this one out!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Gore, Pandemic/Epidemic
Minor: Sexual content, Blood, Fire/Fire injury
This was such a great read! The story pulls you in right away with a fast-paced, high-stakes opening that immediately has you hooked.
We follow Kel Varra, who races her phoenix, Savita, in hopes of winning enough prize money to keep her farm afloat after her father’s death. When things don’t go as planned, Kel accepts an offer to work with Cristo Industries, teaming up with Dira, Bekn, and her rival racer, Warren Coupers (Coup).
Some sparks fly between Coup and Kel and there is some great banter and tension between the two, but it is not the main focus of the story.
Meanwhile, there’s an incurable disease spreading, as well as a resistance group who is fighting for the rights of the phoenixes. There are a few twists and turns throughout that I did not see coming.
The book does a great job showing how far people are willing to go to protect the ones they love, even if it means making questionable choices.
The pacing does slow down a little after the first few chapters, but the second half more than makes up for it with non-stop action and tension. I also really enjoyed the side characters, and I’m definitely hoping for a sequel so we can spend more time with them.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Overall this was a fantastic debut novel and I highly recommend it if you enjoy
-phoenix racing
-rivals to lovers/reluctant allies
-fake dating
-only one saddle
-morally grey villain
-found family
-conspiracies
-animal rights
We follow Kel Varra, who races her phoenix, Savita, in hopes of winning enough prize money to keep her farm afloat after her father’s death. When things don’t go as planned, Kel accepts an offer to work with Cristo Industries, teaming up with Dira, Bekn, and her rival racer, Warren Coupers (Coup).
Some sparks fly between Coup and Kel and there is some great banter and tension between the two, but it is not the main focus of the story.
Meanwhile, there’s an incurable disease spreading, as well as a resistance group who is fighting for the rights of the phoenixes. There are a few twists and turns throughout that I did not see coming.
The book does a great job showing how far people are willing to go to protect the ones they love, even if it means making questionable choices.
The pacing does slow down a little after the first few chapters, but the second half more than makes up for it with non-stop action and tension. I also really enjoyed the side characters, and I’m definitely hoping for a sequel so we can spend more time with them.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Overall this was a fantastic debut novel and I highly recommend it if you enjoy
-phoenix racing
-rivals to lovers/reluctant allies
-fake dating
-only one saddle
-morally grey villain
-found family
-conspiracies
-animal rights