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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
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:
Yes
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
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:
Complicated
Thank you to Macmillan Audio, Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR), and NetGalley for providing me with an audio copy and kindle copy of this book to read and give my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
I'm always a sucker for a new fantasy. And a new fantasy that has Phoneix's as it's main magical creature? Sign me up! I went in with a lot of hope I would love this book and, while I wasn't blown away by this book, I really enjoyed it.
Safiyya Ingar is a new narrator for me. I always worry with new narrators that I will be turned off and not enjoy the book as much as I would have had I read it in print, but Ingar surprised me. I liked her voice and I think she captured the main character very well. She also did the various supporting characters very well.
I was shocked to find out this was a debut book for Bridge. It was written really well. The plot was easy to follow and the pacing was just the right amount of push I needed to tear through it. Bridge infused lots of action along with important scenes where the characters find themselves and learn about trusting others. The suthor took everything you may love about racing and infused it with magic and magical creatures. Not only are Phoenix's the main magical creatures in this book but you also see some sprites!
I saw in the blurb this book was compared to Fourth Wing but I didn't really get that vibe. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed it, but it's not centered around academics in any way and that is a huge part of FW. I can see where there is some sameness when it comes to creatures racing and the powers they have but that's about where the comparison stops for me.
This is a true YA fantasy. The voices of the characters are every bit their 17 years. They form a found family with each other as a team. I love books about found families so this was nice for me to see. I loved the bonds they formed and the love you could feel between them all. A bunch of misfits who found each other just when they needed someone.
The book certainly ends with not so much a cliffhanger but open enough that you know another book is on its way so you can see the story wrapped up well.
So why didn't I give this 5 stars? I just needed a bit more world building to happen. Did I understand the world? Yes, enough to know what was going on. But I felt like there was something missing. I needed more background on the phoenix's and their magic. Since it plays a significant part especially towards the end of the book, I would have liked to have understood it just a bit better. I also didn't feel the chemistry for the romance. I loved the idea of enemies to lovers but the slow build up was not what I needed to have it make sense to me.
This book is filled with many moral dilemmas: choosing right over wrong, showing animals are worth protecting, and trusting your gut instinct when you feel someting is not as it should be.
Overall, I'll definitely continue on with this series as I need to know how things get resolved. A very solid debut for Mikayla Bridge.
I'm always a sucker for a new fantasy. And a new fantasy that has Phoneix's as it's main magical creature? Sign me up! I went in with a lot of hope I would love this book and, while I wasn't blown away by this book, I really enjoyed it.
Safiyya Ingar is a new narrator for me. I always worry with new narrators that I will be turned off and not enjoy the book as much as I would have had I read it in print, but Ingar surprised me. I liked her voice and I think she captured the main character very well. She also did the various supporting characters very well.
I was shocked to find out this was a debut book for Bridge. It was written really well. The plot was easy to follow and the pacing was just the right amount of push I needed to tear through it. Bridge infused lots of action along with important scenes where the characters find themselves and learn about trusting others. The suthor took everything you may love about racing and infused it with magic and magical creatures. Not only are Phoenix's the main magical creatures in this book but you also see some sprites!
I saw in the blurb this book was compared to Fourth Wing but I didn't really get that vibe. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed it, but it's not centered around academics in any way and that is a huge part of FW. I can see where there is some sameness when it comes to creatures racing and the powers they have but that's about where the comparison stops for me.
This is a true YA fantasy. The voices of the characters are every bit their 17 years. They form a found family with each other as a team. I love books about found families so this was nice for me to see. I loved the bonds they formed and the love you could feel between them all. A bunch of misfits who found each other just when they needed someone.
The book certainly ends with not so much a cliffhanger but open enough that you know another book is on its way so you can see the story wrapped up well.
So why didn't I give this 5 stars? I just needed a bit more world building to happen. Did I understand the world? Yes, enough to know what was going on. But I felt like there was something missing. I needed more background on the phoenix's and their magic. Since it plays a significant part especially towards the end of the book, I would have liked to have understood it just a bit better. I also didn't feel the chemistry for the romance. I loved the idea of enemies to lovers but the slow build up was not what I needed to have it make sense to me.
This book is filled with many moral dilemmas: choosing right over wrong, showing animals are worth protecting, and trusting your gut instinct when you feel someting is not as it should be.
Overall, I'll definitely continue on with this series as I need to know how things get resolved. A very solid debut for Mikayla Bridge.
Okay fantasy lovers if you’re into phoenixes, high-stakes races, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers vibes, and a world built on lava, legends, and danger, you need this in your ears.
Narrated by the amazing Safiyya Ingar, this audiobook pulls you straight into the action. The racing scenes are wild, the pacing keeps you locked in, and she gives each character such a unique voice that you actually *feel* the heat between Kel and Coup as their relationship shifts from rivalry to something way more complicated.
The world is lush and cinematic, with just enough mystery and drama to keep you guessing. It’s giving Fourth Wing meets Iron Widow, but with phoenixes. What more could you want?
If you're looking for your next immersive fantasy binge-listen, this is the one. 🔥🪶
⚡️Thank you Macmillan Young Listeners and Mikayla Bridge for sharing this book with me!
Narrated by the amazing Safiyya Ingar, this audiobook pulls you straight into the action. The racing scenes are wild, the pacing keeps you locked in, and she gives each character such a unique voice that you actually *feel* the heat between Kel and Coup as their relationship shifts from rivalry to something way more complicated.
The world is lush and cinematic, with just enough mystery and drama to keep you guessing. It’s giving Fourth Wing meets Iron Widow, but with phoenixes. What more could you want?
If you're looking for your next immersive fantasy binge-listen, this is the one. 🔥🪶
⚡️Thank you Macmillan Young Listeners and Mikayla Bridge for sharing this book with me!
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
The idea of this book - F1 racing but with Phoenixes and some science - is top tier, but it seemed a little too plot-heavy (everything happens to Kel until the very end when she actually makes a choice). I found the antagonist to be cartoonish, and the plot twist to fall flat. I loved the rivals-to-reluctant-coworkers-to-lovers. I did not love the lack of epilogue in the eyeball arc 😂
Of Flame and Fury was a high octane, fast-paced YA fantasy where phoenix racing is the lifeblood of Cendor. The races were intense, dangerous, and absolutely thrilling; they had me completely captivated.
The found family aspect of this book was so good. The Howlers are a ragtag bunch of misfits who all have secrets and hidden pasts, but they find acceptance with each other. I loved the rivalry between Kel and Coup. She initially loathes him and his cocky, overconfident, and flirty attitude. But after they were forced to become teammates and work together to race Savita, they slowly became friends. My favorite parts were when they had to pretend to go on dates for publicity, and Coup loved it and it drove Kel crazy. Behind the scenes, there is a huge conspiracy going on that threatens Kel, the phoenixes, and all of Cendor, and that added another element of danger and intrigue to the story.
While I loved the phoenix racing, I needed a lot more world building, context, history, and explanation of Cendor, the gods and religion, why they race phoenixes in the first place, and what the deadly disease of AB is and what its symptoms look like. The characters needed more depth, and I would’ve liked more buildup to Kel and Coup’s relationship as well.
In the end, I really enjoyed the phoenix racing, the found family, and the overall plot of the book and will read the next one to find out what happens. It was narrated by Safiyya Ingar and she did a great job giving each character a distinct voice, which brought them and their story to life.
Thank you to Fierce Reads, Macmillan Audio, Farrar Straus Giroux Books for Young Readers, Macmillan, Mikayla Bridge, and NetGalley for the ARC and ALC.
📔Of Flame and Fury
✏️ Mikayla Bridge
📆 July 15, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
READ IF YOU LIKE:
🐦🔥 deadly phoenix racing
🐦🔥 magical creatures
🐦🔥 rivals to reluctant teammates
🐦🔥 sketchy billionaire
🐦🔥 conspiracies and intrigue
🐦🔥 found family
🐦🔥 unhinged cult
*Connect With Me*
https://instagram.com/shanisshelves?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
https://www.tiktok.com/@shanisshelves
The found family aspect of this book was so good. The Howlers are a ragtag bunch of misfits who all have secrets and hidden pasts, but they find acceptance with each other. I loved the rivalry between Kel and Coup. She initially loathes him and his cocky, overconfident, and flirty attitude. But after they were forced to become teammates and work together to race Savita, they slowly became friends. My favorite parts were when they had to pretend to go on dates for publicity, and Coup loved it and it drove Kel crazy. Behind the scenes, there is a huge conspiracy going on that threatens Kel, the phoenixes, and all of Cendor, and that added another element of danger and intrigue to the story.
While I loved the phoenix racing, I needed a lot more world building, context, history, and explanation of Cendor, the gods and religion, why they race phoenixes in the first place, and what the deadly disease of AB is and what its symptoms look like. The characters needed more depth, and I would’ve liked more buildup to Kel and Coup’s relationship as well.
In the end, I really enjoyed the phoenix racing, the found family, and the overall plot of the book and will read the next one to find out what happens. It was narrated by Safiyya Ingar and she did a great job giving each character a distinct voice, which brought them and their story to life.
Thank you to Fierce Reads, Macmillan Audio, Farrar Straus Giroux Books for Young Readers, Macmillan, Mikayla Bridge, and NetGalley for the ARC and ALC.
📔Of Flame and Fury
✏️ Mikayla Bridge
📆 July 15, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
READ IF YOU LIKE:
🐦🔥 deadly phoenix racing
🐦🔥 magical creatures
🐦🔥 rivals to reluctant teammates
🐦🔥 sketchy billionaire
🐦🔥 conspiracies and intrigue
🐦🔥 found family
🐦🔥 unhinged cult
*Connect With Me*
https://instagram.com/shanisshelves?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
https://www.tiktok.com/@shanisshelves
Thought this was just about thrilling phoenix races. NOPE. it was so much more than that. What a glorious debut.
this book didn't let anyone catch a breath omg. we're going straight into the heat in the middle of a phoenix race that soon turned into a tragedy: The Howlers, Kel's team, lost their rider. without a rider they can't compete in the next race, while Kel desperately needed the prize money to maintain her farm. unfortunately her only way out was to join forces with Coup, a cocky insufferable rider whom she despised so much. but THEN her house was burning, so for the sake of Savita, she took a job from a shady tech company, under the condition that her entire team also go with her.
i literally couldn't stop listening to this, I finished it in less than 24 hours. it was fast-paced, somehow felt equally exhilarating and distressing. I lived for Kel & Coup's dynamics!!!! loathed rivals to reluctant team mates to lovers that was nicely executed. not too much, just enough to balance the intense plot. the Howler's found family, though they teased each other a lot, was wholesome. though the only phoenix that constantly appeared was only Savita, the depiction of her was thorough and the other phoenixes also seem fascinating enough.
at this point, it all sounds good! why's the distress? well i did mention "shady" tech company, that's the main source of my (and the characters's) distress. my adrenaline was legit pumping, heart-pounding, until i finished the book, and i thought, wow. what a book. only after my adrenaline wore off i could notice the minor things that could be improved: the ending felt a bit rushed and not concluded neatly. i wished at least the epilogue were longer just so there's more room to tie all the loose ends. (why whoever-that-man's-name-was trusted Rahn so much? what about the Fumes after that final act?)
I'm familiar with this book's narrator, to the point that when I heard "read for you by Safiyya Ingar" I immediately smiled because I just know this would be amazing. and I was right! enjoyed her performance soo much.
overall this is an amazing debut. can't even believe that this is a DEBUT. reminded me a lot of The Phoenix Keeper by S.A MacLean, even the taglines are similar ("love burns bright" vs falling in love never burned so bright"). loved them both!
this book didn't let anyone catch a breath omg. we're going straight into the heat in the middle of a phoenix race that soon turned into a tragedy: The Howlers, Kel's team, lost their rider. without a rider they can't compete in the next race, while Kel desperately needed the prize money to maintain her farm. unfortunately her only way out was to join forces with Coup, a cocky insufferable rider whom she despised so much. but THEN her house was burning, so for the sake of Savita, she took a job from a shady tech company, under the condition that her entire team also go with her.
i literally couldn't stop listening to this, I finished it in less than 24 hours. it was fast-paced, somehow felt equally exhilarating and distressing. I lived for Kel & Coup's dynamics!!!! loathed rivals to reluctant team mates to lovers that was nicely executed. not too much, just enough to balance the intense plot. the Howler's found family, though they teased each other a lot, was wholesome. though the only phoenix that constantly appeared was only Savita, the depiction of her was thorough and the other phoenixes also seem fascinating enough.
at this point, it all sounds good! why's the distress? well i did mention "shady" tech company, that's the main source of my (and the characters's) distress. my adrenaline was legit pumping, heart-pounding, until i finished the book, and i thought, wow. what a book. only after my adrenaline wore off i could notice the minor things that could be improved: the ending felt a bit rushed and not concluded neatly. i wished at least the epilogue were longer just so there's more room to tie all the loose ends. (why whoever-that-man's-name-was trusted Rahn so much? what about the Fumes after that final act?)
I'm familiar with this book's narrator, to the point that when I heard "read for you by Safiyya Ingar" I immediately smiled because I just know this would be amazing. and I was right! enjoyed her performance soo much.
overall this is an amazing debut. can't even believe that this is a DEBUT. reminded me a lot of The Phoenix Keeper by S.A MacLean, even the taglines are similar ("love burns bright" vs falling in love never burned so bright"). loved them both!
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
adventurous
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR), and NetGalley for the e-ARC copy of this book! Overall, I would give this 3.5 stars. This story is about a 17 year old girl name Kel who is known as a "tamer", and she alongside her team known as the Crimson Howlers, compete in phoenix riding races in hopes to win the annual races and gain the much needed money that comes along with it. When tragedy strikes during a race and The Crimson Howlers are in need of a new rider, Kel is forced to work alongside Coup, an arrogant yet talented rider who gets on Kel's nerves. Soon enough, their talents are discovered by Cristo Industries who have taken an interest in Kel and Coup as well as Kel's phoenix Savita. The story takes off from their as Cristo Industries may have ulterior motives which Kel and company seek to uncover.
Overall, the premise does feel quite new and fresh. I haven't read many novels centering around phoenixes and the racing component was quite exciting to read about and definitely got the adrenaline as high as any battle scene would read. Where the book missed the mark for me was in the characters and the way the book is marketed. It was a bit of a strange reading experience as the story itslef and the writing felt very YA, but at times the characters read as being older and more wise than what I was expecting them to be and behave. For the marketing, I see the blurb stating "Heart-pounding pages full of steamy romance, fiery confessions, political scheming, and volatile magic culminate in a final twist readers will never see coming" and during my read, I didn't really get the "heart-poinding pages full of steamy romance" or "fiery confessions"... maybe it's because the relationship between Kel and Coup felt underdeveloped and their liking each other came out of nowhere for me, but also as someone who reads adult books as well, when I think of "steamy romance" it goes beyond the kisses we see in this YA book. The last 30% of the book was quite exciting and I think the plot definitely picked up. I'm not sure that I will continue with the series (if it is a series - unsure since the epilogue was not included in the ARC) as I just don't feel too strong of a connection with the characters. Those who would enjoy a fast-paced, competition-focused YA story with an organization with a darker underbelly will love this book!
Overall, the premise does feel quite new and fresh. I haven't read many novels centering around phoenixes and the racing component was quite exciting to read about and definitely got the adrenaline as high as any battle scene would read. Where the book missed the mark for me was in the characters and the way the book is marketed. It was a bit of a strange reading experience as the story itslef and the writing felt very YA, but at times the characters read as being older and more wise than what I was expecting them to be and behave. For the marketing, I see the blurb stating "Heart-pounding pages full of steamy romance, fiery confessions, political scheming, and volatile magic culminate in a final twist readers will never see coming" and during my read, I didn't really get the "heart-poinding pages full of steamy romance" or "fiery confessions"... maybe it's because the relationship between Kel and Coup felt underdeveloped and their liking each other came out of nowhere for me, but also as someone who reads adult books as well, when I think of "steamy romance" it goes beyond the kisses we see in this YA book. The last 30% of the book was quite exciting and I think the plot definitely picked up. I'm not sure that I will continue with the series (if it is a series - unsure since the epilogue was not included in the ARC) as I just don't feel too strong of a connection with the characters. Those who would enjoy a fast-paced, competition-focused YA story with an organization with a darker underbelly will love this book!
adventurous
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This one started off strong and then I got bored. Ending was cool, but the whole middle was blah