Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Mikayla Bridge's OF FLAME AND FURY is one of the many books this summer that allude to burning and anger, and it is very easy to get confused as to which one is which. For me, OF FLAME AND FURY is the one about vehicle-sized phoenixes (phoenices?) that are not just dangerous but lethal due to their wild natures and extremely high body temperatures. I mean, they light on fire while racing and can stomp a human like a bug, so yeah, these are not the friendly phoenixes/phoenices we are used to seeing in stories.
OF FLAME AND FURY also includes a fatal disease with no known origins or cure, and there happens to be a billionaire who specializes in technology and who essentially rules everything. Futuristic tech and flaming flying birds aside, there is a lot that feels familiar within the pages of Ms. Bridge's novel, and it is interesting to see how she deals with tech billionaires and pandemics.
Like every fantasy novel out there right now, OF FLAME AND FURY includes a romance. This is a romance that is not necessary to the story at all. It does not improve our understanding of either character, nor does it develop their characters. You can remove the romantic aspect and still leave them as good friends, and the result is the same. The heart of the story is Kel's relationship with her phoenix, Savita, and the lengths she will go to keep her safe.
That story, Kel and Savita, is a beautiful one. Savita, being a phoenix and, you know, deadly af, is all that Kel has left of her immediate family. While every other phoenix expert believes that there is no such thing as a tame phoenix and that they do not form bonds with humans, Kel doesn't, and it is this connection she has with Savita, which may or may not be real, that drives her to do things she would never imagine doing. Even though one is a bird, both are fierce characters, warriors alike in doing whatever it takes to succeed. There is nothing more beautiful than a fiery woman and an equally fiery companion to burn down enemies and barriers alike to inspire you.
While not the most erudite of stories, with its metaphors a little too obvious, OF FLAME AND FURY is still an exciting one. The way Ms. Bridge ends her novel is curious, hinting at something major to come, something that will pit Kel against pretty much every government and person of power and influence in her world. If what happens is what I think will happen, it will make the next book an exciting one. Either way, OF FLAME AND FURY is harmless fun, a good, semi-brainless summer reading selection that is entertaining and inspiring. There are worse books you could read.
OF FLAME AND FURY also includes a fatal disease with no known origins or cure, and there happens to be a billionaire who specializes in technology and who essentially rules everything. Futuristic tech and flaming flying birds aside, there is a lot that feels familiar within the pages of Ms. Bridge's novel, and it is interesting to see how she deals with tech billionaires and pandemics.
Like every fantasy novel out there right now, OF FLAME AND FURY includes a romance. This is a romance that is not necessary to the story at all. It does not improve our understanding of either character, nor does it develop their characters. You can remove the romantic aspect and still leave them as good friends, and the result is the same. The heart of the story is Kel's relationship with her phoenix, Savita, and the lengths she will go to keep her safe.
That story, Kel and Savita, is a beautiful one. Savita, being a phoenix and, you know, deadly af, is all that Kel has left of her immediate family. While every other phoenix expert believes that there is no such thing as a tame phoenix and that they do not form bonds with humans, Kel doesn't, and it is this connection she has with Savita, which may or may not be real, that drives her to do things she would never imagine doing. Even though one is a bird, both are fierce characters, warriors alike in doing whatever it takes to succeed. There is nothing more beautiful than a fiery woman and an equally fiery companion to burn down enemies and barriers alike to inspire you.
While not the most erudite of stories, with its metaphors a little too obvious, OF FLAME AND FURY is still an exciting one. The way Ms. Bridge ends her novel is curious, hinting at something major to come, something that will pit Kel against pretty much every government and person of power and influence in her world. If what happens is what I think will happen, it will make the next book an exciting one. Either way, OF FLAME AND FURY is harmless fun, a good, semi-brainless summer reading selection that is entertaining and inspiring. There are worse books you could read.
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
adventurous
challenging
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
A bit too angsty for my current vibe, but I see the appeal. 3.75 stars.
This one took me a while to get into. The premise is strong—phoenix riders, high-stakes training—but it leaned a little too angsty for me. I can see why it’s a fan favorite, especially for readers who love drama, danger, and fast-paced fantasy, but I didn’t fully click with the characters or tone.
That said, it was entertaining once I settled into the world, and I can appreciate the addictive appeal. Just wasn’t my perfect match.
This one took me a while to get into. The premise is strong—phoenix riders, high-stakes training—but it leaned a little too angsty for me. I can see why it’s a fan favorite, especially for readers who love drama, danger, and fast-paced fantasy, but I didn’t fully click with the characters or tone.
That said, it was entertaining once I settled into the world, and I can appreciate the addictive appeal. Just wasn’t my perfect match.
Of Flame and Fury is a standalone story about Kel, who is involved in phoenix racing and through a series of events, is pushed towards a rider who she hasn't liked in the past. They end up in a situation and working with a person who may have more interest in the phoenixes than racing alone. I really liked the concept of phoenix racing and it wasn't something I'd read about before. It definitely like there was potential for more than one book being set in this world.
I struggled with the pacing a bit. For me, it felt like we got some good setup at the beginning, but then there was a chunk of time where not a ton happened, only for ALL THE THINGS to happen at the end that there could have been more hints along the way.
The eARC I received was missing the epilogue, so I was super excited to get the ALC that did have the epilogue! It is not one to skip!
I LOVED the narrator for this audiobook and may have liked the book more the first time if I'd started in that format. She speaks clearly and I was able to speed up without issue. I loved her accent so much.
Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an ALC of this book for an honest review.
I struggled with the pacing a bit. For me, it felt like we got some good setup at the beginning, but then there was a chunk of time where not a ton happened, only for ALL THE THINGS to happen at the end that there could have been more hints along the way.
The eARC I received was missing the epilogue, so I was super excited to get the ALC that did have the epilogue! It is not one to skip!
I LOVED the narrator for this audiobook and may have liked the book more the first time if I'd started in that format. She speaks clearly and I was able to speed up without issue. I loved her accent so much.
Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an ALC of this book for an honest review.
I gave this book a try because it was a debut and I'm happy I did. I enjoyed it a lot more than I expected. It's fast paced and the audiobook makes it feel like you're watching a good movie. If you like phoenixes in anything else, odds are you'll like this. Give it a try.
Of Flame and Fury is a standalone story about Kel, who is involved in phoenix racing and through a series of events, is pushed towards a rider who she hasn't liked in the past. They end up in a situation and working with a person who may have more interest in the phoenixes than racing alone. I really liked the concept of phoenix racing and it wasn't something I'd read about before. It definitely like there was potential for more than one book being set in this world.
I struggled with the pacing a bit. For me, it felt like we got some good setup at the beginning, but then there was a chunk of time where not a ton happened, only for ALL THE THINGS to happen at the end that there could have been more hints along the way. The eARC I received was missing the epilogue, and I've heard that it is important so I will get my hands on that as soon as I can.
Thanks to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and NetGalley for an eARC of this book for an honest review.
I struggled with the pacing a bit. For me, it felt like we got some good setup at the beginning, but then there was a chunk of time where not a ton happened, only for ALL THE THINGS to happen at the end that there could have been more hints along the way. The eARC I received was missing the epilogue, and I've heard that it is important so I will get my hands on that as soon as I can.
Thanks to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and NetGalley for an eARC of this book for an honest review.
2.75 stars rounded up.
Of Flame and Fury follows Kelyn Vara, a member of the Crimson Howlers; a crew who take part in phoenix racing, the most profitable and deadly work you can find. When the Howler’s rider is brutally killed during a race, Kel is forced to join forces with arrogant and hot-headed Warren Coupers - the last person she would ever want on her team. Kel must contend with perilous races, the threat of a deadly disease, and her growing attraction to Coup. After a mysterious tech mogul takes an unsettling interest in the team, Kel uncovers a sinister plot that will threaten everything she cares for, as she fights to keep her phoenix and her magic out of the hands of those who would use it for their own gain.
This book had great bones; the elements for a great story were there, but nothing was fleshed out or explained enough. I wanted more phoenix racing, more phoenix lore, more world-building, more tension in the romance, more explanation of the rebellion group. Everything felt very surface level, which often left me confused or wanting more information. There are lots of plot points, and it could be possible that the author didn’t have the page count to develop them.
The characters were fine, but I didn’t feel connected to them and they lacked depth. I found Kel to be very self-absorbed and impulsive, often being rude or dismissive to her teammates. The romance was unfortunately not the “smouldering enemies-to-lovers romance” that was advertised. This is a rivals-turned-allies romance with mild dislike that lacked tension and chemistry. This book is also YA, so there is only kissing and no spice at all (I thought this was worth a mention as the romance in this book has been marketed as for fans of Fourth Wing).
The pacing felt quite slow in the first half, and then quickly ramped up in the second half. The phoenix racing scenes were my favourite parts of the book, and I think they were written well with a decent amount of action. The plot felt quite predictable, and none of the twists really surprised me.
All in all, this book was fine. However, I think the lack of depth and the comparison to Fourth Wing did it a disservice. I’m not sure I enjoyed it enough to warrant picking up the sequel.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Books/First Ink for providing me with an eARC. All opinions are my own.
adventurous
challenging
funny
lighthearted
sad
tense
fast-paced