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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
The world is fun, Phoenix racing sounds cool as hell, Coup is a great character (probably my favourite of the bunch), and there's something growing in the background that is just interesting.
Here's where some spoilers begin and somethings I didn't really enjoy...
Kel is naive and falls for every trick in the book.
The ending was rushed. Someone sick with AB suddenly slammed with they symptoms and another character we met literally in their final hour. Both these events feel thrown in just for a plot twist that appeared out of no where.
There are things left unresolved that I would have love to seen.
Also the power of love.
Here's where some spoilers begin and somethings I didn't really enjoy...
The ending was rushed. Someone sick with AB suddenly slammed with they symptoms and another character we met literally in their final hour. Both these events feel thrown in just for a plot twist that appeared out of no where.
There are things left unresolved that I would have love to seen.
Also the power of love.
This has got to be one of the most fresh and new fantasy books I have ever read! The concept of phoenix racing and the world that was created here is unlike anything yet to be seen. I was quickly enraptured by this world and captivated until the very end. Now I can’t wait for the next book! I am not sure if this book was being marketed as a romantasy but I would say the romance is more of a subplot and cherry on top of this gorgeous fantasy story.
The one thing that I struggled with was the different locations mentioned in the book and what they represented/the various cultures. It may have been mentioned in the beginning but there was a lot of information dumped when were literally thrown head first into the world. It would have been helpful to have more refereshers as we continued reading and understood the world better!
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
The one thing that I struggled with was the different locations mentioned in the book and what they represented/the various cultures. It may have been mentioned in the beginning but there was a lot of information dumped when were literally thrown head first into the world. It would have been helpful to have more refereshers as we continued reading and understood the world better!
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, MacMillan Children's Publishing Group, and the author for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
This science-fiction twist to phoenix racing was a fun read. Technology meshed with fantasy gives the story an edge pulling it out of the usual mold. Still, for all its potential, the world felt sketched rather than painted. The writing is firmly YA. It's clean and simple but without much depth into the larger machinations of this society. We only see the perspective of the Howlers, and I wish there had been more interaction with other cities, factions and insight into the broader consequences and rise of controlling magical creatures.
There’s a quiet ache beneath the fire in this book. A thread of grief and depression that feels real in a way much of the story doesn’t dare to be. Kel’s bond with her phoenix, Savita, is where this shines. Their connection is forged in loss and desperation. It's a tether keeping Kel from crumbling under the weight of a world that treats phoenixes as disposable entertainment. Those moments—where Kel’s love strains against her participation in Savita’s suffering—are the soul of this story.
The plot is predictable, even as it tries to soar, though the villain feels eerily relevant. But where Bridge nailed the representation of depression and loss, she let Kel’s romance slip through her fingers. The forced relationship with Coup is like smoke—there, then gone, without substance. Their hatred for each other was stiff and the love story was extremely rushed. The moments of honesty and shared grief between the two was where I wanted their bond to deepen.
And the ending, while dramatic, felt hastily assembled. The sudden arrival of a side character, and plot twist for Kel in the last few pages, left me scratching my head. The haphazard execution made what should have been a pivotal moment more of a plot convenience than a payoff.
But the phoenixes burned brighter than the pages themselves. Bridge writes them with reverence, as creatures of fire and fury rendered in such vivid detail that they breathe into your imagination. Every wingbeat feels alive, every plume of flame and ash a reminder that these aren’t just beasts but symbols of hope and power twisted into spectacle. Savita in flight and Savita defiant are the heartbeats of this book, and they make it worth reading.
This science-fiction twist to phoenix racing was a fun read. Technology meshed with fantasy gives the story an edge pulling it out of the usual mold. Still, for all its potential, the world felt sketched rather than painted. The writing is firmly YA. It's clean and simple but without much depth into the larger machinations of this society. We only see the perspective of the Howlers, and I wish there had been more interaction with other cities, factions and insight into the broader consequences and rise of controlling magical creatures.
There’s a quiet ache beneath the fire in this book. A thread of grief and depression that feels real in a way much of the story doesn’t dare to be. Kel’s bond with her phoenix, Savita, is where this shines. Their connection is forged in loss and desperation. It's a tether keeping Kel from crumbling under the weight of a world that treats phoenixes as disposable entertainment. Those moments—where Kel’s love strains against her participation in Savita’s suffering—are the soul of this story.
The plot is predictable, even as it tries to soar, though the villain feels eerily relevant. But where Bridge nailed the representation of depression and loss, she let Kel’s romance slip through her fingers. The forced relationship with Coup is like smoke—there, then gone, without substance. Their hatred for each other was stiff and the love story was extremely rushed. The moments of honesty and shared grief between the two was where I wanted their bond to deepen.
And the ending, while dramatic, felt hastily assembled. The sudden arrival of a side character, and plot twist for Kel in the last few pages, left me scratching my head. The haphazard execution made what should have been a pivotal moment more of a plot convenience than a payoff.
But the phoenixes burned brighter than the pages themselves. Bridge writes them with reverence, as creatures of fire and fury rendered in such vivid detail that they breathe into your imagination. Every wingbeat feels alive, every plume of flame and ash a reminder that these aren’t just beasts but symbols of hope and power twisted into spectacle. Savita in flight and Savita defiant are the heartbeats of this book, and they make it worth reading.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Book Review: Of Flame and Fury
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)
Of Flame and Fury is a gripping young adult fantasy that delivers fast-paced action, moral complexity, and a refreshingly original setting. Centered around a world of phoenixes and high-stakes racing, this novel explores the timeless question of whether the end justifies the means, all while keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
The story excels in worldbbuilding. The setting is rich, vibrant, and immersive. The phoenixes and their connection to the races add a unique and captivating layer to the fantasy landscape. I found the setting to be one of the strongest aspects of the book, drawing me in from the first few pages and holding me until the end.
While there is a romance subplot, it never overshadows the central themes or the fantasy elements. Instead, the relationship adds emotional depth without detracting from the plot’s momentum. It feels like the perfect setup for a sequel that could dive deeper into the romance without sacrificing the story's integrity.
This is an easy book to binge. The writing is accessible without being simplistic, making it a great pick for both seasoned fantasy readers and newcomers to the genre.
If you’re looking for a YA fantasy with high-stakes action, moral tension, and a world that’s both vivid and exciting, Of Flame and Fury is absolutely worth the read. I’m eagerly awaiting book two to see where the romance and the rising tension lead next.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)
Of Flame and Fury is a gripping young adult fantasy that delivers fast-paced action, moral complexity, and a refreshingly original setting. Centered around a world of phoenixes and high-stakes racing, this novel explores the timeless question of whether the end justifies the means, all while keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
The story excels in worldbbuilding. The setting is rich, vibrant, and immersive. The phoenixes and their connection to the races add a unique and captivating layer to the fantasy landscape. I found the setting to be one of the strongest aspects of the book, drawing me in from the first few pages and holding me until the end.
While there is a romance subplot, it never overshadows the central themes or the fantasy elements. Instead, the relationship adds emotional depth without detracting from the plot’s momentum. It feels like the perfect setup for a sequel that could dive deeper into the romance without sacrificing the story's integrity.
This is an easy book to binge. The writing is accessible without being simplistic, making it a great pick for both seasoned fantasy readers and newcomers to the genre.
If you’re looking for a YA fantasy with high-stakes action, moral tension, and a world that’s both vivid and exciting, Of Flame and Fury is absolutely worth the read. I’m eagerly awaiting book two to see where the romance and the rising tension lead next.
challenging
emotional
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:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was such a fun YA romantasy summer read!
It’s a debut for the author, Mikayla Bridge. Very light hearted, action-packed, and original story. I loved the topic of phoenix racing. This is what drew me in to read the book in the first place. I think I needed a change of pace from dragons, and this was similar yet different enough to satisfy my need to something new. The phoenix racing is akin to if horse racing and F1 racing had a baby. Very fun and accelerating.
I don’t get to say this often, but the characters were so fun and lovable. I loved their innocence, but still a very fiery bunch that kept me on my toes. They were just very enjoyable to curl up with at the end of the day. A true sense of found family with this crew of teens, and I felt like a Howler as I read as well. I also loved our non-brooding, cocky MMC, Warren “Coup”. I also have been reading too many broody leads lately and he was just the right fix of sunny golden retriever energy that I needed. While I loved our FMC, Kel, I would say, Savita, her phoenix, stole the show. I loved every moment with her, and missed her dearly when she wasn’t on the page.
Definitely pick it up! It’s compared to a Fourth Wing meets Iron Widow. I really think it had a vibe of its own though. It’s also marketed as an enemies-to-lovers, but I got more reluctant teammates, maybe even rivals, vibes from Coup and Kel than enemies. Plus it all starts with some fake dating! Very entertaining. As a YA, it’s pretty closed door, but I love that every once in a while too. The sweetness in the romance is so rewarding.
We were left with a great cliffhanger to pick up from in Book 2! I’ll definitely be looking forward to continuing with the series.
I loved immersive reading the ARC with the ALC. Safiyya Ingar did a fantastic job verbally bringing this world to life. There were many characters she plays and she gave each their own flavor and spirit.
I loved immersive reading the ARC with the ALC. Safiyya Ingar did a fantastic job verbally bringing this world to life. There were many characters she plays and she gave each their own flavor and spirit.
Thank you NetGalley, Farrar, Straus, and Giroux for my ARC, and Macmillan Audio for my ALC.