Before I start my review, I just want to say ignore every other big-name book comparison made for this book. Wipe it clean. Now, with a fresh slate... picture a dystopian world where magical beasts of various descriptions and natures thrive. Have you ever thought of riding a flaming phoenix the size of a horse and then thought we could race these phoenixes competitively Formula 1 style? Me neither... until now!

Of Flame and Fury is very different from the majority of popular fantasy and romantasy already out. Our main character, Kelyn, is as stubborn as any girl trying to keep her family's legacy afloat. This is her story to tell.

The beginning throws you in, front row, to the mayhem that is phoenix racing and you are quickly spun up into the world and its dangers. From then on its a mix of character dynamics, conspiracy, and intense blink-and-you-miss-it racing action.

I did find the pacing after this flurry of activity and around 20% in a bit too slow for my liking, but it quickly starts picking up again. I also wasn't sold on the antagonist especially towards the end as they felt they had a bit too black of a moral compass and not enough of a grey area for my liking, but that's my personal preference. To me, the ending felt a little weak and not as strong as the beginning in terms of plot decisions. I also was a little confused by the ending and wasn't entirely clear if there was going to be more to follow (I am assuming there will be with a sequel).

Despite all that, I found the story easy to empathize with including its characters. There was a good amount of depth with our main characters and I liked how they seemed to balance each other out as a group. I also found the romance to be very natural, believable rivals-to-lovers with slow-burn. And if you love good back-and-forth snarky banter, you will love this! Keep in mind, this is a YA romance, they are both 17 and are forced to grow up way too fast in an unforgiving and dangerous world. Of that world, you will be introduced to pieces and fragments of its lands and dangers that will have you salivating for more. The plot itself was both complex and refreshing, with multiple twists that will keep you on your toes.

Overall, WHAT A DEBUT! This was a super fun and interesting read and I am very hopeful for a sequel! I definitely would recommend it to anyone who wants to try something a little outside the norm and I definitely plan on purchasing my own copy when it is released.

4.5/5

Rivals.. races and phoenixes say less. I like that this had similar vibes to fourth wing. The main character is def likabl. Reading anything involving phoenixes are very easy for me to read as it’s one of my fav type of creature to read about

Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the ARC. This story was easy to follow and super engaging. Look forward to sharing this with YA readers!

I was immediately hooked by the end of chapter one. The world was unique and lush and the worldbuilding was easy to understand and well written, making me immersed right away. The enemies to lovers arc was full of tension and the romantic growth felt natural and earned. The story was super action packed, making it really fast paced. I can’t wait to read the next one!

this sounds AMAZING i cannot wait to dive in! i am a huge fan of YA fantasy and this looks right up my alley 🤭 i will def be sure to leave a review on GR and other retailers to come! 💫

Since her fathers death Kelyn, along with her team The Howlers, has been racing her beloved phoenix, Savita, to make money to keep Sav and her home. Due to the death of the Howler's rider, the team needs to find a replacement. Daredevil Warren Couper is the last person Kel would want to ride Sav, but agrees to add him to the team. The team is picked up by a big sponsor after seeing Kel and Coup calm a phoenix that was uncollared so that they could recollar it, but all may not be as it seems with the sponsor and its owner Casen, Will the tension between Kel and Coup lead to them killing or kissing each other?

The plot of the story was very engaging. It kept my interest throughout the book. The world building and magic systems were cohesive. The character development was great and I enjoyed the tension between Kel and Coup. I loved that the phoenix Savita had a personality of her own. A good read for anyone that enjoys fantasy and mythological creatures.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
# Pages: 416
Publication Date: 07.08.25

“Savita was a wild thing that couldn’t be tamed. She was a god destined to live forever—and Kel was nothing but a mere speck of dust that fluttered across her centuries.”

🐦‍🔥YA Romantasy
🐦‍🔥 Phoenixs
🐦‍🔥 F1 Style Racing
🐦‍🔥 Enemies To Lovers
🐦‍🔥 Found Family
🐦‍🔥 Reverse Sunshine X Grump
🐦‍🔥 Fake Dating
🐦‍🔥 Only One Saddle
🐦‍🔥 Mental Health Rep
🐦‍🔥 Monster Island
🐦‍🔥 Alchemy

Book Blurb:
- Fourth Wing meets Iron Widow in this enemies-to-lovers romantic fantasy by debut author Mikayla Bridge. The hottest must-read of the summer!
On an island built from ash and shrouded in fire, phoenix racing is as profitable as it is deadly.
Kel Varra and her team of underdogs, the Crimson Howlers, are desperate to win their annual races. But the Howlers need a new rider, which leads Kel to join forces with Warren “Coup” Coupers—an arrogant rival she can’t get out of her head.
As tensions rise on and off the track, Kel accepts a job from a mysterious tech mogul who shows an unsettling interest in her phoenix, Savita. This thrusts Kel into a conspiracy that endangers everyone she loves, especially Coup, whom her resentment for is igniting into something dangerously new. Heart-pounding pages full of steamy romance, fiery confessions, political scheming, and volatile magic culminate in a final battle that none may survive.-

Mikayla Bridge did a phenomenal job on her debut novel “Of Flame and Fury”. I’m completely blown away. It had me sucked in from the beginning. Absolutely loved the originality found in this novel.

I loved the world building! Such vivid and detailed storytelling. With such captivating concepts of Phoenix racing/ riding, all the way to the execution of each type of Phoenix. All the thrilling action, wonderful character development, majestic mythical creature, character growth, snarky MC and so much more!

Overall, I highly recommend this read. It will keep you on the edge of your seat and you’ll be wanting more. Perfect for the YA readers.

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Farrar, Straus and Giroux for this ARC.

4.5 stars rounded up.

Damn, nothing could have prepared me for this.

Of Flame and Fury captures a thrilling and exciting concept of phoenix racing. To me, phoenix racing seems like a unique and original idea. I know that the description compares it to Fourth Wing but instead of "war college dragon riding" it's more F1 or horse-racing style theme. I think this author does a good job of setting the plot on its own path rather than having a plot line close to its inspiration.

I love that the world-building is very easy to understand and get into. I hope that there will be a map included with the physical copy after publication. I was very immersed in the storytelling and the "mythology" that is included. The story is a little fast-paced which helps build the tension and thrill of the story. The guide about the phoenixes at the very beginning is very handy as it helped strengthen your understanding of the different kinds of phoenixes, though I wish there was a small illustration included to help better visualize the size comparisons.

Kel is our main protagonist and I love her. She is driven by stakes that are self-motivated but understandable. I would categorize Kel's relationship with Coup as somewhat of an "enemies to lovers" but not 100%. There is more irritation and bantering rather than complete "hatred." It is also a slow burn allowing more focus on the fantasy and character development (which I love).

I like that Kel couldn't directly communicate with her phoenix like they do in Fourth Wing. It makes the bond between Savita and Kel (and the rest of the team) even stronger because they rely on trust and emotional connection rather than physical communication.

Overall I enjoyed this book a lot and I can't wait until the release of the next book.

We have phoenixes who the humans have races on. (Think racing horses, but phoenixes in the sky). And then on the flip side there are those who feel that the phoenixes should be free. Immediately youre immersed into action! And the romance is enemies to lovers (grumpy x sunshine), and let me tell you it was seriously so good! There are political aspects that come into play, which made it feel very dystopian. I have to say I really appreciated the way the birds are listed and described and often found myself going back to reference it. The greedy part of me wishes there were color pictures due to how vibrant the phoenixes are described. This book is everything I hoped for and delivered so much more! Also… that ending. How long is the wait??? Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read this as an ARC, voluntarily!

Absolutely loved this! I haven’t read a book with phoenixes in a very long time, so I was already hooked. But adding in racing! So fun and dangerous and interesting! This is one of the books where the comps really shine through. It felt very reminiscent of The Fast and the Furious, but taken to a new level in a fantastical yet modern setting. It also gave me Formula One vibes, if F1 involved fire-breathing creatures, which I loved! The book starts off strong from the first chapter and doesn’t let up, but what I loved beyond the pacing and tension were the characters, who were complex, flayed, and interesting, and, of course, the romance, which was everything to me and then some!

-4.5 rounded down-
Of Flame and Fury is a fast paced, enemies to lovers romantasy about phoenix riders. The story follows Kel, a member of the Howlers phoenix racing team. She’s struggling to keep up with payments when life takes a turn for the worst and two members of her team are no longer able to race, leaving her rival as their only available replacement. When I first found this book, I instantly knew that I wanted to read it because the premise that this book is based around is so unique. I’ve read a lot of romantasy books, and none of them can quite compare to the uniqueness of this one. While I don’t think the writing is as advanced, I did have a great time reading this book. The Formula 1 style racing kept me on the edge of my seat, as well as the plot twists.

Features-
- Formula 1 style phoenix racing
- Enemies to lovers
- Forced proximity
- Debut author
- YA
- Political plot

Of Flame and Fury" is the debut novel by Australian author Mikayla Bridge This young adult fantasy introduces readers to an island forged from ash and enveloped in fire, where the perilous sport of phoenix racing thrives. The story centers on Kel Varra and her underdog team, the Crimson Howlers, who are determined to win the annual races to secure a much-needed fortune. Their quest leads them to collaborate with Warren "Coup" Coupers, an arrogant rival who becomes an unexpected ally. As the narrative unfolds, Kel becomes entangled in a conspiracy that threatens everything she holds dear, including her growing connection with Coup.


I must praised the novel for its exhilarating pace and immersive world-building. Highlighted by the vivid descriptions that transport them into the heart of the story, making them feel as if they are part of the high-stakes races and intricate political machinations. The dynamic between Kel and Coup has been noted for its compelling enemies-to-lovers progression, adding depth to the narrative. Additionally, the portrayal of phoenixes and the detailed lore surrounding them have been commended for their originality and richness.

Comparisons have been drawn to popular titles such as "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Widow," suggesting that fans of action-packed fantasy with strong romantic elements will find "Of Flame and Fury" particularly engaging. The novel promises a blend of steamy romance, political intrigue, and volatile magic, culminating in a climactic battle that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Overall, "Of Flame and Fury" is shaping up to be a must-read for enthusiasts of young adult fantasy, offering a fresh and thrilling take on the genre with its unique premise and dynamic character relationships.

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Of Flame and Fury by Mikayla Bridge is an absolute whirlwind of excitement, magic, and unforgettable characters. From the very first chapter, I was hooked and could not put it down. The world-building is breathtaking—full of lush details and rich lore that make you feel like you’ve been transported to another world. The plot is filled with heart-racing action, emotional depth, and shocking twists that kept me on the edge of my seat. The chemistry between the characters is intense and electric, and their journeys of self-discovery and love are beautifully written. Bridge’s storytelling is captivating, and the way she weaves together elements of fantasy, romance, and adventure is nothing short of brilliant. Of Flame and Fury is a book I devoured in one sitting, and it will stay with me long after the final page. If you love epic, fast-paced fantasy with a dash of romance, this book is a must-read!

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me a Chapter Sampler for "Of Flame and Fury.

The story so far is intriguing and the character introduced had me invested and feel that they are loveable and badass! I can't wait to read more!!

First of all, thank you for the ARC!

I read the excerpt, and I liked it so much that I decided to read the whole thing!

Phoenixes, wild and dangerous, are hard to control, yet there are people who organize races with them.

It's a world of technology, magical and dangerous creatures, and a virus with no escape...

I think it’s worth reading just for the phoenixes, plus it's perfect for fans of racing, adrenaline, and secrets.

I worried I wouldn’t like it because of comparisons to “Fourth Wing” and “Iron Widow,” but I connected with the book.

The style is light and enjoyable; at times the pace felt quick, and I was able to predict some moments, but the ending surprised me—I might not have thought too deeply and was just reading, which made my eyes widen.

I really enjoyed the banter between the characters; she’s a grump, while he’s a sunshine who gets into trouble.

At times, the heroine's paranoia annoyed me, and it bothered me that she wasn't trusted, but I understood her.

I liked that the phoenixes are truly wild creatures here, unlike how dragons are often portrayed with a quick attachment to the hero.

Every animal is born to be free, but people love to control everything.

I really enjoyed the racing atmosphere; I thought about something similar last year, and I finally got it!

It reminded me more of "How to Train Your Dragon."🤌🏻

I need next part!

• From hate to love
• Fake relationships
• Phoenixes
• Racing
• Found family
• Secrets

4,25/5 for the idea!

*new book boyfriend?
*enemies to lovers
*emotional
*perfect amount of info not overwhelming
*perfect teen/ya book!
*aaah I need the second book now!!

The world-building here is amazing. While I didn't particularly relate to the MC, Kel, I found her a very competent and capable character. The plot moves slowly, which isn't necessarily a bad thing because it really allows the relationships to build. I thought I knew where the story was going (and I was correct!), but thankfully that wasn't the end.

Not quite a cliffhanger, but definitely leaves you wanting more.

This was super unique and completely took me by surprise by how much I enjoyed it. I always love mystical creature stories and romances and this one was a great time. The ending also will leave you stunned. I definitely didn’t see it coming. Happy reading, friends!

wow wow wow, what a debut!

Of Flame and Fury was such a breath of FRESH AIR in the YA Romantasy genre. I’ve never read anything like it before and I was so intrigued throughout the whole book. We have phoenixes who the humans have race one another, but also there are others who claim the phoenixes are too wild to be tamed and deserve to be free. The book starts off with a bang in the middle of a phoenix race with Kel as the tamer (watches over the phoenix temps) as her phoenix Savita races. Things go horribly wrong during the race and after as well.

The MMC Warren Coupers. Coup. That’s all there is to it. I love me an enemies to lovers and it delivered.

The Howlers (racing team) became such a family with one another, I loved it so much. It made my heart so happy to know Kel had them with her throughout her journey.

And that final twist? I did NOT see coming at all. I was throughly shocked and I can’t wait for others to read Of Flame and Fury!!

Features:
•phoenixes
•f1 style racing
•found family
•enemies to lovers
• ya romantasy

Thank you to netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for an arc in exchange for my honest opinion!