Member Reviews

A little bit like NASCAR but better because there are Phoenixes. It’s a promising storyline so far and I’ve been completely glued to my kindle. I haven’t read anything else like it and I’m excited to continue reading. Thank you for the full book as well as the sampler otherwise I would be devastated having to wait so long to read the rest.

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After the chapter summary, I felt the story was a bit too much going on at first to get comfortable with the details. As a huge fantasy and science fiction reader, I do believe there needs to be a brief introduction period to allow some settling into the world. I believe this book has potential, I just don't know if it'll be something I seek out myself to finish!

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After reading a chapter sampler for <i>Of Flame and Fury</i> by Mickayla Bridge, I ultimately decided not to continue with the full book. While the premise had potential, I found myself struggling to connect with the characters and wasn’t particularly drawn in by the writing. The story lacked the kind of hook that has me feeling invested early on, and without that sense of engagement, I didn’t feel compelled to keep reading.

That said, I did really enjoy the descriptions of the different types of phoenixes at the beginning of the book. This element added an interesting layer to the world-building and was a creative touch that stood out. However, beyond that, the narrative didn’t capture my attention enough. While this book may still appeal to readers who enjoy slow-burning fantasy with detailed mythology, it just wasn’t the right fit for me at the moment.

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This book was very well written and had me staying up late for every page turn. I am going to be sending this to some of my book girlies since I loved it so much.

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Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, and Mikayla Bridge for the opportunity to read this chapter sampler. In this chapter sampler, we are immediately given information on the phoenix species before diving head first into the story; which can be a little overwhelming. I can definitely see how this book compares to Fourth Wing. I am excited to see how the rest of the book plays out!

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Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the first 10 chapters, and based on that, I would absolutely want to read the full book because it left me wanting more in the best way.

I loved that we got a proper explanation of the different Phoenix species right at the start, and the book jumps into the action immediately. The writing is easy to follow and really pulled me in—I didn’t even realize how fast the chapters flew by.

From what I’ve read so far, there’s definitely potential for some great tension between the FMC and MMC, and I’m here for it. Magical creatures and enemies-to-lovers? That’s an instant must-read.

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I received a sampler for of flame and fury from netgalley. The sampler is only the first 10 chapters so we haven't seen much. We are introduced to the characters and their dynamics. It's basically F1 racing but with phoenixes. The romance is enemies to lover so we are at the enemies stage. It's the beginning so we're just getting into the backstory of the phoenixes and the controversy of taming them/letting them be free. So it's definitely not just about racing. I kinda expected more but it was only first 10 chapters so I would try to finish it.

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In this sampler, we get a basis for how the story is going to go and I enjoyed it a lot. I think based on this, I would read the rest of the book.

There’s lots of action off the bat and the fantasy aspects are not that hard to understand. We learn about the characters and witness some tragedies right off the bat.

It’s blunt and raw and I think it was pretty well written.

There’s not much to say since it was only a few chapters, but from what I read, again, I think it was good.

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Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to sample this book. While not the most captivating or original I've read, Of Flame and Fury presents an interesting beginning and I wouldn't be opposed to reading more. I liked that Kel and Coup's relationship seemed to contain real dislike for each other that wasn't unnecessarily distracted by physical attraction like some other books do, although I believe this book should be marketed as "rivals to lovers" rather than enemies. I particularly enjoyed the lore and portrayal of the phoenixes; I liked that they were depicted as dangerous animals that need proper training and care to handle. I'm not entirely sure where the Iron Widow comparison comes from just yet, but I suppose that will be coming later. All in all, a nice if slightly tropey read.

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Stop teasing me with the sampler and give me more. I’m already invested and I need more!!! I was a little hesitant going into this because it’s compared to Fourth Wing and Iron Widow, which I do love both yes but sometimes that worries you when it’s compared to two of your favorite books. This, however, just the sampler did not disappoint.

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This was fascinating and I cannot wait to read more of this book! The world building is intriguing - though I can see it overwhelming some readers. The idea of racing phoenixes - who are at their core wild and untamable - is fascinating. I love a world that combines technology and magic! Just in these first 100 pages I am utterly hooked by the action, the stakes, and the world as a whole. I can't wait to see if Kel and Coup are able to work together and if Savita will ever sing for Kel.

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Thank you Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Farrar, Straus & Giroux (BYR) for the opportunity to read the first 10 chapter sampler of Of Flame and Fury! The author throws you right into the world in the very first chapter with a pretty intense ending. I wasn't feeling totally connected to the characters or story (but again, this was only the first ten chapters) but I may end up picking this up over the Summer. I personally wasn't getting a Fourth Wing or "enemies to lovers" feeling - maybe more dislike or rivals? I'm not sure! Hard to say in only ten chapters but this does seem like a book with promise and a unique plot. :)

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These first ten chapters were so easy to get into.
I was hooked from the very beginning, where we learned about phoenix racing, and how brutal it is. Our main characters at the moment; Kel, Dira, Coup and Bekn might seem like they dont work well together, but I have a feeling if they put their differences aside, their group, the Crimson Howler's would really prosper.
Anyway, these chapters sold me on this book, and hopefully I can get the rest of this arc!

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This sampler contains only the first 10 chapters of Of Flame and Fury. And let me tell you, I was hooked from the beginning. We are immediately thrown into the thick of phoenix racing and learn the different roles on the team...and the tragedy and violence of the sport.

Bridge has set the stage early for us to learn more about the phoenixes, Kel's father, and how the government works. I am screaming for a map so I can see how these islands are set up! She has eased us into this world so that we can easily understand what is happening and how the world works but leaves us wanting to learn more.

I think this might be my favorite way for a couple to be forced into fake dating. I also love the grumpy/sunshine thing going on where Kel is the grumpy and Coup is the sunshine. I cannot wait to see their relationship develop more.

My heart is breaking for Kel at the end of this sampler and I am desperate for the rest of this book! I will definitely be snatching it up as soon as possible!

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Ok first off whoever compared this to Fourth Wing was obviously drunk. The only similarities are mythical creatures. I really enjoyed the Phoenix racing aspect of the book. I will say Kel is not my favorite she’s a grumpy bitch. Coup however is awesomely charming. I can’t wait to read the rest of the book when it releases.

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My only complaint is that it’s just a sample and I want the whole book 😆 After trying the sample, I know I’ll want to continue with the full book. It starts off with lots of action and I like the way it’s written, giving enough detail without being too wordy with the world-building. The racing Phoenix is awesome! Bring on the full book!

Thanks for the opportunity to try the sample!

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I am trying to start all my reviews with basic data points that I look for when selecting my reads. This book is third person, with primary focus on 1-2 characters (Kel and Savita), plenty of dialogue to drawer the reader in and chapters about 10 pages each. I loved how this story just dropped us into the world. Although this was just a sample (10 chapters), I found the story to be great in world building and character development. I love the concept of riding the phoenix and the blend of sci-fi feeling technology. I cannot wait to get to read the rest of the book and listen to the audio in an immersion read experience.

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This was SO good! I was excited to see a sample for this book because, while I thought it sounded pretty interesting, I wasn’t sure I would get into the racing aspect. I no longer worry about that. I’m hooked from just this little bit I read. I love the writing style and the characters. There is so much more I want to know, such as Dira’s backstory as well as the Coupers brothers. In other words, I am stoked for this book and now I really hope I can get the full ARC!

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I rated this book based on the fact that i only had a sampler and I'm not sure how the rest of t he story will go. Once i read the book i will re rate it on all my posted reviews.

There is so much action right away on the first page to hook you right in and to be curious about what’s going on. We start in the middle of a Phoenix race not just the beautiful birds flying around.

We have romantsay tropes of enemies to lovers, found family, and games and trials. I was only given an arc of the first ten chapters and I can’t wait to finish and see what this book has in store for readers!

This book was tagged at similar to Fourth Wing and while i can see the way it would be considered similar with just the sample alone I couldn't in good faith truly agree however; it is a great read so far and I am excited to read this once it's released. Mark your calendars for July 8th 2025!

Thanks to NetGalley for the sample eArc!

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I loved this book! It does have similar vibes to Fourth Wing. I was worried when the synopsis said similar to “Fourth Wing.” Usually when books say “similar to” or “for fans of a book”, it never ends up meeting expectations. That was not the case with “Of Flame and Fury”! It had the fan favorite romantsay tropes of enemies to lovers, found family, and games and trials. I was only given an arc of the first ten chapters and I can’t wait to finish and see what Makayla Bridge has planned for this book! Mark your calendars for July 8th 2025!

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