Of Flame and Fury

This is packed with big, flashy ideas, and I had a good time with it. Phoenix racing is such a cool concept, and it’s used in a way that feels dangerous and genuinely fun. It reminded me a bit of Monsters Born and Made, with a dash of The Hunger Games, with the fake, very public dating between rivals, but it also carves out its own lane pretty quickly.It read more young adult for me in terms of its characters, but there are darker moments, too. The worldbuilding around phoenix magic and the political instability kept things moving, and I especially appreciated how the story weaves in ethical questions. The villain, in particular, was quite nuanced and I understood their motivations entirely, even if I didn't agree with how they went about things.The romance was cute, and I'm a sucker for rivals-to-lovers. It felt more like a background thread compared to Kel’s bond with her phoenix and the high-stakes racing. That said, the fake dating aspect was fun, and the audiobook really elevated the pacing and tension, especially during the races.Overall, this is a campy, high-energy debut with phoenixes, politics, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting. If Phoenix Racing sounds even remotely fun to you, especially if you love competitive, adrenaline-heavy sports narratives, this one’s worth checking out.Thanks so much to Macmillan Audio and Macmillan Children's for the beautiful physical copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.

📖 Of Flame and Fury by Mikayla BridgeRating: ★★★★☆Sometimes a book arrives like wildfire, consuming everything in its path, leaving you breathless in the beautiful aftermath of its flames.Of Flame and Fury swept through my reading world with the fierce grace of its phoenixes, delivering a story that burns bright with possibility while occasionally flickering in its depths. Mikayla Bridge has crafted something genuinely unique here, a world where the bond between tamer and phoenix mirrors our own complex relationships with love, control, and freedom.The heart of this story beats strongest in the slow-burn dance between Kel and Coup. Their enemies-to-lovers arc unfolds with delicious authenticity, each barbed exchange and reluctant moment of vulnerability building toward something that feels earned rather than inevitable. The banter crackles with wit and tension. Watching them fall felt like witnessing something sacred, messy and beautiful in equal measure.But it's the found family dynamic of the Crimson Howlers that truly made my heart soar. There's something profoundly moving about watching broken people choose each other, again and again, forging bonds stronger than blood through shared purpose and unwavering loyalty. The team's unbreakable connection resonates with anyone who's ever found their tribe in unexpected places.Bridge's phoenixes are breathtaking creatures that left me desperately envious, their descriptions so vivid I could almost feel their flames against my skin. The author navigates the complex ethics of their captivity with thoughtful nuance, never offering easy answers to the tension between love and control, protection and freedom.While the concept sparkles with originality and the character backstories unfold with rich complexity, one element of the world’s danger left me unsettled. The mechanics of the illness, how it spreads and intensifies, didn’t always click for me, leaving a small void between what I felt and what I understood.The animal rights themes weave seamlessly through the narrative, challenging both characters and readers to examine our own relationships with the creatures we claim to love. It's a delicate balance Bridge strikes beautifully, honoring both the fierce protectiveness of love and the recognition that true love sometimes means letting go.📦 What to Expect✨ Unique Fantasy World💖 Slow Burn Romance🔥 Enemies-to-Lovers Dynamic🐦‍🔥 Breathtaking Phoenix Magic💔 Found Family Bonds🏁 High-Stakes Racing Competition⚖️ Complex Moral Questions🎯 Final ThoughtsThis book burns bright with potential and delivers genuine emotional resonance, even when it doesn't quite reach the scorching depths it promises. If you're drawn to stories that challenge your heart while entertaining your soul, let these phoenixes carry you away.📚 Book TagsKeywords: Phoenix Racing, Enemies-to-Lovers, Found Family, Animal Rights, Memory Loss, Slow Burn RomanceTropes: Enemies-to-Lovers, Found Family, Magical Creatures, Racing Competition, Memory Issues, Morally Gray Characters

Of Flame and Fury swept me up from the very first page. This is a story that burns with resilience, sacrifice, and the power of choosing your own destiny, even when the odds are stacked against you. What stood out most was how seamlessly the book blended fierce, action-packed moments with quiet, emotional ones, reminding us that strength is as much about vulnerability as it is about power.The relationships, both tender and tense, anchored the story in real emotion, making the high-stakes world feel grounded and deeply human. It’s equal parts thrilling and inspiring. A tale about the fire within us all.Impactful Quote: “Even in the ashes, I found a spark worth fighting for.”Of Flame and Fury is a thrilling, inspiring story about resilience, sacrifice, and finding strength even in the darkest moments.

This was a unique fantasy- phoenixes was an amazing twist in the year of all things dragon, and they were handled well, an edge of danger that never really went away. I do hope she continues on and makes this a series. I hesitate to call this enemies to lovers, they were enemies for about ten minutes. 🤣 but the love story was sweet.

This story lives in anger, grief, and the fallout of both. From the start, Of Flame and Fury makes it clear it’s not interested in being gentle. The emotional intensity is front and center, and the stakes feel personal rather than abstract, which makes everything hit harder.What really worked for me was the sustained momentum. The fury driving the story feels earned, the tension stays high, and the emotional throughline never loses focus. I did want a bit more depth in a few places, but overall this was immersive, cathartic, and deeply satisfying.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️𝗩𝗶𝗯𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸:🔥 simmering rage and resolve🖤 emotionally heavy, personal stakes⚡ steady, forward-moving pacing𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗳:you’re not in the mood for anger-driven, emotionally intense storytellingBig thanks to Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for the gifted copy!

I absolutely loved this book, but I do feel strongly that calling it “enemies to lovers” is a disservice to what it actually is. The real love story here, the one that mattered to me more than anything, wasn’t romantic at all. It was Savita. Her relationship, her presence, her impact ....that is the emotional core of this story, and it eclipses any connection with the MMC a hundred times over.The worldbuilding was lush and immersive without ever stalling the pacing, and the structure kept me locked in from the start. But that final 30%? Utter chaos in the best way. Breathless, relentless, cinematic, my heart was racing from chapter to chapter.Of Flame and Fury has officially made Mikayla Bridge an instant-buy author for me. I will pick up anything she writes next, without hesitation.

Thank you Netgalley, Mikayla Bridge, and the publisherMay contain spoilersIt was a very good concept. It's the first book I've ever read with phoenix racing and it was very well explained so you could picture everything perfectly. The AB disease element thrown in and then the cure that he thinks he has found was very interesting. The ending had me on the edge of my seat until the very end. I will most definitely be buying her next release!

“𝙊𝙣 𝙖𝙣 𝙞𝙨𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙩 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙖𝙨𝙝 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚, 𝙥𝙝𝙤𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙭 𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙨 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙛𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙡𝙮.”𝗣𝘂𝗯 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: 7/15/25𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁: audiobook 🎧 (90%)/ ebook 📖 (10%)🗣️ Narrated by Safiyya Ingar𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆: Kel’s phoenix-racing team is barely hanging on after losing their rider, so teaming up with her rival Coup is the last thing she wants to do. But when a fire wipes out her home and a shady tech mogul steps in with an offer too good to be true, things spiral fast…both on the track and between her and Coup.𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀:🐦‍🔥YA Romantasy⛓️‍💥Rivals x Lovers🐦‍🔥Phoenix Racing⛓️‍💥Found Family“𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙛𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙙𝙞𝙚, 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙡 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙. 𝘽𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚, 𝙩𝙤𝙤, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙝𝙚’𝙙 𝙛𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙎𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙖’𝙨 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙜𝙤 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨.”𝗠𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: I really liked the idea of phoenix racing in an era where dragons are everywhere in fantasy novels, it felt fresh and different. The romance was light and sweet, fitting perfectly with the YA vibe, and the story started off strong. But the middle slowed down a lot, and I found my attention drifting.I wanted more world-building to really bring things to life, the characters were fine but I wasn’t really invested in any of them. The only character I truly cared about was Savita. That aside, I’d still say it’s a solid pick for younger readers just starting to dive into fantasy, even if it didn’t totally win me over.𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 3.25/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨#OfFlameandFury

World building is a unique premise. New and original, which is refreshing! 👏🏼 The characters are a fun, fleshed out bunch and the banter between the enemies to lovers is good. However, there are some downfalls for me that sadly make this a middle of the road book.PACINGFor the pacing, we start off strong with action and momentum. The characters are all introduced and the stakes are set that put our group together. But then we slow way down through the middle. While there are still things going on, it didn’t fit the feel and momentum we established early on. Could have used that middle section for more development of key things and that would have kept the intensity going. I’ll make some points on that so let’s continue on.ROMANCE?This is marketed as a romantasy but the romance is iffy at best. Yes, this is a YA and I felt the romance level was very clean and suitable for that age range, but we just needed *more* depth to the relationship progression. We had a “pretend you’re getting along for the cameras” moment early on, but then pretty much nothing else for development. Kel and Coup just exist on the same racing team. When I reached the 70% mark and they were finally together I felt underwhelmed and not attached to them. Did I like them as individuals? Yes. But together? Didn’t care.PLOT TWIST OR PLOT MISS?The final plot twist didn’t pack the punch it could have for me. As a reader, I LOVE when a plot twist is revealed and I’m left reeling; thinking back through the book or rereading and realizing where the foreshadowing was. Those breadcrumbs are *yum* a chef’s kiss. However in this book, we do have breadcrumbs and lead up to Cristo and the Fume, but this 3rd and final plot twist affects the whole finale of the story and yet there is no lead up. And mind you, while I do love this final twist, it just felt like it was out of nowhere in a sense that it was giving off last minute idea vibes and just progressed way too crazy fast. Like we have symptoms revealed and active dying occurring within 24 hours, sudden fast. Doesn’t make any sense at all when you compare it to the vague timeline for AB that we have been operating under throughout the entire book. 💀Given this, opportunities for lots of subtle foreshadowing for this final plot twist were totally missed, leading to the *out of no where* and *crazy accelerated* reveal. But the big reason why it flopped boils down to the insufficient development. We just don’t really have anything provided to us about the AB disease other than it’s in this world and people have died from it. Okay? But if it’s going to be a part of the whole book, especially a huge driving factor for the finale and for our character’s (both hero and antihero) motivations, why isn’t it given more depth? Why aren’t we given more information? Why didn’t we use time in the middle of book to develop it?The AB disease is just *here* in the background of the story. It’s a pile of clothes we have dumped off on the corner chair in our room during the first bit of the book and we will just address it at some point, but we just never do. The real kicker is we FINALLY get symptoms explained to us right at the plot twist. But that’s just too late.If the author knew this element was going to play a part in the culmination of the story and is THE vital piece to the conclusion for not just 1 but 2 plot points, I would think there’d be way more breadcrumbs leading up to this 3rd twist and just more time dedicated overall to making AB important and relevant to us as the reader. It’s just not clear and therefore confusing and underwhelming.Overall, middle of the road book for me.

(4.5)Care for a NASCAR/F1 book, but also want fantasy? This book has you covered because you get both in one—-albeit it’s racing phoenixes and not cars. But you get my drift-no pun intended.This book was enchanting, enticing, interesting, and engaging. From start to finish, I could not stop listening.I really hope there are more books in this series because now I want more of the Howlers and the Phoenixes.The world is interesting and the system in which they race phoenixes is intriguing.I loved the audio narration. Narrator was great. I sometimes have trouble with a British accent but this one was easy to listen to.I’d recommend this for any fantasy lover that loves animals and a bit of racing on the side!

This book promised Fourth Wing meets Iron Widow in a fiery, fast-paced debut and it delivered!I was hooked from page one.The phoenix races were absolutely the highlight for me each one set in a different, dangerous part of the island, full of obstacles and adrenaline. I loved watching the Crimson Howlers strategize together, pulling off underdog moves that had me cheering. And Sav, Kel’s phoenix, stole the show. If you love a sassy dragon character, you’ll adore her fiery personality!The romance? A delicious enemies-to-lovers slow burn between Kel and Coup, full of banter, tension, and just enough vulnerability to make it feel earned. The bond between Kel, Dira, Coup, and Bekn gave the book a strong found family element too, which added so much heart to all the action and danger.The conspiracy subplot did feel a little overstuffed at times, but the emotional payoffs, sass, and camaraderie more than made up for it. By the final race and battle, I couldn’t put it down!If you’re into dangerous magical competitions, found family, fiery romance, and snarky animal companions you’ll definitely want this one on your TBR.

My goodness this was a fun story! It was much more intense than I was expecting, and honestly I loved that about it. The Phoenix racing is quite brutal and chaotic. The world building around the races, the history, and the lore is all really well done and detailed. This is a YA, and as such the character development matches this designation. That said, these characters did not annoy me the way younger characters tend to. They were young and naive but also mature for their ages, in the way of children who went through hardship and loss would be.Kel was a little tougher for me. I loved her passion regarding Phoenix care and conservation. However, she is a bit self righteous in her opinions about phoenix racing, especially considering she also is involved in the profession. I loved how Coup pointed that out to her because 1. Go Coup! And 2. It made her think on it more and open her mind a little to the grey area between right and wrong. The Howlers as a whole are a great group of kids and a fun take on found family. I like how they all managed to get along and tease each other, but also bounce ideas and stand up for themselves. The enemies to allies to lovers relationship had pretty good development and I loved Kel and Coup’s tension.As I stated previously, the plot is very exciting and intense. ***Slightly spoilery so look away now if you must*** I like to think of this story as having two main plot points. One of them is more or less predictable but drives the story. The other one took me by surprise and gave me an “oh shit!” moment. Both were great and really contributed to giving this an exciting climax, and I loved the conclusion we get in the epilogue. It’s hopeful but not overly HEA. I think it was perfect.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for access to an ARC.What a phenomenal debut novel. It’s clear the author put a lot of effort and creativity into the story. The world-building and phoenix species were very interesting and complex without being too overwhelming. The best way I can describe the setting is futuristic fantasy. The phoenix racing aspect of the story was really interesting and was like deadly auto racing but replace the cars with large fast birds that are on fire. Initially, I thought the book was going to be very predictable but the plot twist at the end surprised me a lot!Kel is a fantastically angry and selfish main character but she grows as the story progresses and by the end has had significant character growth (Plus some of her poor behavior has a reason behind it, no spoilers). The entire book she’s trying her best even when some of her choices are questionable. For most of the book, Kel is stuck between a rock and a hard place because she wants to care for her phoenix Sav but the only way to do that is to race which can be unethical.The author did a great job writing side characters. They had backstories and felt like distinct individuals rather than being interchangeable. The romance felt like true enemies/rivals to lovers with fantastic tension and no insta-love.The only warning I could give is that if you get easily upset by violence between animals or animal death then this might be the book for you.I’d rate the book around 4.5/5 stars. I can’t wait for additional books from this author!

If you ever feel like you love fantasy but would like different creatures from your run-of-the-mill dragons or what have you, maybe consider a book about phoenix racing.I love the worldbuilding in this book. If you have creatures like phoenixes surrounded by flame, it’s going to cause problems. This book explains that well. Phoenixes are dangerous but important, surrounded in complex controversy and some different opinions of how they should be treated. We don’t get much of the world outside of phoenixes, but considering that Kel’s world revolves around them, it works. I occasionally wished we got more of the world (like what is the billionaire tech guy doing with tech other than with phoenixes), but what we got was intriguing and exciting. I also love the personality we get from Savita.The racing is exciting and intense. None of them are the same, and the team coming together to strategize or worry or whatever they need to do works well. I would have loved to learn a little bit more about how a typical race team worked because it’s clear Kel and the Howlers are different (give me a rivalry or a name here and there!). I loved the found family nature of their team and how racing brought them together even when there is some animosity between them.This is marketed as an enemies to lovers book. I sort of saw it, but I never completely understood why she hated Coop so much. It seems like from her complaints about him, it should be more dislike than the vitriol she had for him. Like a lot of enemies to lovers books, I’m afraid this one doesn’t quite deliver because it goes very quickly from despising him to being very into him instead of it feeling gradual and earned. I love a grumpy sunshine (especially when the girl gets to be the grumpy side!), but I needed more to show why she changed her mind about them.The ending is great. It surprised me in a good way, and I loved how the elements came together to explain things and make parts of the world feel more relevant and important.Overall, I thought this was a fresh new take in the world of fantasy. It’s a fun ride from beginning to end. I wish some of the character development and the world had been more fleshed out, but I thoroughly enjoyed what I got and hope for a sequel.

Kel Varra is a fierce, layered protagonist you can’t help but root for, and her dynamic with Coup? Chef’s kiss. Their banter is electric, their chemistry undeniable, and watching their reluctant partnership burn into something deeper was pure reading bliss 🔥Bonus points for Savita, the sassiest phoenix to ever light up the page. I would burn for her 🥹Mikayla Bridge blends adrenaline-pumping action, sharp political intrigue, and swoon-worthy romance in a world that feels fresh and dangerous at every turn. The stakes are high, the magic is volatile, and the final act left me breathless.If you love underdog teams, slow-burn tension, and morally gray choices with major consequences, you need this book on your summer TBR. I already need book two like I need air 🙃

UPDATE: I really love this book and there were parts that went a little bit to hard into the stereotypical enemies-allies-lovers trope that I wish would have taken a little bit more to move through the spaces. That said, the corporate baddie that you so want to hope for and the danger and mystique of the Phoenix racing is brilliant![Read 10 chapter ARC]In the first 10 chapters I have gotten to read I am loving the new and fresh take on the Phoenix. These powerful and dangerous immortals being used to race, while also being hunted and studied. Meanwhile you have this bada$$ FMC Phoenix tamer who has this deep relationship with her own phoenix and has to ensure it doesn't unalive its rider.Add in an obnoxiously self important MMC to ruffled more than just some Phoenix feathers and I cannot wait to see how this all unravels.I couldn't put it down and was on edge for what's next. Can't wait to get my hands on the full book.

Of Flame and Fury is a thrilling and emotionally charged debut that throws readers headfirst into a world of phoenix racing, political corruption, and a slow-burn romance that simmers beneath the surface. Mikayla Bridge has created a unique fantasy setting on the island of Cendor, where phoenixes aren’t mythical legends—they’re raced, bred, and exploited, often at the cost of their freedom. And right in the heart of it all is Kel Varra, a strong-willed protagonist who refuses to let the world dictate her fate—or that of her beloved phoenix, Savita.From the very first chapter, the book moves at a rapid pace, immersing readers in high-stakes action and tense emotional dynamics. The concept of phoenix racing is fresh and compelling, and it’s easy to get swept up in the adrenaline of each race and the intense moral questions they raise. Kel’s bond with Savita is one of the book’s strongest elements, rich with emotion and layered with a powerful message about love, loyalty, and choosing compassion in a world built on cruelty.The romance between Kel and Coup, her supposed rival, is a slow burn that develops through shared hardship and reluctant trust. While it doesn’t reach a fever-pitch level of spice, it feels genuine and grounded. Some readers may wish for more romantic tension or heat, but what’s offered is a refreshing shift from insta-love tropes—it’s careful, tender, and believable.That said, the story isn’t without its flaws. The breakneck pace sometimes leaves the reader craving more background—whether it’s about the politics of Cendor, the history of the phoenixes, or the motivations behind certain characters’ choices. The world is fascinating but feels like it’s only just been scratched on the surface. Additionally, the ARC version of the book ends somewhat abruptly, with little resolution or epilogue, leaving readers eager for more closure than they receive.Still, Of Flame and Fury stands out for its originality, emotional core, and the strength of its protagonist. Kel is the kind of heroine readers can root for—fierce, flawed, and deeply human. Her journey is one of resilience and defiance in the face of systems that devalue both people and creatures. With themes of rebellion, justice, and found family, this book will appeal to readers who love their fantasy fast, emotionally layered, and driven by character over cliché.Perfect for fans of Fourth Wing, Iron Widow, or anyone craving a new kind of fantasy adventure, Of Flame and Fury is a solid start to what promises to be an exciting series. Here’s hoping book two dives even deeper into the magic, politics, and romance that made this debut shine.

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.4.5/5