Of Flame and Fury feels like Fourth Wing but with phoenixes!
Main character Kelyn Varra is the leader of The Crimson Howlers, who enlist in the deadly Cendorian Association of Phoenix Racing (CAPR). At the start of the book, they’re down one member and Kel is running out of money to keep Savita, a rare breed of phoenix known for her intelligence and dangerous anger. Miraculously, The Crimson Howlers get a sponsorship from the tech company Cristo Industries. But there’s one frustrating condition. The reckless Warren ‘Coup’ Coupers joins their team as the newest racer, and Kel absolutely cannot stand him. The rest of the story is split between training Savita, Kel and Coup’s relationship and the question of what Cristo wants with the Cendorian phoenixes.
The CAPR races were my highlight of the book; Bridge’s writing is dynamic, beautifully paced and full of movement to create some truly incredible action scenes. There are so many amazing details, like aggressive phoenixes jockeying for position on the track, Coup using sign language to communicate with Savita mid-race, and the phoenixes growing hotter the faster they fly, so the rider is in constant danger of burning up. I would happily read every single flying scene over and over again, they were just THAT good.
The overarching mystery is engaging. Bridge includes some plot twists that left me really worried, as you grow to care for Savita so much. Kel and Coup bicker and have a predictably snarky romance, but it’s well written and a lot of fun for readers who enjoy the ‘enemies-to-lovers’ dynamic. I think this book is perfect for YA, new adult and fantasy fans alike as it’s just so magical. I couldn’t put it down.
Reviewed by Rachel Denham-White
Age Guide 14+
Released 15 July 2025
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I’m Mikayla Bridge, a fantasy author based in Melbourne, Australia. I love writing books that feel like a triple espresso – high-energy, heart-racing, and possibly disastrous for your sleep schedule.
Whether I’m weaving romance, action, or horror into my fantasy, I do it with plenty of plot twists, complicated characters, and loud feelings.
In my free time, you’ll find me playing board games, talking about (and occasionally reading) books, trying to keep my plants alive, hitting the gym, and working through plot holes with my very patient partner.
Of Flame and Fury is my debut novel.
I have a BA with Honors in Political Science and International Relations from Deakin University.
After graduating, I decided to pursue everything but politics and have worked as a tennis coach, journalist, blue-collar recruiter, editor, copywriter, and even a Christmas elf – though I’ve made sure there’s no photographic evidence of that.
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