Of Flame and Fury

by Mikayla Bridge

Overview

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 a sport just as profitable as it is deadly.

Kel Varra and her team of underdogs, the Crimson Howlers, are desperate to win the annual races and the fortune that comes with it. 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 cares about, especially Coup, as her resentment ignites into something dangerously new.

Heart-pounding pages full of fiery romance, jaw-dropping confessions, political scheming, and volatile magic culminate in a final battle that none may survive.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780374393427
Publisher:	Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Publication date:	07/15/2025
Pages:	416
Product dimensions:	1.11(w) x 1.11(h) x 1.00(d)
Age Range:	14 - 18 Years

About the Author

Mikayla Bridge is a young adult fantasy author living in Melbourne, Australia. She grew up on a small-town farm and completed a BA with Honors in Political Science and International Relations. She can often be found playing board games, drinking too much coffee, and lovingly tormenting her characters. Of Flame and Fury is her debut novel.

Editorial Reviews

04/21/2025

In Bridge’s white-knuckle fantasy debut, hardscrabble phoenix tamer Kel, 17, can only afford to keep her farm and her phoenix, Savita, if she and the rest of Savita’s racing team, the Crimson Howlers, consistently place well in Cendor’s lucrative but lethal phoenix races. Consequently, when tragedy leaves the Howlers down two members, Kel and winger Dina have little choice but to merge with brothers Coup and Bekn, whom other crews keep dropping due to talented rider Coup’s reckless arrogance. Despite Kel and Coup’s mutual antagonism, the Howlers’ future looks bright—until an electrical fire destroys Savita’s aviary. Kel’s late father taught her to distrust magic-powered tech developer Cristo Industries and their intentions toward Cendor’s phoenix population, but when the company offers sponsorship and a temporary home at Cristo’s compound, the desperate Howlers accept, hoping for the best. What awaits, however, is far worse than any of them could anticipate. Underdeveloped worldbuilding occasionally blunts the impact of Bridge’s emotionally charged plot. Still, vivid imagery, a swiftly paced third-person narrative, and a steady stream of harrowing, high-stakes action keep the pages turning, while an enemies-to-lovers romance adds heart. Characters are intersectionally diverse. Ages 14–up. Agent: John Baker, Bell Lomax Moreton. (July)

Publishers Weekly

"The richly imagined island world, with its elaborate racing tracks and variety of mythical creatures, comes together seamlessly... High-stakes competition, swoony romance, and expertly crafted worldbuilding distinguish this debut." — Kirkus, starred review

"Vivid imagery, a swiftly paced third-person narrative, and a steady stream of harrowing, high-stakes action keep the pages turning, while an enemies-to-lovers romance adds heart." — Publishers Weekly

“Of Flame and Fury sizzles with romantic tension and thrills with its action-packed world of deadly phoenix racing. Mikayla Bridge’s debut is a wildly fun, page-turning ride.” — Vanessa Len, author of Only a Monster and Never a Hero

“An exceptional debut... this book is anchored by found family and a glowing rivals-to-lovers romance. You need this one on your shelf!" — Kamilah Cole, bestselling author of The Divine Traitors duology

“Bridge is one to watch: a fabulous new voice in YA fantasy!” — Keshe Chow, author of The Girl with No Reflection

“A pulse-pounding ride through a world like no other. Of Flame and Fury is a fiery debut with nonstop action, enemies to lovers, and a fierce heroine and her mighty phoenix who you can’t help rooting for.” — Angela Montoya, author ofSinner’s Isle and A Cruel Thirst

“An unmissable debut, scorching with the perfect combo of breakneck action, romance, and giant murder birds.” — S. A. MacLean, author of The Phoenix Keeper

“With the blazing fire of dangerous phoenixes and the scorching heat of a compelling romance, Of Flame and Fury is a thrilling fantasy adventure set in a standout original world.” — Tanvi Berwah, author of Monsters Born and Made andSomewhere in the Deep

“Move over dragons—there’s a new fiery beast to love… this book is truly impossible to put down.” — Elle Tesch, author of What Wakes the Bells

“Of Flame and Fury is a non-stop thrill ride from start to flaming finish. With sky-high stakes, explosive twists, and a love that burns against all odds, you’ll never want to leave this dazzling and deadly world of phoenix racing.” — Emma Clancey, author of This Dream Will Devour Us

From the Publisher