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Oh my goodness! The sheer intensity of this book had me on the edge of my seat! This is an electrifying, action-packed, and wildly original story that transports you straight into high-stakes races—only this time, instead of cars, we have phoenixes! The adrenaline, the danger, the heart-pounding thrill of every competition had me stress-eating my way through snacks while frantically flipping the pages. My fellow book lovers, do not sleep on this one!

From the very first page, Of Flame and Fury throws you into a world of fire and ambition, where phoenix racing isn’t just a sport—it’s a deadly game of survival. Kel Varra, our fiercely determined protagonist, is an underdog you can’t help but root for. She’s bold, stubborn, and willing to risk everything to win. And then there’s Coup—arrogant, maddening, and yet utterly irresistible. Their rivalry crackles with tension, making every interaction between them feel like a battle of wills. The enemies-to-lovers trope? Flawlessly executed! The slow-burn romance, the lingering stares, the push and pull—it’s the kind of dynamic that keeps you hopelessly hooked. I found myself whispering “just kiss already!� more times than I care to admit. And yes, I fully embraced my obsession by brainstorming ship names for them (Kelco? Koup? Someone back me up here!).

Beyond the romance, the world-building is simply breathtaking. The idea of phoenix racing is fresh and exhilarating, and the descriptions make you feel the heat of the flames and the rush of the wind as the riders battle for victory. But this isn’t just a story about winning a race—there’s a deeper layer of political intrigue, dangerous conspiracies, and secrets that could change everything. The stakes are impossibly high, and just when you think you know where things are headed, the plot takes a sharp turn that leaves you gasping.

One of my favorite things about this book is how effortlessly it blends different elements—action, fantasy, romance, and suspense—without ever losing momentum. The pacing is relentless, yet it still takes the time to develop its characters and relationships in a way that feels authentic and compelling. The side characters are just as intriguing as the leads, and I found myself desperate to know more about them (Dira and Bekn need their own spin-off, I’m just saying).

For fans of fantasy, romance, and high-intensity storytelling, Of Flame and Fury is an absolute must-read. It’s fierce, exhilarating, and packed with everything you could want—betrayals, secrets, pulse-pounding action, and a romance that burns brighter than a phoenix’s flames. If you love books with heart-racing competition, rich world-building, and characters who feel like real people, this one needs to be on your radar.

A massive thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) for sharing this ARC of one of the most anticipated fantasy books of the year in exchange for my honest opinions—I truly appreciate it!