Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fiery phoenix races, strong teamwork in decent romantasy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
OF FLAME AND FURY tells the story of teen Kel Varra, a phoenix tamer living on her own after her mother left and her father died. She raised her phoenix Savita from the egg, and now hopes that a victory in a phoenix race will earn her enough money for some much-needed repairs to her farm and aviary. But when the aviary burns down, Kel has to accept the sponsorship of corporate billionaire Canen Cristo, even while she suspects there will be a price to pay for his support. Worse still, after the unfortunate death of her team's phoenix rider, she has no choice but to join with her arrogant and reckless rival, Warren Coupers. Egos clash and tempers flare as the teens try to survive and win each increasingly deadly race.
Is It Any Good?
Romantic fantasy fans will enjoy the fiery phoenixes, especially Savita, and the brave and intrepid band of teens as they come together as a team. Of Flame and Fury is predictable in some ways, especially in the rivals falling for each other, and the shadowy motives behind the too-good-to-be-true billionaire sponsor. But debut novelist Mikayla Bridge creates exciting phoenix races and funny banter between the teen teammates. Some of the phoenix magic isn't fully developed, but the world-building provides a solid sense of place. There's plenty of tension and suspense to keep the pages turning as the stakes get higher and higher, and food for thought about humanity's impact on the environment, the treatment of wild animals, and more.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Of Flame and Fury. Is it too much? Is reading about or seeing fantasy violence different from real-world violence?
How does the story show the importance of being careful stewards of the environment instead of exploiting it for resources?
What makes the Crimson Howlers a strong team? What roles do loyalty, commitment, and trust play in fostering teamwork?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Farrar, Straus and Giroux
- Publication date : July 15, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 18
- Number of pages : 416
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : July 14, 2026
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