Of Flame and Fury by Mikayla Bridge

The quick cut: In a fantasy world where Phoenixes are found on an island made of ash and fire, Phoenix racing is a dangerous competition. 

A real review: 

 The Phoenix is is a mythological creature associated with rebirth and change. In a world where Phoenixes are a real creature that live on a magical island, one girl's team of Phoenix racers is desperate to get the fortune that comes with winning. 

Kel's team of Phoenix racers, the Crimson Howlers, are desperate to win the annual races and earn the winnings that come with it. When changes and unfortunate circumstances causes them to be short teammates and needing serious repairs to their facilities, Kel agrees to be sponsored by a tech mogul with a pointed interest in her Phoenix, Savita. Will this partnership be what they needed? Or the beginning of a new problem? 

 I'm admittedly obsessed with Phoenixes, so this story was practically made for me based on the premise. As much as I loved the idea, it had some serious points of lagging story drive and it took me much longer than usual to finish. 

 Kel is going through it to really understate it and she's willing to do a lot more than usual to keep what she has. She truly doesn't want to lose her Phoenix named Savita and to keep from having her taken away, she agrees to multiple partnerships she doesn't like. 

One of those partnerships she doesn't like is with her long time rival and romantic interest, Coup. Their unexpected combining of forces creates interest, which they hold on to be playing up their chemistry. It's a good idea, but I didn't entirely believe their relationship. It felt forced and didn't feel genuine to me. 

 A fun fantasy story with Phoenix racing and pacing issues. 

My rating: 3.5 out of 5