Only ok imo. First half started off well, but kind of lost it in the second. It could’ve been a bit tighter.

"The Dagger and the Flame" is a captivating new adult romantasy set in the mystical city of Fantome. Within this shadowy world, the Cloaks—a cunning group of thieves—maintain a tenuous truce with their deadly rivals, the Daggers. Both factions harness the power of Shade, a mystical substance that enables them to manipulate shadows for their clandestine activities of theft and assassination.

The premise of this book intrigued me, but it took a while to truly engage me. It wasn’t until Part III that the story really picked up. Once it did, I found myself thoroughly enjoying the book and eagerly anticipating the sequel to see if it can maintain this momentum.

I was particularly impressed by the unique magic system. While the concept of using darkness and shadows is familiar, the execution here felt fresh. Shade is the source of all magic, but each faction uses it differently: the Cloaks sew it into their clothes to move through shadows, while the Daggers ingest it to drain life from their victims.

The main characters, Seraphine and Ransom, were also compelling. Seraphine is a classic naive FMC who is thrust into a new life following a personal tragedy. She’s smart and perceptive but also young and prone to rash decisions. Ransom, on the other hand, is older, more pragmatic, and embodies the misunderstood bad boy/villain archetype. Their chemistry is palpable from the start, making for a genuine and engaging enemies-to-lovers dynamic.

However, I did have a few issues with the book. Besides the slow start, the worldbuilding felt limited. The story focuses on the dark underbelly of Fantome but fails to provide a broader sense of the world. I found myself wishing for a map to help visualize the setting. Additionally, there were mentions of a King, but he never appeared, and there was little explanation of the larger governance beyond the Cloaks and Daggers.

Overall, this was a solid and intriguing first instalment in a series, which has left me curious about what will happen next and in my opinion has lots of potential.

Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Australia for the opportunity to read this ARC.

This was a lot of fun! A really layered, well thought through plot (that was at times a little predictable to me, but enjoyable nonetheless). The magic system was unique, and I loved that most of our characters feel like ordinary people, not supercharged heroes.

I had two main issues that made me dock stars from this book. First was the info-dump style world building, especially in the first third. There were full pages of 3rd person narrator to reader asides, used to explain history or character backstories. The second is that this book both reads as and is marketed as a YA novel (nothing wrong with that), but in my opinion, has a little too much sexual content to align with that classification. I have no problem with sexual content in adult books, but feel that in this case, the scene in question could have been written in looser terms or have been excluded all together.

Overall, would absolutely recommend this read to lovers of light romantasy! ★ ★ ★ ½ ☆

Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster (Australia) for providing me with an eARC of The Dagger and the Flame in return for my honest opinion.

I am a big lover of romantasy books, especially if it’s an enemies to lovers romantasy 👀. When I came across this book on Netgalley it was described as the romantasy of the year and post reading it, I have to agree that it’s really good.

This book has a really interesting magic system, a great plot and engaging characters! Sera and Ransom are a true enemies to lovers, one a their and the other an assassin (who also happens to be trying to kill Sera). This book is split between their POV, which I find always makes the characters more engaging and leaves me desperate for them to progress from enemies to lovers.

I did not see the plot twist coming and was pleasantly surprised by it (I love an unpredictable plot twist). However.. the ending?! Ouch! I sobbed my way through the ending of this book, it felt so cruel and has left me desperate for the next book in this series.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for access to an advanced copy of the first novel in The City of Fantome series in return for an honest review. It’s a fun romp through a well-defined world that fans of Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows series and possibly also Laini Taylor's Daughter of Smoke & Bone are likely to enjoy. Like Six of Crow's, Catherine Doyle's character's are thieves and assassins, adversaries in a battle for survival, victims of the mistakes and misjudgements of the past.

The Dagger and the Flame builds audience sympathy for the cast of villain protagonists into a fast-paced fantasy romance. Seraphine claims sanctuary with the Cloaks, after the brutal murder of her mother. Her new 'crew' are an eclectic bunch of Dickensian orphans under the care of Madame Mercure and Fontaine. Sera must become a thief to pay her way, or venture alone into the violence lurking in the shadows of Fantome. As monsters flood the city and romance blooms in all directions, Sera's nemesis draws the noose ever tighter around her neck.

I liked Fantome. I think the world buildiing worked well. I'm looking forward to seeing more of this in future novels, should this continue. The action-driven plot works well, adding a [albeit weak] prophecy trope to the various family/evil dad/orphan themes swirling around. I'm not convinced that this is anything more than a simple story, reasonably well told to be enjoyed over a cup of tea/hot chocolate/coffee. No hidden meaning or depth - and I don't find it's lacking much. Not every form of entertainment has to be plumbed for insight. I'm fine with that. On the other hand, this is apparently the first book in a series. I can't see that there is scope within the series for the main characters to take on that type of journey (of transformation or redemption). This is something that will need to be tackled in the next book(s).

Another bug bear with this novel, which seemed to crop up frequently, was a lack of nuance and frequently clumsy phrasing. I am no doubt being a bit picky, but I'd prefer a little more subtly than: “I don’t play with fire, Seraphine.” I wasn't as bothered with the early references to the aurora, although eventually this was belabored to the point of being ineffective.

So good! The characters were all done incredibly well and this is genuinely one of the best done enemies to lovers I've read in so long! Also obsessed with the worldbuilding and magic system, it was really cool and I was invested from the first chapter!

Even though it was long and didn't have the most robust plot, I actually didn't feel like it was dragging at all, a combination of the characters and writing style really kept me invested the whole way through! Ends on a cliffhanger though rip

A little slow to get into but once I understood the history, I was hooked. It took me a while to understand what an actual cloak and dagger do. I enjoyed learning about Sera and Ransom. I was half expecting someone to backstab Sera like Theo as I wasn't very trusting of him. I think this was due to his first impression and background being quite vague. The ending was very emotive making me emotional so props to the author. I can't wait for the next book.

I enjoyed this Romantic Fantasy ... although I felt that it suffered from an identity crisis at times. It starts off with a YA vibe and then lurched into an edgier enemies-to-lovers romance that felt more New Adult to me.

Here's what I liked:
- it's well written with dynamic action scenes that had me on the edge of my seat
- main characters are likable and well-developed
- engaging plot and fast pace
- interesting story world
- parental and family theme
- great sexual tension and chemistry before the MMCs
- the cloaks and daggers!
- the magic system, use of Shade, and the monsters

Here's what didn't vibe for me:
- the character names throughout ... some were Italian, some were French, and others had a more Celtic feel. It didn't feel cohesive.
- the story starts of very YA and almost childish - as such, when the MMF becomes kick-a$$ I couldn't really buy into it.
- I didn't like the twist at the end ... it felt contrived and the conflict between the MMCs could have been cleared up by a simple explanation
- Jarring mix of coarse language and f-bombs (which I don't usually mind) and 'wholesomeness' - once again, it felt as if the author couldn't decide which way to go, and so the use of swearwords felt forced.

Over all, this was a fun read in an immersive story world and an engaging world!

“You are my hobby, Seraphine. Do you want to come out and play?”

I was so fortunate to get an ARC of this book and even though it took me a few chapters to get into it but it was worth it. This one fit into the enemies to lovers tale I love so much. There were more than a few twists and turns, one that was only a fleeting thought but ended up having a huge impact on the story. I don’t want to say any more so everyone can experience it for themselves.

Ransom might do bad things but he’s got a gooey centre under that Shade exterior and you can’t help but root for him. Excuse me while I add him to my book boyfriend list. You could really feel the emotions the character went through and wrestled with and I loved how they found strength in being together.

The story was amazing, flowed well and had a teensy bit of spice and a whole lot of tension 🫠 I’m so looking forward to read what happens next!

First impressions 💭
I felt like I was immediately transported into the world of Fantome with incredible worldbuilding and immersive writing! I loved the concept of the two groups “daggers” and “cloaks” wielding the same magic in their own unique ways.

What I Loved ❤️
- the character development and growth was amazing. The love that main characters backstories were not dissimilar and yet they were dealt completely different hands which shaped the people they ultimately became
- the dual POV 👌
- Shadow magic but with a twist! There’s a reason that we all love shadow magic so much but it’s a little bit overdone in fantasy at the moment. However the uniqueness of the delivery system and the different ways the shadows can be wielded made me love it even more!
- sizzling tension and laugh out loud banter!

What I didnt love 👎🏻
- I want to know more and be more invested in the side characters because of the “found family” element. But judging by that ending I feel like we are going to get more of that in book 2!
- the fact that I now have to wait for the second instalment 😂

Favourite Quote 📝
Tears streaming down her face, the words springing from her before she could stop them “you weren’t the only one who prayed to Saint Oriel, I wished for you too Bastian” 😭😭

Final verdict ⭐️
I’m totally invested in knowing what happens next, for the order of the flames, the friendships formed, Bastian navigating a new life without Sera while still protecting her, and ultimately how Sera is going to save not only him but everyone from shade!

“sometimes it takes a monster to destroy a monster”

The city of Fantom is ruled by two rival groups, The Cloaks (thieves) and The Daggers (assassins). They both utilise Shade, which is a magical substance that wields darkness 🖤

“Playing with magic was like playing with fire, and in the end someone always got burned.”

After the tragic assassination of her mother, our FMC Seraphine joins The Cloaks so she can find & kill The Dagger responsible. With the help of her new friends & a gift from her mother she discovers she will need to became a flame within the dark 🔥

“And when the time comes, you will rise far above this wicked city, and become a flame in the dark.”

This book is for you, if you love:
>Enemies to lovers 🔥
>Found family
>Magic & monsters
>Murder & revenge
>Knife to throat 🔪

Two moments that are playing on repeat in my mind:

‘We’re already in hell, Seraphine. And in case you haven’t noticed, it belongs to me.’

‘I suppose fire is only mesmerizing until it burns you”

I will be reading Catherine’s other series Twin crowns in attempt to fill the void while I desperately wait for book 2!

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Two Orders run the city of Fantome - the Daggers and the Cloaks. And in this enemies to lovers romantacy of course our heroine is a Cloak and also happens to be the mark of a handsome Dagger. The world building could have been done better - I needed more! However I was so intrigued by the concept of the magic in this book, a drug called Shade, and how it was used.
I read this in the hope that we'd be able to purchase for our high school library, but I'm still on the fence about this one: the friendships, and romance and story in general would have been perfect, which is why the brief-ish sex scene felt a little out of place (and a little like it was trying to be 'Fourth Wing' with the way the magic was also responding to the intimacy) and might be a bit too intense for young people... I did love the spice between our lovers, the sharp-tongued protagonist was great as we also got to see her hesitancy and inner dialogue. And add a little twist in there for good measure and it was a decent read, especially considering it's not my favourite genre!

The Dagger and the Flame is a new adult fantasy set in the fictional city of Fantome. The Cloaks are a group of thieves who have an uneasy truce with rival assassin group the Daggers. Both groups make use of an alchemical substance called Shade, which allow them to manipulate shadows in different ways in order to carry out their various tasks.

Sera is a farmgirl who takes refuge with the Cloaks when her mother is murdered. Ransom is the Dagger who is ordered to kill her. The two of them have chemistry which is obvious from when they first meet and provides a good grounding to their rivalry and budding romance. Sera is mentally strong and clever, but her youth and inexperience sometimes means she makes rash and illogical decisions. Ransom is a little older with more time spent in the dark, and comes across as much more level headed. I enjoyed reading their dual POVs. The secondary characters were also a lot fun to read, with Bibi and Theo being my favourites.

The plot develops well overall through gradual revealing of information on behalf of the main characters, although certain aspects did feel rushed or missing towards the end of the novel. The worldbuilding focuses mainly on the shady underbelly of Fantome, with only a few hints as to the ruling class (the royal family) and the greater world beyond the city. The description of the magic made available through the use of shade and the development of lightfire was handled well and a real highlight, especially with the interesting ways in which the characters used them and the side effects caused.

I liked that the ending didn't try to wrap everything up nicely given what occured, and left certainl events open for a sequel. The Dagger and the Flame is a quick and enjoyable fantasy read and I look forward to reading more from this author.

Thanks to Netgalley for my copy for review.

Wield the dagger . Become the flame

Set in a world where the underbelly of the city is ruled by 2 long standing rival guilds The Cloaks & The Daggers

The story follows new recruit to The Cloak Seraphine as she tries to unravel the mystery her mother's death brings, while playing a deadly game of Kiss or Kill with swoon worthy Ransom, a feared assassin from The Daggers.

While it took a few chapters to captivate me, I soon found myself utterly engrossed in this book. It encompassed all the elements I adore in a YA Romantasy: a perfect blend of enemies-to-lovers romance, an intriguing plot, found family and adorable animal companion. The pacing was consistent, the world-building was clear, and the unfolding events kept me thoroughly engaged.

The romance between Sera and Ransom was one of my favourite things about this book it wasnt rushed it had a little slowburn/all at once feel and their banter was perfection that left me kicking my feet and physically laughing.
The supporting characters we're also so easy to love, I loved the found family connection and I can't wait to see the development in the characters in the next book along with all the Pippin content.

This is what I would categorise as an Upper YA with a little bit of spice and sexual tension, I would love to see it head into more of a NA space in future books.

I'm eagerly anticipating diving into the second book and following the flame and goofy stick man.

I thought this was a great read and I was enthralled, read it in a couple of days. It's a good world setup, interesting back plot, cute enemies to lovers, and a plot twist cliff hanger at the end

I am very much looking forward to the next book.

World building and magic system is woven into the history of Fantome. Rather than an info- dump, the system distils through either Ransom (the cute male Dagger) and Seraphine (the cute female Cloak). The Dagger and The Flame is about enemies to lovers, and it is a romantic fantasy; but I am here for the stabby and snarky part. There are plenty of characters in the book, like friends on both sides and the occasional victim.

While I enjoyed the book, the only disappointment I have is one of the reveals. I think it is lazy to just drop a bombshell because it is convenient. Everything else has a link, except this one tidbit, that annoys me. I mean, if you have done so much work with world-building and history, it wouldn't kill you to drop A hint or omit the useless tidbit all together? There is like here's information, the event ends, move on! This is not a good way to drum up drama, not that you needed any more of that.

Aside from that, it has a lot of good things going. I like the struggles, and the mystery the Sera has to uncover. Ransom's hopes and dreams: he's not just a pretty and angsty dude. Only one friend is a douchebag. I also like the ending. It is not a real cliffhanger, but it clearly shows that the author intends to return to the series and I am excited. If you like a magical romance that isn't too cloying with romance, the book releases Oct 2024!

This was really an enjoyable read. Set in a world where many of the inhabitants are either Daggers or Cloaks, and both utilise the same magical component in different ways. We follow a new Cloak, Seraphine, and a seasoned Dagger, Ransom, after he is tasked with her assassination.
Both the romance and the fantasy were handled well in this book, and the world was believable and interesting. Fans of romantic fantasy will love this.

A new Author to me Catherine Doyle certainly kept me engrossed in The Dagger and the Flame. I would definitely put her writing on a par with Briar Boleyn and Rebecca Yarros.

You can certainly imagine the scenes as you are reading and the plot is well set out not long into the book. The characters are vivid and interesting and some of those surprises along the way keep it so enthralling. I love the relationship building between Seraphine and Ransom and the secondary characters are just wonderful.

The magic in the story is a little different than others I have been reading about at the moment and that is also very refreshing. And that ending??? Theo?? Just Wow! Will definitely be looking forward to the next book in this series and wholeheartedly recommend this book.

Thanks to Netgalley and Catherine Doyle for the opportunity to read and give an honest review.

****Thankyou NetGalley for this ARC*****
Wow! What a book! I must admit, it did take me a hot minute to actually get into but once i was in - i was ALL IN! This is the first Catherine Doyle book i have read and it didn't disappoint.
I loved the tension between Ransom & Sera, it had me hooked right through (especially the little dart message system) and i cant wait for book 2!!
I loved the magic system and the world building. I could picture strolling through town :) Theo holds a special place in my heart too (sssh, dont tell anyone lol)

If you like Sarah J Maas & Rebecca Yarros you will love Catharine Doyle.

The world of The Dagger & the Flame is rich and really well constructed. The enemies to lovers trope is well done and seemed less pre planned than some I have read in the past.

I enjoyed this book and I know my teenagers will devour it's pages once it is released.