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.