The Dagger and the Flame

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.

****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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

“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!

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!

“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!

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.

Catherine Doyle's "The Dagger and The Flame" captivates readers with its black magic system based on Shade, a mystical force harnessed by both the Daggers and Shadows. Doyle's world-building is meticulous, seamlessly integrating the Shade magic into a richly woven tapestry of adventure, political intrigue, and personal stakes. The characters are well-developed and engaging, making their journeys both relatable and compelling. Overall, the novel stands out as an enthralling addition to the fantasy genre.

“I suppose fire is only mesmerizing until it burns you.”

In the dark city underbelly where shade-magic is controlled by two enemy guilds: the Cloaks (thieves) and the Daggers (assassins) lives 17-year-old Seraphine. Upon returning home, Sera discovers her house on fire and her mother murdered. After running for her life, she seeks sanctuary with the Cloaks and begins plotting her revenge. But are her secret abilities a match for Ransom: a dark-haired boy and heir to the Order of Daggers who has his own agenda?

Thank you to Netgalley, Simon & Schuster AU and Catherine Doyle for providing me with this E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book totally delivered on everything we know and love about young adult fantasy with ample amounts of action and adventure and delicious tropes such as; enemies to lovers, dagger (or letter opener) to throat, found family and magic.

I particularly enjoyed the setting of House Armand which more or less acted as an orphanage for other children of the cloak (shoutout to my favourite, wholesome character Bibby.) I also thought both the setting and magic system was unique therefore captivating. Overall, a great read and am eagerly awaiting book two!

Publication date: 2 Oct 2024

"The Dagger and the Flame" by Catherine Doyle is a tale of magic, revenge, and romance set in the kingdom of Fantome. Effortlessly captivating the reader from the start with intricate world-building, dynamic characters, and a well-crafted plot. Amongst the vivid scenes, there are action sequences, character building, high stakes and emotions, even shocking OMG moments. This book has it all!
I could not put this book down, and when I did, it was all I thought about and getting back into the story! I'm still thinking about it after finishing it. The writing was fluid, the banter spot-on, the world of Fantome and Valterre with Cloaks and Daggers was brilliantly crafted. Cannot wait for more Sera and Ransom, and what Saint Oriel has in store for them!

This was such a magnificent read, and I had been waiting the whole year for something like this, so thank you Catherine Doyle!

The magic system was amazing, it was so unique and the concept of shadows and light was quite genius, and perfectly fit into the world building. It really did feel like I was in a beautiful European city and it reminded me of Amsterdam a lot.
The magic system also perfecting fit into the plot concept of the rival orders, The Order of the Daggers (assassins) and The Order of the Cloaks (thieves) and their rivalry. I wish we got to see more of the Cloaks as the plot felt more focused on the Daggers.
Also, Catherine Doyle really knew how to develop this fantasy world's history, the origins of the magic system was so interesting. The concept of saints, reminds me of Shadow and Bone, made this story have so much more depth!

The writing was absolutely beautiful, but at some points, it would go really simple. Like there were some magnificent quotes, but then some characters would swear out of nowhere? The banter between the two main characters is some of the best I have ever seen, especially in the first half of the book when Ransom and Sera were trying to murder each other. It was so tense!

The storyline felt very fast paced because it had dual POVs, so it was never slow or boring, and because of this, it felt the plot started from the very beginning of the book. Also because of the dual POVs, we never knew what the main characters were going to do next, when they would appear in the other main character's POV, and it was so thrilling and so unexpected. It really did feel like a game of cat and mouse between Ransom and Sera throughout the whole book!

I have never read one of Catherine Doyle's books before, but I was very impressed and I will definitely be continuing this series, I cannot wait!

Tropes:
- enemies to lovers / forbidden love: Sometimes this trope is done in an instant love way, or there isn't really a reason why they are enemies, but with Ransom and Sera, you never knew if they would kill or kiss each other, up to the very end of this book.
- found family: I rarely see a young adult book with found family, and this book clearly had it, as seen in the quote 'Home is not just a place. It’s people. It’s family.’ Every character in this book had a purpose and contribution to the plot, and I was grateful.

Thank you Netgalley, Simon & Schuster and Catherine Doyle for this amazing arc!

I quite enjoyed this book. There was a lot going on with different factions and magic that our FMC was trying to navigate as she grieves the loss of her mum. As I was reading it was giving me similar vibes as the Nevernight series from Jay Kristoff. The stories weren’t the same or anything like that but it just felt like they could have been from the same world.

There was plenty of action as our MCs try to dodge each other as we tried to work out the mystery of the monsters. There’s family drama, new friends, strange pets, and murder. What more do you need?

Thanks to netGallery and the publisher for access to this ARC.

Genre: Romance/fantasy MF
Format: Digital
POV: Dual
Tropes: enemies to lovers, two warring factions, magic and monsters, assassins and thieves.
Spice: 🌶️ /5
Age suggestion: 16+

A novel truly worth the title of 5 stars. Absolutely phenomenal 👏

Catherine has expertly woven together a story of romance and forbidden love, with a story of revenge, and saving a city from scary ass monsters. Sprinkle some fantasy, mystery, heartache and *world class* banter... masterpiece.

This is not a book to miss!

Fans of romantasies will be thrilled with The dagger and the flame and are sure to eagerly await the next in the series. The kingdom of Fantome is a strange wondrous place where Shade-magic is used by two enemy guilds, The Cloaks and the Daggers, the thieves and the assassins. After the murder of her mother, 17-year-old Seraphine leaves her farm and runs for her life to the home of the Cloaks, an order of thieves, and the place her mother told her she would find shelter. She is pursued by a dark-haired boy, Ransom, who has been ordered to assassinate her. Will he succeed in his wicked quest? Will Seraphine survive and avenge her mother’s murder?
Told in the voice of Sera and Ransom, the reader gets to know the motivation and skills of these two protagonists. The reader is dragged into the story right from the first chapter as Sera flees the scene of her mother’s murder. From then on, the tension is high as Ransom attempts to kill her, and she uses all her skill and magical power to repulse him. Gradually they begin to understand each other, with a slow burn enemies to lovers romance that will delight people who enjoy this trope.
The world of Fantome is unique. Shade-magic is fascinating and the idea of two guilds using it for nefarious purposes is engrossing. It is easy to overlook the morality of what is done as the action and tension of monsters and assassins stalking the streets is ramped so high by the author that the reader gets carried along. And then there is that cliff-hanger ending!
Fans of Leigh Bardugo, MA Carrick, and Lili Wilkinson, as well as readers of the romantasy genre are likely to enjoy this fast-paced story, although a spicy scene in the middle of a battle may make it more appropriate for older teens.
I look forward to the next in the series.

I really loved this. While it’s a fairly genre appropriate YA romantasy it’s also deeply unique. I enjoyed the voices of the characters and felt like this was a world and a system that was never seen before.

This made what could have been predictable completely unique and hooked me to devour this book.

Overall it’s well written, well paced and the characters were deeply likable which are all huge pluses. Can’t wait for the next book

The Dagger and the Flame by Catherine Doyle 🗡️🔥

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙪𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧 𝘾𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝘿𝙤𝙮𝙡𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙛𝙞𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙚𝙨-𝙩𝙤-𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙨𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧. 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙛𝙖𝙣𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙎𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙝 𝙅. 𝙈𝙖𝙖𝙨, 𝙇𝙚𝙞𝙜𝙝 𝘽𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙪𝙜𝙤 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙩𝙚𝙥𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙚 𝙂𝙖𝙧𝙗𝙚𝙧.

𝙄𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙠 𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙖 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙮, 𝙩𝙬𝙤 𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙖𝙡 𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙥𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩 𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙡𝙮 𝙜𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙚, 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙞𝙨 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚…

This book was INCREDIBLE 👏🏻✨. Here’s some elements I loved:

🗡️ The romance was PERFECTION 🥹. When I say enemies to lovers I MEAN it with this one, like they almost kill eachother multiple times (and I ate it up). These characters had the best banter together and I was literally giggling out loud at their interactions 😭. Obsessed is an understatement 😍.

🔥 The fantasy world this was set in was so unique and intriguing and the fantasy plot line had me so hooked the whole time!

🗡️ The friendships and found family in this book were so sweet 🥹

🔥 The ENDING!!! The whole last 100 pages had me on the edge of my seat and then it ended in a way where I am dying to read the next one to see where the story goes!

🗡️ I couldn’t stop thinking about this book, when I wasn’t reading it I was just thinking about the next time I could pick it up 😤.

The Dagger and the Flame ARC Review

My rating: 5⭐️
Spice: 2🌶️

I freaking loved this book so so much. The banter in the book was so fun and entertaining. Sera was such a strong character but was also quite cheeky and playful. Ransom on the other hand was quite cool and collected but was like a moth to a flame when it came to Sera! It was so sweet seeing the new found family that Sera created and the family Ransom had being in the dagger group. I’m sad with the ending of the book because now I have to wait patiently 😩Oh! Might I add, THE QUOTES!!! I’m a sucker for quotes that I resonate with and this book did not disappoint. My two favourite quotes:

“Her heart was shredded to ruins, but it was still beating.” 💔

“What right have you to decide anything for me.”

Oh my. Anyways, this book was wonderful. I highly recommend. It’s definitely a bit different to what I’ve read. Nevertheless, it was an entertaining read!

This novel contains violence and romantic themes.

If you like books that contain:
🔥 Magical elements
👫🏻 Found family
🔥 Feisty FMC
👫🏻 Enemy houses
🔥 And more

This book is for you.

🔥 The Dagger and the Flame releases 2nd of October 2024 🔥

Thank you to @netgalley and @simonschusterau for the opportunity to read this ARC.

⚠️ Just a heads up, this book does contain violence⚠️

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

The Dagger and the Flame by Catherine Doyle completely captivated me from the first page to the last. The writing style is lush and evocative, drawing me effortlessly into the vivid, intricate world that Doyle has crafted. The pacing is perfect, with each twist and turn keeping me on the edge of my seat. The world-building is nothing short of phenomenal, with every detail meticulously crafted to create a setting that feels both fantastical and real. The main characters are complex and compelling, and the chemistry between them is electric, simmering with tension and passion. One of my favorite quotes from the book is, "In the darkest of flames, we find the brightest truths." This line encapsulates the depth and intensity of their relationship and the story as a whole. I was completely immersed in this world, and I can’t recommend this book highly enough definitely a 5-star read for me.

This book was a whole ass three course meal, and I ATE!!!!

Enemies to lovers where they ACTUALLY try and kill each other, but then pass hate filled love notes in the most youthful giddy way?!!? Adore.

I enjoyed the storyline and magic system so much, and Catherine took the term shadow daddy very literally.

I can’t wait to see where this story goes, and to find out about everyone’s baby Theo. Also if anything happen to Val, Bibi or Pippin I might pass away.


Thank you to net galley for this arc. I am so excited to get this in my FairyLoot later this month 🥰

If you haven't already guessed by my rating, I have a new favourite book. Within the first ten pages, I was already in love with Seraphine and her adorable pupper Pippin, and then Ransom showed up and I was GONE. Both Seraphine and Ransom are such complex characters and I rode every wave of anxiety and exhilaration right alongside them. I could talk at length about how clever the magic system is in this book (I'd put it firmly in the Hobbit-style "you can learn all that there is to know about it in a month, and yet after a hundred years it can still surprise you," and the story is all the better for it. The city of Fantome and the cast of characters that inhabit it have imprinted themselves on my mind and my heart forever. I can't wait to see what's in store in the rest of the series.