The Dagger and the Flame

I totally loved The dagger and the flame, such a thrilling and atmospheric book! I thoroughly enjoyed the description of the city of Fantome that seemed to recall a seventeenth century Paris, together with the history of the saints and of the founders of the main orders of the Cloaks (thiefs) and the Daggers (murderers) who share their rule over the Fantome. The descriptions are at the same time decadent and extremely detailed, which was very fun to read!
As for the main characters, I absolutely adored Seraphine’s stubbornness and strong will, as well as Ransom’s impertinence. I loved their banter and the tension during their first encounters (it’s always appreciated when enemies actually try to take each other out)!
Both of them had supportive and well laid out friend groups that helped them through their heists.
I’m also definitely very satisfied of that ending! I find it to be such a good premise for book two and I definitely can’t wait to read it!
Bonus points for the gorgeous cover🤩

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher Simon & Schuster for a free earc, all opinions are my own!

“Seraphine was a spitfire. And Ransom wanted to burn.”

🔥 The cutest pup sidekick
🗡️ Found Family
🔥 Enemies to Lovers
🗡️ Unique Magic System
🔥 Morally Grey Characters
🗡️ Rivals
🔥 Unique Magic System (Shadows with a twist)

Overall Enjoyment: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 1/2 a 🌶️
World Building: 🌎🌎🌎🌎
Romance: ♥️♥️♥️
Characters: 👤👤👤👤

“And even though he was still a well-seasoned assassin and their truce teetered on the knife edge of their mutual curiosity, she felt like in that moment they were something else –two lost souls, left adrift in the same dark sea.”

If you are craving an atmospheric fantasy world full of cloak and dagger. If you like your romance beautifully slow burning with enemies to lovers, that is full of tension and banter. Then this is exactly the book you should read.

The Dagger and the Flame is based in a city full of secrets and magic where the lines are blurred between ‘good’ and ‘evil’. The magic system is incredibly unique, Shade is the deadly source of magic for the two enemy guilds. Each abusing it in different ways. This book is full of morally grey characters, where everyone is balancing on the knife’s edge of the light/dark scale.

Our FMC Seraphine has to try to carve out a new place in the world after the murder of her mother. You will follow her along on her journey to figure out just how far she might go for revenge. Especially as she unearths betrayal after betrayal.

“She was so hell-bent on revenge, she’d crawl through a bonfire just to get it. Burn herself along with Dufort, and the rest of them.”

The relationship between Ransom and Sera made for such an interesting read. They go from being true enemies, he stands for everything she despises and she is his mark to kill. This makes for some of the best tension filled scenes, because inbetween trying to kill each other they find this common ground that just can’t be ignored. No matter how they try to brush aside this pull, even when it risks everything they still manage to build utterly compelling something together.

‘And then you came barrelling over the horizon like a runaway sun. You shattered the darkness, Seraphine. And I realize now that all these years I wasn’t wishing for freedom. I was wishing for you.’

One of favourite things about this book was its fascinating rich characters. The found family aspect was so well done, you will find yourself falling in love with Theo, Bibi, Val and of course the best pup Pippin. As the story goes along their individual personalities start to shine, and I just know that they’ll become even more involved in the books to come. The loyalty between this group is everything I could have hoped for.

This book will hook you from the first page, I know I couldn’t escape this captivate world. This was such a great start to the series, I truly can’t wait for what happens next!

Excellent start that sucked me into the story immediately and just didn't let go of me 😊 I devoured this book.

I loved Ransom and Seraphine together! The banter was brilliant, I was smiling like an idiot at my e-reader for every interaction 😍 Also the tension between them was perfection.

The magic system with Shade was very interesting also all the twists and turns were shocking and intriguing, I also liked all of the side characters, the friendships throughout are so sweet.

I absolutely loved this book! I cannot wait for the next one! I need more of her Dagger and his Spitfire in my life ❤️ That ending has ruined me, I need the next book now please.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Can I just say wow? I was totally hooked on this new enemies to lovers fantasy. Slightly NA the YA due to one little spicy scene, (no sex) but what I loved is that the romance was important but also didn't overshadow the amazing unique plot that Catherine has created.

What to expect

True enemies to lovers
Fantastic worldbuilding
Monsters
Magic
Found family

The city of Fantome, I was picturing a dark Paris, is a place where it's underground is ruled by 2 opposing sides. The Daggers are trained and brutal Assassins, and the Cloaks are Theives.
When Seraphine loses her mum to the Daggers, she turns to the only place in the city she might find safety, the Cloaks. But there are events that have already been set in motion that will change what they though they knew forever.

Ransom, a Dagger has been set the task of killing Seraphine. I loved the cat and mouse game the 2 had throughout this book. And the slow realisation that they need each other, very reluctantly I might add being enemies on opposite sides. When Monsters stalk the city, killing all in their path they must join together to save themselves and their city.

I loved the side characters in this, they were really well developed. Also I love Found Family and this was giving me all the good vibes.

I think this book is going to be super popular and it deserves all the hype. It has so many twists and turns to keep you hooked, and it is set up nicely for a sequel without leaving too much unfinished, which I love!

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.

Catherine Doyle's "The Dagger and the Flame" kicks off the City of Fatome series and brings fresh blood to the young adult fantasy category.

The setting is a dark city that feels like a magical twist on Paris, where two rival groups, the Cloaks and the Daggers, are always clashing.

Seraphine is a Cloak and Ransom is a Dagger, and they really, really want to kill each other. Their back-and-forth relationship is filled with tension, witty banter, and undeniable chemistry. Doyle does a great job showing how they move from being enemies to working together, making their growing bond feel real and satisfying.

The magic system revolving around "Shade" reveals interesting twists and keeps the stakes high all the way through. The plot moves fast with loads of surprises.

The supporting cast, including Sera's found family and Ransom's crew, adds depth to the story and teases things to come in future books.

Even though the book shines in so many ways, some readers might find the pacing a little off in the middle, but overall the story is exciting enough to make the read worth it.

"The Dagger and the Flame" is a fantastic addition to the romantasy genre. With its mix of action, romantic tension, and magic setting, this book is sure to please romance and fantasy fans.

I knew about the 20% mark that it was going to be a favorite and I'm definitely not wrong: it's such a 5 star favorites I loved it so much and am so happy to discover this book and its world!

I already liked Marvel's Cloak & Dagger base idea so that what made me request this arc because I was intrigued. And while we're still different from the inspiration, the changes gives such a great and interesting fantasy world, with powers and dangers and fall backs all the more intriguing.

I really loved Seraphine and Ransom, may it be their personality on themself seperately from each others, but also - and especially - when they're together. We have here a true ennemies (true, Ransom has to kill Sera lol) to lovers with some cat and mouse games, I'm trying to kill you but you save me so I'm saving you back, and all of that ponctuated with great tension. I really loved the character growth of them both, but more for Ransom especially with what happens at the end /spoiler iykyk/.

The story itself is very fast-paced and holding your grip, I didn't want to put the book down. There's always some actions or important revelations that shades away the boredom and there's not a moment dragging slower. I also really loved the explanation on why the word Flame was used in the title (instead of Cloak), why the fire had such importance to the story, to the plot. It was really well made and used, and I so wish to talk about it but it's too spoilery for you.

Also this is romantasy because the romance has a huge importance to the plot (if there were no romance there would have been no plot as Sera would be dead at like Chapter 2 lol) but it's still done well and it was even, well-balanced between romance and fantasy. And as I'm usually afraid of starting book announced as romantasy because most of the time there's 80% romance 20% fantasy, it wasn't the case here and that's what makes this romantasy so great for me.

The ending leads to more adventures and more conflicts, and this book 1 isn't even released yet that I can't wait to dive into book 2, it's torture!


PS: I do feel like it's more upper YA or New Adult, as both MCs are 19-20 years old, and there's a spicy scene that while it was short, it was pretty descriptive on what they were doing.

So, the first third of this book felt a wee bit slow but as soon as I got past that I was completely and utterly sold.
Seraphine is a fantastic character and I love her energy. I love her band of friends she makes and of course we all love a pet sidekick.
Ransom just stole my heart, his story just makes him such an endearing lovable character and my heart breaks for him
The overall plot was incredible and I'm obsessed with the world building. I loved the comedic moments, my favourite being in the catacombs.
I cannot wait for the sequel to be available now. I'm completely sold.

After reading all the twin crowns books in one go, I was so eager to read this one - as I'd LOVED those.
I loved the Dagger and the Flame just!
The story just flows so nicely and it's one of those booked you'll get suck into and just fly through.
Can't wait for more!

I've read and loved all of Catherine's middle grade novels and have also read book 1 of the Twin Crowns series (written with Katherine Webber) so I was keen to read The Dagger and the Flame... and I wasn't disappointed.

A YA book, The Dagger And The Flame centres around Sera and her fight to stay alive following the murder of her mother. The pair lived a life between the Daggers and the Cloaks, providing shade magic, but now that her mother has been killed Sera knows that her life will never be the same again. She claims sanctuary amongst the Cloaks and is desperate to avoid the Dagger (Ransom) tasked with killing her; however the longer the chase goes on, the closer the pair become.

There's a gothic feel to this fantasy that oozes danger and darkness in a way that completely draws you in. Told through a dual point of view, the chemistry that builds between Sera and Ransom is compelling; the romance that builds works well with the plot and will keep readers intrigued. With plot twists that keep you on your toes, the book is one that I found a compelling read and left me needing to know what the second part of the duology holds for the characters.

Hooked from chapter 1!!

This book was an excellent start to the series/trilogy!! ❤️

Things I loved:

❤️ The dual POV was so well done - I loved how their paths crossed and that their interactions were filled with delicious tension and threat!

❤️ A true Enemies to Lovers plot!

❤️ The pace and plotting was fast and gripping - every chapter had something happening to keep you invested!

❤️ I genuinely liked both POVs equally!!

❤️ Fantastic ending! Thoroughly looking forward to the next book!

One thing that slightly took me by surprise - I found the steamy scenes a shock for a YA?? Perhaps more NA in parts??

Enemies to lovers
Found family
Rival gangs
What’s not to love!

I really enjoyed this, big thank you to net galley for the advance copy.
This is perfect for Fans of six of crows & these violent delights

Excellent story, enemies that are actually enemies, so many twists and turns!

Oh, I love this b9ok. Absolutely love it and I want, no need book two now, please. Pretty please!
The Dagger and The Flame is the first book in the City of Fatome fantasy romance series. Our two protagonists are Sera and Ransom. Now, they belong to different factions or guilds within the city, with Sera being a member of the Cloaks, and Ransom a member of the infamous Daggers. Meaning that they are instant enemies, especially as Ransom is tasked with killing Sera. However, this scenario sets up the perfect enemies to lovers storyline, which is brilliantly written by Catherine Doyle and the lines between the two characters are genuinely hilarious. I actually cackled at one point - probably unnerved a few people in the local coffee shop but I couldn't help it, their conversations are excellent.
The world building is simple but well-done and makes it easy for the reader to imagine the world of Fatome as they read.
The story could be read as a standalone but honestly, why would you finish when the story is at such a highpoint? I can't wait for book two. And I fully recommend that you read the series.

Nothing in this world is ever black and white. What we do is not always who we are."

This might be my top romantasy pick of the year. No joke. I'm obsessed! 😍

First off, let’s talk enemies to lovers. We’ve seen it all done before, but this? THIS was actual, brutal, “I will unalive you” enemies to lovers, not that soft version where they’re just mildly annoyed with each other. Sera and Ransom legit try to kill each other. Multiple times. And the tension? The banter? Off the charts. Like, I’m over here cackling one minute at their savage back-and-forths, and the next, I’m fully kicking my feet when they finally give in to that angsty chemistry. Absolute *chef’s kiss* 😘👌.

"You and I have unfinished business."
"Yeah, I can't help but notice you're still alive."


Now the world of Fantome? I want to live there. It’s this rich, dark, moody city with cobbled streets and flickering lanterns, and the whole vibe gives major underground Parisian feels. It’s a magical underworld with rival guilds (Cloaks vs. Daggers, baby!) fighting for control, and everything revolves around a dangerous magic called 'Shade'. Catherine Doyle builds the world so well that you can basically smell the old stone catacombs and feel the tension hanging in the air.

Then there’s Sera, who goes from this innocent farm girl to a total badass, all while on a mission for revenge after her mum gets murdered. She has this secret magic no one really understands, and oh boy, when she and Ransom—who’s all dark and broody and just so happens to be the heir to the Daggers—finally come face-to-face? Sparks fly. And not just the flirty kind, but also the “let me throw a knife at you” kind. It’s the perfect mix of “Will they kill each other or kiss?” You’re constantly on edge.

"If you want to kiss me, just say so."
"You're projecting, Ransom. You know I prefer stabbing you."
"Maybe you're right. Maybe I want to know what that smart mouth tastes like.


Speaking of edge, there's this one random spicy scene (in a YA book, mind you!...) that had me going, “Wait, hold up—is this actually happening right now?” But honestly, I didn’t hate it. The build-up was real, and when it finally happened, it was like YES, finally! 👏 But it may be a little much for the intended audience...🙅‍♀️

The side characters are sheer perfection! Sera’s little found family over at House Armand? Bibi, Val, and Theo are just top-tier squad goals. And then there’s Ransom’s crew—Lark and Nadia—who give him that extra depth and just make you love him more, even when you’re screaming at him for being a dumbass sometimes. Let’s not forget Pippin the dog, who, let’s be real, deserves a spin-off of his own because this little guy is iconic. 🙌

The whole book has this amazing balance of witty, fun moments, heartbreaking tension, and rich lore. The history of the Cloaks and Daggers and their roots in Fantome is so well done, and the plot just sweeps you along. Monsters in the streets? Guild warfare? Dangerous magic? Yes, yes, and YES.

That ending though…😱😱 I. Am. Shook. The final twist had me gasping—like, Doyle did NOT hold back, and now I’m sitting here absolutely needing the sequel asap. Why do authors do this to us?! 😭

So if you’re into dark, enchanting worlds with an actual enemies-to-lovers romance (not just fake tension but REAL fighting and drama), witty banter, and a plot that will leave you begging for more—go read The Dagger and The Flame as soon as you physically can.

I’m calling it now: The Dagger and The Flame is everything I want in a romantasy and will be one of the top romantic fantasy books of 2024.

✨ 5 stars and a dagger to my heart, honestly. ✨

Thank you so much to Catherine Doyle, Simon & Schuster Children's UK, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.



____________________________

Favourite quotes:

"Get a hobby, stalker."
"You are my hobby, Seraphine."

"Sometimes it takes a master to destroy a monster."

"Maybe I'm a little afraid of you. I know what you can do with a letter opener. I shudder to think what you'll do with that."

"What the hell do you want from me?"
"I want you to touch me, Seraphine."

"Seraphine was a spitfire. And Ransom wanted to burn."

"Seraphine was so much more than a thorn in his side. She was a thorn in his soul."

"How many minutes do you want, Seraphine?"
"As many as you can spare,"
"How about eternity?"

"Run away with me. Tonight. Tomorrow. Yesterday. I don't care. We have the same dream. Let's chase it together."

"I can save my own damn life."

"And then you came barrelling over the horizon like a runaway sun. You shattered the darkness, Seraphine. And I realise that all these years I wasn't wishing for freedom. I was wishing for you."