The Dagger and the Flame: The instant number one bestseller: Volume 1

By Author / Illustrator

Catherine Doyle

Genre

Fantasy

Age range(s)

14+

Publisher

Simon & Schuster

ISBN

9781398528628

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

03-07-2025

Synopsis

AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! 'SIZZLING. STUNNING. SPECTACULAR.' - Lauren Roberts. The 'highly addictive' (The Guardian), 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...

In Fantome, Shade-magic is a deadly commodity controlled by two enemy guilds: the Cloaks and the Daggers - the thieves and the assassins. On the night of her mother's murder, 18-year-old Seraphine runs for her life. Seeking sanctuary with the Cloaks, Sera's heart is set on revenge.

But nothing can prepare Sera for the moment she finally comes face-to-face with Ransom, heir to the Order of Daggers. And Ransom is shocked to discover that this unassuming farmgirl wields a strange and blazing magic he has never seen before...

Also in the City of Fantome series: The Rebel and the Rose (Volume 2)

Praise for The Dagger and the Flame: 'Lush world-building, witty dialogue and romantic tension abound in a highly addictive fantasy romp.' - The Guardian. 'Sizzling romance, stunning world-building, spectacular writing.' - Lauren Roberts, bestselling author of Powerless. 'Packed full of Doyle's trademark lush description and snarky banter, The Dagger and the Flame is a sprawling adventure through the treacherous streets of Fantome. Enemies to lovers, sworn-to-kill-each-other-but-let's-kiss, swoony romance, perilous mystery, cute animal sidekicks - it ticks every romantasy box and will delight fans everywhere.' - Melinda Salisbury, author of The Sin Eater's Daughter.

The Dagger and the Flame was Children's #1 bestseller in the TCM chart on 28 September 2024, and #9 on the New York Times bestseller list of Young Adult Hardcover books on 10 October 2024

Download Extract

Reviews

Linda

17-year-old Seraphine's life is shattered when she witnesses her home, with her mother inside it, consumed by flames. Forced to flee for her life, she seeks refuge among the Cloaks (thieves). She wants revenge! Who is the mysterious Dagger(assassin) who stood over her mother's body? Why has Gaspard Dufort, the ruthless Head of the Daggers, ordered her death? And how can an unassuming farm girl hope to destroy those who have such deadly power?

From the moment Seraphine's path collides with Ransom, the silver-eyed heir to the Daggers, their fates become linked. Ransom, who has been ordered to kill Sera, discovers a secret that could change everything as Sera possesses a strange and blazing magic unlike anything he has ever encountered. Will her magic be able to destroy the dark Shade magic that runs through his body?

This fantasy is yet another masterpiece from a talented YA author who knows how to blend drama and suspense. The world she has created in The Dagger and the Flame is full of magic, drama and monsters with twists and turns that will keep readers totally immersed to the final pages. The wonderful characters she has created truly shine throughout the story and I mustn't forget to mention the star of the show, Pippin, Sera's courageous three-legged dog.

The Dagger and the Flame is targeted for readers aged 14+ however, be aware that one scene includes a detailed sexual encounter, which feels somewhat out of place in an otherwise age-appropriate story. This, in my opinion, is the only negative in what is otherwise a brilliant, emotional read. Needless to say, I cannot wait to continue Seraphine's journey in the sequel, The Rebel and the Rose.

This is an easy recommendation; go get a copy and be transported into the magical kingdom of Fantome.

512 pages / Reviewed by Linda Brown, school librarian