The Rebel and the Rose: Volume 2

By Author / Illustrator

Catherine Doyle

Genre

Fantasy

Age range(s)

14+

Publisher

Simon & Schuster YA

ISBN

9781398528642

Format

Hardback

Published

11-09-2025

Synopsis

The number one bestselling enemies-to-lovers romantasy continues in the second instalment of the 'highly addictive' (The Guardian) City of Fantome series.

The path of destiny burns with love, magic and betrayal... From a remote hilltop haven, far from the city of Fantome, Seraphine Marchant and her Order of Flames plot to eradicate shade magic with lightfire. But as Sera struggles to control her blooming powers, destiny calls her back to Fantome, and to the assassin who haunts her dreams.

Ransom Hale can't get Sera out of his head. As their rivalry grows and he grapples with the responsibility of leading the Order of Daggers, he feels himself slipping further from who he wants to be. Is he doomed to a life in the shadows? Or can he forge another path?

Meanwhile, rebellion is stirring in the kingdom and a dangerous prince grows in power. Forced to work together by order of the king, Sera and Ransom's conflicted hearts are tested to their limits. And all the while, an ancient prophecy is unfolding that will change the fate of Valterre forever...

Praise for The Dagger and the Flame (book 1): 'Lush world-building, witty dialogue and romantic tension abound in a highly addictive fantasy romp.' - The Guardian. 'Romantic, dramatic and dark.' - The Daily Mail. '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. 'In this glittering young adult fantasy, Doyle plays with themes of magic, intrigue, friendship, family, morals and love in this story of cloaks and daggers.' - Children's Books Ireland, Recommended Reads

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

Following her banishment from Fantome, Sera's journey to the remote hilltop haven of Halbracht introduces readers to a new powerful magic, and the founding of the Order of Flames. They are determined to rid the world of shade magic using the force of lightfire, which also runs through Sera's body . . . Fate draws her back to the city and to Ransom, the man she can neither forgive nor forget. He cannot believe that she has been foolish enough to return and put herself in danger and so once again, their complicated relationship drives much of the book's emotional core.

Sera is accused of desecrating Lark's grave; how does she convince Ransom of her innocence? How will they work out their feelings for each other? When the King forces Sera and Ransom to work together against a powerful new enemy, their differences over the rise of the "new saints" add another layer of tension and depth to their already frail relationship.

The world-building in The Rebel and the Rose fantasy is vivid and immersive, brimming with monsters, magic, ancient prophecies, and unexpected twists that will keep readers gripped to the end. The character development shines in this sequel; Sera and Ransom, in particular, evolve in ways that feel both believable and emotionally satisfying.

The Dagger and the Flame is targeted for readers aged 14+ however, the author has added a detailed sexual encounter which, to me, feels somewhat out of place in an otherwise age-appropriate story. I truly cannot recommend this book enough, as it is a thrilling continuation of a captivating fantasy series which blends heart-stopping magic and emotional conflict. The series will leave the reader wanting more and like myself, desperate for the next instalment.

512 pages / Reviewed by Linda Brown, school librarian