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, a kingdom of cobbled streets, flickering lamplight, beautiful buildings, and secret catacombs, Shade-magic is a scarce and 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, 17-year-old Seraphine runs for her life. Seeking sanctuary with the Cloaks, Sera’s heart is set on revenge. But are her secret abilities a match for the dark-haired boy whose quicksilver eyes follow her around the city?
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…
Among rumours of monsters stalking the streets and the rival guilds grappling for control of Fantome’s underworld, Sera and Ransom are drawn together by something more than just magic and must face a deadly choice – forgiveness or vengeance? Kiss or kill? Dagger or Flame?
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The Dagger and the Flame is an intriguing YA fantasy novel. I don’t read fantasy very often but when I do, I usually quite enjoy it, and this book was no exception. The city of Fantome is ruled by two guilds, The Cloaks (who are thieves) and The Daggers (who are assassins). Seraphine, a 17-year-old girl from The Plains, turns to the Order of the Cloaks for security and protection, after her mother is murdered by the Daggers. Members of both the Cloaks and Daggers use Shade, a magical substance derived from boneplant, which is used to create darkness. The Daggers use Shade to kill their marks, and the Cloaks use smaller amounts of Shade to commit thefts, under the cover of darkness. Ransom, a dangerous Dagger is ordered to kill Seraphine, but she soon becomes more than a mark to him. She possesses the most powerful magic in Fantome and intents to punish the Daggers for her mother’s death. This is a great start to The City of Fantome series, and I am looking forward to the next instalment. Sharah, QLD, 5 stars
I always love an enemies-to-lovers romantasy, and this did not miss. Seraphine and Ransom are both such compelling characters, and I devoured all their fiery interactions! Throughout the book, I found the characters’ ethical dilemmas regarding their occupations particularly captivating. It reminded me of Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer (one of my favourite YA fantasy books!). I am absolutely looking forward to the sequel! Hayley, 18, QLD, 5 stars
I was fortunate enough to be selected for my teenage daughter to review The Dagger and The Flame. I thought I’d take a quick peek before I gave it to her to read and that quick peek turned into devouring the whole book myself! I was hooked! We both absolutely loved reading The Dagger and The Flame and cannot wait to find out what happens next. It was a fantastic read, superbly written, great characters. Highly recommended to everyone not just teens / young adults. Katrina, 14, QLD, 5 stars
I loved this book! From the intriguing grip of a first chapter, the plot revealed more and more about the world of Fantome, Seraphine’s place in it, different characters and the relationships between said characters. My favourite parts of the book were the banter and understanding between the main characters. Often making me smile and laugh with the wit and cheekiness. It is hard to write good banter that isn’t too soppy or tight and Catherine Doyle nailed it! The ending was not what I expected and even had a mini plot twist on the last few pages. The book is geared towards young adults and I would highly recommend it as it was dark without being too dark and spicy without overdoing that either. The book deals with themes of loyalty, family and identity. It was well paced and kept me hooked with all the twists and turns. I’m eager for the next instalment, as the ending makes it clear there will be one. A fantastic start to a new series. I’m giving it 4.5 stars. Sarah, VIC, 5 stars
The Dagger and the Flame is a perfect mix of romance and fantasy with a range of very likeable characters and an engaging storyline. The story takes us on an adventure with a heavy focus on the ‘enemies to lovers’ relationship between the two protagonists. I loved the character development for both the main characters and the slow burn romance which was present throughout the whole novel. Based on the ending, I am very excited to see where the story goes from here in the next book in the series. Anna, 22, NSW, 5 stars
The Dagger and the Flame by Catherine Doyle is a captivating fantasy filled with revenge, magic, and slow-burn romance. Set in the intricate world of Fantome, where rival factions, the Cloaks and the Daggers, clash, Seraphine seeks vengeance for her mother’s death. As she crosses paths with Ransom, the heir to the assassins, their unlikely connection unfolds amidst the dark and mysterious streets. Doyle’s detailed world-building brings Fantome to life with rich magic systems and secretive power struggles. The book masterfully blends action, suspense, and a gripping enemies-to-lovers dynamic, making it an immersive read. Natalie, VIC, 5 stars
The Dagger and the Flame is a deliciously exciting Fantasy Romance or Romantasy. It takes the old tale of good versus evil, light against dark, angels to demons and delivers a unique tone to this classic prose. It was very dynamic packed with tension, action, suspense and swooning romance. I warmed to both main characters straight away and became invested in their story. Their backstories were compelling and their journeys genuine. I did feel the pace slowed down in the middle for a little bit it picked up with great speed and the ending was memorable! Samantha, QLD, 5 stars
For someone like me who doesn’t normally read or enjoy fantasy, this one had me hooked right from the beginning. I thoroughly enjoyed Sera & Ransom’s alternating chapters and look forward to the next novel in the series. The only downfall, it probably could have been shorter, there was quite often times throughout the book where it just seemed to go on & on. Amanda, NSW, 5 stars
You step into the city of Fantome and are instantly transported into an historical European town, with a dark and moody atmosphere and a really cool magic shade-system. From the beginning, it’s a deadly game of cat and mouse, with Sera, dodging death and Ransom the relentless pursuer. Switching between POVs heightens the novel’s intensity, and shows you the innermost thoughts and feelings of both characters. Both perspectives were beautifully written and watching the parallels of their lives crash together was such an emotional experience. The enemies to lovers trope is done to perfection! The dramatic murder attempts make the slow-burn romance feel like an unexpected plot twist and it’s impossible not to be taken in by their intense, fiery love. Sera’s sharp wit had me hooting with laughter, sass is definitely her superpower! Her blend of stubbornness, sarcasm, and simmering rage was the perfect counter to his broody darkness. Their sizzling tension was so fierce at times, I feel like this book should come with a fire hazard warning. The Dagger and the Flame has catapulted onto my list of top reads for the year and I’m eagerly waiting to return to Fantome. Melissa, ACT, 5 stars
I was really looking forward to reading this intriguing sounding book & wasn’t disappointed at all. I love Fantasy but a bit iffy about Romantasy. Is it always necessary? Turns out in this case it is, AND not at all annoying to read (as it can be in some cases). Now I can’t wait for the following book to find out what happens next Ayesha, NSW, 4 stars
At first this didn’t seem like a book I would be interested in, but after a few chapters I was caught in the immersing and twisting tale of the two rivals – Seraphine (a cloak) and Ransom (a dagger). I could not put this book down, and I loved the suspense on each page, which would keep me up until all hours reading. Seraphine escapes her burning house where her mother tragically dies. She enters the magical city of Fantome and is led to House Armand by her loyal dog, Pippin. She finds herself in training to become a Cloak, embarking on dangerous missions, and risking her life to find a way to stop the monsters attacking the city after dark. Meanwhile, Ransom, heir to the Order of the Daggers, is having his own problems. Eventually the two are brought face to face and the most dangerous game is falling in love. I highly recommend this book for readers who love fantasy and romance novels that have strong characters and a story that twists and turns and leaves readers wanting more. Lucy, 16, NSW, 4 stars
This book was so good! This felt incredibly well thought out – from the characters, the world building, and the magic system – not once did I feel lost, instead I found myself rushing to finish the story because it was just that good! This had everything you could ask for: romance, intrigue, revenge, sizzling tension, and, for me, the pièce de résistance, it had enemies to lovers – where they’re actually enemies(!!). All these elements, in my opinion, were done so well! Although marketed as YA, this felt more New Adult (there’s a spicy scene thrown in amongst a battle that felt very out of left-field, especially for a YA novel, but I digress). We also barely see much about the two orders, and the main relationship developed quite quickly. These elements didn’t take me out of the story, per se, but I’m hoping they get addressed later in the series. I thought this was an incredible start to a series and I cannot wait to see what happens next! Perfect for fans of The Crimson Moth, Powerless, or the Infernal Devices. I highly recommend it! Belarna, QLD, 4 stars
Catherine Doyle’s The Dagger and the Flame delivers an enthralling mix of romance, danger, and loyalty. The protagonist, faces impossible choices as she navigates a world where trust is a rare commodity, and betrayal can be fatal. Doyle masterfully balances action packed sequences with quieter, character driven moments, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in the tension and romance that dominate the plot. The love story at the heart of the novel is not just a simple romance it’s filled with tension, moral dilemmas, and moments of raw vulnerability that make the reader truly invested in the characters’ fates. The writing is sharp, vivid, and cinematic, with descriptions that bring to life both the gritty, dangerous underworld and the tender moments between characters. Doyle doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of this life, but she also gives the reader glimpses of hope, love, and resilience. Overall, The Dagger and the Flame is a captivating blend of romance and suspense. Catherine Doyle’s storytelling shines through her deeply developed characters and intricate plot, making it a must read for fans of star crossed lovers and high octane drama. Rebecca, ACT, 4 stars
Catherine Doyle has written incredible detail of the setting for her book, ‘The Dagger and the Flame.’ The reader is transported into the world of evil and magic with fantastic drama of events and the consequences. Survival is of utmost importance in this gripping tale of magic. Two rival guilds are dangerous enemies. The Daggers are committed to killing whoever gets in their way by using the scarce and deadly Shade-magic. The Cloaks are are always trying to avoid the Daggers whilst pursuing their expertise of thieving by using their magic cloaks to become invisible. In this story readers are presented with characters so evil in their hunger for power and dark magic, hellbent on killing whoever gets in their way. The other faction known as Cloaks, are more concerned with thieving for themselves and survival of their group. This book takes us into a world of magic and danger. The author has shown imagination can take us into all sorts of different ways of life through magic when used for good or evil. Also our emotions play a critical part in who we love or hate. Sometimes fate can decide where we end up on life’s journey. Cherylene, QLD, 4 stars
Catherine Doyle weaves a fantasy tale like no other in this fantasy action and romance novel. The two enemy groups, Thieves (Cloaks) versus Assassins (Daggers) come to blows and the lead teenage protaganist Sera is set out to seek revenge for the murder of her mum! The novel is very well written for those that enjoy the fantasy genre. I felt empathy for Sera and her rememberances of her mum who was an important model in her life. Ransom is the male lead in the story and he is not willing to risk anything or take chances but I think things may pass differently to what he imagines. Overall, I think this will be a popular read especially for those interested in the ever classic and popular romantasy genre authors, Sarah J Maas and Leigh Bardugo. Bravo Catherine, on a well written novel! Preeya, 14 plus, QLD, 4 stars
This is a genre that I can honestly say, I have never read. So, it was reluctantly I began, but willing to give it a go. The first 50 pages, I could take it or leave it, the next 50 sparked my interest, and after that, I couldn’t put it down. The lead female character, Seraphine is a contrast of strength and vulnerability whereas the lead male, Ransome is dangerous and conflicted, with a disarming amount of humanity. Sera has a delightfully old, three-legged companion dog, Pippin, whose character makes up for his small stature. The world building is impressive, with some history weaved in to explain the world of Fantome and the long-standing conflict between the Daggers (killers) and the Cloaks (thieves). The speed builds as the worlds collide and some monsters are added to the mix. The flame is created to restore order and hope. Then comes a twist, and another, and you guessed it, it finishes with a final, who saw it coming, twist. I’ll be reading the next book in the series. The real test comes next. My 16 year old daughter who is a voracious reader will be the next reader. Larissa, NSW, 4 stars
Excellent novel, really drew me in, I could not put this down. Jessica, 10, NSW, 4 stars
Imaginative, magical and thrilling. Mary, QLD, 4 stars
I really enjoyed reading The Dagger and the Flame. I particularly loved following Ransom’s character arc and development through the book, as well as the enemies to lovers romance component between Ransom and Seraphine. I particularly loved the twists in Sylvia’s story, and how the reader was constantly taken by surprise. It was fun to find a ‘morally grey’ character in an unconventional place (as a parental figure rather than romantic interest). As for Seraphine, I adored her. She was a well written, very loveable character, but she did the wrong thing enough for the reader to be interested in her redemption arc. The only thing that slightly detracted from my enjoyment of the book was the length of time it took for Seraphine to find her magic. I felt that after that, everything slid into place and I really fell into the book, but the first couple of chapters just felt like there was a lot of world building and information being thrown at the reader. Besides that point, I would highly recommend this book to any fan of romantasy, and I would give it an overall 4.5-star review. Sylvie, Year 8, VIC, 4 stars
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