A review by natashaleighton_
The Dagger and the Flame by Catherine Doyle

adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A deliciously thrilling, enemies to lovers fantasy filled with dark magic, monsters and revenge seeking, rival assassins. That’s set against the backdrop of a Paris inspired city—where the stakes are high, the romance deadly and the twists unpredictably gasp-worthy. 

As one of my most anticipated reads of 2024 I was absolutely over the moon to get my hands on a proof. And let me tell you, it surpassed all of my (admittedly high) expectations. 

The setting was gorgeously vivid, and the rich detail of the city (Fantome) reminded me quite a bit of the gaslight fuelled streets of Belle Époque Paris. The world-building was phenomenal too, and the lore surrounding the deadly magic (and the rival Cloak and Dagger gangs who utilise it) was soo detailed and intricate. I literally ate up every morsel Catherine Doyle threw our way!

And yet, it was the complexity of our protagonists Sera and Ransom (and the depth of emotion we see from each on their respective journeys) that really kept my attention. Sera’s simmering fury and fierce determination worked well as a foil for Ransom’s brooding, Byronic disposition. Which gave us some deliciously intense and sizzlingly slow-burn scenes I couldn’t get enough of.

I loved that we also got some murder attempts from Sera and Ransom as well, which doesn’t happen nearly enough where this particular trope is concerned —enemies to lovers fans are going to be in their element. 

Our supporting cast of characters were really likeable too, especially Cloak members: Val, Bibi and Theo, who welcomed Sera as one of their own and supported her through some pretty difficult moments. Their banter was also a great source of comic relief between some of the darker, more emotionally charged moments—and gave great insight into the gangs’ overall dynamics. Ransom’s small group of friends, though loyal to him for the most part just didn’t inspire the same warmth in me. 

And the plot twists?!! They were shockingly good, and soo perfectly timed that I genuinely never saw most of them coming (I did, however suspect one of them and felt smugly satisfied when it turned out to be true.) If you’re the kind of person who loves to be taken by surprise then this will certain keep to guessing until the very last page. 

Overall, a superb series starter that has me eager for the sequel already. 

And, a huge thank you to Nina Douglas and Simon & Schuster for the proof.


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