Author: Catherine DoyleGeneral fiction (Children's / Teenage)Published on 2 July 2026 by Simon & Schuster Ltd in the United Kingdom as part of 'The City of Fantome' series.Paperback | 512 pages197 x 173 x 35 | 364g 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… The Rebel and the Rose was#9 on the New York Times bestseller list of Young Adult Hardcover books on 21 December 2025Praise for The Dagger and the Flame:‘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 ‘Fast paced, and exciting and clever, and because it’s Catherine Doyle, it’s beautifully written, too. Oh, and did I mention it’s really, really hot?’ – Louise O’Neill author of The Surface Breaks ‘Gorgeous and ruthless: stand back everyone, the true rivals to lovers has arrived.’ – Sarah Rees Brennan, author of Long Live Evil ‘Gorgeous, thrilling, and devastatingly romantic. The Dagger and the Flame is guaranteed to be your new obsession.’ – Katherine Webber, co-author of Twin Crowns‘Deftly plotted.’ – The Bookseller Buyer’s Guide‘Catherine Doyle returns to her roots with a tale of enemies to lovers that will have readers captivated. A tense, twisting story peppered with Doyle’s signature banter, this is a must-read for romantasy fans.’ – The Irish Examiner‘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 ReadsThe 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
