The Dagger and the Flame is an imaginative, original romantasy, featuring the common enemies-to-lovers trope and an innovative magical system. The book focuses on Seraphine Merchant as she navigates her way through the city of Fantome trying to solve the mystery surrounding her mother’s death, while making friends and dodging the hot assassin sent to kill her.
The city is a place of scholars, shadow and intrigue. It is home to two Orders, the Cloaks and the Daggers, and danger lurks around every corner. The descriptive imagery used adds to an already unique setting and cast of diverse characters. The emotions portrayed are realistic and relatable, and each character has their own motives and values. The dual point of view of Seraphine and her love interest, Ransom, keeps the novel refreshing, and ensures the full story is told. The romance is hot and heavy, with occasional sweet moments.
My only criticism would be the development of Ransom’s other relationships. I felt Seraphine’s relationships were fleshed out well, but Ransom’s often took the backseat as a result. Ransom’s relationships with the people around him and his emotions towards them weren’t explored fully, especially near the end of the novel. I would have liked to see more of his reactions and inner turmoil. However, the merits of this book far outweigh the flaws.
This book is for people who enjoy romance, magic, and mystery. I would recommend it if you enjoyed the Shadow and Bone series. Death, abuse, grief, and love are all topics explored in this book. For those with a spirit of adventure, and a penchant for mystery, this book is well worth the read.
Clara Wemyss, 15
The Dagger and the Flame
Catherine Doyle
Simon & Schuster, 2024
Paperback, €12.99
ISBN: 9781398528383
