Catherine Doyle has done it again. This sequel is just as addictive, sharp-edged, and heart-achingly romantic as The Dagger and the Flame. From the very first page, the tension between lightfire and shade magic crackles as vividly as the enemies-to-lovers pull between Sera and Ransom.

I loved how this book wasted no time in bringing our leads back together. There’s no dragged-out miscommunication here; instead, their dynamic feels mature, fraught with tension yet laced with trust that’s hard-won and fragile. Watching them navigate fragile alliances, political schemes, and their own hearts was utterly enthralling.

What really stood out for me was the expansion of the world. Leaving the city of Fantome to explore more of Valterre brought a richness to the lore, especially with the Saints and the eerie, dangerous threads of magic woven throughout. The stakes are higher, the rebellion is fiercer, and every page pulses with the sense that betrayal could strike at any moment.

The found-family element also shines, with daggers and flames forced to work side by side in ways that are equal parts chaotic and compelling. And while Sera and Ransom’s chemistry steals the spotlight, I couldn’t help but root for the side characters (Val and Caruso, I see you!).

Fast-paced, beautifully written, and brimming with danger, prophecy, and passion, The Rebel and the Rose is a worthy sequel that leaves you desperate for the final instalment. If you love morally grey politics, enemies-to-lovers tension, and magic systems as intricate as they are dangerous, this series belongs on your shelf.

I went into this book thinking it was a duology and apparently I was mistaken 🫢 So obviously I did not get the closure I was looking for but I did get my dose of yearning and slow burn 🔥

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

I honestly love the first book because I enjoyed the new and unique magical system (think herbology) and I absolutely got invested in the enemies to lovers storyline of Sera and Ransom.

This book kicks off in high gear and is fast paced which I love. It introduces a new mystery into the storyline which delves into the fulfilment of a prophecy.

The itch I found with this one is that I felt I lost the grumpy, bad boy in Ransom. I felt that his character became flat and was compromised for the romance.

The plot twists were all very predictable. I think if you follow all the easter eggs, you’ll draw the conclusion immediately.

Overall, I liked this one but wasn’t as invested as in book 1.

This is for you if you like:
🌹 dual pov
🌹 enemies to lovers
🌹 the yearning
🌹 slow burn
🌹 found family
🌹 unique magical system

The Rebel and the Rose is the second instalment in The City of Fantome series and a solid continuation of the journey that began with The Dagger and the Flame. Catherine Doyle’s writing remains enchanting and atmospheric, drawing me back into her world with ease. It was a joy to spend time with the characters again as the plot moved forward.
While I did find much of the story predictable, it wasn’t in a way that felt dull. Fans of the first book will no doubt appreciate this sequel and the way it deepens the ongoing story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.