CATHERINE DOYLE returns with The Rebel and the Rose the sequel to her bestselling The Dagger and the Flame. It’s a fiery enemies-to-lovers romantasy filled with magic and betrayal. We caught up with the author to discuss her book and what she’s been reading.
What are you reading now?
I’ve just finished The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig, which has already become one of my all-time favourite books. It’s INCREDIBLE.
If you were stranded on a desert island and you could only have five books – what would they be?
The Princess Bride by William Goldman.
Impossible Creatures by Kate Rundell.
The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Adhieh
Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor
Divine Rivals Rebecca Ross
Where is your favourite place to read?
In my bed, late at night, when the world is fast asleep.
Do you read one book at a time or multiple?
Sometimes I’ll read two books at the same time, but they have to be different genres, otherwise I’ll get muddled.
Do you use a bookmark or fold the corners of pages?
I’m a folder … SORRY!
What inspired The Rebel and the Rose?
I really wanted to write a truly intense enemies-to-lovers (or rather, enemies-and-lovers) story, where the danger is as real as it comes, and the protagonists are literally trying to kill each other … like, a lot.
What challenges will Seraphine face in this novel?
She will have to embrace the secret magic inside her, stop hiding from her own destiny, and accept that she has an important role to play in the future (and salvation) of the Kingdom of Valterre. And … not get murdered along the way.
How did you approach building the world of The Rebel and the Rose?
The world of Valterre is based on a magical version of 19th century France. There are beautiful cathedrals and bridges and museums, as well as sprawling vineyards and farmland. There’s a town called Marvale, which is crowned with red mills and filled with music, which was inspired by the Moulin Rouge, as well as lots of other little nods along the way.
In terms of the magic, I focused on escalating the magic from book 1. In The Dagger and the Flame, magic was a substance. In The Rebel and the Rose, it’s people. The stakes are familiar … but also, much higher.
What’s your favourite romance trope? Why?
Enemies-to-lovers … you just can’t beat it! I love the simmering tension and that perfect, inevitable moment when it finally breaks.
What book character would you be, and why?
Such a tough question! I’m going with Gandalf. Fancy staff, pretty horse, cool powers. What’s not to like?!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Catherine Doyle is the award-winning and internationally bestselling author of the ‘Twin Crowns’ series, ‘The Storm Keepers’ trilogy, The Miracle on Ebenezer Street, and The Lost Girl King. Catherine grew up in the West of Ireland, and her books have been published in over 25 languages. She holds a BA in psychology and an MA in publishing.
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