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The Dagger and the Flame Readalong: Day 3!

Shannon

Gorgeous photo by @thecrazyreader!

Hey fairies!

Happy Wednesday, I hope you’ve been having a great week so far!

Mystery is brewing, monsters are monstering and the enemies to lovers is getting intense! Are you ready to dive back in?

Before we start reading, we have our secret giveaway! What’s that? Oh, just a chance to get your next FairyLoot forΒ freeΒ as a reward for reading! It doesn’t really get better than that! This is only announced here as we would love one of you, who has joined us on this readalong journey to win! If you would like to enter, all you need to do is follow these steps!

1. Take a photo of our edition of The Dagger and the Flame

2. Include the hashtag #DaggerAndTheFairy

3. Do all of this by the end of October 30th

4. Mention down below in your comment that you have entered and include your Instagram handle (also super important!)

Good luck!

Today we’re reading from chapter 17 to the end of chapter 27! Let’s go!


Please be warned, the following section will include spoilers for The Dagger and the Flame by Catherine Doyle from chapter 17 to chapter 27. Please only read on if you have finished reading this section!

Sera decides to confess everything to her fellow Cloaks. From her being marked to her mother’s untimely death. Everything seems to come back to Du Fort and they’re not yet convinced of his innocence in regards to the making of the monsters!

Another night, another heist gone wrong. Except this time it looks to be Pippin who’s in danger! That is, until Sera finds him safe in Ransom’s arms.

The Dagger’s are on the hunt for Kipp but what they find is a little, unexpected. They do find him, but he’s a monster. So the monsters were all human once?

Ransom is convinced Shade is responsible but by now wouldn’t he or Lark or Nadia, or even Du Fort, have experienced something similar? They use Shade all the time…

Sera can’t sleep and it turns out Ransom can’t either. He’s pacing outside House Armand. Someone give him a boombox and make this a perfect 90s moment!

And now they’re writing NOTES? I can’t!!!

Sera’s decided to head back to the farm, but there’s really not much there, and even less that seems worth salvaging. That is, until Pippin conveniently unearths a trap door. She finds Boneshade plant but has no idea why it’s important enough to be hidden. Sera also finds a small book about Lucille Versini. Before she has a change to delve into the book she realises she’s not alone.

Thinking it’s Ransom, Sera attacks with a trowel… and hits her ex-lover.

Understandably she’s pretty annoyed that Lorenzo never bothered to go looking for her and made no attempts to help. Although, this conversation might prove useful because it seems he knows something about what Sera’s mother was up to, and he’s really confused that Sera herself doesn’t know.

She was poisoning her homemade wine… to create monsters. Sera doesn’t want to believe it but… it all adds up!

Her mother wanted to destroy the Daggers, starting with Du Fort. He got to her first but not early enough to stop her creating the monsters. She never finished her plan, she didn’t have time to make the antidote.

Oh, Sera. BIN THIS GUY! He knew Du Fort was coming, he could have helped them both but chose to flee. “She had it coming” yeah, get gone Lorenzo!

She wasn’t totally wrong when she had an inkling Ransom was following her though. He just watched that whole thing unfold, sneaky devil. He’s not done either, as soon as Sera’s gone, he heads for Lorenzo. My god, Lorenzo just broke without Ransom even trying. He tells him everything!

When she gets back to House Armand, Sera tells Theo everything she just discovered. Still adamant her mother isn’t a bad person, she just wanted to destroy Du Fort. They go through the pages about Lucille and realise Sera’s mum was trying to do what Lucille couldn’t – make lightfire. Unfortunately they both met the same fate, but… that’s exactly what Sera’s necklace is. Before she met her fate, she actually succeeded.

The good thing is, in all of these discoveries, Sera isn’t alone. I love her lil Armand found family!

In the days that follow, she and Ransom make quite the habit of exchanging night time notes and flirty tension. Anyone else feel like Ransom isn’t a bad guy? I know it’s clichΓ© but I feel like he’s just caught up in the wrong crowd!

Wherever she goes, Ransom’s hot on her tails. He wants her to touch him. I realise it’s just to remove the scars his Shade left behind but… I’m still blushing. This is quite literally a game of cat and mouse! She directs him away from Val and Bibi but for two people who are currently investigating these freaky monsters, they seemed to have forgotten it’s a possibility they could get attacked.

When Ransom wakes… the monster is kneeling at Sera’s feet.

It obeys her? Is this cause of the lightfire?

She releases it from its misery and the monster, now a man again, collapses. Sera goes with him.

When she wakes, Ransom is quite caring? He’s kinda gently waking her. It feels like a sweet moment!

Ransom explains that she can get rid of his shadow scars but she used all of the lightfire’s energy on the monster. He’s glad she tried though!


Out of all the side characters (Pippin included) who’s your favourite?
What do you make of the revelation about her mother?
We only have two sections left. πŸ‘€ Any theories?

I can’t wait to find out what will happen tomorrow, fairies! See you there!

Love,
Shannon

Conversation

32 Comments

Comment

  • Rebecca Pearce

    Wow ok so just finished the next amount of chapters and i am fully engrossed in this book, I can’t believe I was right we find out it was Seras mother who created the monsters, by making Lightfire which she mixed with the wine and that what created the monsters, but it’s not right as they are killing anyone, which was not part of the plan. Sera is understandly confused and can’t believe her mother would do this but she knows she must find out more on the Lightfire and how she can use it against the monsters, but of course she still has the problem of her Dagger, Ransom who not focusing on killing her but is stalking her just to talk to her, Sera doesn’t know what he’s playing at but also she is confused as she starting to feel things which she shouldn’t for him.
    Also can we just take a moment he saved the dog, i mean my heart and also we know his name, he actually name and Bastian what a name, that its i’m totally team Ransom/Bastian now. All the little moments between them i’m screaming like come on kiss or something PLEASE!!!
    Those final few chapters I was trying to figure out if what i thought was true about the lightfire are it is but I didn’t expect the necklace to cracked, and have the secret message from her mum, I just have a feeling Sera will figure it out and it will be linked to the flame in the Aurore tower.
    I loved that we have Doyle notes in the margins it was such a insights to see into her thoughts.
    I can’t wait to see what happens next!

    • Shannon

      It’s weird as well because Bastian and Ransom are such different names but he somehow suits both???

      1
      • Rebecca Pearce

        yes very much so, i just hope we can see him without the shade as he so wishes i think we will find such a devoted and loving person who truly cares for all those around him

  • Lisa Spanu (@lisashelves)

    1. Out of all the side characters (Pippin included) who’s your favourite?
    I think I’m currently liking Val best!! I love her no nonsense attitude!

    2. What do you make of the revelation about her mother?
    I feel like there is so much more to this whole story than we currently know! I understand Seraphina not wanting to believe her mother would enable something like this! I almost feel like the man who killed her took her batch and is sort of blaming it on the mother

    3. We only have two sections left. πŸ‘€ Any theories?
    They are gonna find out who is behind the monsters, they’ll find out more about the lightfire and Ransom and Seraphina are gonna kiss

    Entered via my bookstagram @lisashelves 😊

    1
  • Katelyn Kelsey

    So excited to finish this book! This is the first time I am doing a read along and I am loving the interactive component.

    I really love Bibi as a side character, I want to learn more about her and her background, where she came from, etc. Her inclination to the piano was such a interesting short segment for me.

    I think that her mother had a plan but then it was cut short. I think her reasoning behind creating the monsters was sound, but her mother seems like a morally grey character, shes a smuggler after all but I’m sure she has her reasons, she also has a dark side too.

    I have a crazy theory that Dufount is her father, which I know is 99.9999% not true but wouldn’t that be a twist?

    Also, I have entered, my Instagram handle is @literary_kate_

    Excited for day 4!

  • Rebecca Pearce

    also forgot to mention enter on via my instagram (Bekkibee22)

  • fatima

    Could Dufort be Sera’s father?? It would explain why Sera’s mom hated him so much and why she wouldn’t sell to the Daggers.

    Also, I loveee the tension between Ransom and Sera! The notes are so cute πŸ₯Ή I agree that he’s genuinely a good guy, just in the wrong crowd. He’s probably my favourite character! The way he keeps thinking about Sera in his POVs is so swoon-worthy. But I also like Bibi, Val, and Theo and their humour <3

    • Shannon

      Right??? I can’t cope with the way he literally can’t keep his mind off of her! πŸ–€

      1
  • Isla Davies

    I WAS RIGHT!! oh, i was right… πŸ™ and Lorenzo 100% deserved that trowel and slap, yikes dude have some sensitivity!
    i loooove when the “bad” guy shows kindness and then just disappears!!! <3
    i really wasn't expecting anything to happen to the necklace with still so much of the book to go! i hope they figure out Lightfire soon…
    oh and my favourite side character is obviously Pippin!
    i've entered and my Instagram is @islakittendew.sso

  • Andreea Maria Cimpoeru

    Out of the side characters I really like both Val and Bibi, they bring some brightness with them whenever they enter a scene.
    Don’t know what to think about her mother yet, maybe her intentions were ultimately good, but it all got out of hand? Her enmity with the daggers seems to be driving force, but also creating lightfire which seems to be a healing power? I think we will find out more when Sera finds Lucille’s journals.
    I am soo excited for the next chapters after those tender moments in chapter 27. Need more Ransom!
    I have entered on bookstagram on my account @abookworldofmyown

    • Shannon

      I just need Ransom to be in every scene, honestly! I can’t get enough! πŸ–€

  • ladymeg

    So much info today! Can’t believe Dufort missed that hidden stash. Pippin is the goodest good boy. Lorenzo is my LEAST favorite ugh. I have no theories except I’m definitely Team Ransom now. I’m a ducker for note writing.

  • kovacs.petra0713

    I really like your doombox guy gif! I can totally imagine Ransom with that! πŸ˜‚

    I loved the scene in the archive, but it was at this point that I felt Seraphine was left alone way too many times…? πŸ€”

    I can’t quite decide which side character I like the most… I like both Theo and Bibi. I admire Bibi’s artistic side and hope nothing happens to her, as she seems so fragile, yet perfect and gracious right now. πŸ₯Ί

    This book gives me more mysteries than I expected! I have no idea what will happen next. πŸ™ˆ

    Social account:
    @world.of.lyna

    https://www.instagram.com/world.of.lyna/profilecard/?igsh=MTRhbzE5dTl0MTdsYQ==

  • Lindsay Powell

    This book definitely has me in a chokehold! And it’s gorgeous too, I had so much fine photographing this stunning edition πŸ™ŒπŸΌ entered @nimzipow_reads!

  • Vivi Sambath

    I also entered the giveaway βš”οΈ bookbug_thundercat

  • Marie-Anne S

    I think Bibi is my fav, love that girl and her energy <3
    I think something is fishy with the revelation about her mother.. I don't know, even though her mother was clearly not the best person, creating such a wine but there should be something more. It can't be only about finding the antidote.. And it can't be only to defeat Dufort and the daggers, because those monsters attack and kill everyone. She can't be that bad of a person no ? I also think Ransom is not really a bad guy, Dufort just used him and once you taste Shade I guess you can't stop? He clearly want a way out. Can't wait to know more. I'm entering the giveaway and my handle is @masenechal. ^^

  • Megan Octavia

    Omg the romance between Sera and Ransom is growing and I love it. That last scene in the fountain? Beautiful! 1. My favourite character is definitely Ransom, but I also feel like Lark has the potential to be a favourite if he had more pages. 2. I’m not surprised about her mum at all, it wasn’t really shocking, we already knew she was playing around with magic. I think I would’ve liked it to be a plot twist with who was behind it. 3. I’m hoping they figure out how to make lightfire soon. I’m also hoping that Ransom keeps seeing Sera even though her magic necklace is gone. Not really theories, but things I’m hoping for. I haven’t entered the competition yet but will do it soon (hopefully tomorrow), my Instagram is @bookishspicy

  • Emma

    Loving it so far, will post more thoughts later.
    Entering the competion before I forget.
    🀞 as its the last one.
    My instagram handle is @emowyn

  • fatima

    I entered the competition on @infinitenovels

  • birch_library

    I just posted my photo birch_library

    What a stunning job fairies! Shes beautiful πŸ₯Ή

  • TupaKitty_Reads

    Daily Q&A:
    Q:
    1.) Out of all the side characters (Pippin included) who’s your favourite?
    2.) What do you make of the revelation about her mother?
    3.) We only have two sections left. πŸ‘€ Any theories?
    A:
    1.) I do love Pippin, obviously, but from the humans, probably Lark & Theo (if he doesn’t turn out to betray her somehow later).
    2.) I could see it coming, but I think Sera is correct in thinking Mama wasn’t a bad person (she planned an antidote & Sera to help administer it).
    3.) I believe the tainted wine was supposed to be delivered to a targeted source or with specific instructions for how/whom to distribute – there’s a connecting theory that Lorenzo’s mom is more involved/knows more than she let Lorenzo in on (why didn’t she destroy the poisoned wine when she knew Mama was going to be killed/unable to see her plan through? Why had she agreed to help in the 1st place?). I feel like there’s more to Theo than meets the eye (I just hope it’s nothing bad 😫). I think the Lightfire is made from the boneshade blooms & is somehow connected to the Aurore (900-year-old) flames & Sera herself.
    *I’ve already posted my #DaggerAndTheFairy photo under @TupaKitty_Reads 🀞🏼🀞🏼*

  • akacya23

    Out of all the side characters (Pippin included) who’s your favourite?
    – Seraphine! I love her.
    What do you make of the revelation about her mother?
    – It’s always sad for the MC when they find out their dead parent wasn’t who they thought, but I wasn’t very surprised.
    We only have two sections left. πŸ‘€ Any theories?
    – One theory I have is that Ransom and Seraphine are going to have a third act breakup/fightπŸ˜‚

    I’ll upload my post soon! My Instagram account is @huntresszafira.

  • Stephanie Otting

    Entered the photo challenge. πŸ–€
    Steph.otting

  • Rachel

    Ahh this book is so good! The letters omg i was smiling so much at the pages😍 Out of the side characters I love both Bibi and Val. Also Theo makes me laugh, not sure if I trust him 100% though. I was guessing the monsters were something to do with her mother but not that she was poisoning people! Excited to see what happens next and hopefully Sera and Ransom will get closer 🀞

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