Intrigued? Read on to discover the synopsis and an excerpt (plus an introduction from the author!) from The Dragon & The Dove by Catherine Doyle, which released on September 10th 2026.

Sera and Ransom, their love stronger than ever, face a common enemy. But as the self-proclaimed People’s Saint rallies the realm to his dark cause, their volatile powers pull them apart once more.

Sera’s blazing Saint-maker gift comes at a terrible cost and threatens to consume her. Ransom, newly sainted and bound to nightmarish shadows, is on the brink of despair. What are they willing to lose? For the kingdom, for their friends, and for each other…

An introduction from the author:

The Dragon & the Dove is the final instalment in the City of Fantome Trilogy. The Age of Saints has dawned, and Sera has been imbued with the power to gift magic to others. Every time she makes a new saint, it comes at great personal cost. As the city unites against the insidious Silvertongue Saint, Sera has to choose what she is willing to sacrifice for the greater good, and whether her love with Ransom can withstand that decision. It’s epic, magical and achingly romantic.

With the City of Fantome trilogy, I have been truly blessed with some of the most beautiful covers I’ve ever seen. This is all down to the incredible talent of Micaela Alcaino, who works her singular magic every time to really bring this series to life.

The Dragon & the Dove is my favourite cover of the three (and that is really saying something!) It captures the epic romance between Ransom and Seraphine, the looming war, and how destiny pulls at each of them in different ways.

This short excerpt from The Dragon & the Dove shows the moment the dragon on the cover is born:

Alone in the black woods, Ransom became an artist again, and conjured something new. Death filled the clearing, the moss on the trees turning to ash as his shadows clumped like wet clay.

He crafted the body first, half an oak tall and ten times as wide, its barrel chest heaving with phantom breath. The legs were next, each one thick as a tree stump. Then arms, long and lithe, with claws so sharp they curved at the ends. He tunnelled deeper still, diving into the pool of his magic.

With more power, he conjured scales of charcoal and midnight, and a ridged tail that wound all the way around the clearing. The head then, and it was both mighty and terrifying, with orb- like eyes of silver mist. Last, he made the wings, each one wide enough to smother the sun.

With his back pressed to a tree at the edge of the clearing, Ransom had to tilt his chin to behold the entirety of his creation, this menacing portent of doom, this fearsome bringer of death.

It was beautiful, a thing of rage and teeth and power, made to strike fear into the hearts of his enemies. To soar and swoop and kill without remorse.

A creature that would make even the Strix of Urnica tremble.

A dragon spun from his darkest nightmare.

The post Read An Excerpt From ‘The Dragon & The Dove’ by Catherine Doyle appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

The Heirs by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

Straight out the gate, the queues to enter the competition for a proof of this title were humungous and spoke to the quality of Faridah’s previous work and the killer concept. Five geniuses, one murder and one hell of a whodunnit is in store. This sounds like Knives Out meets The Inheritance Games and I am here for it. Faridah is one of my all-time favourite authors and if she’s not already on your radar, you need to correct that immediately. 

Survival Show by Juno Dawson 

Simon and Schuster organised an attention-grabbing stunt for the cover reveal at YALC with a flashmob performance in keeping with the theme of this book as a deadly reality TV competition to join the latest hot pop group. It sounds like everything you could ask for. 

The Fox Hunt by Caitlin Breeze

This is an intoxicating-sounding debut, blending Dark Academia with magic and revenge. Emma Curran is drawn into the prestigious, all-male Turnbull Club after falling for its leader and things take a dark turn when a fox hunt game gets underway. 

Reap & Sow by Charlotte B. Plumb (cover TBA)

Penguin’s House of YA had a fantastic bargaining ploy in their intricately themed booth – sign your soul away in the hopes of reading this Gothic romantasy. Set in a world where you must sell your body or your soul to survive, this sounds like a high-stakes and darkly wonderful read. 

King of Beasts by Catherine Doyle

Doyle continues this thrilling romantasy series with a new spin-off standalone set in the world of Twin Crowns. This was a highly sought-after title with a fervent fanbase. It promises slow-burning icy YA romance, perfect for these wintery nights. 

A War of Wyverns by S. F. Williamson

A War of Wyverns takes the stakes from A Language of Dragons and raises them tenfold in this lushly imagined YA fantasy where secrets are rife and not everyone is as they seem. It builds wonderfully on that jaw-dropping ending of the first book and elevates every aspect. 

Queen of Faces by Petra Lord

A desperate girl at a cutthroat magical academy faces a choice between life and death: become an assassin for the enchanted elite or watch her decaying body draw its last breath. Lord utilises this phenomenal premise to full effect, delivering an epic start to a fantasy series that encompasses a fascinating magic system, shadowy politics and deadly consequences. 

Wicked Onyx by Debbie Cassidy

In a ruthless magical academy where she’s cursed and powerless, the last Onyx must unravel dark family secrets and navigate dangerous alliances to reclaim her legacy and make those who betrayed her pay. Dark Academia is clearly a hot genre for 2026 with another exciting title added to the mix. 

Arcana: The Lost Heirs by Sam Prentice-Jones 

In a world ruled by ancient spells and silent power, five young witches are about to discover that the truth is the most dangerous magic of all. This tarot-inspired graphic novel is about chosen family, breaking the cycle and the love we’d fight for. I got to have a peek at the illustrations and they are gorgeous, detailed and vibrant. 

The Escape Game by Marissa Meyer and Tamara Moss

Reality TV turned deadly – four new contestants must solve the murder that dramatically ended the previous series of the escape-room themed reality show they’re participating in. This co-authored YA murder mystery promises to deliver on this intriguing premise. 

These Shattered Spires by Cassidy Ellis Salter

In a rotten and bloody world, four magical rivals are forced to work together to avoid certain death in a deadly competition.  This kickstarts a new queer Gothic high-fantasy trilogy that sounds like a blend of The Raven Scholar and The Atlas Six, with a competition that will take everything from our protagonists. 

Blood Bound by Ellis Hunter

Two publishing powerhouses have combined forces to deliver this debut romantasy, kickstarting a new trilogy. Two heirs to their respective kingdoms (witches and dragon riders) are pitted against one another in a once-in-a-generation duel to the death as they battle to control the source of all magic in their kingdoms. 

The Poet Empress by Shen Tao

This is a poignant and powerful fantasy debut that will shatter your heart. It is evocative with dirt under its nails in a desperate portrayal of survival. To kill a monster, she must become one…

Her Hidden Fire by Clíodhna O’Sullivan

If he has the ability to wield magical powers, everyone will rejoice – especially the girl who loves him. But what happens when they realize she has the gift?

Shadow Reaper by Lynette Noni

A young reaper hunter must conspire with her enemy to stop an ancient evil threatening her world in this heart-pounding romantic fantasy from the million-copy bestselling author of The Prison Healer.

Your Murder Next by Ravena Guron 

New to town, wannabe journalist Myra is caught up in an escalating series of events when one of the popular clique mysteriously dies at her parents’ restaurant and Myra is confronted by a mysterious boy avenging her death. Guron’s YA mysteries always deliver and this sounds like it will be no exception. 

Coterie of Liars by Kate Weston

One of Us Is Lying meets The Inheritance Games with the vibes of Saltburn – a seductive thriller tapping into decadence, Dark Academia and privilege from stand-up comedian Kate Weston.

Seven Deadly Spells by L. A. Weatherly

This was one of the most hotly sought-after proofs across the weekend. Romeo and Juliet meets The Sopranos with magic in this epic enemies-to-lovers urban romantasy about duty, desire and betrayal. 

An Arcane Inheritance by Kamilah Cole

Warren University has stood amongst the ivy elite for centuries, built on the bones―and forbidden magic―of its most prized BIPOC students…hiding the rot of a secret society that will do anything to keep their own powers burning bright. No matter who they must sacrifice along the way. This is Dark Academia with a wonderful twist – the type of book you can completely lose yourself in. 

The Sun and the Starmaker by Rachel Griffin

Aurora Finch from the miraculous village of Reverie is taken under the wing of the enigmatic and alluring sorcerer known as the Starmaker and must uncover what he is hiding or face an endless winter in this whimsical and sweeping romantasy.

The post 20 Anticipated Titles From YALC 2025 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

We chat with sisters-in-law Catherine Doyle and Katherine Webber about Twin Crowns, writing, book recommendations, and more!

Hi, Catherine and Katherine! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourselves?

Doyle: Katie and I are best friends, soon-to-be sisters-in-law and now co-authors! I live in the west of Ireland with my fiance, Jack, and our dog Cali. I’m the author of several MG books for younger readers, as well as TWIN CROWNS!

Webber: It will never not make me laugh that we basically have the same first name. Cat and I met through our shared literary agent years ago, became genuine fan of each other’s writing, and then went on a writing reatreat together and became best friends. It was a very fateful writing retreat, it was when we started the joke that she should marry my brother…and here we are years later and she really is marrying my brother this summer and I am delighted! When I’m not writing with Cat or calling her to ask what she’s reading, I co-write exciting dragon adventures with my husband Kevin Tsang (as Katie Tsang) for young readers.  I also write contemporary YA on my own. And when I’m not writing I’m wrangling my two adorable and chaotic young daughters or exploring London, where I’ve lived for the past nine years.

Quick lightning round! Tell us the first book you ever remember reading, the one that made you want to become an author, and one that you can’t stop thinking about!

Doyle: The first book I remember reading was The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis, Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer made me want to become an author, and one that I can’t stop thinking about is the incredible Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor.

Webber: Oh snap, I also am always thinking about Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor (Cat and I have very similar taste!) but truly that book is a masterpiece. I even used a snippet of it for a reading at my wedding (Cat, maybe we should do this for your upcoming wedding?)  I also am obsessed with the book Every Day by David Levithan.  The first book I remember reading was Betsy-Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace (I adore the whole series!) and the book that made me want to become an author was A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle which is still one of my favorite books of all time.

Your new novel, Twin Crowns, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

Doyle: Romantic, funny, magical, adventurous and swashbuckling!

Webber: Can I steal Cat’s answer? (Five words!)

What can readers expect?

Doyle: At its heart, Twin Crowns is about the enduring power of sisterhood. But within Rose and Wren’s journey to find their destinies (and each other), there is also room for romance, magic, adventure and lots of hijinks!

Webber: Twin Crowns is a lot of fun. It is a joyful book full of lots of tropes and plenty of romance and intrigue. We poured everything we love about rom-coms and fantasy into this book, and we hope readers have as joyful of a time reading it as we did writing it.

Where did the inspiration for Twin Crowns come from?

Doyle: Sometime in mid-2020, when the pandemic was just getting into full swing, and we were all stuck inside braving the first of what would become several lockdowns, Katie called me with an idea that had been bubbling in the back of her mind she wanted to write YA fantasy novel together, about twins separated at birth. One, a witch, the other, a princess. Something fun and swoony and pacy. A book that would make us laugh, and ultimately – cheer us up.

Webber: I’ve always loved fantasy and romance, but had never tried to write it myself. When I had the idea about a fantasy rom-com, I knew I wanted to write it with Cat, because she’s the funniest person I know and also a brilliant writer. Plus, I knew if it was about twins, it would be so much more fun if we combined our voices and our ideas for it.

Can you tell us a bit about the challenges you faced while writing and how you were able to overcome them?

Doyle: We had so much fun writing Twin Crowns. The biggest challenge was writing most of it remotely, from two different countries, but that simply made for a lot of phone calls, and epic Google Doc sessions.

Webber: Honestly, Twin Crowns is the most fun I’ve ever had writing anything, and it was a total joy from the first day we began brainstorming all the way to the final round of copyedits. We just love this book so much so it never felt too much like work.

Were there any favourite moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?

Doyle: I loved writing the scenes where Wren has to sneak around Anadawn palace at night, to try and get her bearings in this strange new place. I thoroughly enjoyed introducing her to hapless Prince Ansel, the secret fiance she didn’t know she had! And of course, that library kissing scene was a lot of fun!

Webber: I love throwing Princess Rose into increasingly precarious and ridiculous situations—and I adore writing scenes between her and Shen Lo, one of the love interests. But most of all I love writing scenes where the twins are together, Cat and I write those in real time together so they are super fun.

Can you tell us about the co-writing process?

One of the best things about writing a book with your best friend is the brainstorming. We started right away, adding our best ideas into a virtual melting pot that would go on to become the first draft of Twin Crowns. We both love romantic comedies, epic landscapes, and stories about sisterhood. We wanted witty banter, sarcastic best friends, hopeless flirting, and lots of sneaking around. Then we added swoon-worthy love interests, magic, witches, royalty, and of course, a cute animal side-kick. We spent long nights coming up with a fully realised backstory for the land of Eana, the world in which Twin Crowns takes place. We weaved our own myths and legends, sometimes texting each other at 2am or 3am with the spark of a new idea. Then we created the world itself. We created a kingdom that sprawled across landscapes we love, from the desert to the sea. Then we filled it with lush forests and bustling towns, and of course – the towering palace of Anadawn, and its glittering golden gates.

What’s next for you both?

Twin Crowns 2 is on the horizon! It’s coming in May 2023!

Lastly, do you have any 2022 book recommendations for our readers?

• Portrait of a Thief by Grace Li
• Our Crooked Hearts by Melissa Albert
• The King is Dead by Benjamin Dean

Will you be picking up Twin Crowns? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Catherine Doyle and Katherine Webber, Co-Authors of ‘Twin Crowns’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

The Snowman by Raymond Briggs

Is Christmas really Christmas if you don’t watch The Snowman at some point during December? Well, how about this year, you cuddle up with the book the iconic movie was based on? Join a little boy in his wintry wonderful time building a snowman who comes alive in his dreams that very night. The illustrations are whimsical and will make you want to build your very own snowman who might just end up becoming your best friend (Olaf, who?).

The Christmasaurus by Tom Fletcher

The wholesome tale of little William who meets a dinosaur called Christmasaurus on Christmas Eve will make your heart flutter with excitement! With beautiful illustrations and the charming adventure the two of them embark on, you’re sure to leave this one with a grin that will last all winter long. The uplifting message that children have more power than they think because of their unerring belief in the goodness of the world (since us adults have already given up on it, hah) warms every heart, young or old!

A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig

Have you ever wondered how Santa became Santa? What was the man in the red coat and with a sled full of Christmas up to before he became Santa? In A Boy Called Christmas, you’ll follow the origin story of the man, the myth, the legend Father Christmas from the beginning. Read about young Nikolas embarking on a nearly impossible quest to save his father and instead lands himself in trouble in Elfheim, the magical homeland of the elves who aren’t too fond of humans anymore. Full of found family, adventure, and the search for what you’re born to do in this world, A Boy Called Christmas will leave you gasping and grinning! P.S:. Stephen Fry narrates the audiobook for this one and there is nothing cosier than listening to Stephen Fry narrate!

The Miracle on Ebenezer Street by Catherine Doyle

Ever since George’s mom died three years ago, his father has refused to celebrate Christmas – any mention of the feast gets George and his grandmother in hot water. Then George stumbles into Marley’s Curiosity Shop full of Christmas fanfare like Christmas crackers and beautiful snow globes, each item more curious than the other. When George discovers one that portrays his family, happy, together and no less celebrating Christmas, all he wants to do is make that snow globe scene reality. Follow along as his wish comes true and he finds himself on an epic adventure caught up in the past, present and future. This magical reimagination of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol will show you that a little party never hurt nobody (eh, Christmas celebration, that’s what I meant) and that the real gift of Christmas is to be merry and thankful to all!

The Night I Met Father Christmas by Ben Miller

Another “Father Christmas Origin Story” (seriously, who needs the Avengers or Batman when you can read about how Father Christmas became the jolly-laughed, belly-protruding kind stranger that leaves presents under your tree?), The Night I Met Father Christmas follows young Jackson who finally gets to hear from the source itself how one becomes Santa! With unexpectedly malicious elves and a pinch of magic, this book will make you believe in Santa (again) and remind you that Christmas is only as wonderful as you make it yourself!

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

Another one that should not be missed! We all know and love the many adaptations of Dr. Seuss’s original How the Grinch Stole Christmas but few have ever read the classic that started it all?! Dive into the thoroughly entertaining and daunting rhymes about the Grinch that vies for Scrooge’s spot as grumpiest being alive regarding the festive winter days. But even the Grinch must learn his lesson and he’ll realise that Christmas is not about what you get but appreciating what you have…

Do you have any recommendations? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 6 Middle Grade Novels To Get You Into The Christmas Spirit appeared first on The Nerd Daily.