Simon & Schuster Children's nabs two YA romantasy novels in deal with Catherine Doyle

Simon & Schuster Children’s has acquired the final instalment in Catherine Doyle’s City of Fantome trilogy, in addition to one stand-alone YA romantasy novel. UK and Commonwealth English-language rights (excluding Canada) were acquired by Rachel Denwood, managing director, from Claire Wilson at Rogers, Coleridge & White. 

The City of Fantome trilogy began with The Dagger and the Flame and follows enemies-to-lovers Seraphine Marchant and Ransom Hale. The second instalment, The Rebel and the Rose, will publish in hardback in September 2025. The third part of the trilogy – and the first book in this new deal – is scheduled for hardback publication in 2026. The second book in the deal will be an in-world standalone romantasy, set to hit bookshelves in 2027.

Denwood said: "The Dagger and the Flame is a YA romantasy tour de force, and its intoxicating power and quality is widely recognised by readers, booksellers and reviewers. Sera and Ransom’s epic, sizzling love story demanded three books, and the magic and world-building offer huge scope for future titles. At Simon & Schuster, we’re ambitious to grow from our position as the UK’s third biggest YA publisher by building the most exceptional and enduring author talent. Catherine Doyle is the gold standard, and we have exciting plans for her publishing in the years ahead!"

Doyle said: "I’m so excited to be writing more heart-pounding romantasy with the incredible team at Simon & Schuster, and giving Ransom and Seraphine the truly epic story arc they deserve. The Rebel and the Rose takes their intoxicating enemies-to-lovers dynamic to entirely new heights, while further expanding the enchanted kingdom in which they live. Writing in this world has been such an incredible adventure, and I can’t wait for all that’s yet to come!"