Serpent & Dove | By Shelby Mahurin | Book Review
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Title- Serpent & Dove
Author- Shelby Mahurin
Publisher- HarperCollins
Genre- YA Fantasy
Links- Book Depository | Goodreads | Amazon
My Rating- ★★★★★
Contents
Synopsis
My Review
About the Author
Synopsis
Serpent & Dove is set in a French inspired fantasy world where the Chasseur’s of the church are taught to hate witches, and witches are forced to hide their magic.
LOU is a witch hiding from her past and the magic that comes with it. REID is a witch hunter, sworn to a church with a strict doctrine towards witches— they must burn.
Fate takes a wrong turn when Lou and Reid are forced to marry each other in order to save themselves. Lou’s past catches up with her, bringing a whole new terror to the city of Cesarine. The dysfunctional couple are caught in the ancient war between witches and the church, and begin to question what is right and wrong.
They must choose between old beliefs and new love. Lou can’t change who she is, and Reid has never known any other life. Will they choose the right path?
““You’re to be my wife.” Catching up to her in two strides, I reached out to grab her arm, but stopped short of touching her. “That means you’ll obey me.” “Does it?” She raised her brows, still grinning. “ I suppose that means you’ll honor and protect me, then? If we’re adhering to the dusty old roles of your patriarchy?” I shortened my pace to match hers. “Yes.” She clapped her hands together. “Excellent. At least this will be entertaining. I have many enemies.””
My Review
What happens when a witch and a witch hunter are forced to marry? All my favourite things! This story takes both dark and fantastic elements of witchcraft and magic, and places them in a setting laced with French culture along with captivating, clashing characters.
I found the start of the book hard to get into. But as I kept reading, the book became addictive and I couldn’t put it down.
Characters
Lou is the best character, she’s hilarious, quick-witted and crass, a perfect contrast to the solemn Reid. Reid is a straight-laced, rule-following, witch hunter, that is, until he is forced into the company of Lou, a witch hiding from her past. Reid slowly learns that everything he ever knew was a lie, and we watch as he fights change all the way to the end.
The dynamic between Lou and Reid is wonderful. For anyone who loves enemies to lovers romance, this is for you and it is very well done.
There is a full cast of unique and well written characters, complete with complex antagonists.
Setting
The setting felt real and interesting; I love the descriptions of food and smells that reoccurred throughout the story. It had a very French feel to it, but at the same time seemed like a fantasy land.
Magic
The magic system was simple but interesting, I love the witches and their different types of magic balancing the spectrum between good and evil. I appreciated that the limitations and cost of using magic was high. This adds a level of moral dilemma with the price of power.
Summary
Overall a great fantasy read, and an amazing book for a debut author, this is one that I will definitely read again.
“Why the f*@k is everyone in this kingdom trying to murder my wife?”
“Wicked are the ways of women—and especially a witch. Their guile knows no bounds”
About the Author- Shelby Mahurin
Shelby Mahurin is the New York Times and indie bestselling author of Serpent & Dove and Blood & Honey. She grew up on a small farm in rural Indiana, where sticks became wands and cows became dragons. Her rampant imagination didn't fade with age, so she continues to play make-believe every day—with words now instead of cows. When not writing, Shelby watches the Office and obsesses over her Instagram feed. She still lives near that childhood farm with her very tall husband, semi-feral children, two dogs, and one cat.
Check out Shelby Mahurin’s website
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“So, I may or may not have created multiple emails just to sort my characters into their respective houses on Pottermore. The results will surprise no one: Lou and Coco are obviously Slytherins (though some have made the argument Coco is a Ravenclaw), Reid is just as obviously a Gryffindor, and our sweet summer child, Ansel, is a Hufflepuff.”
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