Serpent & Dove, written by Shelby Mahurin, was released in September 2019. Published by HarperTeen, this novel dives into the story of witches being burned for their magic and is well researched.
I read this book as part of a buddy read and I devoured it in no time. I can’t wait for the next book. Below are my thoughts on the book.
Synopsis – Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
Bound as one to love, honor, or burn.
Two years ago, Louise le Blanc fled her coven and took shelter in the city of Cesarine, forsaking all magic and living off whatever she could steal. There, witches like Lou are hunted. They are feared. And they are burned.
Sworn to the Church as a Chasseur, Reid Diggory has lived his life by one principle: thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. His path was never meant to cross with Lou’s, but a wicked stunt forces them into an impossible union—holy matrimony.
The war between witches and Church is an ancient one, and Lou’s most dangerous enemies bring a fate worse than fire. Unable to ignore her growing feelings, yet powerless to change what she is, a choice must be made.
And love makes fools of us all.
Review
𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘁 & 𝗗𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝘆 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗯𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝗵𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻 must be one of the highlights of this year. This novel is a young adult Fantasy where a witch and a Witch Hunter are forced into holy matrimony. The world-building is fantastic and the story seems to go effortlessly even though I can tell that there has been some research done on this theme.
I’ll be transparent and say it took me about 50 pages to get into the story. The beginning is fast-paced, but I wasn’t quite sure what was happening, but once there, I became totally addicted to it. 𝗜 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱𝗻’𝘁 𝗽𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻. Despite the length of this book, it felt like a quick read.
The characters are simply amazing and entertaining. Louise is a wonderful character who goes through so much. She is badass, wounded, with a big heart and one foul mouth 😂… I mean, I don’t know if it’s because French is my first language that I felt it that way, but the curse words are… well, let’s say you might not want to learn them… lol
From her best friend, Coco to her husband, Captain Digory, the characters are loyal, fierce, and relatable despite what they believe in. There were some amazing interactions in this book, forcing us to reflect on some issues we faced before and still faces at times. Also, Ansel is a character so dear to my heart. Such an open-minded and lovable character.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝘀𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝘄𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘁. The only good thing about starting this book much later than anticipated is that I have less time to wait before the next book.
I highly highly recommend this book.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
About the author: Shelby Mahurin
Shelby Mahurin 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 Twitter feed. She still lives near that childhood farm with her very tall husband, semi-feral toddlers, two dogs, and one cat.
Shelby’s favorite books include A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas, Uprooted by Naomi Novik, The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, and, of course, Harry Potter.
Her debut novel, SERPENT & DOVE, will release from Harper Teen in Fall 2019, with a sequel to come the following year. She is represented by Sarah Landis of Sterling Lord Literistic.
Why have I waited so long to read this one?!?! Great review!
Exactly my thoughts when I read it. Thank you! 😊
I cannot wait for the next one as well! I feel like we just dipped our toes into the expansive magic world.
Yes!! I’m dying to read it. I’ve heard that the Aunt we will discover next is based on a French woman, known as a witch.