Serpent & Dove
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1. SERPENT & DOVE by Shelby Mahurin
SYNOPSIS
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.
As a huntsman of the Church, Reid Diggory has lived his life by one principle: Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. But when Lou pulls a wicked stunt, the two are forced into an impossible situation—marriage.
Lou, unable to ignore her growing feelings, yet powerless to change what she is, must make a choice. And love makes fools of us all.
BOOK REVIEW
“Wicked are the ways of women—and especially a witch. Their guile knows no bounds.”
Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin was an amazing debut novel, like a breath of fresh air in the overly stoic atmosphere of YA romance. The book captured my attention from the start and gradually paved its way to my rather skeptical heart. A witch and a witch hunter bound in holy matrimony. There was only one way such a story could end—a stake and a match... supposedly. The story was surprisingly soft despite the presence of constant deceit and intrigue. The formula of enemies-to-lovers plus a marriage of convenience with an addition of mystery and magic made it a fascinating journey full of emotion and anticipation of some sort.
“You really think I could knock two fully grown men unconscious?”
My husband’s reply came instantaneously. “Yes.”
Louise le Blanc was a kickass heroine. She was determined, witty, and brave. The girl was trouble on steroids, and definitely not a lady Reid had wished for in his wife…
“Can you put something on?” He waved a hand in my direction, the other firmly pressed against his eyes. “I can’t talk to you when you’re sitting there—sitting there—”
“Naked?”
His teeth clamped together with an audible snap. “Yes.”
Reid Diggory was one big cinnamon roll. He was charming and sweet and loyal to a fault. The man was honorable and willing to protect Lou despite the fact that the witch was wild and tough, able to protect her own self and even those around her as well. His innocence made me swoon and crack a genuine smile on a number of different occasions.
“I know if you aren’t swearing or singing about well-endowed barmaids, something is wrong.”
The banter between Lou and Reid was the highlight of the entire book. Their chemistry was also good. But if you’re here for some crazy sexy times treat, move on. Because the focus of the story was on the character development in the midst of suspense rather than on smut (which is totally understandable considering a much younger target audience).
Aside from the main characters, the world-building was truly unique (and I appreciated an incredible job the author made in order to embed all the needed information organically through her smart writing rather than simply including some chunks of info-dumps). French renaissance mixed with an old-school witch-hunt was enchanting and intriguing. To my disappointment, however, the plot twists were straightforward and predictable, but the character arcs were still interesting (especially a love story as in the case of forced proximity).
Overall, Serpent & Dove started the series with a bang. Totally worth the hype!
NOTE: There is a cliffhanger in the end, but the second book is out already! Although I’m hesitant to read it because I know for a fact there’re more books to come…
2. BLOOD & HONEY by Shelby Mahurin
SYNOPSIS
Lou, Reid, Coco, and Ansel are on the run from coven, kingdom, and church—fugitives with nowhere to hide.
To survive, they need allies. Strong ones. But as Lou becomes increasingly desperate to save those she loves, she turns to a darker side of magic that may cost Reid the one thing he can’t bear to lose. Bound to her always, his vows were clear: where Lou goes, he will go; and where she stays, he will stay.
Until death do they part.
3. GODS & MONSTERS by Shelby Mahurin
SYNOPSIS
Lou has spent her whole life running. Now, after a crushing blow from Morgane, the time has come to go home—and claim what is rightfully hers.
But this is no longer the Lou her friends knew. No longer the Lou who captured a chasseur’s heart. A darkness has settled over her, and this time it will take more than love to drive it out.