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Serpent & Dove

Book 1 in the series:Serpent & Dove

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In the book 'Serpent & Dove' by Shelby Mahurin, readers are introduced to a fantastical tale of a witch, Lou, hiding from her own kind, and a witch hunter, Reid Diggory, determined to rid the world of supernatural monsters. Forced into marriage under false pretenses, the two characters navigate a complex relationship as they find themselves on opposing sides of a supernatural conflict. The story unfolds through alternating chapters, providing insights into both characters' perspectives and their evolving dynamics. Set in a fantasy world reminiscent of France, the book explores themes of love, loyalty, and inner conflict, all against a backdrop of magic and witchcraft.

Characters:

The characters are well-defined, with Lou being bold and witty, Reid displaying internal conflict, and supporting characters adding richness to the story.

Writing/Prose:

The writing combines modern dialogue with vivid sensory descriptions, though its pacing and narrative consistency may vary.

Plot/Storyline:

The story follows a witch forced to marry a witch hunter after a public incident, exploring themes of survival, loyalty, and the complexities of their relationship.

Setting:

The setting is a French-inspired world where magic and the Church's witch-hunting form a backdrop for the characters' struggles.

Pacing:

The pacing ranges from fast and action-driven to slower romantic development, with some inconsistencies noted.
There’s something haunting about a body touched by magic. Most people first noticed the smell: not the rot of decay, but a cloying sweetness in their noses, a sharp taste on their tongues. Rare indivi...

Notes:

The book features a witch named Louise le Blanc hiding in plain sight.
Reid Diggory, the male lead, is a witch hunter raised by the Archbishop.
Lou has been living as a thief to survive after leaving her coven.
The setting is a fantasy world reminiscent of 17th century France.
There is a rich world of witches and a history of persecution against them.
This book combines both romance and fantasy genres, particularly focusing on an enemies-to-lovers trope.
Loosely based on the concept of the witch trials and historical witch hunts, there's a theme of survival.
The book's magic system is unique and has different forms within various covens.
Césarine is the main city in the story, which serves as the backdrop for the main events.
The story follows a forced marriage between Lou, a witch, and Reid, a witch hunter who despises witches.
The characters undergo significant development, especially in their views on each other and their respective roles.
Ansel and Coco are notable supporting characters who provide depth to the story and friendship dynamics.
The narrative contrasts the perspectives of the witch and the witch hunter, making it engaging for readers.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Potential content warnings include themes of violence, witch persecution, and religious fanaticism.

Has Romance?

The romance plays a central role in the plot, characterized by tension and emotional development.

From The Publisher:

New York Times Bestseller * Indiebound Bestseller * An Amazon Best Book of 2019 * B & N's YA Book Club Pick

"A brilliant debut, full of everything I love: a sparkling and fully realized heroine, an intricate and deadly system of magic, and a searing romance that kept me reading long into the night. Serpent & Dove is an absolute gem of a book." -Sarah J. Maas, #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Court of Thorns and Roses series

Bound as one, to love, honor, or burn. Book one of a stunning fantasy trilogy, this tale of witchcraft and forbidden love is perfect for fans of Kendare Blake and Sara Holland.

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.

Don't miss Gods & Monsters, the spellbinding conclusion of this epic trilogy!

Ratings (162)

Incredible (15)
Loved It (38)
Liked It (52)
It Was OK (33)
Did Not Like (18)
Hated It (6)

Reader Stats (426):

Read It (162)
Currently Reading (2)
Want To Read (218)
Did Not Finish (15)
Not Interested (29)

6 comment(s)

Did Not Like
1 month

I actually liked this book but I also feel like I read it high because how did they fall in love so quickly and then all the sudden were in places and I don’t know how we got there and it’s 500 pages but I’m cool with the world building though and I love the characters so BRING IN THE SEQUEL

 
Incredible
1 month

10/10 so good

 
It Was OK
3 months

What to say about this book.... I almost stopped listening several times because the plot/characters pissed me off. That said, I enjoyed the world-building. I've read many books involving witches, werewolves, fae, etc., and I thought the author did a good job here with bending/up-ending expectations. But....at the same time, it was predictable AND the characters were often inconsistent in annoying and unrealistic ways.

I'm going with a 2.5 rating rounded up to 3 stars. Despite my problems with the book, I was entertained and interested enough to finish the book and continued on to the next.

I enjoyed the audiobook, but the male narrator was a bit nasal-y at times (enough that it distracted from the story).

 
It Was OK
5 months

I believe this book is broken up into 3(?) different parts and I didn't enjoy this book until the third. I almost put it down multiple times and might have if it wasn't the only thing I had to read.

I think my main problem is the main character. It's as if the author tried to make her a manic pixie dreamgirl type, but she just came out unlikeable and kind of an ass. A little "not like other girls." I liked the male lead much more, I liked the duel POV. I liked the side characters.

I liked the plot. The world-building wasn't crazy overload, it was exactly what we needed no more no less. Every character has a backstory, even side characters, even antagonists, and I liked them. I think they made sense and weren't just added in last minute to redeem the antagonists. Also, as much as I didn't like the main character, I really liked the relationship between her and the main male lead. I could actually believe that these two people fell in love with each other, and we got to see how they affected each other and helped each other grow.

I knew that this was a series when I started reading it but as I read I knew I wasn't going to continue. However... The last 50ish pages kinda got me. I MIGHT read the next one. I feel like it's possible the main girl won't be as annoying in the second book because she's had some character growth and I really wanna see how the main relationship develops. Also, it's hinted that we'll learn more about the side characters and another witch clan.

 
Loved It
8 months

THIS WAS A GOOD READ. REID AND LOU WAS DONE PERFECTLY IMO. I'M SO HAPPY IT WAS NOT AN INSTA-LOVE TYPE OF SITUATION. THIS BOOK IS SET IN A TIME WHERE MAGIC IS FROWNED UPON AND WITCHES ARE BEING HUNTED BY CHASSEURS. A VERY RELIGIOUS GROUP DEDICATED TO ENDING ALL WITCHES. REID IS A CHASSEUR AND LOU IS A WITCH, ONLY NO ONE KNOWS IT YET. A SITUATION OCCURS IN FRONT OF THE TOWN THAT PUTS REID IN A STICKY SITUATION AND HE IS FORCED TO MARRY LOU OR HE'D HAVE TO LEAVE THE CHURCH. WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THIS ARRANGEMENT IS THAT EVEN THOUGH THE CHOICE WAS MADE FOR THEM THEY TOOK THEIR MARRIAGE SERIOUS. REID WAS IN LOVE WITH SOMEONE ELSE FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE AND LET THE GIRL KNOW THAT HE WILL NOT HURT HIS WIFE, ULTIMATELY CHOOSING LOU OVER HER. WHEN REID FINALLY DISCOVERS THE TRUTH HIS WORLD COMES CRASHING DOWN AND EVERYTHING HE ONCE BELIEVED HE WAS STARTING TO QUESTION. HE REFUSES TO ACCEPT THE TRUTH AT FIRST BUT FINALLY COMING TO TERMS WITH HIS WIFE BEING A WITCH AND ACCEPTS HER. A GREAT START TO THE SERIES.

 
Incredible
9 months

OMG literally my fav fantasy book ever- up there next to ACOTAR. Characters are so well developed, enemies to lovers, and the plot is amazing. I’m kinda picky when it comes to fantasy since it’s hard to do but this was amazing.

 

About the Author:

Shelby Mahurin is the New York Times bestselling author of the Serpent & Dove trilogy. 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 reads voraciously. She still lives near that childhood farm with her very tall husband and semiferal children. Visit her online at www.shelbymahurin.com.

 
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