Serpent & Dove - Shelby Mahurin

Serpent & Dove (Serpent & Dove #1) – 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.

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My Review of Serpent & Dove

Ah young adult… Or New Adult in this case really (more explained later). My not-so-secret shame… Well, not really a shame because some YA is absolutely AWESOME! YA fantasy is very much a hit or miss for me generally. Thankfully, I really enjoyed this one!

Lou is a witch, on the run. Living in a world where witches are hunted and killed by skilled witch-hunters, Lou hides amongst thieves. When her paths cross with witch-hunter Reid, she finds herself in an impossible situation… She has to marry him! But a secret witch could never love a witch-hunter… Right??

I really enjoyed this one! I listened to the audio version and it was really well done. The two narrators portrayed their characters really well with lots of YA/NA angst! Both were really talented and I really enjoy having two narrators, it breaks up the audio a bit and makes it more enjoyable… When it is done right.

Look, it’s your typical YA. Bit cheesy and you know what’s going to happen. But it was still a really fun ride to get there! There were a few twists and turns that I didn’t see coming, but for the most part it was just a lot of fun.

Loved Lou’s character. Kick-ass woman in a male chauvinistic, religious world. I loved her wit.

I enjoyed the description of magic in this one. It was different and had a lot of depth and was really well-imagined.

I am not sure if I would call it young adult or new adult. There was an explicit sex scene in it which I wouldn’t approve my under-16 reading, but the characters are slightly older than teenagers, so I guess I would actually class it as new adult.

Did I enjoy Serpent & Dove?

Yes, I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys YA/NA fantasy and good world-building. It was thoroughly enjoyable and I am looking forward to the next one, Blood & Honey, which is due out later this year.

(4 / 5)