Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin

Serpent & Dove (Serpent & Dove, #1)

by Shelby Mahurin

An Amazon Best Book of 2019 * New York Times Bestseller * B&N's YA Book Club Pick * Indiebound Bestseller * #6 on the 2019 Kids' Indie Next List

"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.

Set in a world of powerful women, dark magic, and off-the-charts romance, book one of this stunning fantasy trilogy will leave readers burning for more.

Reviewed by Emma (SCR) on

5 of 5 stars

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This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews OMG I LOVED THIS BOOK!

I love these two narrators so when I first started listening to this book I was already hooked. If you haven't listened to books by these two then you are seriously missing out! These two make this story even more magical than it already was!

The book is written from 2 POV, Lou and Reid. Lou is read by Saskia and Reid by Holter. I raced through this book. I was absolutely hooked. Lou is very funny and so is Reid without knowing it. This book is full of unexpected love, friendships and magic.

It's addictive and easy to read. It's a light fantasy which focuses on the romance as well as the magic. I liked that there were different types of witches yet the guard were so unaware of the differences. I thought the exchange system was interesting and makes a witch think about if using magic is worthwhile. It shows that everything has consequences.

This book is very well written and thought out. It's surprising that this is Shelby's debut as it reads much more like a seasoned author. I can tell that Shelby is going to be a favourite for m e for years to come. I cannot wait for the next book which is not out until September!

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 21 April, 2020: Finished reading
  • 21 April, 2020: Reviewed