Serpent & Dove Book Review: Embrace the Clash of Witches and Hunters

"Serpent & Dove" is a captivating young adult fantasy novel written by Shelby Mahurin. The book is complete with 519 pages filled with magic, intrigue, and a romance that defies all odds. It tells the story of a young witch, Louise le Blanc, and a witch hunter, Reid Diggory, who are forced into matrimony due to a set of complicated circumstances, igniting a series of events that neither could have predicted.

Meet the Author

Shelby Mahurin, author of Serpent & Dove, is an American writer who grew up in the wilds of Northern California and Texas. She admits to a deep love of history and fantasy and describes herself as a believer in magic. You can find her on Twitter under the username @shelbymahurin.

Known for her strong characters and magical settings, Mahurin explores the thin line between love and hate in her books. Apart from Serpent & Dove, she also penned the succeeding books in the series, Blood & Honey, and Gods & Monsters.

Theme

Serpent & Dove centers around the theme of love, hate, and the blurry line between them. It also delves into the realm of magic and witchcraft and the clash between witches and witch hunters.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring this enchanting tale to life:

Louise Le Blanc

Louise, or "Lou," is a rebellious witch who left her coven and now lives as a thief in the city of Cesarine, where witchcraft is considered a heinous crime.

Reid Diggory

Reid is a Chasseur, a witch hunter who lives by the words, "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live," but finds himself in a complicated situation when he's forced into a marriage of convenience with Lou.

Coco Monvoisin

Coco, Lou's best friend and confidante, is a blood witch. She is fierce, loyal, and helps Lou navigate the trials and tribulations they face in Cesarine.

Madame Labelle

Madame Labelle is a courtesan and a mysterious figure who runs a local brothel. She plays a significant role in the unfolding story, with secrets of her own.

The Archbishop

The Archbishop is the adoptive father of Reid and the leader of the Chasseurs. His strict adherence to the Church's teachings influences much of Reid's worldview and actions.

Captain Dames Blanches

The Captain is Reid's superior officer and mentor, guiding him in his duties as a Chasseur and navigating the complexities of his new, unexpected marriage.

Point of View

"Serpent & Dove" by Shelby Mahurin is narrated from a dual point of view, alternating between the two main characters, Lou and Reid. This narrative style lends the story an added layer of depth and intrigue. It enables readers to see both sides of the coin, providing intimate access to the thoughts, emotions, and personal struggles of both Lou and Reid.

Lou's point of view is often filled with wit and audacity, reflecting her rebellious nature and struggle with her hidden past. In contrast, Reid's perspective is generally more reserved and serious, embodying his disciplined upbringing as a Chasseur and his struggle with his established beliefs after his marriage to Lou.

By switching between these two perspectives, Mahurin brilliantly illustrates the stark differences between the two characters, while also highlighting their growing understanding and attraction towards each other. It underscores the theme of opposing forces coming together, which forms the heart of the story in "Serpent & Dove".

Plot

Serpent & Dove opens up with a daring act by Lou, who is stealing a magical ring but ends up in a compromising situation with Reid. To save face and honor, they're forced into a marriage that brings them closer than they ever expected.

As they navigate their unusual circumstances, they face challenges, secrets, and the undeniable attraction brewing between them.

Dialogue | Hot Chapters

"Serpent & Dove" by Shelby Mahurin is filled with intriguing dialogue and captivating chapters. Here are two chapters that particularly stand out for their significant events and dialogue:

Chapter Nine: The Wedding

The ninth chapter is a turning point in the novel. It's the wedding of Lou and Reid. The marriage, initially based on practicality and necessity, becomes the bedrock of their evolving relationship. The readers get to witness the tension between Lou and Reid during their wedding, their interactions tinged with discomfort, confusion, and undeniable chemistry. The dialogue in this chapter brilliantly captures their thoughts and emotions about this unexpected situation, setting the stage for their future relationship development.

One memorable line from this chapter is Reid's vow to Lou:

"I vow to protect thy virtue... and thy life. With every last breath that I possess, I vow this."

Chapter Twenty-Two: Revelation

In the twenty-second chapter, Reid discovers Lou's secret - she is a witch. The revelation shakes the foundation of their relationship, and Reid grapples with his feelings for Lou and his lifelong duty as a Chasseur. The tension culminates in a powerful exchange between the two:

Reid confronts Lou, saying:

"You're a witch," he stated, his voice devoid of any emotion. "You lied to me. You've lied to me since the moment we met."

Lou's reply shows her vulnerability and fear:

"I didn't lie. I... I just didn't tell you everything."

These chapters provide readers with a deeper understanding of the characters' emotional struggles, illuminating their internal conflicts and the complicated dynamic between them. Their dialogues encapsulate the tension and passion that make "Serpent & Dove" such a compelling read.

Writing Style

The book is written in the first-person narrative from the perspectives of both Lou and Reid, providing a dual point of view that enhances the depth and the dynamism of the story.

Conclusion

"Serpent & Dove" by Shelby Mahurin is a rollercoaster journey of love, hate, magic, and betrayal. It introduces readers to a world where witches and witch hunters coexist, albeit with animosity. Follow Lou and Reid's tumultuous love story that defies societal norms and personal beliefs.

If you're in search of a bewitching romance that challenges the norm, or simply a story that will keep you turning the pages well into the night, look no further than "Serpent & Dove." Dive into this magical world and let it leave you breathless.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your copy of "Serpent & Dove" by Shelby Mahurin today and prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey of magic, love, and sacrifice!

FAQs

Q: How many pages does "Serpent & Dove" have?

A: "Serpent & Dove" by Shelby Mahurin is a complete novel with 519 pages.

Q: Where can I read "Serpent & Dove" by Shelby Mahurin?

A: "Serpent & Dove" is available for purchase on Amazon, and it can also be found in your local bookstore or library.

Q: What is "Serpent & Dove" about?

A: "Serpent & Dove" explores the unlikely romance between a witch, Louise le Blanc, and a witch hunter, Reid Diggory, who are forced into a marriage due to unforeseen circumstances.