Serpent & Dove By Shelby Mahurin

Few things compare to that feeling you get after finishing a book that lived up to your expectations. I started reading Serpent and Dove for a book club im currently in. I started reading this without knowing anything about it. I didnt read the synopsis, not the back cover, nothing.

Plot

Two years ago Lou left her coven (for reasons I shan't go into) and was forced to live a life of suppressing her magical nature and living in constant vigilence. She has to do what she can to survive. That being: lie, steal and kill if necessary. For life is hard in the city of Cesarine, especially for a woman. She's managed to live for two years undetected. She was careful... up until one burglary (gone wrong) set the wheels in motion.With the Chasseur on her tail and enemies of her past close on her heels, Lou slips up again and ends up in a compromising position with the Caption of the Chasseur. The Archbishop comes up with a solution: Lou can either go to prison for the rest of her life or she can marry the Captain and save his virtuous reputation. Lou, being the smart girl she is, chooses marriage to the handsome Captain Diggory ; ). Being married to a Chasseur also grants her the protection she desperately needs from those who (also) hunt her. She struggles to hide her identity from her husband -- a man who would see her dead if he knew what she was -- while also coming to terms with her growing feelings for him.

Writing Style

The first thing that I noticed right away was the writing. For a debut this was really really good. It was written in two POVs - Reid and Lou. We saw all their thoughts, worries and what happened to them in their past and present. My gosh, this book does not have the writing style like a debut novel. this feels as if its written by a seasoned fantasy author. its utterly divine. I got the Sarah J. Maas and Marissa Meyer vibes while reading every chapter.

Setting

the setting is a fantasy alternative to the 1700's era in France. I will say the language felt very modern, which could be a hit or miss for some readers who are picky about these details.

Characters

Reid Diggory

Reid Diggory is a dedicated witch hunter. He’s lived within the church all his life and despite his views on witches, he is honorable and loyal. I consider him such a goody to shoes and brown noser to the archbishop (Given that he’s also captain of the guard) Once lou comes into the picture he slowly comes out of his shell and learns to live a little. It was such a pleasure reading about him. He is so set in his ways and it was amazing to see him loosen up and change.

Louise le Blanc

To me Lou is a badass character. She is very blunt and she takes care of herself while on the run from the law. She steals things to live and is on the run while trying to cover her tracks from the Chasseur’s. I love that you get to listen to her inner monologue and see that her walls can come down to see the softy in her. You'll be cracking up with her on every page. With a tragic backstory, and, tbh, a tragic present, it's amazing she never once turned mopey or broody. She leapt off every page, and I don't think it took a single chapter before I knew she was going to be my best fictional friend. She's strong, funny, independent, and she puts Reid in his place often. So often. When life throws a challenge at Lou, she smashes it to bits and demands a sticky bun in return. SHE IS THE HEROINE YA NEEDS.

Romance

This forbidden love story was so compelling and addicting! However, I will say that this book is definitely upper-YA, as there is an explicit sex scene and tonnes of profanity, so be forewarned.

Friendships:

There were not one but two friendships that I loved between the main character and the secondary characters. First one being Lou and Coco: badass witches who aren't afraid of anything and they can just speak however they want
And the second was: Lou and Ansel: I loved how Ansel cared about Lou and vice versa, they had a cute kind of big sister little brother kind of relationship.

Big Things I loved in the book

• Addictive; easy writing
• Enemies-to-lovers
• Marriage of convenience
• Witch/witch hunter romance
• Slow burn of plot
• Intricate magical system
• Heart warming female friendship
• Morally grey characters
• Inner battle of right and wrong

Overall
I don't know about you, but I find it is a rare day that the hype lives up to it's nature, and what a glorious feeling it is when a book lives up to the promises doled out by publishers and early reviewers alike. Does anyone ever have a certain feeling where you love a book so much that you try to read as slowly as possible, just because you’re loving everything about it and don’t want it to end? Yep, that was me with this book. Serpent & Dove deserves every bit of praise that has been heaped upon it's name, and it will be a most excruciating wait for the second installment. i've been walking on air since i finished it. I have such a book hangover!

5 people found this helpful

Great read

Enjoyed this book more than I was expecting!! Looking forward to the sequel. The female narrator was lovely! The male narrator was ok, but I did enjoy the blending of the two.

Captivating

This is a really captivating story and not at all what I had expected it to be. The world building and the characters are intriguing, the plot keeps you engaged and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Saskia Maarleveld is my favourite audiobook narrator and I think she gives an excellent voice and character to Lou. Holter gives a good performance but his reading style is not my cup of tea.

a little rushed

the female narrator is well paced and comfortable, however the male counterpart is rushed and a little to quick. it ends up leaving the parts of the story from the male perspective feeling anxious.

Amazing Story!

I love this book! It’s one of my 2019 favourites and I was excited to get it on audible for some easy listening. The narrater for Lou was fabulous and really captured the character and her mannerisms well. The narrator for Reid ... honestly was not. I had to pause a few time during his chapters just to rally myself up to power through them. I personally found his reading rhythm very choppy and breathy and he tended to give all his male characters the same “gruff/nasally” voice. The story is fantastic and I do highly suggest Serpent & Dove, I would just be prepared if you listen to the audiobook vs. Reading it yourself.

Slow Start

I tried 3 times to get into this story and I guess third time’s the charm. Beyond its weak start it has everything you could want in a classic YA fantasy. And yes, I would say the content is on par with current YA, there is a sex scene which is tasteful, and involves consent. For those pearl clutching there is far far worse in Maas’ work both in its description and it’s problematic content.

awesome listen

ah so excited for the sequel! this was great! Was nice to hear Holter Graham again after his awesome performance for the Nevernight Chronicles. He was fabulous in this as well.

Bring on book 2!

Really enjoyed the story and performances eventhough at times it wasnt clear which character was speaking during male narration. loved the characters and cant wait for the next book!

Amazing Story! Ok Performance.

I loved this book! I am a sucker for romances and cliches, however I find it hard to find cliches that are not cringe worthy. This book very well avoided that. On top of that, the character development was great, both protagonists got to develop in their own ways and made them very likable. Lou was absolutely hilarious and definitely made me laugh out loud a few times. Usually in stories like this it's the girl who is uptight and the guy who is immature, so it was very refreshing to have the roles reversed.
My only problem with this audio book is the narration of Reid, the narrator always sounded choppy and his change of voice for the other characters was so bad it was funny. It was hard to get lost in the story when he was talking, but luckily there are more chapters in the narration of Lou which was lovely to listen to.

I definitely recommend, however beware of the narration as I don't believe the sample allows you to hear Reid's narration.

Not YA

The content is not appropriate for anyone under the age of 18. The book would be just as good, if not better, without the rated R sections.