Author- Shelby Mahurin
Series- Serpent&Dove Duology
Published- 2019
Page Count-519
Publishing House- HarperTeen
Genre- YA Fantasy
Rating- 5/5 stars
About the Author
Shelby Mahurin 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 obsesses over her Twitter feed. She still lives near that childhood farm with her very tall husband, semi-feral toddlers, two dogs, and one cat. Shelby's favorite books include A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas, Uprooted by Naomi Novik, The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, and, of course, Harry Potter. Her debut novel, Serpent & Dove, will release from Harper Teen in Fall 2019, with a sequel to come the following year. She is represented by Sarah Landis of Sterling Lord Literistic. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
Taken from Shelby's Website
Plot
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.
Taken from Goodreads
Opinions
I should probably start this review with a warning by saying it is going to be a pure gush fest because I adore this book so much. It might not be the most critical and in depth review because I just need to say how much I love this book then I can move on with my life.
Firstly, let's start with how great the characters are. Lou and Reid are amazing characters. As individuals, they shine and come to life on the page. I can easily see them and their personalities were great. We need more sarcastic people in books. As a couple, they transcended the page. They complimented each other so well. From the beginning they were two peas in a pod. You could tell you were in safe hands from the beginning. I cannot wait to see what they get up to in future books.
Next, the setting is incredible. To me, it was a fantasy version of Paris. As Paris is one of my favourite places, I was already enjoying the book even before I opened it. The world felt incredibly real to me and like Lour and Reid, it came to life on the pages. I can't describe what I feel about this setting as it's unlike anything I've read before.
As you've probably already gathered, I am so excited for the sequel that I physically cannot contain my excitement. The first book was so good, I know the second book is going to be just as good. At the moment the release date is the day after my birthday, so just skip that and give me this book. Also, I've seen a lot of people saying that the sequel may be from a different characters perspective. I really hope it isn't as I love Lou and Reid. I need more of my sarcastic, amazing, loveable beans.
Normally, I am not a huge fan of romance, but the romance in this book was one of the best I've read. Yes, it was a cliched enemies to lovers, but it was done so well that I melted. The fact that Reid was a virgin and Lou wasn't was really refreshing to me. It was also one of the most realistic sex scenes I've read in YA. The other characters and their love stories were just as great. Also, Reid is the best husband ever as he does love her and is protective in a good way.
I don't remember the last time I felt this way about it a book. It's been a good few years since I felt like this about a book. I cannot wait for the sequel and I will probably have to read it again as it was just so good. This may be the most useless review I've ever written but I just needed to share my fan girl ways before I exploded.
Carenza x
