Review: Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin

This review was featured on Twinkl in their article ‘Fantasy Books for Kids’

After fleeing her coven for the city of Cesarine two years ago, Louise le Blanc (Lou) has been living as a thief, using her quick wit and intellect to survive. In Belterra, magic is forbidden and white witches are hunted by the Chasseurs, witch hunters who have sworn allegiance to the Church. Lou and her best friend, Coco— a blood witch— are looking to pull of a heist: stealing a magical ring from a powerful Vicomte. The ring is the last chance Lou has to protect herself from her coven, because with every day that passes, they grow closer to catching her. 

After a run in with broody Chasseur, Reid Diggory, turns into a potential embarrassment (read: compromising situation) for the Church, Lou and Reid are forced to marry. The only problem? Chasseurs live by one principle: thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. A war is brewing between witches and the Church, and Lou is caught in the middle. As she grows closer to Reid, she risks exposing herself to a man that has sworn to kill her. When the witches reveal their hand, Lou and Reid are sucked into a dangerous game— one that may change their lives forever. 

Serpent & Dove is the first book in the series by Mahurin…and boy did we love this book! It had everything we love: excellent world building, dimensional characters, romance and witty banter. The side characters, Ansel, Coco, the Archbishop, and Madame Labelle, were excellent and played pivotal roles in the book. Lou and Reid were also fabulous main characters and we really enjoyed that the book had multiple point of views. This technique helped us to better understand their inner thoughts and feelings. Their chemistry was off the charts and if you love a good hate-to-love trope, then this is the book for you! It definitely gave us A Court of Thorns and Roses vibes. 

The plot was also spectacular and well-paced. Mahurin did an excellent job of creating a dynamic world and that— combined with the character development— really made a difference in plot development. There were never any boring chapters and we guarantee you will be left dying for the next one at the end! 

Do yourself a favor and definitely pick this book up in October! 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐