Shelby Mahurin

Evil always seeks a foothold. We must not give it one. The electrifying conclusion to the New York Times and Indiebound bestselling Serpent & Dove series is perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Kendare Blake. Lou has spent her whole life running. Now, after a crushing blow from Morgane, the time has come to go home--and claim what is rightfully hers. But this is no longer the Lou her friends knew. No longer the Lou who captured a chasseur's heart. A darkness has settled over her, and this time it will take more than love to drive it out.

Gods & Monsters

Gods and Monsters

Aimee :)

We stared at each other for a long moment.

I could do nothing but watch, horrified, as we went up in flames.

Two star-crossed lovers brought together by fate or providence. By life and by deach. By gods, or perhaps monsters.

Waving my hand, I shielded us from any huntsman's gaze.

Magic erupted around us. "Kiss me, Reid."

The witch called Lou stepped from the crown prince rich, smirk as I approached. I did a double take. Whereas  before her eyes had shone with grief - with near unfathomable loss -  they now sparkled with wicked intent. I frowned as the other witch, Coco, stepped in front of her, breaking my line of sight.

Was she - stared at them incredulously- was she pulling Lou's neckline down?

For first time in my life I looked death straight in the eyes.

They were the most beautiful shade of blue.

“I’lI find you again, Lou," I whispered, and her brows puckered in confusion. I kissed them smooth. "I promise."

Before she could answer, I clenched my fist in her hair.

"Do you think. before you go ... you could sing me che last verse:" He rubbed his neck, sheepish once more. "If you feel like it?

"Their babe they named Abe," I sang on a watery chuckle, “his brother Green Gabe. Then Belle and Adele and Keen Kate. Soon dozens came mewling but still they kept screwing, even outside the pearly sates.”

His face burned so vivid a scarlet it rivaled my every memory, but he grinned from ear to ear regardless. "That's indecent."

"Of course it is," I whispered. "It's a pub song."

His eyes shone too brightly now, brimming with tears of his own. Still he grinned. "You've been to a pub?" When I nodded, smiling so hard it hurt, my chest aching and aching and aching, he shook his head in horror. "But you're a woman."

There's a whole world outside this church, you know. I could show you, if vou wanted."

"Hello, Lou." At my dumbstruck expression, he grinned, the same sheepish grin he'd given a thousand times and the same sheepish grin of which I wanted a thousand more. He wore a pristine powder-blue coat with golden tassels and buttons-my heart ached at the familiarity with his hands shoved deep into the pockets of his pants. An eternal initiate. No blood marted his person, not his hair or his skin, and his brown eyes sparkled eren in the dark. "Did you miss me?"

I stared at him for a second too long, swallowing hard. And then-

They hum their own litany now. Their own prayer. It's the cure.

But her panic means nothing. It tastes empty, like her promise.

Swallowing hard, I opened my eyes, and the spell broke.

My heart hurts oh god my heart hurts so much

Gabriela Kondratyuk

If my heart ached that I too couldn't be part of this moment. this memory, the pain eased when I caught sight of an empty chair in the front row. In a burnished oval frame, a picture of my likeness had been affixed to a bouquet of sunflowers. Warmth radiated through me as I knelt to study it.

Tell me where you'd like to touch me, Reid. Tell me, and IlI do it for you. I'll show you how we used to be."

Evil always seeks a foothold. We must not give it one. The electrifying conclusion to the New York Times and Indiebound bestselling Serpent & Dove series is perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Kendare Blake. Lou has spent her whole life running. Now, after a crushing blow from Morgane, the time has come to go home—and claim what is rightfully hers. But this is no longer the Lou her friends knew. No longer the Lou who captured a chasseur’s heart. A darkness has settled over her, and this time it will take more than love to drive it out.

Liz Griffin

Carina 🧡

Hannah Williams

Madumitha

Abigail | 

Taylor

As the conclusion to this trilogy, I was satisfied. There were a few loose ends I wish we had a bit more information on, only because I’m curious. 

I enjoyed this book. I wasn’t impressed with 

, I was skeptical of this one. There were some moments/plot points that felt repetitive. However, the build up to the conclusion of this trilogy was well done. I liked how the world and the magic system were more established in this book. I thought the conflict spanning the entire series was done well, as were the new conflicts in this book. 

I loved Lou and Reid and their story. It’s such a romantic story. I do kind of wish Reid hadn’t given up his memories so we could’ve had more Lou and Reid moments. However, his willingness to forget Lou to save her was incredible. I also loved the relationships between the side characters, especially Beau and Coco. I also really liked seeing Reid with Beau and his other half siblings. 

Lou’s character arc with Moragne was well done. It’s incredibly heartbreaking, but it added depth to Lou’s character. I only wish we had gotten an extra epilogue chapter showing how her character developed after everything. 

I actually really liked that the epilogue was told from Ansel’s perspective. We got to see a little bit of each person from his point of view, which allowed us to see more and see how much he loved his friends.

Overall, I was really satisfied with how this trilogy ended. 

Kendall Deranek

As the conclusion to this trilogy, I was satisfied. There were a few loose ends I wish we had a bit more information on, only because I’m curious. 

I enjoyed this book. I wasn’t impressed with Blood & Honey and enjoyed Serpent & Dove, but after Blood & Honey, I was skeptical of this one. There were some moments/plot points that felt repetitive. However, the build up to the conclusion of this trilogy was well done. I liked how the world and the magic system were more established in this book. I thought the conflict spanning the entire series was done well, as were the new conflicts in this book. 

I loved Lou and Reid and their story. It’s such a romantic story. I do kind of wish Reid hadn’t given up his memories so we could’ve had more Lou and Reid moments. However, his willingness to forget Lou to save her was incredible. I also loved the relationships between the side characters, especially Beau and Coco. I also really liked seeing Reid with Beau and his other half siblings. 

Lou’s character arc with Moragne was well done. It’s incredibly heartbreaking, but it added depth to Lou’s character. I only wish we had gotten an extra epilogue chapter showing how her character developed after everything. 

I actually really liked that the epilogue was told from Ansel’s perspective. We got to see a little bit of each person from his point of view, which allowed us to see more and see how much he loved his friends.

Overall, I was really satisfied with how this trilogy ended. 

Mel 

This was not it and it should have just stayed a duology. It’s a shame this book and Blood & Honey were not able to capture the elements that made the first book work so well. Will I read what Shelby Mahurin writes next though? Absolutely.

Elle May

I loved every minute of this series, Lou and Reid's relationship pulled me in. They're as stubborn as each other and overcome so much to be with each other. I was devasted at one of the deaths, it took me a while to get over it as sad as that sounds I really wish they could have stuck around but the lead up to their death hooked me.

Slow at first but damn the end hit me hard... 

Giulia Pascoli 

Annabella

Narrators - Holter Graham & Saskia Maarleveld

After I struggled to get through the second book, Blood & Honey , I was quite hesitant to read this book. So instead I listened to the story in an audio book. 

I was surprised how much I liked this one. 

Gods & Monsters brought back the same witty banter , enemies to lovers trope I enjoyed from Serpent & Dove. 

The main characters continue with great banter, internal conflict, awsome female empowerment and some closure from Blood & Honey.

I would recommend this series to anyone who likes Enemies to lovers trope.

Favourite Quote : “fine I will make you the sticky buns , but you will pay full price.”

Sydney Hyde

Gods & Monsters - Shelby Mahurin

Narrators - Holter Graham & Saskia Maarleveld

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5

No Spoiler Review.

This is the third book in the trilogy. 

I loved the first book, Serpent & Dove.

After I struggled to get through the second book, Blood & Honey , I was quite hesitant to read this book. So instead I listened to the story in an audio book. 

I was surprised how much I liked this one. 

Compared to Blood & Honey. 

Gods & Monsters brought back the same witty banter , enemies to lovers trope I enjoyed from Serpent & Dove. 

Dual POV

The main characters continue with great banter, internal conflict, awsome female empowerment and some closure from Blood & Honey.

Slow burn with a spicy scene.

I would recommend this series to anyone who likes Enemies to lovers trope.

Favourite Quote : “fine I will make you the sticky buns , but you will pay full price.”

Kaitlyn Spalletta 

Honestly more like a 3.5,,,it was good…but it didn’t quite hit. I feel like a lot of this book was filler, a lot of the last book was filler and if they just combined them and made the series a duology it could be incredible! Book 1 was such a high, if you wanna try this series honestly read book 1 and leave it at that, it does work well as a standalone! 

This book was frankly just far too long 600 pages could have easily been cut in half and nothing would have been lost I can’t lie. A shame because I liked the characters and the world building a lot, just the plot fell flat. Least the ending was okay and I can say I read it! Need someone to love me like Reid loves Lou tbh

Shareca

Gods & Monsters
Shelby Mahurin 💫
★★★★★

As I leave Serpent & Dove, Blood & Honey, and Gods & Monsters, I am saddened and filled with a deep sense of love for a book series that I have not felt for so long. As I conclude Gods & Monsters and Lou and Reid's relationship, I have to declare that Blood & Honey might be my favorite book in this series. Although I enjoy Gods & Monsters, as I reflect on them all, B&H remains warm in my heart. (Reading them immediately after one another was a wonderful experience ☀️)

Gods & Monsters is one of the best endings to a series that I have read in quite some time; it ties each thread, each character, and each piece so beautifully that I am left with such fond memories of it. The length, although long, still feels like it’s short. I wanted it to last longer 😫

The three novels have a very strong Breaking Dawn feel to them, and there is a great deal of character growth between them. I will cherish Beau, Coco, and Ansel for a long time because of their sense of individuality. They are friends I will miss for many years to come because I know them, I feel them, and their presence. The experience of being immersed in this fantasy, this memory of a love story that should not have ever existed, will be missed.

Reid and Lou's relationship has endured bloodshed, sacrifices, the passage of time, magic, and oaths but remains firm. In sum, Serpent & Dove is their love story, and much of what transpires throughout the series is impacted by it. Lou is the beginning of the end, but it is Reid who resolves it. Even though their love underlies the conclusion, much can be said about this idea that 'they are not meant to be.' Essentially, two opposite beings become so enchanted and involved that they save the world by falling in love with each other. It is truly marvelous that even magic cannot defeat love, and Serpent & Dove is distinguished by that core concept alone. It has captured my heart, and I hope it will capture yours too 💞

Mariam Sy Faye

I just couldn't imagine more beautiful and happier end

Kamelia

taylor alyse pisanie

"Dreams are never dreams, Mademoiselle Celie. They are our deepest wishes and darkest secrets made true, whispered only under a cloak of night. In them, we are free to know ourselves." 

as convoluted as this entire series was, yes i cried at the end anyway

soph <33

‘𝐇𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐢𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬. 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞.’

——————

throughout this book, i smiled, cried, laughed, loved, lost, and so many more things and emotions that i don’t have the words to name. i’m heartbroken that this series has come to an end but i loved every second of these books and lou, reid, beau, coco, ansel, madame labelle, célie, and (possibly) jean luc all own my heart. i feel the need to share some quotes because i couldn’t pick just one:

‘𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞. 𝐖𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬. 𝐖𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐫. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐫, 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐭.’

‘“𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥, 𝐋𝐨𝐮. 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈’𝐦 𝐭𝐫𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠.”’

‘𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐞. 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐮 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐤—𝐨𝐫, 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐥𝐲, 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐝𝐢𝐞.’
^ idk why i found this so funny pls—

…on my way to find a french patisserie that serves sticky buns 🥲

Oh god this was beautiful so painfully beautiful the ending was absolutely perfect I couldn’t stop crying. 

I was worried that it was going to go down hill because Blood & Honey was a bit disappointing but god no this was absolutely amazing. 

I loved Lou and Reid but the relationship between Lou and Coco I dream to have the kind of friendship one day as cheesy as it sounds. 

This series overall is 4.5 only because of the 2nd book but it’s been imprinted on my soul and soon will become my 2nd personality. I loved it so much I wish it never ended♥️

Oh god this was beautiful so painfully beautiful the ending was absolutely perfect I couldn’t stop crying. 

I was worried that it was going to go down hill because Blood & Honey was a bit disappointing but god no this was absolutely amazing. 

I loved Lou and Reid but the relationship between Lou and Coco I dream to have the kind of friendship one day as cheesy as it sounds. 

This series overall is 4.5 only because of the 2nd book but it’s been imprinted on my soul and soon will become my 2nd personality. I loved it so much I wish it never ended♥️

Lydia Ford

I feel like I just held my breath for three straight books! I really appreciated how well the loose ends all tied up at the end. 

Katie Buchanan

What an epic end to the series! After I rated the second one a bit lower I was apprehensive going into the final one, but omg it was fantastic, so witty and funny, emotional and the stakes were raised, constant suspense! Overall a brilliant end to the trilogy! 

Kira Louise Morris

Ashley Wendt

4.5! I’ve loved following these characters. This was a great ending! I’m going to miss Lou & Reid!

Catarina Freitas

I'm so sad I can't believe I've finished this series, I'm going to miss these characters so much it actually hurts ESPECCIALLY Lou.
This wasn't perfect unfortunately just as the series as a whole wasn't: it reaallly should have been a duology let's be honest here, also shelby used the one trope i can't stand so i'm still a bit mad about THAT. 
However I loved the book and the series very much.
P.S. The epilogue managed to make me happy and sad at the same time so it obviously made me tear up.

Megan Lowe

This actually went better than I thought it would. After the second book, I wasn’t so sure and I have to admit, it really took the wind out of my sails for this series.
And the start wasn’t promising. Everything with Angelica and l’eau melincolique was super random. Like, super random. It’s almost like Shelby wanted to throw everything at this book and tie up every single loose end, when some of them didn’t need to be.
And in the end, they kind of went out with a whimper too.
I also felt like the events of this book almost directly wanted to emulate the first book. I get it, S&D was a massive hit, but the second and third books, not so much.
Still, we got our answers, we got closure and the series has ended well. Am I pleased? Yes. Is it everything I wanted? Yeah, sort of. But was it the book I hoped for? No, it was missing something. The magic of S&D unfortunately hasn’t been replicated.

sydney

Livia

Is this book perfect? No. Do I want certain things to happen instead? Absolutely. Am I satisfied with how the trilogy wrapped up? Yes yes yes and more

The journey that our characters go through in this book alone is heartbreaking. They never seem to have a break and I was tired of having to worry for them all the time because I grew to care for them. And the found family element... loved it so so much. I do wish we get Coco's pov because she's honestly my favorite character in this series but hey! She gets her due and so does everyone else. 

And yes, I did tear up maybe a little bit reading the epilogue. They truly deserve nothing less than being in peace, happiness, and most of all, together again. They deserve love and all the good things in life, and despite my irritation that flares up sometimes towards Lou and Reid, it just shows how they're still young and human, forced to endure so much and having to sacrifice many things to save their loved ones and the fate of the kingdom.

Madisyn Lowe

first half of the book 2/5 stars, second half of the book 5/5 stars. the ending was so sweet 😭

Gods & Monsters

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