Shelby Mahurin

Fantasy. 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

Serpent & Dove

"A brilliant debut, full of everything I love: a sparkling and fully realized heroine, an intricate and deadly system of magic, and a searing romance that kept me reading long into the night. Serpent & Dove is an absolute gem of a book." —Sarah J. Maas, #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Court of Thorns and Roses series Bound as one, to love, honor, or burn. Book one of a stunning fantasy duology, this tale of witchcraft and forbidden love is perfect for fans of Kendare Blake and Sara Holland. 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. As a huntsman of the Church, Reid Diggory has lived his life by one principle: Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. But when Lou pulls a wicked stunt, the two are forced into an impossible situation—marriage. Lou, unable to ignore her growing feelings, yet powerless to change what she is, must make a choice. And love makes fools of us all. Set in a world of powerful women, dark magic, and off-the-charts romance, book one of this stunning fantasy duology will leave readers burning for more.

Caroline Clutterbuck Kapulkin

. . . My mind still reeled from what I'd just overheard.

Perhaps I'd died after all. That was certainly more plausible than Reid swearing with such delicious proficiency.

This was my new reality. Anger erupted inside me, burning away the last of my scruples. "Why the FUCK is everyone in this kingdom trying to murder my wife?"

Reid and Madame Labella’s scenes have been the most unexpectedly touching part of this book. 💔 

I stopped my frenzied ministrations and cutched her hands instead. Her eyes never left my face. We each stared at the other hungrily—as if in that brief moment, a thousand other moments might've happened.

Angelica’s love was a holy man?? And basically THE forger of the Chasseurs’ order??

This is amazing, I love LOVE when the mythos of a series comes together. And delightfully done, too! Just enough hidden that it’s a lovely little twist. 

"This war is hundreds of years in the making. It's older than all of you. Older than me. Older than even Morgane. It started with a witch named Angelica and a holy man named Constantin."

A holy man named Constantin. She couldn't mean the man who'd forged the Sword of Balisarda. The saint.

🙈 Oh my gawd, Reid watching Lou eat a cinnamon roll…

The religious trauma and repression in this book!! I’m dying, they’re so ridiculously horny for each other ❤️‍🔥 

She finally swallowed. Licked her fingers with a reverence that belonged in Mass. No — with a reverence that most definitely did NOT belong in Mass. I looked anywhere but at her tongue.

I’m fascinated by the magic structure in this series — the “patterns” of exchange, like alchemical rules, that the witches can see before they cast a spell.

And the intense, drastic consequences of casting something so large. Memories lost, part of humanity chipped away in the sake of power.

Though a witch couldn't see another's patterns, feats such as drowning or burning a person alive reguired enormous offerings to maintain balance: perhaps a specific emotion, perhaps a year's worth of memories. The color of their eyes. The ability to feel another's touch.

Such losses could . . . change a person. Twist her into something darker and stranger than she was before. I’d seen it happen once.

‘Dragonesque’ 😂 I love that. Their banter is so well-written, their teasing antagonism (for NOW!!) the best part of this book. 

I nearly cracked a rib from trying not to laugh. “I've already read enough. Quite touching stuff, really. If possible, her letters were even worse."

He snarled and advanced on me. "You— you read my personal— my private—"

“How else could I get to know you?" I asked sweetly, dancing around the tub as he approached. His nostrils flared, and he looked closer to breathing fire than anyone I'd ever known. And I'd known quite a few dragonesque characters.

I love the way Reid describes Lou; their romance is enemies-to-lovers, but he can’t help seeing the way she delights in life.

She seemed content in the silence. Her eyes moved everywhere at once. To the dresses and hats lining shop windows. To the apricots and hazelnuts filling merchants' carts. To the dirty windows of a small pub, the soot-stained faces of children chasing pigeons in the street. At every turn, a new emotion flitted across her face. Appreciation. Longing. Delight.

By the time I woke the next morning, dusty rays of sunlight shone through the attic window. I blinked slowly, lost in the pleasant moment between sleeping and waking where there is no memory.

Ruth

"If this woman is to be my wife,” he said, swallowing hard, “you will not touch her again."

I leaned back, studying her as she finished my bun. A bit of icing covered her lip. Her nose was still red from the cold, her hair wild and windblown. My little heathen.

Such a love was not something of just the heart and mind. It wasn't something to be felt and eventually forgotten, to be touched without it in return touching you. No . . . this love was something else. Something irrevocable. It was something of the soul.

Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from you.’” He trailed his fingers down my arm in slow, torturous strokes. My head fell back on his shoulder, my eyes fluttering closed, as his lips continued to move against my neck. “‘Where you go, I will go. Where you stay, I will stay."

Maybe men can learn a thing or two from women.

I was no one's sacrifice. Not then. Not now. Not ever

Serpent and Dove

Aimee :)

She was a witch. A bride of Lucifer. So what did that make me?

But deep down, I knew better. Lou had broken in that moment.

My wild-hearted, foul-mouthed, steel-willed heathen had broken. I had broken her.

Because I had seen her. That was the problem. I was doing my best to unsee her, but the memory had been seared into my eye-lids. Blood had covered her beautiful face. It'd stained her throat.

Her hands. Her dress. Bruises had already formed from the witch's assault ... but that wasn't what haunted me. That wasn't what cut through the haze of my fury.

but it was nothing compared to the ice in Reid's gaze as he finally looked at me.

"We burn it. There's a furnace downstairs."

My eyes lit up. "Yes! I set a warehouse on fire once. One match, and the whole thing went up like a smokestack.”

He stared at me in horror. "You set a building on fire?"

These people obviously had hearing impairments. "That's what I just said, isn't it?”

If she was destined to burn in Hell, I would burn with her.

I wouldn't tell them about Lou. They would hunt her. And the thought of their hands on her, touching her, burning her, tying her body to the stake I wouldn't allow it. 

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.

Serpent and Dove #1

I am in awe of this book. You go through so many emotions; anger, rage, hurt, love, sadness, confusion, etc. 

It was so well written and the chemistry between the protagonists was immaculate. I wanted to scream and fight at the same time but I loved it so much. For me the plot twists were predictable but I still enjoyed it a lot. 

Tsu 💙

I am in awe of this book. You go through so many emotions; anger, rage, hurt, love, sadness, confusion, etc. 

It was so well written and the chemistry between the protagonists was immaculate. I wanted to scream and fight at the same time but I loved it so much. For me the plot twists were predictable but I still enjoyed it a lot. 

Forced proximity via arranged marriage with a forbidden love focus set in a witch v witch hunter plot. It feels very Hunchback of Notre Dame zeal for the religious aspects within the persecution. Average story, I will finish the series but casually, when I need something light. 

Abigail F

All the religious talk and the INTENSE sexism coming from the men was really infuriating, would have lived without it

Sílvia

Svetlana 

** spoiler alert **
           they went from “god i hate you.. good because i loathe you-> i’m glad you came into my life-> you’re the f***ing love of my life” 🤗

Linara K.S

don't talk to me about this book. 
I hated every page of it. 
It's worse than the sequel to from blood and ash.
I'll just casually forget i ever read this. 
(i even went through till the end cause everyone was raving about it)
note to self: never trust booktok
 basically this was an aliexpress/wish version of Nina and Matthias

kelsey

It’s too romantic for my taste and full of cliches. Even though I struggled till the first half, I was fully onboard after that.

Bilge Ince

Ellie M.

** spoiler alert **
           I thought I would genuinely enjoy it, because this was an enemies-to-lovers, arranged marriage, one-bed, forced proximity trope, AND TALK ABOUT WITCHES which have peaked my interest my whole life and she suddenly marries a chasseur, a witch hunter an a mortal enemy serving the church.

• It had many WEAK points which I can accept since this a debut novel and Shelby has a long way to go as an author. However, this book did not give what was supposed to be given. I genuinely think this was a Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters fanfiction when Hansel fell for that witch. I did not like it like and I am disappointed. The plot twist was meh, and the dialogue was boring. I only liked how it was fast-paced, but this really is not at all worth the time to read, if you'd ask me. 

Some points I would like to say: 
- Why is Cosette's nickname "Coco"? Is that because she's black? This is a questionable aspect in the book. I expected diversity and lgbtq+ rep in this book (I expect them in every book I read) and I expect them to be done properly and accurately if not perfectly.
- Lou constantly points out the fact that "Witches can give birth, therefore they are women." I would just like to make this clear. So if you can't give birth, you are not a woman? Is the ability to give birth makes you a woman? And if not, you're not, then? 
- The fact that Reid constantly calls Lou an "It." What for? Is she an object for you to call her that? She's constantly correcting you to call her using her name or "She" because that's what she is but NO. 
- What is the song Big Tiddy Liddy trying to convey? What is this supposed to mean? Was it supposed to be a comedic song of sorts? That song was slightly insulting, because she's not at all pretty but she has big breasts and she can go far using them?
- The random so-called "French" words that are cringe. 
- The magic system and the world was underdeveloped. It was easier to follow with the drawn map and I expected to be given more details about the witches and the mortals but I feel like I've been watching a trashy witch movie. I hope the world-building gets better. 
- Character development where? Lou was constantly annoying throughout the book. I wish Coco would've been the main character. She had more substance and she had a better personaliyy.
- Why is Lou constantly harassing Ansel using "sexual" terms and innuendos to annoy him and blackmail him into giving in to her whims? He's a MINOR. More disturbing when Lou told Reid that maybe she'll give Ansel his first fuck.

To finish this review, I would like to say that the disappointment this book gave me was not new since Sarah J. Maas loved it. I don't even know if I can go through the next book and live through it.

Yılan ve Güvercin

Ada kuzey 

kait

whew okay it took me a while to actually understand what was going on but when i figured it out this book was one i did not want to put down, i am in love with lou's personality and how she interacts with reid and how they have come together as a couple, i am excited to see where their relationship goes throughout the series

Selin Igten

Ena Kalkan

Amazing. I couldn't put it down. The relationship between Reid and Lou was undeniably the best part of the book — I fell in love with all of their bickering, the gradual build of their emotions & all of the angst and hurt. But it wasn't just that; the world the author was able to build and immerse me completely with was just as brilliant as the story itself. I will definitely be re-reading this story soon. I absolutely loved everything about it! So many twists and turns that I did not see coming at all left my mind spinning. The ending leaves you wanting more. I can't wait for the next one!

Erin

I’ve rated this book 3.5 stars.

I had seen this book recommendation all over tik tok and decided to give it a read. The first few chapters I really had no idea what was going on, who the characters were that were mentioned. 

There were multiple times I was just going to give up. But after about 6 chapters I started getting into it more and more, understanding some of the terms being used and starting enjoying the book. 

It took quite a few chapters for the chemistry between Lou and Reid to really start, but when the connection between the characters started it didn’t stop. I didn’t really enjoy the religious side of the novel as it was a key part, but it did relate to the key plot of the book. This book wasn’t my most favourite read but I’m still glad I did keep going and finish the novel.

Mel 

If you like The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Robin LaFevers Grace Mercy series, then you will probably like this book.

Elle May

I loved this book, the characters and story were written well and I was engrossed! I wanted to take my time reading this book as I have a habit of rushing sometimes. But all in all I was highly immersed and fell in love with the characters, I couldn't wait to see what was to come.

nina 

“There are some things that can't be changed with words. Some things have to be seen. They have to be felt.” 

I think I had too high expectations before starting this book. While I can see how people enjoyed it, I found the story hard to get into it. There was nothing wrong with this book, I just found myself indifferent to any of the characters or the plot. Also, the ending scene happened so fast and was a bit messy. However, it was a very quick read. Despite this, I don't think I will be reading the sequel. 

Ansel, my precious bean, was definitely the highlight of this book and helped me get through it. The beautiful quote at the start was from him.

Izzy

Well, the streak of hyped up 2019 books that keep disappointing me continues.

Didn't really like any of the characters, maybe Ansel he was cute and the world building, hmmmm like throwing in french words don't make a good one btw but anyways the romance was eh and i cringed so

garnet

honestly really great, loved the world building and magic system, thought it was really unique! maybe i wasn't sucked in as much as I was in other books, but still an amazing read

carolreadabook

This book is everything to me. So is no doubt it is a 5/5 book. (Could easily be 1000/5)

I simply admire how complex is the mommy issues Lou has and, on some level, she still carries with her love, sense of freedom, and has great humor sense. On the other hand, I enjoy how Reid is brave, loyal, and a true gentleman. He is everything to me.  Reid is my favorite by far. I love you Lou, but Reid has my whole heart. 

My favorite parts of the book are how Reid tries so hard to not falling in love with the pervert, bold Lou. He's miserable without her. He understood how awe his life is better with her by his side. In the scene when she dances in the snowstorm, you can feel how good she feels about herself.  Lou, please, teach me how to be that confident. Thank you.  And you also can see how much joy she has to share with Reid. And then, he falls for her, so freaking hard. I know for sure that was at that moment that he realizes he couldn't live without her. 

Their couple dynamic increases from chapter to chapter. The slow burn is real and so, so so good and well writing. My favorite quote by far is 
  “Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from you.’” He trailed his fingers down my arm in slow, torturous strokes. My head fell back on his shoulder, my eyes fluttering closed, as his lips continued to move against my neck. “‘Where you go, I will go. Where you stay, I will stay.” 
 

Can you imagine someone saying this to you? Like "WHERE YOU GO, I GO". 

This book is one of my fav readings of the year. The highlight of it, please, go read. Give this book a chance, you won't regret it. 

Ps, the most relatable song to this couple is peace by Taylor Swift. When I hear it, I only can remember Loureid.

It was almost good? The French seemed forced and the romance kinda came out of no where and it needed more substance

Julia McKenzie

I would say more of a 3.5 stars. I enjoyed it and like the cliffhanger at the end so need to get onto the next one

becky oh

“𝘿𝙤 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙪𝙧𝙜𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙜𝙤, 𝙄 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙜𝙤. 𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙮, 𝙄 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙮.”

3.5 stars

A badass witch meets a holy Chass. And what happens?
Answer: Blooming romance

Original witches makes me think of black robes, long pointy hats and a cauldron. Or maybe even a black crow sitting on its shoulder, being an absolute creep. That image shattered into pieces when I read this book. I loved the rule that if you use a magic, you have to give up something (like a small memory). Adding some french vibes in this book only made it more classy and beautiful. 

Lou and Coco were an absolute BAD witches. I love them, and really, I read this book to laugh my head off by those scenes that made Reid go mad by Lou's comments. Oh, she's one of those girls who likes to have people rapped around her finger. 

And Reid. I can't forget about him. I love how he huffs around Lou when they hated each other and when they fell in love (?) He got totally INTO it. My my, Lou's a lucky girl to get stuck with someone like him.

It was fun reading this :D

trash but it entertained me enough that I want to read the second book now. :/

Serpent & Dove

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