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    Cover of Serpent & Dove
    FantasyRomance Novel

    Serpent & Dove

    by Mahurin, Shelby
    “Serpent & Dove” by Shelby Mahurin is a YA fantasy novel set in a French-inspired world where witches are hunted by the Church. The story follows Louise “Lou” le Blanc, a witch who has renounced magic and hides in the city of Cesarine, and Reid Diggory, a devout witch hunter. After a chance encounter forces them into an arranged marriage, their opposing loyalties and beliefs create tension. As Lou’s secrets threaten to unravel, the pair must navigate betrayal, forbidden romance, and a brewing war between witches and the Church. The novel explores themes of identity, prejudice, and the clash between duty and desire, blending fantasy, romance, and adventure.

    Serpent & Dove is a ​YA fantasy romance​ set in a richly imagined, witch-filled version of 19th-century France (Belle Époque inspired). The story follows:

    • ​Louise “Lou” Le Blanc: A snarky, irreverent witch hiding from her past and the Church’s witch hunters.
    • ​Reid Diggory: A rigid, devout Chasseur (witch hunter) sworn to eradicate magic.

    After a chaotic encounter, Lou and Reid are forced into a ​marriage of convenience, sparking fiery banter, slow-burn romance, and dangerous secrets. As their worlds collide, they must confront their prejudices—Lou’s distrust of the Church and Reid’s hatred of witches—while a larger conspiracy threatens both factions.

    The book blends ​enemies-to-lovers tropes, ​Gothic atmosphere, and ​witchy lore​ with humor and high stakes. Its themes of ​identity, freedom, and love vs. duty​ resonate strongly, making it a standout in YA fantasy.

    Author

    • Mahurin, Shelby

    Author Introduction

    • Mahurin, Shelby is a celebrated author renowned for her debut work Serpent & Dove. With a background in literature and storytelling, she has made significant contributions to the fantasy genre, blending rich world-building with compelling narratives. Her achievements include bestseller status and critical acclaim.

    Description

    • “Serpent & Dove” by Shelby Mahurin is a YA fantasy novel set in a French-inspired world where witches are hunted by the Church. The story follows Louise “Lou” le Blanc, a witch who has renounced magic and hides in the city of Cesarine, and Reid Diggory, a devout witch hunter. After a chance encounter forces them into an arranged marriage, their opposing loyalties and beliefs create tension. As Lou’s secrets threaten to unravel, the pair must navigate betrayal, forbidden romance, and a brewing war between witches and the Church. The novel explores themes of identity, prejudice, and the clash between duty and desire, blending fantasy, romance, and adventure.

    FAQs

    • What is the main theme of “Serpent & Dove”?
    • • The book explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the conflict between magic and religion. At its core, it demonstrates the power of love in various forms, set against a backdrop of witches being hunted by the Church.
    • Is “Serpent & Dove” part of a series?
    • • Yes, it is the first book in the “Serpent & Dove” trilogy, followed by “Blood & Honey” and “Gods & Monsters.” The series needs to be read in order for the full story arc.
    • What is the premise of “Serpent & Dove”?
    • • The story follows Louise le Blanc, a witch hiding in a city where witches are hunted, and Reid Diggory, a witch hunter. Their lives collide when they are forced into marriage, leading to a dangerous and emotional journey as secrets and feelings unfold.
    • Are there romantic or steamy scenes in the book?
    • • While the book includes romantic tension and kisses, readers have noted that the love story is not overly steamy, with some describing it as more platonic or emotionally driven.
    • What genre is “Serpent & Dove,” and who would enjoy it?
    • • It is a YA fantasy novel with strong romantic elements. Fans of fantasy, romance, and stories with magical systems and forbidden love will likely enjoy this book. Readers who appreciate emotional, character-driven narratives will also find it engaging.

    Quotes

    • “I loved her. Despite everything. Despite the lies, the betrayal, the hurt. Despite the Archbishop and Morgane le Blanc. Despite my own brothers. I don’t know if she returned that love, and I didn’t care. If she was destined to burn in Hell, I would burn with her.” — Shelby Mahurin, Serpent & Dove
    • “Do not mistake me for porcelain. Do not mistake me for weak.” — Shelby Mahurin, Serpent & Dove
    • “You make me feel alive. Just being in your presence—it’s addictive. You’re addictive.” — Shelby Mahurin, Serpent & Dove
    • “Where you go, I will go, Where you stay, I will stay.” — Shelby Mahurin, Serpent & Dove
    • “Hope isn’t the sickness. It’s the cure.” — Shelby Mahurin, Gods & Monsters (Serpent & Dove, #3)
    • “Bound as one to love, honor, or burn.” — Shelby Mahurin, Serpent & Dove
    • “I was not made to be a delicate creature, mewling in the safety of my hearth. I am not a dove. I am a serpent.” — Shelby Mahurin, Serpent & Dove
    • “Love makes fools of us all, child.” — Shelby Mahurin, Serpent & Dove
    • “Porcelain skin sagged once more, and raven hair withered back to thin wisps of silver. No longer the beautiful pregnant woman. Again the hag. She winked at me.” — Shelby Mahurin, Serpent & Dove
    • “What’s your favorite color?” “Blue.” She rolled her eyes. “Boring. Mine’s gold—or turquoise. Or emerald.” “Why doesn’t that surprise me?” “Because you aren’t as stupid as you look.” — Shelby Mahurin, Serpent & Dove
    1. The Bellerose: Lou
      2,315 Words
    2. The Chasseur: Lou
      2,232 Words
    3. Wicked Are the Ways of Women: Reid
      2,285 Words
    4. The Heist: Lou
      2,283 Words
    5. A Man’s Name: Reid
      2,197 Words
    7. Angelica’s Ring: Lou
      2,172 Words
    8. Two Named Wrath and Envy: Reid
      1,960 Words
    9. A Mutually Beneficial Arrangement: Lou
      1,997 Words
    10. The Ceremony: Reid
      2,309 Words
    11. Consummation: Lou
      2,010 Words
    12. The Interrogation: Reid
      2,212 Words
    13. The Forbidden Infirmary: Lou
      2,242 Words
    14. The Escape: Lou
      1,993 Words
    15. Lord, Have Mercy: Lou
      1,886 Words
    16. Madame Labelle: Reid
      2,119 Words
    17. Chill in My Bones: Lou
      2,037 Words
    18. A Clever Little Witch: Lou
      2,020 Words
    19. La Vie Éphémère: Lou
      2,065 Words
    20. Witch Killer: Lou
      2,029 Words
    21. Soul Ache: Lou
      1,922 Words
    22. A Time for Moving on: Reid
      1,957 Words
    23. The Guest of Honor: Lou
      2,047 Words
    24. A Dangerous Game: Lou
      2,009 Words
    25. A Question of Pride: Reid
      2,341 Words
    26. Blood, Water, and Smoke: Lou
      1,880 Words
    27. Of My Home: Lou
      2,273 Words
    28. Where You Go: Lou
      2,113 Words
    29. Monsieur Bernard: Lou
      1,943 Words
    30. Ye Olde Sisters: Lou
      2,191 Words
    31. Secrets Revealed: Lou
      2,072 Words
    32. Oblivion: Lou
      2,075 Words
    33. Beating a Dead Witch: Reid
      1,969 Words
    34. Hell Hath No Fury: Reid
      2,226 Words
    35. The Soul Remembers: Lou
      2,065 Words
    36. Harbinger: Reid
      2,152 Words
    37. Drifting: Lou
      2,023 Words
    38. Consorting With the Enemy: Reid
      2,013 Words
    39. Modraniht: Reid
      1,935 Words
    40. The Pattern: Reid
      1,935 Words
    41. La Forêt des Yeux: Reid
      2,128 Words
    42. La Voisin: Lou
      2,063 Words
    Ongoing May 26, 2025May 26, '25 86.6 K Everyone

    Quotes

    “I loved her. Despite everything. Despite the lies, the betrayal, the hurt. Despite the Archbishop and Morgane le Blanc. Despite my own brothers. I don’t know if she returned that love, and I didn’t care. If she was destined to burn in Hell, I would burn with her.” — Shelby Mahurin, Serpent & Dove

    “Do not mistake me for porcelain. Do not mistake me for weak.” — Shelby Mahurin, Serpent & Dove

    “You make me feel alive. Just being in your presence—it’s addictive. You’re addictive.” — Shelby Mahurin, Serpent & Dove

    “Where you go, I will go, Where you stay, I will stay.” — Shelby Mahurin, Serpent & Dove

    “Hope isn’t the sickness. It’s the cure.” — Shelby Mahurin, Gods & Monsters (Serpent & Dove, #3)

    “Bound as one to love, honor, or burn.” — Shelby Mahurin, Serpent & Dove

    “I was not made to be a delicate creature, mewling in the safety of my hearth. I am not a dove. I am a serpent.” — Shelby Mahurin, Serpent & Dove

    “Love makes fools of us all, child.” — Shelby Mahurin, Serpent & Dove

    “Porcelain skin sagged once more, and raven hair withered back to thin wisps of silver. No longer the beautiful pregnant woman. Again the hag. She winked at me.” — Shelby Mahurin, Serpent & Dove

    “What’s your favorite color?” “Blue.” She rolled her eyes. “Boring. Mine’s gold—or turquoise. Or emerald.” “Why doesn’t that surprise me?” “Because you aren’t as stupid as you look.” — Shelby Mahurin, Serpent & Dove

    FAQs

    What is the main theme of “Serpent & Dove”?

    • The book explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the conflict between magic and religion. At its core, it demonstrates the power of love in various forms, set against a backdrop of witches being hunted by the Church.

    Is “Serpent & Dove” part of a series?

    • Yes, it is the first book in the “Serpent & Dove” trilogy, followed by “Blood & Honey” and “Gods & Monsters.” The series needs to be read in order for the full story arc.

    What is the premise of “Serpent & Dove”?

    • The story follows Louise le Blanc, a witch hiding in a city where witches are hunted, and Reid Diggory, a witch hunter. Their lives collide when they are forced into marriage, leading to a dangerous and emotional journey as secrets and feelings unfold.

    Are there romantic or steamy scenes in the book?

    • While the book includes romantic tension and kisses, readers have noted that the love story is not overly steamy, with some describing it as more platonic or emotionally driven.

    Note