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    FantasyRomance Novel

    Blood & Honey

    by Mahurin, Shelby
    “Blood & Honey” by Shelby Mahurin is the second installment in the “Serpent & Dove” trilogy, a young adult fantasy-romance series. Following a near-fatal encounter with the Dames Blanches, protagonists Lou, Reid, Coco, and Ansel become fugitives, fleeing from coven, kingdom, and church. The narrative revolves around their journey to secure allies while navigating escalating dangers, including deadly witches and internal conflicts. The book shifts tone from the first installment, focusing more on tension and survival than romance. Key themes include loyalty, sacrifice, and the struggle between destiny and choice. The novel ends on a cliffhanger, setting up the trilogy’s conclusion. With 528 pages, it expands the dark, magical world of Belterra while deepening character arcs and conflicts.
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    Blood & Honey

    A Promise: Reid

    by Mahurin, Shelby

    The chap­ter opens with Reid and his com­pan­ions, includ­ing Lou, Beau, and oth­ers, near­ing Cesarine only to dis­cov­er a Chas­seur block­ade at the city entrance. Liana reports that the hunts­men are specif­i­cal­ly search­ing for them, like­ly due to Jean Luc alert­ing the author­i­ties. Lou reacts with anger, mock­ing Jean Luc’s absence, but the group’s ten­sion is pal­pa­ble as they grap­ple with the dan­ger ahead. Reid observes Lou’s emo­tion­al tur­moil, not­ing her whis­pered con­ver­sa­tions with her matagots—supernatural famil­iars that unset­tle the others—and her unre­solved trau­ma from past events.

    Reid and Lou share a moment of qui­et con­cern, each ques­tion­ing the other’s well-being with­out receiv­ing clear answers. Lou’s dis­tress is evi­dent as she com­mu­ni­cates with her famil­iars, includ­ing a new­ly appeared black rat, while the group watch­es war­i­ly. Reid con­tem­plates the pos­si­bil­i­ty of inter­ven­ing, even if it means draw­ing the famil­iars’ atten­tion to him­self. Mean­while, Lou devis­es a plan to con­tact Claud Dev­er­aux for help in bypass­ing the block­ade, though Beau express­es skep­ti­cism about its fea­si­bil­i­ty giv­en the height­ened secu­ri­ty.

    Ten­sions rise as Lou clash­es with Beau over the plan, her frus­tra­tion boil­ing over into sharp retorts. Reid instinc­tive­ly moves to shield her from the group’s judg­ment, despite her defi­ant atti­tude. Lou’s emo­tion­al outburst—swatting away Reid’s com­fort­ing gesture—reveals her inner strug­gle, leav­ing Reid feel­ing pow­er­less as their rela­tion­ship strains under the pres­sure. The chap­ter under­scores their pre­car­i­ous sit­u­a­tion, with Lou’s unsta­ble emo­tions and Reid’s grow­ing help­less­ness cre­at­ing a sense of impend­ing cri­sis.

    The chap­ter con­cludes with Lou hand­ing Reid a stolen Bal­is­ar­da, a replace­ment for the one she lost, though it feels for­eign to him. She apol­o­gizes for her ear­li­er vio­lent out­burst, promis­ing it won’t hap­pen again, but Reid finds her words hol­low. The exchange high­lights the grow­ing dis­con­nect between them, as Reid grap­ples with his inabil­i­ty to pro­tect Lou from her own demons. The unre­solved ten­sion and loom­ing dan­ger leave the read­er antic­i­pat­ing the next steps in their per­ilous jour­ney.

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    FAQs

    • 1. What is the main conflict the characters face in this chapter, and how do they plan to address it?

      Answer:
      The main conflict is the Chasseurs’ blockade at the entrance to Cesarine, where they are thoroughly searching every wagon and cart for the protagonists. This poses a significant threat to Lou, Reid, and their companions, as they need to enter the city undetected. Lou’s plan involves contacting Claud Deveraux, who previously helped hide them, to find a way past the blockade quietly. However, Beau is skeptical, arguing that the situation is more dangerous than before since the Chasseurs are actively looking for them. The tension escalates as Lou grows frustrated with the lack of alternatives and the group’s anxiety mounts.

      2. How does Lou’s behavior in this chapter reflect her internal struggles?

      Answer:
      Lou’s behavior reveals deep emotional turmoil and stress. She lashes out at Beau, snaps at Reid when he tries to comfort her, and struggles to control her emotions, as seen when she wipes away a tear. Her growing reliance on her matagots (the black rat, fox, and cat) also hints at her deteriorating mental state, as the others notice but avoid mentioning it. Reid observes that despite her outward bravado, Lou is clearly affected by the pressure of their situation. Her promise not to lose control again feels hollow, suggesting she may not fully believe it herself, which adds to the chapter’s tension.

      3. Analyze the significance of Reid’s reaction to Lou giving him Jean Luc’s Balisarda.

      Answer:
      Reid’s reaction highlights his emotional conflict and sense of displacement. Though Lou gives him the sword to replace the one she lost, it feels “wrong” to him—symbolizing how he is still struggling with his identity and past loyalties. The blade doesn’t fill the “empty hole” in his chest, showing that material replacements can’t fix his deeper emotional wounds. His silent acceptance of it reflects his loyalty to Lou, even as he feels powerless in their relationship. This moment underscores the growing strain between them, as both are trying to support each other but are also emotionally distant.

      4. How does the setting contribute to the chapter’s tension?

      Answer:
      The setting—a snowy, congested road near Les Dents, packed with travelers and Chasseurs—intensifies the sense of danger and claustrophobia. The crowd makes Reid uncomfortable, as it forces him to confront reminders of his past, weakening his emotional defenses. The blockade creates a physical barrier that heightens the urgency of their mission, while the snow and cold mirror Lou’s icy anger and the group’s growing desperation. The confined space among the trees also amplifies interpersonal tensions, as the characters have little room to escape each other’s frustrations.

      5. What does Beau’s skepticism reveal about the group’s dynamics?

      Answer:
      Beau’s skepticism highlights the group’s fractured trust and differing approaches to problem-solving. While Lou favors magical solutions and outside help (Claud), Beau represents a more cautious, strategic perspective. His open doubt frustrates Lou, exposing her impatience and dwindling control. His presence also serves as a foil to Reid, who, despite his concerns, remains outwardly supportive of Lou. The tension between Beau and Lou reflects broader anxieties within the group—particularly their fear of failure and the high stakes of their mission—making his skepticism a catalyst for conflict rather than constructive criticism.

    Quotes

    • 1. “Despite her brazen words, this crowd made me uncomfortable. It’d grown worse the nearer we’d drawn to the city, as Les Dents was the only road into Cesarine. Part of me rejoiced so many had come to honor the Archbishop. The rest didn’t know how to feel.”

      This quote captures Reid’s internal conflict as he approaches Cesarine, torn between his past loyalty and his present circumstances. It highlights the emotional weight of returning to a place filled with personal and political tension.

      2. “We were careening toward that edge, Lou and I. I’d never felt so powerless in my life.”

      This moment reveals the deepening strain in Reid and Lou’s relationship, emphasizing their shared sense of helplessness. It marks a pivotal emotional turning point in the chapter.

      3. “I know I might’ve gotten a little carried away in the process. With—with the ice. I’m sorry. I promise it won’t happen again.”

      Lou’s apology about her dangerous magic use shows her awareness of her own instability, while hinting at the growing threat she poses. The broken promise motif underscores the chapter’s tension between control and chaos.

      4. “They’re searching for you… I recognized some of them, but I didn’t see Jean Luc. He isn’t here.”

      Liana’s report about the Chasseurs’ blockade establishes the immediate physical danger facing the group. The absence of their main antagonist Jean Luc creates suspense about his whereabouts and intentions.

      5. “Even then, we’re trying not to raise the alarm. We need a quick and quiet entrance.”

      Lou’s strategic dilemma encapsulates the chapter’s central conflict - balancing magical power with subtlety. This quote represents the group’s precarious position as they attempt to infiltrate the city undetected.

    Quotes

    1. “Despite her brazen words, this crowd made me uncomfortable. It’d grown worse the nearer we’d drawn to the city, as Les Dents was the only road into Cesarine. Part of me rejoiced so many had come to honor the Archbishop. The rest didn’t know how to feel.”

    This quote captures Reid’s internal conflict as he approaches Cesarine, torn between his past loyalty and his present circumstances. It highlights the emotional weight of returning to a place filled with personal and political tension.

    2. “We were careening toward that edge, Lou and I. I’d never felt so powerless in my life.”

    This moment reveals the deepening strain in Reid and Lou’s relationship, emphasizing their shared sense of helplessness. It marks a pivotal emotional turning point in the chapter.

    3. “I know I might’ve gotten a little carried away in the process. With—with the ice. I’m sorry. I promise it won’t happen again.”

    Lou’s apology about her dangerous magic use shows her awareness of her own instability, while hinting at the growing threat she poses. The broken promise motif underscores the chapter’s tension between control and chaos.

    4. “They’re searching for you… I recognized some of them, but I didn’t see Jean Luc. He isn’t here.”

    Liana’s report about the Chasseurs’ blockade establishes the immediate physical danger facing the group. The absence of their main antagonist Jean Luc creates suspense about his whereabouts and intentions.

    5. “Even then, we’re trying not to raise the alarm. We need a quick and quiet entrance.”

    Lou’s strategic dilemma encapsulates the chapter’s central conflict - balancing magical power with subtlety. This quote represents the group’s precarious position as they attempt to infiltrate the city undetected.

    FAQs

    1. What is the main conflict the characters face in this chapter, and how do they plan to address it?

    Answer:
    The main conflict is the Chasseurs’ blockade at the entrance to Cesarine, where they are thoroughly searching every wagon and cart for the protagonists. This poses a significant threat to Lou, Reid, and their companions, as they need to enter the city undetected. Lou’s plan involves contacting Claud Deveraux, who previously helped hide them, to find a way past the blockade quietly. However, Beau is skeptical, arguing that the situation is more dangerous than before since the Chasseurs are actively looking for them. The tension escalates as Lou grows frustrated with the lack of alternatives and the group’s anxiety mounts.

    2. How does Lou’s behavior in this chapter reflect her internal struggles?

    Answer:
    Lou’s behavior reveals deep emotional turmoil and stress. She lashes out at Beau, snaps at Reid when he tries to comfort her, and struggles to control her emotions, as seen when she wipes away a tear. Her growing reliance on her matagots (the black rat, fox, and cat) also hints at her deteriorating mental state, as the others notice but avoid mentioning it. Reid observes that despite her outward bravado, Lou is clearly affected by the pressure of their situation. Her promise not to lose control again feels hollow, suggesting she may not fully believe it herself, which adds to the chapter’s tension.

    3. Analyze the significance of Reid’s reaction to Lou giving him Jean Luc’s Balisarda.

    Answer:
    Reid’s reaction highlights his emotional conflict and sense of displacement. Though Lou gives him the sword to replace the one she lost, it feels “wrong” to him—symbolizing how he is still struggling with his identity and past loyalties. The blade doesn’t fill the “empty hole” in his chest, showing that material replacements can’t fix his deeper emotional wounds. His silent acceptance of it reflects his loyalty to Lou, even as he feels powerless in their relationship. This moment underscores the growing strain between them, as both are trying to support each other but are also emotionally distant.

    4. How does the setting contribute to the chapter’s tension?

    Answer:
    The setting—a snowy, congested road near Les Dents, packed with travelers and Chasseurs—intensifies the sense of danger and claustrophobia. The crowd makes Reid uncomfortable, as it forces him to confront reminders of his past, weakening his emotional defenses. The blockade creates a physical barrier that heightens the urgency of their mission, while the snow and cold mirror Lou’s icy anger and the group’s growing desperation. The confined space among the trees also amplifies interpersonal tensions, as the characters have little room to escape each other’s frustrations.

    5. What does Beau’s skepticism reveal about the group’s dynamics?

    Answer:
    Beau’s skepticism highlights the group’s fractured trust and differing approaches to problem-solving. While Lou favors magical solutions and outside help (Claud), Beau represents a more cautious, strategic perspective. His open doubt frustrates Lou, exposing her impatience and dwindling control. His presence also serves as a foil to Reid, who, despite his concerns, remains outwardly supportive of Lou. The tension between Beau and Lou reflects broader anxieties within the group—particularly their fear of failure and the high stakes of their mission—making his skepticism a catalyst for conflict rather than constructive criticism.

    Note