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    Cover of Gods & Monsters
    FantasyRomance NovelYoung Adult

    Gods & Monsters

    by Mahurin, Shelby
    “Gods & Monsters” by Shelby Mahurin is the final installment in the “Serpent & Dove” trilogy, a YA fantasy series blending French-inspired witchcraft, forbidden romance, and political intrigue. Following a devastating loss, protagonist Lou—now possessed by a powerful enemy witch—joins Reid, Beau, and Coco in a quest for vengeance against the dark witch Morgane. Themes of sacrifice, identity, and the blurred lines between good and evil drive the narrative as alliances are tested and divine forces intervene. The novel culminates in a high-stakes battle, resolving the trilogy’s central conflicts while exploring the cost of power and redemption. Its mix of action, mythology, and emotional depth solidifies its place in the YA fantasy genre.

    The spell­bind­ing con­clu­sion to Ser­pent & Dove tril­o­gy. Lou and Reid have risked every­thing to build a life together—but ene­mies old and new gath­er around them. Morgane’s shad­ow looms large, and an ancient evil stirs. With mag­ic surg­ing out of con­trol and loy­al­ty test­ed at every turn, Lou and Reid must decide what they’re will­ing to sac­ri­fice to save those they love… and the world itself.

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    Author

    • Mahurin, Shelby

    Author Introduction

    • Shelby Mahurin, acclaimed fantasy author, is best known for Gods & Monsters. With a background in creative writing, her works blend rich mythology and gripping storytelling, earning critical praise and a dedicated readership.

    Description

    • “Gods & Monsters” by Shelby Mahurin is the final installment in the “Serpent & Dove” trilogy, a YA fantasy series blending French-inspired witchcraft, forbidden romance, and political intrigue. Following a devastating loss, protagonist Lou—now possessed by a powerful enemy witch—joins Reid, Beau, and Coco in a quest for vengeance against the dark witch Morgane. Themes of sacrifice, identity, and the blurred lines between good and evil drive the narrative as alliances are tested and divine forces intervene. The novel culminates in a high-stakes battle, resolving the trilogy’s central conflicts while exploring the cost of power and redemption. Its mix of action, mythology, and emotional depth solidifies its place in the YA fantasy genre.

    FAQs

    • What is Gods & Monsters about?
    • • Gods & Monsters is the third and final book in Shelby Mahurin’s Serpent & Dove trilogy. It follows Lou, Reid, Beau, and Coco as they seek revenge against Morgane, a dark witch, after a tragic loss in Blood & Honey. The story combines fantasy, romance, and high-stakes action in a world inspired by French witchcraft and forbidden love.
    • Is Gods & Monsters part of a series?
    • • Yes, it is the concluding installment of the Serpent & Dove trilogy, preceded by Serpent & Dove (Book 1) and Blood & Honey (Book 2). The series is a YA fantasy with themes of magic, vengeance, and complex relationships.
    • What genre does this book fall under?
    • • Gods & Monsters is a young adult (YA) fantasy novel with elements of romance, dark magic, and adventure. It’s often compared to works by Sarah J. Maas due to its rich world-building and morally gray characters.
    • How was the book received by readers and critics?
    • • The book has a mixed reception, with a Goodreads rating of 3.97⁄5 (based on 66,160 ratings). Some praised its emotional depth and conclusion, while others critiqued pacing or character arcs. It’s noted for its darker tone compared to earlier books in the trilogy.
    • Are there major spoilers or triggers to be aware of?
    • • Yes, the book deals with themes of grief, vengeance, and possession. Major spoilers include Lou’s struggle with her identity (as a monster or god) and the fallout from a key character’s death in Blood & Honey. Readers recommend checking content warnings for violence and emotional trauma.
    • When was Gods & Monsters published?
    • • It was released on July 27, 2021, by HarperTeen, with 624 pages in the hardcover edition.
    • Who would enjoy this book?
    • • Fans of Serpent & Dove, YA fantasy with witchy lore, and enemies-to-lovers tropes will likely enjoy it. Readers who appreciate morally complex characters and high-stakes endings may also find it satisfying.

    Quotes

    • “Two star-crossed lovers brought together by fate or providence. By life or by death. By Gods. Or perhaps by monsters.” — Shelby Mahurin
    • “Deep down, I’d known how this would end all along. I’d sensed it from the moment we’d first met, from the time I’d first glimpsed the Balisarda in his bandolier—two star-crossed lovers brought together by fate or providence.” — Shelby Mahurin
    • “Death isn’t an ending at all, Lou. That’s what I’m trying to tell you.” — Shelby Mahurin
    • “Dreams are never dreams, Mademoiselle Célie. They are our deepest wishes and darkest fears.” — Shelby Mahurin
    • “Hope isn’t the sickness. It’s the cure. Fear was inevitable. We all made our choices, and we all suffered our consequences.” — Shelby Mahurin
    • “Evil always seeks a foothold. We must not give it one.” — Shelby Mahurin
    • “That is love, to give away everything, to sacrifice everything, without the slightest desire to get anything in return.” — Shelby Mahurin
    1. A Nest of Mice
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    2. L’Enchanteresse
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    3. Darkness Mine
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    4. Coco’s Flame
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    5. La Petite Larme
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    7. An Insidious Presence
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    8. A Game of Questions
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    9. My Name Is Legion
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    10. The Lighthouse
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    11. Le Cauchemar
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    12. No Rose Without a Thorn
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    13. Death at the Waters
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    14. A Murder of Crows
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    15. The Dragon and Her Maiden
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    16. Litany
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    17. Another Grave
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    18. A Simple Favor
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    19. Le Cœur Brisé
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    20. The Waters’ Truth
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    21. Mathieu
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    22. What It Is to Drown
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    23. What It Is to Swim
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    24. The Final Verse
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    25. Another Pattern
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    26. Doubt Creeps in
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    27. Angelica
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    28. A Lie of Omission
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    29. A Magpie’s Nest
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    30. The Green Ribbon
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    31. The Oracle and the Sea Urchin
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    32. The Most Beautiful Shade of Blue
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    34. The Wager
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    35. Holes in the Tapestry
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    37. Deadly and Beautiful Things
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    38. Ask Me No Questions
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    41. The Rift
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    42. Holy Men
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    44. Take Me to Church
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    45. The Belly of the Beast
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    46. All Seven of Us
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    47. Our Story
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    48. Confessional
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    49. A Single Spark
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    50. A Shower of Light
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    51. The Final Battle
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    52. When a God Intervenes
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    53. The Chasm
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    54. As We Started
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    55. It Ends in Hope
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    56. Pan’s Patisserie
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    57. Epilogue
      2,447 Words
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    Ongoing June 10, 2025Jun 10, '25 120.6 K Everyone

    Quotes

    “Two star-crossed lovers brought together by fate or providence. By life or by death. By Gods. Or perhaps by monsters.” — Shelby Mahurin

    “Deep down, I’d known how this would end all along. I’d sensed it from the moment we’d first met, from the time I’d first glimpsed the Balisarda in his bandolier—two star-crossed lovers brought together by fate or providence.” — Shelby Mahurin

    “Death isn’t an ending at all, Lou. That’s what I’m trying to tell you.” — Shelby Mahurin

    “Dreams are never dreams, Mademoiselle Célie. They are our deepest wishes and darkest fears.” — Shelby Mahurin

    “Hope isn’t the sickness. It’s the cure. Fear was inevitable. We all made our choices, and we all suffered our consequences.” — Shelby Mahurin

    “Evil always seeks a foothold. We must not give it one.” — Shelby Mahurin

    “That is love, to give away everything, to sacrifice everything, without the slightest desire to get anything in return.” — Shelby Mahurin

    FAQs

    What is Gods & Monsters about?

    • Gods & Monsters is the third and final book in Shelby Mahurin’s Serpent & Dove trilogy. It follows Lou, Reid, Beau, and Coco as they seek revenge against Morgane, a dark witch, after a tragic loss in Blood & Honey. The story combines fantasy, romance, and high-stakes action in a world inspired by French witchcraft and forbidden love.

    Is Gods & Monsters part of a series?

    • Yes, it is the concluding installment of the Serpent & Dove trilogy, preceded by Serpent & Dove (Book 1) and Blood & Honey (Book 2). The series is a YA fantasy with themes of magic, vengeance, and complex relationships.

    What genre does this book fall under?

    • Gods & Monsters is a young adult (YA) fantasy novel with elements of romance, dark magic, and adventure. It’s often compared to works by Sarah J. Maas due to its rich world-building and morally gray characters.

    How was the book received by readers and critics?

    • The book has a mixed reception, with a Goodreads rating of 3.97⁄5 (based on 66,160 ratings). Some praised its emotional depth and conclusion, while others critiqued pacing or character arcs. It’s noted for its darker tone compared to earlier books in the trilogy.

    Are there major spoilers or triggers to be aware of?

    • Yes, the book deals with themes of grief, vengeance, and possession. Major spoilers include Lou’s struggle with her identity (as a monster or god) and the fallout from a key character’s death in Blood & Honey. Readers recommend checking content warnings for violence and emotional trauma.

    Note