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    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.

    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
      2,330 Words
    2. L’Enchanteresse
      2,344 Words
    3. Darkness Mine
      1,996 Words
    4. Coco’s Flame
      2,226 Words
    5. La Petite Larme
      2,052 Words
    7. An Insidious Presence
      1,971 Words
    8. A Game of Questions
      2,084 Words
    9. My Name Is Legion
      2,159 Words
    10. The Lighthouse
      2,373 Words
    11. Le Cauchemar
      2,033 Words
    12. No Rose Without a Thorn
      2,101 Words
    13. Death at the Waters
      2,416 Words
    14. A Murder of Crows
      2,325 Words
    15. The Dragon and Her Maiden
      2,582 Words
    16. Litany
      2,453 Words
    17. Another Grave
      2,499 Words
    18. A Simple Favor
      1,937 Words
    19. Le Cœur Brisé
      1,774 Words
    20. The Waters’ Truth
      1,794 Words
    21. Mathieu
      2,133 Words
    22. What It Is to Drown
      2,194 Words
    23. What It Is to Swim
      2,185 Words
    24. The Final Verse
      2,015 Words
    25. Another Pattern
      2,094 Words
    26. Doubt Creeps in
      2,446 Words
    27. Angelica
      2,049 Words
    28. A Lie of Omission
      2,048 Words
    29. A Magpie’s Nest
      2,293 Words
    30. The Green Ribbon
      2,106 Words
    31. The Oracle and the Sea Urchin
      2,211 Words
    32. The Most Beautiful Shade of Blue
      2,233 Words
    33. Sticks and Stones
      2,290 Words
    34. The Wager
      2,085 Words
    35. Holes in the Tapestry
      2,031 Words
    36. Winter Wonderland
      2,245 Words
    37. Deadly and Beautiful Things
      2,111 Words
    38. Ask Me No Questions
      1,938 Words
    39. Truth or Dare
      2,076 Words
    40. The Hangover
      2,077 Words
    41. The Rift
      2,131 Words
    42. Holy Men
      2,571 Words
    43. What Happiness Looks Like
      1,827 Words
    44. Take Me to Church
      2,074 Words
    45. The Belly of the Beast
      2,371 Words
    46. All Seven of Us
      2,152 Words
    47. Our Story
      2,121 Words
    48. Confessional
      2,038 Words
    49. A Single Spark
      1,918 Words
    50. A Shower of Light
      2,550 Words
    51. The Final Battle
      2,244 Words
    52. When a God Intervenes
      2,138 Words
    53. The Chasm
      2,017 Words
    54. As We Started
      2,135 Words
    55. It Ends in Hope
      1,991 Words
    56. Pan’s Patisserie
      2,393 Words
    57. Epilogue
      2,476 Words
    Ongoing June 10, 2025Jun 10, '25 121.9 K Everyone
    [adinserter block="9"]

    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

    [adinserter block="8"]

    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