Serpent & Dove
“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
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
- The Bellerose: Lou 2,315 Words
- The Chasseur: Lou 2,232 Words
- Wicked Are the Ways of Women: Reid 2,285 Words
- The Heist: Lou 2,283 Words
- A Man’s Name: Reid 2,197 Words
- Angelica’s Ring: Lou 2,172 Words
- Two Named Wrath and Envy: Reid 1,960 Words
- A Mutually Beneficial Arrangement: Lou 1,997 Words
- The Ceremony: Reid 2,309 Words
- Consummation: Lou 2,010 Words
- The Interrogation: Reid 2,212 Words
- The Forbidden Infirmary: Lou 2,242 Words
- The Escape: Lou 1,993 Words
- Lord, Have Mercy: Lou 1,886 Words
- Madame Labelle: Reid 2,119 Words
- Chill in My Bones: Lou 2,037 Words
- A Clever Little Witch: Lou 2,020 Words
- La Vie Éphémère: Lou 2,065 Words
- Witch Killer: Lou 2,029 Words
- Soul Ache: Lou 1,922 Words
- A Time for Moving on: Reid 1,957 Words
- The Guest of Honor: Lou 2,047 Words
- A Dangerous Game: Lou 2,009 Words
- A Question of Pride: Reid 2,341 Words
- Blood, Water, and Smoke: Lou 1,880 Words
- Of My Home: Lou 2,273 Words
- Where You Go: Lou 2,113 Words
- Monsieur Bernard: Lou 1,943 Words
- Ye Olde Sisters: Lou 2,191 Words
- Secrets Revealed: Lou 2,072 Words
- Oblivion: Lou 2,075 Words
- Beating a Dead Witch: Reid 1,969 Words
- Hell Hath No Fury: Reid 2,226 Words
- The Soul Remembers: Lou 2,065 Words
- Harbinger: Reid 2,152 Words
- Drifting: Lou 2,023 Words
- Consorting With the Enemy: Reid 2,013 Words
- Modraniht: Reid 1,935 Words
- The Pattern: Reid 1,935 Words
- La Forêt des Yeux: Reid 2,128 Words
- La Voisin: Lou 2,063 Words