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.
The Chasseur: Lou
byMahurin, Shelby
Lou, Bas, and Coco meet in a patisserie to discuss a heist targeting an aristocrat’s vault, specifically a magic ring that grants immunity to enchantment. Lou insists the ring is their priority, while Bas, a skilled swindler with aristocratic connections, questions her sudden interest in magic despite her past renouncement of it. Their banter reveals a history of romantic tension, with Lou recalling their passionate past but dismissing Bas as unreliable in serious matters. The dynamic between them is playful yet strained, hinting at unresolved feelings and mutual frustration.
Bas, who straddles the line between aristocracy and outsider due to his distant noble ties, outlines the challenges of robbing Tremblay’s heavily guarded vault. He mentions increased security after Tremblay’s daughter was kidnapped by witches, a detail that irritates Lou. Meanwhile, Coco joins them, bringing sticky buns and teasing Lou about her debts. The group’s camaraderie is evident, but their focus wavers as Bas and Coco bicker, forcing Lou to refocus them on the urgency of their mission—the ring must be stolen that very night.
Lou’s dual identity as Mademoiselle Lucida Bretton, a blonde persona she uses to manipulate the patisserie owner Pan, adds a layer of deception to her character. She reveals her disdain for Bas’s empty promises of protection, acknowledging his charm but doubting his loyalty. The ring’s significance becomes clearer as Lou explains its power to counter enchantments, a crucial tool against threats like the mysterious “she” who seems to be pursuing Lou. Bas’s playful demeanor shifts to concern when he touches Lou’s hidden scar, hinting at a deeper, unresolved danger.
The chapter blends humor, tension, and intrigue as the trio navigates personal dynamics while planning their risky heist. Lou’s determination to secure the ring underscores her pragmatism and self-reliance, contrasting with Bas’s cavalier attitude. The playful exchanges mask underlying tensions, particularly Lou’s fear of being found by an unnamed enemy. The scene sets the stage for a high-stakes operation, leaving readers curious about the ring’s true importance and the unresolved threats looming over Lou and her companions.
FAQs
1. What is Lou’s primary objective in this chapter, and why is the magic ring so important to her?
Answer:
Lou’s primary objective is to steal a magic ring from Tremblay’s vault with Bas’s help. The ring is crucial because it grants the user immunity to enchantment, similar to the Chasseurs’ Balisardas. For Lou, who has renounced magic but still faces threats (implied to be from a female antagonist referenced by her scar), this protection is vital. The chapter reveals her fear that “she” (likely a witch or enemy) will find her, making the ring a necessary safeguard despite her general rejection of magical items. This explains her urgency in obtaining it before morning.
2. Analyze Bas’s character and his relationship with Lou. How does their dynamic influence the heist plan?
Answer:
Bas is portrayed as charming, cunning, and socially ambiguous—connected to aristocracy yet dismissed by it, which aids his thievery. His flirtatious banter with Lou hints at a past romantic relationship, but Lou’s internal monologue reveals she no longer loves him, recognizing his self-serving nature. Their dynamic is transactional: Lou tolerates his teasing because she needs his expertise, while Bas seems to genuinely care but prioritizes his own interests. This tension adds complexity to their collaboration, as Lou must balance his unreliable tendencies with the mission’s urgency.
3. How does Lou’s use of disguises (like Mademoiselle Lucida Bretton) reflect her adaptability and survival skills?
Answer:
Lou’s disguise as Mademoiselle Lucida Bretton—a blonde woman who manipulates the baker Pan—showcases her strategic adaptability. She exploits societal biases (Pan’s soft spot for women) to gain resources like food, while her male disguise in this chapter allows her to navigate spaces more freely. This duality highlights her resourcefulness: she weaponizes gender perceptions to survive, whether through flirtation or anonymity. The detail that Bas unknowingly “wronged” her alter ego adds irony, emphasizing her ability to control narratives and turn others’ assumptions to her advantage.
4. What role does Coco play in the chapter, and how does her presence contrast with Bas’s?
Answer:
Coco serves as Lou’s pragmatic ally, balancing Bas’s frivolity. She procures food (like the sticky buns) and demands payment, reflecting a no-nonsense attitude. Her exasperation with Bas’s flirting (“Pining doesn’t suit you”) and readiness to fight him (“I’m going to—”) underscore her loyalty to Lou and mission-focused mindset. Unlike Bas, who enjoys games, Coco prioritizes efficiency, intervening when distractions arise. Her presence reinforces the heist’s stakes and highlights Lou’s need for dependable partners amid Bas’s unreliability.
5. Critical Thinking: Why might Lou’s rejection of magic (except the ring) be significant for her character arc?
Answer:
Lou’s rejection of magic—except for the ring—suggests internal conflict. She disdains reliance on magic (mocking Bas’s assumption she’d want such an object) yet seeks the ring out of fear, revealing unresolved vulnerability. This contradiction hints at deeper trauma (the scar, the unnamed “she”) and a potential arc toward reconciling with her past or powers. The ring may symbolize a compromise between self-sufficiency and accepting help, foreshadowing growth where she either embraces magic strategically or confronts why she truly fears it.
Quotes
1. “No one could swindle an aristocrat like Bas could.”
This quote introduces Bas’s key skill and establishes his role in the heist plot, highlighting the dynamic between the characters and their criminal capabilities.
2. “As the third cousin twice removed of a baron, Bas held the peculiar position of being part of the aristocracy, while also not being part of it.”
This insightful description captures Bas’s unique social position, which becomes crucial for their plan, while also commenting on class dynamics in their society.
3. “It renders the user immune to enchantment. Sort of like the Chasseurs’ Balisardas. Surely you understand how useful that might prove to me.”
This reveals the true importance of the magic ring they’re stealing, connecting to Lou’s personal stakes and hinting at a deeper conflict with magical forces.
4. “Bas was many things—charming, cunning, ruthless—but he wasn’t a protector. No, he was far too worried about more important things, like saving his own skin at the first sign of trouble.”
This sharp character analysis reveals Lou’s disillusionment with Bas and shows her pragmatic understanding of his limitations, despite their past relationship.
5. “Sometimes I didn’t want to wear the suit—and I’d quickly discovered Pan had a soft spot for the gentler sex.”
This quote showcases Lou’s fluid identity and manipulation skills, while subtly touching on themes of gender presentation and performance in their society.