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Serpent & Dove

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2019

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Book Brief

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Shelby Mahurin

Serpent & Dove

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2019
Book Details
Pages

560

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

France • Medieval Fantasy World

Publication Year

2019

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

HL610L

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Super Short Summary

Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin is set in a mythical French-inspired kingdom, following witch-turned-thief Lou and her forced marriage to witch-hunter Reid. They navigate precarious love amidst opposing beliefs, secrets, and external threats. When Lou's witch identity is exposed, their lives and romance are jeopardized as dangerous forces converge upon them. Note: The novel contains references to self-inflicted bodily harm, witch burning, rape, violence, forced incarceration, suicide, and sexual activity.

Romantic

Mysterious

Dark

Adventurous

Fantastical

Reviews & Readership

4.2

328,878 ratings

74%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Shelby Mahurin's Serpent & Dove has captivated readers with its inventive blend of romance and fantasy, set in a richly detailed world where witches and witch hunters collide. Praised for its compelling pacing and strong character dynamics, some critics found the relationship development predictable and the plot somewhat formulaic, but overall, it delivers a highly engaging and dramatic narrative.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Serpent & Dove?

Fans who relish romance laced with magic and conflict would enjoy Shelby Mahurin's Serpent & Dove. Ideal for readers of Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses and Leigh Bardugo's Shadow and Bone, it captivates those who appreciate strong-willed characters and darkly enchanting worlds.

4.2

328,878 ratings

74%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Character List

Louise “Lou” de Blanc

A determined young woman who goes by Lou and utilizes her quick wit and charm to navigate life, hiding her true identity and magical abilities from the world around her.

The devout captain of the Chasseurs, known for his strict adherence to duty and his unexpected, transformative connection with Lou.

A powerful and seemingly pious religious leader who secretly manipulates events and individuals for his own interests.

The formidable leader of the Dames Blanches coven, feared for her ruthless actions and single-minded pursuit of power.

A loyal friend to Lou and a skilled Dame Rouge witch known for her expertise in magic and healing rituals.

A young and compassionate initiate in the Chasseurs, whose ethical convictions and kindness make him a steadfast ally.

Reid’s once close friend within the Chasseurs, whose rivalry and ambition seed tension and suspicion.

The enigmatic madam of The Bellerose, who skillfully navigates the social strata and harbors significant secrets.

An actress and witch who initially appears as an ally but whose true loyalties lead to conflict.

A childhood friend of Lou's and devoted follower of Morgane, who struggles with loyalty and morality.

A mystical group of witches, famed for their nature-based magic and complex relationship with the kingdom.

Blood witches who employ their distinctive magic for various purposes, often blending it with other ingredients.

The pleasure-seeking prince and his royal father, integral to the power dynamics within the kingdom.

Menacing figures in the East End crime scene, antagonistic towards Lou from their realm of influence.

A charming pickpocket with a past romantic link to Lou, entangled in the underworld of Cesarine.

An infirmary patient and victim of dark magic, highlighting the brutal conflicts between witches and the Church.

Book Details
Pages

560

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

France • Medieval Fantasy World

Publication Year

2019

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

HL610L

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