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A review by just_an_avocado
Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
5.0
I have read this book THREE TIMES. It’s official: this is one of my Favorite Books of All-Time!
The characters are absolutely glorious and I so enjoyed seeing them grow and develop.
Lou is already stuck between two worlds at the beginning of the book, not able to trust the witches or the Chasseurs. After her marriage to Reid, she witnesses the Chasseurs behind closed doors and develops a deeper understanding of them. Even so, neither side is inherently good or evil and I LOVE IT. Mahurin doesn’t make things easy for Lou. Good. Choices aren’t choices if there isn’t indecision.
Reid has been raised from birth under the doctrine of the Archbishop and has dedicated his entire life to being a Chasseur, whose purpose is to rid Belterra of witches. When he meets Lou, he begins to question for the first time whether all that the church teaches is just, or even true. Reid’s development was so profound, and his character arc was, quite frankly, one of the most complex and prominent I have ever read—and this is only book one! I am so curious to see where his path takes him and how he will be further transformed.
The romance is top-notch. These two have so much chemistry, I was practically in permanent swoon the duration of the novel. I would also like to mention that the respect and value Reid has for Lou is so refreshing. Too often, love interests who disrespect or mistreat their spouse are romanticized. Rou—that’s what I’m calling them now, though I’m not sure what the official ship name is—is a healthy and authentic relationship that transforms both characters into better people. Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.
The world of this novel is very thoroughly executed, while still refraining from info dumping. There is an incredibly unique and well-planned magic system, crown-and-church politics, and passive aggressive oppressors.
This book is romance heavy, but it does not neglect any of the other aspects of a good story. There are so many twists and turns, you won’t know what to expect up to the very last page. Even the last line is a shocker! ;)
This book almost killed me in the best way. I can’t imagine how the sequel could possibly be better than this MASTERPIECE, but, considering this was a debut, I have high hopes. Here’s to hoping!
The characters are absolutely glorious and I so enjoyed seeing them grow and develop.
Lou is already stuck between two worlds at the beginning of the book, not able to trust the witches or the Chasseurs. After her marriage to Reid, she witnesses the Chasseurs behind closed doors and develops a deeper understanding of them. Even so, neither side is inherently good or evil and I LOVE IT. Mahurin doesn’t make things easy for Lou. Good. Choices aren’t choices if there isn’t indecision.
Reid has been raised from birth under the doctrine of the Archbishop and has dedicated his entire life to being a Chasseur, whose purpose is to rid Belterra of witches. When he meets Lou, he begins to question for the first time whether all that the church teaches is just, or even true. Reid’s development was so profound, and his character arc was, quite frankly, one of the most complex and prominent I have ever read—and this is only book one! I am so curious to see where his path takes him and how he will be further transformed.
The romance is top-notch. These two have so much chemistry, I was practically in permanent swoon the duration of the novel. I would also like to mention that the respect and value Reid has for Lou is so refreshing. Too often, love interests who disrespect or mistreat their spouse are romanticized. Rou—that’s what I’m calling them now, though I’m not sure what the official ship name is—is a healthy and authentic relationship that transforms both characters into better people. Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.
The world of this novel is very thoroughly executed, while still refraining from info dumping. There is an incredibly unique and well-planned magic system, crown-and-church politics, and passive aggressive oppressors.
This book is romance heavy, but it does not neglect any of the other aspects of a good story. There are so many twists and turns, you won’t know what to expect up to the very last page. Even the last line is a shocker! ;)
This book almost killed me in the best way. I can’t imagine how the sequel could possibly be better than this MASTERPIECE, but, considering this was a debut, I have high hopes. Here’s to hoping!