Saturday, April 18, 2020

Serpent & Dove (Serpent & Dove, #1) by Shelby Mahurin

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062878026/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2&linkCode=ll1&tag=doyoudogear-20&linkId=3aabc0c20e50204f91989d9a41e6c0d0&language=en_USSynopsis (via Goodreads): Bound as one to love, honor, or burn.

Two years ago, Louise le Blanc fled her coven and took shelter in the city of Cesarine, forsaking all magic and living off whatever she could steal. There, witches like Lou are hunted. They are feared. And they are burned.

Sworn to the Church as a Chasseur, Reid Diggory has lived his life by one principle:
thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. His path was never meant to cross with Lou's, but a wicked stunt forces them into an impossible union—holy matrimony.

The war between witches and Church is an ancient one, and Lou's most dangerous enemies bring a fate worse than fire. Unable to ignore her growing feelings, yet powerless to change what she is, a choice must be made.

And love makes fools of us all.


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I was so worried about starting this one, because it has been hyped like crazy since its release, and I didn't want to be disappointed. However, when I saw the audiobook was available on Hoopla (this is my first experience with Hoopla, and I love it) I decided to give it a go! The audio for this book was amazing! I'm really glad that's how I initially experienced the story, because there are several words and phrases that I wouldn't have been able to pronounce on my own. I also think it enhanced an already amazing story. Mahurin is definitely a new favorite, and Holter Graham and Saskia Maarleveld are narrators I will be looking for in the future!

Serpent & Dove is full of magic and adventure, daring escapes and new friendships. I really loved all of the characters and how the author portrayed them. Both Reid and Lou were hard on the outside, and super soft on the inside. Lou wanted to stay hidden and remain safe, and her haughty attitude was a front to hide how scared and vulnerable she was. She wanted to love, but was afraid what that love would end up costing her. Reid wanted to eradicate the evil in the world, which he firmly believes to be witches and anything magical. He was a young captain, and the perceived pet of the Archbishop. They had a weird sort-of-father and son relationship, and Reid was totally devoted to him and their cause. Reid and Lou couldn't have been more different, but they still found a way to connect and form a unique and unbreakable bond.

All of the secondary characters were remarkably well-written as well. Lou's best friend, the baker that made sticky buns, Ansel, and even the villainous Cretans that made the main character's life very difficult. People constantly surprised me in this book, and appearances were definitely deceiving. I really loved the twists and turns that kept me on my toes, the ones that made my heart break, and the moments of joy that made everything worth it.

I also really enjoyed the setting! There's just something breath catching about a sword fight, especially when there's magic involved. You never know what's going to happen! It also feels very personal and in-your-face. I think the author created a fantastic fantastical world, and one I will absolutely be revisiting in the future. I believe the next book is called Blood & Honey, and I already cannot wait for its release! If you've been avoiding this book because of the hype, know that it's well-deserved and go experience this book for yourself. I think I listened to the audiobook in three days, which is really saying something for me. Normally, they expire a few times before I can reach the end! ;) (★★★★★)

22 comments:

  1. I really want this book in my life <3 it sounds like something I would really enjoy and the setting :D

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    1. I absolutely loved it! I know FairyLoot had a special edition in one of their boxes, so that's what I'm looking for now. Especially since they're doing a second box for Blood & Honey! I just know I need this series on my shelves. :)

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  2. I've waiting for my hold to come in on Libby for the audiobook of this - glad to hear that you liked it! :)

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    1. You'll have to let me know what you think! I thought the narrators did an amazing job! They really made the story pop.

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  3. I grabbed this a while ago while riding the hype train for it (plus it was on sale for 99p so I figured why not?) but I wasn't sure it'd be for me. Good news is you've convinced me to bump it up the list so I'll so find out! :)

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    1. Lucky! Did you buy an e-book? I'm currently trying to find the FairyLoot special edition. They're doing another box for the second book (Blood & Honey), and I want a matching set. ;) I hope you love this one as much as I did! Let me know!

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  4. Yay for the 5 star review. I just bought the ebook on sale last week so I'm thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed it.

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    1. Apparently, I'm the only one that missed the sale! ;) However, I did enjoy my experience with the audiobook, so I'm not complaining. Going into this one I was really worried about the hype and my expectations, but the storytelling blew me away! I loved the characters and setting, and thought the author did a wonderful job putting a unique spin on a topic we're all familiar with. <3

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  5. It's been awhile since I've read this but I remember loving how different it was! Glad you enjoyed it as well!! I love that cover too, so alluring! Hope you are safe and well!!

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    1. I remember thinking that it was about witches, so how different could it really be? But I was so wrong! I loved that there were different types of witches, and that they didn't always get along with each other, despite being hunted by the Archbishop and his minions. The ending was really creative and totally threw me. I can't wait to read Blood & Honey later this year!

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  6. YES! I'm so glad you loved this one! I picked it up on a whim too and it was so good. I couldn't stop reading it. I'm really excited to read the next book!
    Great review!

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    1. Right?? I was constantly listening to the audio (which is something I rarely have time for these days), and looking for any excuse to clean or work solo, so that I could get back into the story, haha. ;) I'm really looking forward to reading the sequel in the fall!

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  7. I completely agree with you Lindsi! And I too listened to the audiobook!

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    1. It was such a wonderful listening experience! I think they chose amazing narrators that really brought the story to life. Loved it!

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  8. I hadn't heard any hype about this book but I'm glad you ended up enjoying it.

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    1. I feel like I saw this book EVERYWHERE for several weeks, which is why I was hesitant to start it at first. I never know if it's the publishers pushing the book, or if people are genuinely enjoying the story. It's why I gave it several months before trying the audio (which was fantastic). :)

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  9. I'm nervous to start this one for the same reason. EVERYONE loves it. It's so hyped haha But I'm glad you enjoyed it! That's awesome :) Maybe I should pick it up soon lol

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    1. Don't be nervous! It was brilliant! I always avoid the books that are REALLY hyped, but I'm happy I gave this one a chance. :) If you do decide to read it soon, let me know your thoughts!

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  10. I am so glad you enjoyed this one. It sounds so good, and I was hoping it would be.

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  11. I love well-written secondary characters! I was worried this book was all hype and no substance, too, but I will be looking to read it next year. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I'm glad to hear you are enjoying Hoopla. ๐Ÿ‘✨

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    1. You'll have to let me know what you think! I can't wait for the sequel to be released later this year. :) Hoopla is WONDERFUL!

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“Stuff and nonsense. Nonsense and stuff and much of a muchness and nonsense all over again. We are all mad here, don't you know?”
― Marissa Meyer, Heartless