Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Genre: YA Fantasy Romance

Available On: Amazon

Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin is a spellbinding young adult fantasy novel that transports readers to a world of witches, witch-hunters, and a forbidden romance that will leave you longing for more. With its engaging characters, intricate world-building, and a touch of dark magic, Mahurin delivers an enchanting story that captivates from beginning to end.

The heart of Serpent & Dove lies in its compelling and well-developed characters. Mahurin introduces us to Lou, a headstrong and quick-witted witch who has spent her life evading the clutches of the Chasseurs, a zealous group of witch-hunters. Lou is a character who leaps off the page with her vibrant personality and unconventional approach to life. Her resilience and determination in the face of adversity make her a force to be reckoned with, and her flaws and vulnerabilities make her all the more relatable and endearing. She is a breath of fresh air, defying traditional gender roles and societal expectations. Lou’s sharp tongue and clever wit add a delightful dose of humour to the story, making her an incredibly engaging protagonist.

Opposite Lou is Reid, a disciplined and devout Chasseur who is everything she despises. His initial distrust and hostility towards witches create a compelling dynamic between the two characters. As the story progresses, Mahurin skillfully navigates their complex relationship, exploring themes of prejudice, loyalty, and the power of love to transcend boundaries. Reid undergoes a transformative journey as he confronts his preconceived notions and learns to question the world he has always known. His growth is believable and satisfying, as he grapples with his conflicting loyalties and starts to see the grey areas between good and evil.

The chemistry between Lou and Reid is electric and forms the heart of the novel. Their banter crackles with tension, and their slow-burning romance develops amidst the chaos and danger that surrounds them. Mahurin strikes a delicate balance, allowing their relationship to unfold gradually without overshadowing the broader plot. The push-and-pull between their differing backgrounds and beliefs creates compelling conflict, and readers will find themselves rooting for their love to triumph against all odds.

The world-building in Serpent & Dove is both immersive and imaginative. Mahurin expertly blends elements of historical France with a rich tapestry of magic and witchcraft. The intricate details of the magic system, the religious and political tensions, and the societal divisions between witches and Chasseurs are seamlessly interwoven, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. The author’s vivid prose paints a vivid picture of the settings, immersing readers in a world teeming with atmospheric charm and danger. From the bustling streets of Cesarine to the clandestine world of witches, each setting feels distinct and alive.

While the pacing of the story is generally well-balanced, there are moments where the action slows down, focusing more on the character development and the intricacies of the romance. While this allows for deeper exploration of the relationships and emotions, it may slightly detract from the overall momentum of the plot. However, the emotional depth and growth of the characters more than compensate for these moments, ensuring a satisfying reading experience.

Serpent & Dove is a compelling debut novel from Shelby Mahurin. With its engaging characters, intricate world-building, and a captivating romance, it is sure to enchant fans of young adult fantasy. Mahurin’s storytelling prowess keeps readers engrossed, with twists and turns that will leave you guessing until the very end. The book’s exploration of themes such as prejudice, identity, and the power of love adds depth and substance to the narrative, elevating it beyond a mere love story.

Mahurin skillfully weaves in deeper themes throughout the book, addressing issues of prejudice, discrimination, and societal expectations. The divide between witches and Chasseurs reflects the larger tensions within their world, mirroring real-world issues of intolerance and the fear of the unknown. Through the lens of this fantastical world, Mahurin encourages readers to question their own biases and challenge the status quo. The exploration of identity, particularly in relation to Lou’s heritage and Reid’s beliefs, adds layers of complexity to the characters, making them more relatable and compelling.

The plot of Serpent & Dove is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Mahurin expertly balances action-packed sequences with quieter, character-driven moments, allowing the story to unfold naturally. The stakes are high, and the tension is palpable as Lou and Reid navigate a world where their love is forbidden. The inclusion of dark magic and ancient curses adds an additional layer of intrigue and danger, keeping readers hooked until the final pages.

Mahurin’s prose is elegant and evocative, enhancing the atmospheric setting of the story. Her descriptions bring the streets of Cesarine to life, from the bustling marketplaces to the shadowy corners where secrets are whispered. The vivid imagery and sensory details allow readers to immerse themselves fully in the world she has created.

While Serpent & Dove is a satisfying and enjoyable read, it is worth noting that some aspects may feel familiar to fans of the young adult fantasy genre. Certain plot elements and character archetypes follow recognizable tropes, and the pacing can occasionally feel uneven. However, Mahurin’s fresh take on these tropes and the strength of her character development make up for any familiar elements, ensuring that the story remains engaging and compelling.

This is a captivating tale of magic, forbidden love, and self-discovery. Shelby Mahurin’s debut novel showcases her talent for crafting complex characters, immersive world-building, and an enthralling romance. With its blend of fantasy, romance, and themes of identity and prejudice, Serpent & Dove is a must-read for fans of young adult fantasy looking for a story that will transport them to a world filled with danger, magic, and the power of love.

How Spicy Is Serpent & Dove? 

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️ (2/5)

The novel contains elements of romance and attraction between the main characters, Lou and Reid. While their relationship does have moments of tension and passion, the level of explicit content in the book is relatively mild. The focus of the story is primarily on the development of their emotional connection rather than explicit physical encounters. It can be considered a moderately spicy read with romantic tension and some romantic scenes, but it does not venture into overly explicit or graphic content.

Romance Trope Count

Trope Count: 💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚 (10)

incorporates several romance tropes that add depth and excitement to the story. Some of the prominent romance tropes in the book include:

Enemies-to-Lovers

The main characters, Lou (a witch) and Reid (a Chasseur), start off as adversaries due to their opposing roles in society. Their initial animosity gradually transforms into a passionate and forbidden romance as they get to know each other better.

Forced Proximity

Circumstances force Lou and Reid into a situation where they must marry and pretend to be a couple. This trope creates tension, as they must navigate their growing feelings for each other while concealing their true intentions from others.

Slow-Burn 

The romantic relationship between Lou and Reid develops gradually throughout the book. Their feelings for each other simmer beneath the surface, building anticipation and emotional intensity over time.

Forbidden Love

Lou, being a witch, and Reid, being a Chasseur sworn to hunt witches, face societal and cultural barriers that make their love illicit and dangerous. This forbidden aspect adds an extra layer of complexity and urgency to their romance.

Opposites Attract

Lou and Reid come from different worlds and possess contrasting beliefs and personalities. Lou is fiery, unconventional, and embraces her magical abilities, while Reid is steadfast, devout, and committed to his duty. Their differences create a compelling dynamic and spark between them.

Fake Relationship

Lou and Reid initially enter into a fake marriage for their own individual reasons. This trope involves them pretending to be in a romantic relationship while hiding their true motives, leading to unexpected feelings and complications.

Redemption

Reid undergoes a redemption arc as he questions his beliefs and prejudices towards witches. This trope adds depth to the romance, as Lou becomes instrumental in challenging and changing his perspective, leading to personal growth and a transformation of their relationship.

Love Triangle

While not as prominent as other tropes, there are elements of a love triangle in the story. A third character’s presence introduces some romantic tension and potential conflict, as Lou’s feelings become divided between two different individuals.

Sacrifice For Love

Both Lou and Reid find themselves facing difficult choices and making sacrifices for the sake of their love and the safety of one another. This trope highlights the depth of their feelings and the lengths they are willing to go to protect each other.

Soulmates 

Lou and Reid’s relationship is not just a simple romance; it is also tied to a prophecy and a deeper connection that goes beyond their individual roles. This trope adds a layer of destiny and significance to their love story.

These romance tropes intertwine with the broader fantasy plot, enhancing the emotional stakes and adding layers of complexity to the characters’ relationships.

What Genre Is Serpent & Dove?

The novel falls primarily into the genres of Young Adult, Fantasy, and Romance. The book combines elements of fantasy with a richly developed world of witches, witch-hunters, and magic. The story also weaves in a captivating romance that develops amidst the conflicts and tensions of the fantastical setting. While there are elements of romance and fantasy, the book is primarily categorised as Young Adult due to its target audience of teenage readers and the themes and tone that align with the genre’s conventions.