Serpent & Dove
Author: Shelby Mahurin
Release Date: September 3, 2019
Publisher: HarperTeen
Serpent and Dove Book #1
ISBN: 0062878026
ISBN13: 9780062878021
Genre: YA Fantasy
Review Copy Source: Edewleiss
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.
I very much enjoyed the whole story behind SERPENT AND DOVE.
The characters in SERPENT AND DOVE, definitely make the story strong. Lou was strong, smart and independent. Reid is an interesting character, but hard to read most of the time. I had a love/hate relationship throughout the book due to his beliefs, but going through the motion of learning about him, you understand where his prejudice is coming from and why. He doesn't quite live up to the man I thought he should be until it's almost too late. Lou and Reid are NOT in love, they don't even LIKE each other. They are forced together and tolerate each other for most of the book as they slowly learn to coexist, then like, then respect, then more.
Lou and Coco's friendship is awesome! There is nothing like a bestie that has your back no matter what life throws at you.
I had no trouble falling into the emotions of the story. I was heartbroken right alongside Lou at times and joyous at others. The world building wasn't the strongest aspect of the book, but the characters and their story make up for it in my opinion.
I plan to read book two.
I gave it 4/5 stars
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.