Review By: Alexa Kulak
Published: 2019
Series: Serpent & Dove #1
Genre(s): Romance, Fantasy, Mystery, Magical Realism, New Adult
Audience: Grades 11 to 12, Adult
Content Warnings: Explicit sexual content, murder, human sacrifice, vulgar language, violence
Goodreads Link: Serpent & Dove
Publisher’s Summary:
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.
Review:
Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin is the first novel in a romantasy trilogy focusing on the relationship between streetwise witch Louise Le Blanc and devout Chasseur Reid Diggory. In Cesarine, witches are hunted relentlessly, and any woman could be suspected. Lou lives in hiding, terrified of being discovered by her own coven. Reid, raised by the Church, has been trained to view witches as evil. Unforeseen circumstances force the two into a marriage neither wants, setting the foundation for a fiery enemies to lovers arc filled with tension, humor, and vulnerability.
The reviewer was completely absorbed in the book, loving its pacing, world building, and character depth. The richly constructed society, layered cast, and sharp banter brought the story to life. While romance takes center stage, the plot includes mystery, politics, and examinations of power, gender, and institutional hypocrisy. Themes such as the alienation of women, the dangers of absolute authority, and the importance of questioning ideology run throughout.
However, the reviewer strongly notes that although the book is marketed as YA, its sexual content leans more toward New Adult. While the explicit content is limited, it is more descriptive than typical YA fade to black scenes, and may not be suitable for all teen readers. Older teens who already read New Adult or mature fantasy romances will likely connect with it.
Overall, Serpent & Dove is captivating, immersive, and packed with emotional and thematic depth.
