Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Release Day Review: The Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin

Title: The Serpent & Dove
Author: Shelby Mahurin
Series: Book One in the Serpent & Dove Series
Genre: YA Fantasy
Published By: HarperTeen (September 3, 2019)
Source: ARC Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
My Rating: 5 Stars!


Book Description:
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 need to start this review by saying, although this is labeled as YA, it does not feel YA...like at all. In fact, if it wasn't for the fact that they are marketing it as such, I wouldn't of even believed it was. 

This story was amazing. All my favorite fantasy tropes and romance tropes all balled into one amazing, original and entertaining ride. 

Love the premises, the characters, the tropes, the magical and sometimes very dark world, and the very fact that I just couldn't get enough of this. I didn't want it to end and I certainly don't want to wait months for the next book. I truly was saddened to see this be over and had a book hangover like no other. 

This year has definitely not only been the year for YA to make a strong come back but for YA Fantasy to make one hell of a break through with more originality, more substance, and more action packed kick butt heroines than ever before. 

I truly am on edge to see where the author takes this series and eager for anything else she writes. She did an amazing job breaking into the world of YA. I never would have guessed this was a debut novel. Beautiful writing, a beautiful world, outstanding memorable characters and a unique enough premises to keep anyone reading, turning pages and left wanting more. 





*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*

28 comments:

  1. I'm so glad you enjoyed this as much as I did, Ali! I agree - it did not feel like YA which is probably why I enjoyed it. I'm so curious to see what the author will deliver in the sequel.
    Great review!

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    1. Yes! I am so excited to see where she will take it as well. It should be fun!

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  2. Great post dear, so nice and interesting, love it!

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  3. Even though I'm not usually a fan of YA this sounds really good thanks to your excellent review! Thanks Kindlemom

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    1. It really was a good read and seriously didn't feel or read like a YA at all.

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  4. That blurb really grabbed me and your thoughts made me want this one. :)

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  5. That is some premise for a story. This sounds pretty good.

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    1. I know, I couldn't resist it after I read the blurb!

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  6. Woot! This sounds great! I love the idea of a conflict between witches and the church. I'll need to get this!

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  7. I think Nick really liked this one too. I may need to try YA again. Wonderful review! :)

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    1. She did and she had taken a long break from it so when I saw that she liked this, I grabbed it as well. :P

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  8. I've been curious about this one since I saw another review. Yours just cemented it!

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  9. I love the sound of this. I can see myself enjoying it. Great review.

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    1. It really was just so entertaining and so fun!

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  10. Oh this one is definitely new to me and it also looks really good!

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  11. Wow this story sounds excellent! I love a kick but heroine and that the story was original, addictive, and didn't feel like Y.A.! While book hangovers are no fun, it's a sign that you read one very amazing read! Awesome Review Ali :)

    Lindy@ A Bookish Escape

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  12. Wow! Sounds like I need to add this to my list. I have had some great luck with YA fantasy this year as well. It is nice to see it making a bit of a comeback. Adding this to my list!

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  13. I'm glad to hear this was such a winner for you! I hope the series just gets better.

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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  14. I've been wanting to read this ever since you mentioned it on my blog! It sounds like it has everything I want and more! I'm also a huge fan of books that feel more like NA that YA. College-aged characters are more relatable to me, and I feel like that age group isn't written about often.

    I'm so happy you enjoyed this, and I cannot wait to read it for myself!! <3

    Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? 💬

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    1. I can't wait for you to read it and see what you think!

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