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. 

*Amazon*B&N*

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.*