'Serpent and Dove' by Shelby Mahurin

FTC disclaimer: I was not sent this product. I am not affiliated with the companies mentioned. All opinions are my own.

First of all, lets just take a moment. I LOVED this book. 8 out of 10.

And then I found out that this was Mahurin’s FIRST EVER NOVEL…. EVER!!! She totally seems like someone who has at least 5 other fantasy novels under her belt.

If you want to find out more about Mahurin, her website is here: https://shelbymahurin.com/

So this book’s publisher was HarperCollins on the 2nd of September 2019, and I now know why my kindle’s algorithm had been pestering me about it for so long.

The blurb is here for anyone interested in buying the book:

Bound as one to love, honour, 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 got this blurb off Goodreads, so if anyone wants to read more reviews there then click this link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40024139-serpent-dove

If you want to buy it (I recommend), the link is here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/serpent-and-dove/shelby-mahurin/9780062878038

*And do not read any further because this review will contain spoilers!

The fantasy world created here was so unique in the way that it wasn’t trying so hard to be the opposite. Does that make sense? The combinations of real aspects of history such as the Witch Craze and Paris in the 1800's were chef’s kiss. I have never read a fantasy novel that takes inspiration from real historical events, or whose whole religion is Christianity. But then there was so much original thought blended in and such incredible writing. It just worked… so well.

The writing was so good that I’d happily recommend this book to anyone -it’s not a trashy novel. Lots of dictionary work required! And it ticked the box of “makes Polly laugh out loud to herself”! I’ve already been talking to my family about this book.

And then that’s not even mentioning the plot line. There were so many delicious twists and epiphanies throughout the novel and just general “woah” moments. The word “predictable” is so far away from this book. Yet all the threads added up wonderfully. What I loved a lot about the plot and the setting was that we were shown and not told. And I know you think you find that in most books, but you don’t. Even posh classics. The author usually gets to immersed in the narrative and then realises that they haven told you anything about a particular character or political system. And then that usually means that every once in a while you have a five page interim for a fact splurge. Not fun. This book had none of this. What I cannot avoid with plot though, and was one of the reasons that I rated this book 8 instead of 10, was how it all seemed to get a tiny bit extra (in the bad way) towards the end. But for the most part, things were quick and fun, and I ended up reading till 2am most nights so that’s always a good sign.

The other reason I gave this book 8 was physical descriptions. The characters were all so rich and had such finely crafted backstories and believable motivations, but I just couldn’t picture Lou. But these are only teeny nags just because I’m fussy.

Okay so characters. There was such a big cast here, but they were each incredible! All so real (and Ansel literally made me heart melt). I loved how the stereotype of the feisty girl who is actually a bit prudish was just whacked over the head. Reid was totally sexually inexperienced which was so refreshing, because usually authors feel the need to make every male love interest a sex god or whatever. Doing the opposite worked here. Moving onto the point of view changes every couple of character -I mean they are the best versions of this that I have ever read. Puts 'The Bridge Kingdom' to shame. We were shown different view points for different reasons, and it didn’t mean that any sense of tension was removed. Quite the opposite.

I’m a sucker for romance, no denying it, and this one was perfect! Like Edward Cullen meets Poppy (with added sexual experience) from “From Blood and Ash”. To die forrrr. The whole enemies to lovers thing was just ramped up to a whole new level. That new level being “If I knew who you were then I would be forced to burn you on the stake”.

To be honest, the book wrapped up so nicely at the end that I’m not sure I want to read the sequel.