If you’re in the mood for a witch-hunter forced to marry the witch he’s sworn to kill, Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin delivers major tension. This debut YA fantasy blends enemies-to-lovers heat with a lush magical world and a heroine who refuses to be tamed. It’s angsty, addictive, and brimming with slow-burn energy.

Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This post contains affiliate links. That means we receive a small commission at no cost to you from any purchases you make through these links.

What is Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin all about?

Lou has fled her coven and gone into hiding in Cesarine, where witches are burned at the stake. Reid is a devout Chasseur, trained to hunt witches without question. But when fate forces them into a political marriage, everything changes. Lou must keep her magic secret, even as feelings grow between them and war brews in the shadows.

Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin Book Review

I love trying out new authors and when I saw that this YA debut had a lot of buzz I decided I had to give it a try.  It sounded really good and I’m always up for a new world with magic and witches.  While this is YA, I think it may lean more towards the new adult audience.

Our heroine, Lou, is a witch and she’s been hiding that fact and living on the streets stealing and doing whatever she has to stay alive.  She’s hiding both from the Chasseurs (the witch hunters) and the witches alike.  Her path keeps putting her in contact with Reid.  He’s a captain of the Chasseurs and has no idea that she’s a witch, just a criminal.  And their lives are quickly tangled up.

Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin will transport you to a magical world with a bit of a feel of the Salem witch trials.  Witches are hunted and burned and some of them are actually evil. I loved the concept of the Chasseurs who are sworn to the Church and they believe that witches are demons, which is why they have to hunt and kill them.  It was definitely an interesting concept and the way the author did it stands out.  Great writing and addictive storytelling.  I didn’t want to put it down!

And then there’s the romance.  It does play an important role in this book even though it’s a slow burn.  I was rooting for both characters and I couldn’t wait for truths to be revealed.  I am anxiously awaiting the next book!

With its rich world building, sharp banter, and deeply flawed characters, Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin carves out its place as a standout YA fantasy romance. It’s full of contradictions, sacred vs. profane, hunter vs. hunted, logic vs. love and that emotional complexity is what makes it so unputdownable.

About the Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin Trilogy

The Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin trilogy blends witchcraft, religious extremism, romance, and rebellion. Following Lou and Reid through shifting alliances, brutal truths, and magical wars, the series has become a fan-favorite for readers who love morally gray characters, sizzling romance, and high-stakes fantasy. Book 2 is Blood & Honey, and the series concludes with Gods & Monsters.

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