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read_ingbooks1's review against another edition
4.0
I just love lou. She is so funny and badass. The story was a bit confusing but I understood by the end. Lou and Reid’s relationship is so funny.
kristina_24's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
vermontsnowboarder's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I enjoyed the blending of French into this story and the lore. However, I wish that more detail had been given about the history of the world.
aritrigupta's review against another edition
4.0
If I were to categorize this as a romance book, then, I was heartily entertained.
It would do us good to not call it a YA fantasy, as there are too many tropes, and faults in the book. However, the story was enjoyable, the pace steady, the characters fun and the romance delicious. It does sum up to be a completely fun book to read. A hefty 500 pages book, it delighted me with its simple, light lore and lucid narration. I finished it in 2 days, because, it was never boring at any point. Thank Fuck. It could have. But it did not.
I liked both Reid and Lou. And holy hell, their banter. Their banter was fun, fresh and a total treat to read, and IMO, that alone should serve as a USP for the novel. I will pick up the next book in the series.
It would do us good to not call it a YA fantasy, as there are too many tropes, and faults in the book. However, the story was enjoyable, the pace steady, the characters fun and the romance delicious. It does sum up to be a completely fun book to read. A hefty 500 pages book, it delighted me with its simple, light lore and lucid narration. I finished it in 2 days, because, it was never boring at any point. Thank Fuck. It could have. But it did not.
I liked both Reid and Lou. And holy hell, their banter. Their banter was fun, fresh and a total treat to read, and IMO, that alone should serve as a USP for the novel. I will pick up the next book in the series.
a_brnz's review against another edition
Apparently I read this whole series and I think I am vaguely remembering liking the first one and then not liking the rest as much
syl_val15's review against another edition
5.0
4.75 rounded up to 5, because it's worth it!
After finishing the book more than two weeks ago and shortly writing a review after I now decided to finally post the review.
Does anyone ever have a certain feeling where you love a book so much that you try to read as slowly as possible, just because you’re loving everything about it and don’t want it to end? Yep, that was me with this book.
At first, I was so nervous to pick this book up, because whenever I see a book that's getting all the hypes I decide not to read or not to love it, because a lot of times they disappoint me and don't live up to my expectations but boy was I wrong about this one. I simply couldn't stop myself loving this book.
Alright, my thoughts on the book.
“There are some things that can't be changed with words. Some things have to be seen. They have to be felt.”
Cover: First of all, this cover is ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!!!! Probably the best book cover in 2 things: 1) Best cover that has snake on it (the others seemed too bland for me), 2) Best YA cover of 2019 periodt!
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, slow-burn, marriage of convenience I mean what more can a reader want, right?
Romance: It.was.perfection. That's it.
Friendships: There were not one but two friendships that I loved between the main character and the secondary characters. First one being Lou and Coco: badass witches who aren't afraid of anything and they can just speak however they want
And the second was: Lou and Ansel: I loved how Ansel cared about Lou and vice versa, they had a cute kind of big sister little brother kind of relationship.
World building: Historical books have always been a favorite genre of mine, because they always give an enchanting atmosphere of some sort. This book took place in France during the 17th centure, I believe, which was also done very well.
Pacing: Although the book was a little over 500 pages, it didn't even felt that long. I honestly wouldn't have minded if it were longer.
Writing style: I still can't believe how this was the author's debut novel. She did everything brilliantly. I was captivated from the story from the very early chapters. Major Kudos to her.
I don't think I've read enough books which were about witches and witch crafts and even if I did there weren't enough expanations or descriptions about them, however in this book I definitely learned new thing about them.
Twist and Turns: Some of them I saw coming from early on and some of them I didn't. But even the ones that I knew were going to happen and the minute they were revealed I was still in shock. They definitely kept me on the edge of my seat.
Genre: Most of the time it felt more like new adult/adult fantasy than just young-adult, based on the way how the characters behaved and spoke and the much more suggestive content and themes in the book.
Lastly, who do I recommend this book to: Everyone!!!
Also, I know Lou and Reid are getting compared to Nina and Matthais from Six of Crows duology, because of their similarities, relationship and everything else and I'm writing this because I fully agree with that. But, if you loved Nina and Matthias, you’re going to love Lou and Reid even more. I know it’s sounds impossible because they're one of the best couples in YA fantasy genre, but it’s true.
From the moment I finished 'Serpent and Dove' I eagerly started counting off the days for the sequel, and I'm hoping it'll be as good or if possible even better than the first book. *fingers crossed*
After finishing the book more than two weeks ago and shortly writing a review after I now decided to finally post the review.
Does anyone ever have a certain feeling where you love a book so much that you try to read as slowly as possible, just because you’re loving everything about it and don’t want it to end? Yep, that was me with this book.
At first, I was so nervous to pick this book up, because whenever I see a book that's getting all the hypes I decide not to read or not to love it, because a lot of times they disappoint me and don't live up to my expectations but boy was I wrong about this one. I simply couldn't stop myself loving this book.
Alright, my thoughts on the book.
“There are some things that can't be changed with words. Some things have to be seen. They have to be felt.”
Cover: First of all, this cover is ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!!!! Probably the best book cover in 2 things: 1) Best cover that has snake on it (the others seemed too bland for me), 2) Best YA cover of 2019 periodt!
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, slow-burn, marriage of convenience I mean what more can a reader want, right?
Romance: It.was.perfection. That's it.
Friendships: There were not one but two friendships that I loved between the main character and the secondary characters. First one being Lou and Coco: badass witches who aren't afraid of anything and they can just speak however they want
And the second was: Lou and Ansel: I loved how Ansel cared about Lou and vice versa, they had a cute kind of big sister little brother kind of relationship.
Spoiler
(he even kind of kept Lou's secret from Reid, talk about loyalty).World building: Historical books have always been a favorite genre of mine, because they always give an enchanting atmosphere of some sort. This book took place in France during the 17th centure, I believe, which was also done very well.
Pacing: Although the book was a little over 500 pages, it didn't even felt that long. I honestly wouldn't have minded if it were longer.
Writing style: I still can't believe how this was the author's debut novel. She did everything brilliantly. I was captivated from the story from the very early chapters. Major Kudos to her.
I don't think I've read enough books which were about witches and witch crafts and even if I did there weren't enough expanations or descriptions about them, however in this book I definitely learned new thing about them.
Twist and Turns: Some of them I saw coming from early on and some of them I didn't. But even the ones that I knew were going to happen and the minute they were revealed I was still in shock. They definitely kept me on the edge of my seat.
Genre: Most of the time it felt more like new adult/adult fantasy than just young-adult, based on the way how the characters behaved and spoke and the much more suggestive content and themes in the book.
Lastly, who do I recommend this book to: Everyone!!!
Also, I know Lou and Reid are getting compared to Nina and Matthais from Six of Crows duology, because of their similarities, relationship and everything else and I'm writing this because I fully agree with that. But, if you loved Nina and Matthias, you’re going to love Lou and Reid even more. I know it’s sounds impossible because they're one of the best couples in YA fantasy genre, but it’s true.
From the moment I finished 'Serpent and Dove' I eagerly started counting off the days for the sequel, and I'm hoping it'll be as good or if possible even better than the first book. *fingers crossed*
vivvklaarbergen's review against another edition
5.0
I think the fact I read this in two/three days says enough. But honestly, I couldn’t put it down. It’s been very long since I haven’t scowled at a 500 page novel, but I could not put this book down. The plot felt a little far-sought in the beginning with the whole theater event, but after that? Amazing. I loved the characters. Literally, the side characters (especially Ansel and Coco and tbh even Beau) were so well formed and written. I loved that there were multiple secrets which were uncovered (aka plot twists) and I loved the world-building and the way that magic works. Also the ending? Had me on the edge of my seat and again another plot twist and god. Amazing all in all and I cannot wait to get my hands on the second book!
barboyaoya's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars. This had a great and fun beginning, but then later on everything was kind of predictable and the ending didn’t really make any sense tbh. Also I never want to read the words “Big Titty Liddy” again, thank you.
cwright43's review against another edition
5.0
I need book 2 immediately right now please and thank you.