Scan barcode
lilivari's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
laurenbookishtwins's review against another edition
4.0
I received an eARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you kindly to HarperTeen for my review copy.
Louise le Blanc, or Lou as she likes to be called, fled her coven for the City of Cesarine, where witches like herself are feared, hunted, and burned. Reid Diggory is a Chausseur, sworn to the Church and with only one principle in which to live by: thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. The two are forced together against all the odds — they must marry. Between the war amongst witches and Chausseur’s, Lou’s deadly enemies, and her growing affections, a choice must be made.
At first I was a little nervous to start reading this because I had been hearing some amazing things about it and was worried it wasn’t going to live up to my expectations. But thankfully I adored it. I mean, is it any surprise I did? An intense fantasy with magic, witches, and war which is my jam. And with a hate-to-love romance between a broody devout witch-hunter and a snarky witch in hiding? Of course, I loved it.
“A witch and a witch hunter bound in holy matrimony. There was only one way such a story could end – a stake and a match.”
Mahurin managed to strike a perfect balance between world-building, intricately woven magic system, swoon-worthy romance, rising tensions, and the slowly forming witchy schemes. There was never a dull moment, but neither was it too fast-paced. It genuinely didn’t feel 500 pages long because I was so enamored with every aspect of this debut.
Lou was a particular favourite. She hid her insecurities and fear behind her foul mouth and allure and I loved it. She was a fantastically developed and complex protagonist — brave, intelligent, witty but she also undeniably looks out for her own self-interest. Her romance with Reid was a m a z i n g. I am a huge fan of angsty enemies-to-lovers romances and this one did a brilliant job. There is also a lovable side cast of characters — I particularly enjoyed Ansel.
“He was such a brute. A somewhat adorable, pompous-assed brute.”
If you’re looking for a solid fantasy with an intricate magic system, a swoon-worthy romance and a broody devout love interest, then this is definitely a book you should keep your eye on. I am eagerly awaiting the next book!
Louise le Blanc, or Lou as she likes to be called, fled her coven for the City of Cesarine, where witches like herself are feared, hunted, and burned. Reid Diggory is a Chausseur, sworn to the Church and with only one principle in which to live by: thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. The two are forced together against all the odds — they must marry. Between the war amongst witches and Chausseur’s, Lou’s deadly enemies, and her growing affections, a choice must be made.
At first I was a little nervous to start reading this because I had been hearing some amazing things about it and was worried it wasn’t going to live up to my expectations. But thankfully I adored it. I mean, is it any surprise I did? An intense fantasy with magic, witches, and war which is my jam. And with a hate-to-love romance between a broody devout witch-hunter and a snarky witch in hiding? Of course, I loved it.
“A witch and a witch hunter bound in holy matrimony. There was only one way such a story could end – a stake and a match.”
Mahurin managed to strike a perfect balance between world-building, intricately woven magic system, swoon-worthy romance, rising tensions, and the slowly forming witchy schemes. There was never a dull moment, but neither was it too fast-paced. It genuinely didn’t feel 500 pages long because I was so enamored with every aspect of this debut.
Lou was a particular favourite. She hid her insecurities and fear behind her foul mouth and allure and I loved it. She was a fantastically developed and complex protagonist — brave, intelligent, witty but she also undeniably looks out for her own self-interest. Her romance with Reid was a m a z i n g. I am a huge fan of angsty enemies-to-lovers romances and this one did a brilliant job. There is also a lovable side cast of characters — I particularly enjoyed Ansel.
“He was such a brute. A somewhat adorable, pompous-assed brute.”
If you’re looking for a solid fantasy with an intricate magic system, a swoon-worthy romance and a broody devout love interest, then this is definitely a book you should keep your eye on. I am eagerly awaiting the next book!
megsbookishtwins's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this. Enemies to lovers. Swoon worthy romance. Action packed. Witches. Awesome world building. Lou is the foul mouthed heroine we all deserve.
lackingwit's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
clairemcarroll's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
taylor_cromer's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this, but all the French names were confusing and hard to follow. I liked the banter between the two main characters, but didn’t feel very connected to any of the characters. The twist was predictable, but still good. Overall I enjoyed it enough to want to keep reading this series!
niknat's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
annamitchleyy's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was the most unique magic system I’ve read in a while and I love the concept. The tropes were great and I am interested in where the next book goes, I’d like to learn more about blood witches
dsylexa's review against another edition
5.0
Serpent & Dove brings together some of the best tropes - enemies-to-lovers, marriage of convenience, ONE BED, and a delightful slow burn. The magic system is well-grounded and not overwhelmingly overpowered, which is a refreshing change. Unlike many stories, this one stands out as a unique tale and doesn't follow the clichés that flood the YA shelves nowadays. I can't wait to dive into the next book!
sara11_reads's review against another edition
2.0
The world building needs some help. The main characters are interesting but they don't make sense within the world they live in. I don't know if I'm supposed to feel sympathy for the witches or not. Lou keeps trying to get Reid to understand that witches are good people but that's never shown in the book. Witches do horrible things to the regular people and the only non-horrible witch is Lou. However, Lou's not that great - she never actually helps anyone with her magic, she just uses it for selfish reasons. Why would anyone want the witches in control of the country? The country seems better off without them.