Fans who relish romance laced with magic and conflict would enjoy Shelby Mahurin's Serpent & Dove. Ideal for readers of Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses and Leigh Bardugo's Shadow and Bone, it captivates those who appreciate strong-willed characters and darkly enchanting worlds.

Shelby Mahurin's Serpent & Dove has captivated readers with its inventive blend of romance and fantasy, set in a richly detailed world where witches and witch hunters collide. Praised for its compelling pacing and strong character dynamics, some critics found the relationship development predictable and the plot somewhat formulaic, but overall, it delivers a highly engaging and dramatic narrative.

Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin is set in a mythical French-inspired kingdom, following witch-turned-thief Lou and her forced marriage to witch-hunter Reid. They navigate precarious love amidst opposing beliefs, secrets, and external threats. When Lou's witch identity is exposed, their lives and romance are jeopardized as dangerous forces converge upon them. Note: The novel contains references to self-inflicted bodily harm, witch burning, rape, violence, forced incarceration, suicide, and sexual activity.

Romantic / Mysterious / Dark / Adventurous / Fantastical

- Serpent & Dove was Shelby Mahurin's debut novel, marking her entry into the world of young adult fantasy with a mix of romance and magical elements.
- The book draws inspiration from French culture and contains a rich tapestry of French language references, intertwined with its immersive fantasy setting.
- A playful aspect of Mahurin’s writing process was naming characters; for instance, the character Lou was named after her grandmother, while Reid was inspired by a favorite television character.

**Louise “Lou” de Blanc**  
A determined young woman who goes by Lou and utilizes her quick wit and charm to navigate life, hiding her true identity and magical abilities from the world around her.

**Reid Diggory**  
The devout captain of the Chasseurs, known for his strict adherence to duty and his unexpected, transformative connection with Lou.

**The Archbishop**  
A powerful and seemingly pious religious leader who secretly manipulates events and individuals for his own interests.

**Morgane le Blanc / Le Dame des Sorcières**  
The formidable leader of the Dames Blanches coven, feared for her ruthless actions and single-minded pursuit of power.

**Coco / Cosette Monvision / Brie Perrot**  
A loyal friend to Lou and a skilled Dame Rouge witch known for her expertise in magic and healing rituals.

**Ansel Diggory**  
A young and compassionate initiate in the Chasseurs, whose ethical convictions and kindness make him a steadfast ally.

**Jean Luc Toussaint**  
Reid’s once close friend within the Chasseurs, whose rivalry and ambition seed tension and suspicion.

**Madame Hélène Labelle**  
The enigmatic madam of The Bellerose, who skillfully navigates the social strata and harbors significant secrets.

**Estelle**  
An actress and witch who initially appears as an ally but whose true loyalties lead to conflict.

**Manon**  
A childhood friend of Lou's and devoted follower of Morgane, who struggles with loyalty and morality.

**Les Dames Blanches**  
A mystical group of witches, famed for their nature-based magic and complex relationship with the kingdom.

**Les Dames Rouges**  
Blood witches who employ their distinctive magic for various purposes, often blending it with other ingredients. 

**Beauregard (Beau) and King Auguste**  
The pleasure-seeking prince and his royal father, integral to the power dynamics within the kingdom.

**Andre and Grue**  
Menacing figures in the East End crime scene, antagonistic towards Lou from their realm of influence. 

**Bastien St. Pierre (Bas)**  
A charming pickpocket with a past romantic link to Lou, entangled in the underworld of Cesarine.

**Monsieur Bernard (Bernie)**  
An infirmary patient and victim of dark magic, highlighting the brutal conflicts between witches and the Church.

Shelby Mahurin

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Serpent & Dove

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Serpent & Dove Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1 Part 1, Chapters 1-3

Serpent & Dove Part 1, Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 4-6

Serpent & Dove Part 1, Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 7-9

Serpent & Dove Part 1, Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Part 2 Part 2, Chapters 10-12

Serpent & Dove Part 2, Chapters 10-12 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 13-15

Serpent & Dove Part 2, Chapters 13-15 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 16-19

Serpent & Dove Part 2, Chapters 16-19 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 20-21

Serpent & Dove Part 2, Chapters 20-21 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 22-25

Serpent & Dove Part 2, Chapters 22-25 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 26-29

Serpent & Dove Part 2, Chapters 26-29 Summary & Analysis

Part 3 Part 3, Chapters 30-32

Serpent & Dove Part 3, Chapters 30-32 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 33-35

Serpent & Dove Part 3, Chapters 33-35 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 36-38

Serpent & Dove Part 3, Chapters 36-38 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 39-41

Serpent & Dove Part 3, Chapters 39-41 Summary & Analysis

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Serpent & Dove Character Analysis

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Serpent & Dove

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