Serpent & Dove | FAQ & 13 Books Like It

Serpent & Dove | FAQ & 13 Books Like It

October 30, 2024
·
4 min
Written by: the NextBook team
Hey, book lovers! If you're diving into the magical and tumultuous world of "Serpent & Dove" by Shelby Mahurin, you're in for a wild ride. This book is the first in a captivating series that blends witches, magic, and unexpected romance in a setting that feels like historical France but with a twist. The story kicks off with a daring witch, Lou, who is on the run and must hide her true nature to survive in a society where witches are hunted and burned by holy warriors known as Chasseurs. The juicy center of the plot is the forced marriage between Lou, our cunning witch with a secret or two, and Reid, a devout Chasseur who's all about duty and honor—until he meets Lou. Their relationship evolves from hostile and suspicious to something deeper, showcasing a mix of witty banter, evolving trust, and, dare I say, some steamy romantic tension. It's not just about the love story, though; the book delves into themes of cultural divide, loyalty, betrayal, and the personal growth that comes from challenging long-held beliefs. For those of you who race through "Serpent & Dove" and find yourselves craving more, don't worry—I've got your back. In the next sections, we'll break down the intriguing elements of this book and answer some burning questions. Plus, I’ll be sharing a list of other books that vibe similarly with this magical romantic tension and spellbinding drama. So, if you loved tagging along with Lou and Reid, stay tuned for some awesome recommendations that'll keep your bookshelves and your hearts full!
The Book Cover Image for Serpent & Dove
The Book Cover Image for Serpent & Dove
Fantasy
Romance
Adventure

A Court of Thorns and Roses

A young huntress is dragged into the faerie lands after killing a wolf, where she must navigate a dangerous court full of secrets and intrigues to save herself and those she loves. As she unravels dark truths and faces powerful adversaries, she discovers her own strength and resilience in the face of overwhelming challenges.
Author
Sarah J. Maas
Year Written
2015
Read Time
8h15m
A Court of Thorns and Roses
Fantasy
Romance
Young Adult

Cruel Beauty

Cruel Beauty is a dark and intriguing retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast tale, set in a magical world where the heroine, Nyx, is betrothed to a demonic ruler as part of a family bargain. Grappling with her mission to save her people, Nyx battles with conflicting feelings of hatred and love towards her mysterious husband, uncovering secrets that could change everything.
Author
Rosamund Hodge
Year Written
2014
Read Time
7h32m
Cruel Beauty
Fantasy
Romance
Retelling

The Wrath & the Dawn

The Wrath & the Dawn is a gripping retelling of One Thousand and One Nights as Shahrzad bravely volunteers to marry the murderous Caliph in order to exact revenge for the death of her best friend. Filled with ancient rivalries, forbidden love, and intricate Arabian folklore, this book will keep you hooked until the very last page.
Author
Renée Ahdieh
Year Written
2015
Read Time
6h56m
The Wrath & the Dawn
Fantasy
Adventure
Romance

Shadow and Bone

"Shadow and Bone" is an enthralling fantasy novel that follows an orphaned mapmaker named Alina Starkov as she discovers a dormant power that could save her war-torn country. As she trains with the Grisha, an elite group of magical soldiers, Alina must navigate dangerous alliances and face the dark forces that threaten to consume her world.
Author
Leigh Bardugo
Year Written
2012
Read Time
6h8m
Shadow and Bone
Fantasy
Mystery
Adventure

Caraval

"Caraval" is a mesmerizing tale of two sisters, Scarlett and Tella, who embark on a thrilling and dangerous adventure in a renowned mystical game called Caraval. As they navigate through a world of illusions, secrets, and dark enchantments, they must uncover the truth and unravel the mysteries surrounding the game before it's too late.
Author
Stephanie Garber
Year Written
2017
Read Time
6h56m
Caraval
Fantasy
Fae
Intrigue

The Cruel Prince

"The Cruel Prince" is a captivating fantasy novel that follows the journey of Jude Duarte, a mortal girl, as she navigates the treacherous world of the fae, filled with political intrigue, deception, and a cruel prince who becomes her greatest adversary. With its immersive world-building and compelling characters, this book takes readers on an enthralling and darkly magical adventure of survival and power struggles.
Author
Holly Black.
Year Written
2018
Read Time
The Cruel Prince
Fantasy
Young Adult

Wicked Saints

Wicked Saints introduces a world where a cleric capable of speaking to gods, a prince in danger, and a boy with a monstrous secret collide amidst war. These three must navigate their dark, treacherous paths to forge alliances, invoke magic, and avoid manipulation if they are to survive and end the conflict.
Author
Emily A. Duncan
Year Written
2019
Read Time
7h43m
Wicked Saints
Fantasy
Romance
Young Adult

An Enchantment of Ravens

An Enchantment of Ravens features Isobel, a talented portrait artist who paints the immortal fae and finds herself entangled in court intrigues when her portrait of Rook, the autumn prince, reveals his vulnerability. Their consequent journey to the fae courts exposes challenges and deepening feelings that threaten both their worlds.
Author
Margaret Rogerson
Year Written
2017
Read Time
6h12m
An Enchantment of Ravens
Fantasy
Young Adult

Children of Blood and Bone

Children of Blood and Bone, written by Tomi Adeyemi, is a riveting fantasy novel that immerses readers in a rich, mythical world inspired by West African heritage. It follows heroine Zélie Adebola as she embarks on a perilous journey to restore magic to her repressed people and fight against a ruthless monarchy.
Author
Tomi Adeyemi
Year Written
2018
Read Time
11h21m
Children of Blood and Bone
Dystopian
Fantasy
Supernatural

The Bone Season

"The Bone Season" follows a young clairvoyant woman named Paige Mahoney who uses her powers to work for a criminal organization in a dystopian London. When she is captured by the authorities, she discovers a hidden world ruled by an otherworldly race known as the Rephaim.
Author
Samantha Shannon
Year Written
2013
Read Time
11h35m
The Bone Season
Dystopian
Romance
Superpowers

Shatter Me

"Shatter Me" is a thrilling dystopian novel where the protagonist, Juliette, possesses a deadly touch that has isolated her from society. When she is given a chance to use her power as a weapon for a corrupt government, she must decide whether to comply or rebel and embrace her own strength.
Author
Tahereh Mafi
Year Written
2011
Read Time
Shatter Me
Fantasy
Mystery
Romance

Kingdom of the Wicked

Kingdom of the Wicked follows Emilia, a young witch who seeks vengeance after her twin sister is brutally murdered. As she delves deeper into the mystery, she forms a precarious alliance with a wicked prince from Hell, unraveling dark secrets that could alter the course of her life and the world around her.
Author
Kerri Maniscalco
Year Written
2020
Read Time
7h34m
Kingdom of the Wicked
Dystopian
Young Adult
Rebellion

Hush

In "Hush," a young adult discovers the dark truth behind the seemingly perfect society she lives in, leading her to challenge the oppressive forces governing her world. As she unravels secrets about her past and fights for a better future, she grapples with loyalty, betrayal, and the power of her own voice.
Author
Dylan Farrow
Year Written
2020
Read Time
6h17m
Hush

FAQ

Overview

"Serpent & Dove" by Shelby Mahurin is a thrilling blend of fantasy, romance, and danger set in a world where witches are hunted by the Church. The story follows Lou Le Blanc, a witch with a rebellious streak, who has fled her coven and is living undercover in the city of Cesarine. Fate throws her into the path of Reid Diggory, a Chasseur — a sworn witch hunter — known for his rigid adherence to the Church and its laws. In a surprising twist, circumstances force them into an improbable marriage, drawing them into a web of deception, political intrigue, and forbidden attraction. As Lou and Reid attempt to navigate their rocky and antagonistic relationship, they discover that the world is more complicated than either witches or witch hunters being purely good or evil. Their journey is peppered with a mix of powerful sorcery, slow-burning romance, and sharp wit. Throughout the book, secrets unravel that challenge both their beliefs and their burgeoning feelings for each other. With high stakes and higher tensions, "Serpent & Dove" is an enthralling tale of love, loyalty, and sacrifice that keeps the pages turning.

Length of Read

The average reader, reading at a speed of 300 WPM, would take 7h42m to read Serpent & Dove

Main Characters

- **Louise "Lou" Le Blanc**: A fiery, sharp-witted witch with a penchant for trouble, Lou's rebellious spirit and hidden past are central to the unfolding drama and romance of the story. - **Reid Diggory**: The epitome of a loyal soldier, Reid is a Chasseur sworn to the Church, whose life gets wildly complicated when his path crosses with Lou's, challenging his beliefs and his heart. - **Coco**: Best friend to Lou and a blood witch with a heart of gold, Coco brings humor, loyalty, and some seriously dark magic to the mix. - **Ansel**: A sweet, somewhat naive Chasseur in training, Ansel provides a softer side to the often harsh world of the Church and Chasseurs, and his friendship with Lou adds a touching layer to the narrative. - **Madame Labelle**: A mysterious figure with a dual role in society and more secrets than most, she plays a crucial part in the witches' lore and Lou's life. - **Jean Luc**: A Chasseur with a vendetta, Jean Luc's deep-seated prejudices and personal ambitions lead to tension and conflict, making him a character you love to dislike.

Ending & Meaning

In the climax of "Serpent & Dove," the tension between witches and witch hunters reaches a boiling point. Lou and Reid, whose marriage began as a façade, have developed genuine feelings for each other, complicating their allegiances. During a final, explosive confrontation, Lou uses her powers to save Reid, risking her own life in the process. This act of sacrifice leads to her near death, underscoring her deep love for Reid. The book ends with Lou recovering, surrounded by her newfound family of witches and hunters alike, setting the stage for further adventures and challenges in the sequels. From this dramatic conclusion, readers can explore themes of acceptance and the power of love to transcend deep-rooted prejudices and hatred. The story challenges the notion of inherent evil, suggesting that understanding and compassion can overcome even the most stark divides. It's a tale that celebrates the strength found in unity and the transformative power of love, urging readers to look beyond appearances and to challenge the status quo.
View all
No items found.