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.