Serpent & Dove (Serpent & Dove, #1) by Shelby Mahurin

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Bound as one to love, honor, or burn.

Two years ago, Louise le Blanc fled her coven and took shelter in the city of Cesarine, forsaking all magic and living off whatever she could steal. There, witches like Lou are hunted. They are feared. And they are burned.

Sworn to the Church as a Chasseur, Reid Diggory has lived his life by one principle: thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. His path was never meant to cross with Lou's, but a wicked stunt forces them into an impossible union—holy matrimony.

The war between witches and Church is an ancient one, and Lou's most dangerous enemies bring a fate worse than fire. Unable to ignore her growing feelings, yet powerless to change what she is, a choice must be made.

And love makes fools of us all.

𑁋𑁋𑁋

I was so worried about starting this one, because it has been hyped like crazy since its release, and I didn't want to be disappointed. However, when I saw the audiobook was available on Hoopla (this is my first experience with Hoopla, and I love it) I decided to give it a go! The audio for this book was amazing! I'm really glad that's how I initially experienced the story, because there are several words and phrases that I wouldn't have been able to pronounce on my own. I also think it enhanced an already amazing story. Mahurin is definitely a new favorite, and Holter Graham and Saskia Maarleveld are narrators I will be looking for in the future!

Serpent & Dove is full of magic and adventure, daring escapes and new friendships. I really loved all of the characters and how the author portrayed them. Both Reid and Lou were hard on the outside, and super soft on the inside. Lou wanted to stay hidden and remain safe, and her haughty attitude was a front to hide how scared and vulnerable she was. She wanted to love, but was afraid what that love would end up costing her. Reid wanted to eradicate the evil in the world, which he firmly believes to be witches and anything magical. He was a young captain, and the perceived pet of the Archbishop. They had a weird sort-of-father and son relationship, and Reid was totally devoted to him and their cause. Reid and Lou couldn't have been more different, but they still found a way to connect and form a unique and unbreakable bond.

All of the secondary characters were remarkably well-written as well. Lou's best friend, the baker that made sticky buns, Ansel, and even the villainous Cretans that made the main character's life very difficult. People constantly surprised me in this book, and appearances were definitely deceiving. I really loved the twists and turns that kept me on my toes, the ones that made my heart break, and the moments of joy that made everything worth it.

I also really enjoyed the setting! There's just something breath catching about a sword fight, especially when there's magic involved. You never know what's going to happen! It also feels very personal and in-your-face. I think the author created a fantastic fantastical world, and one I will absolutely be revisiting in the future. I believe the next book is called Blood & Honey, and I already cannot wait for its release! If you've been avoiding this book because of the hype, know that it's well-deserved and go experience this book for yourself. I think I listened to the audiobook in three days, which is really saying something for me. Normally, they expire a few times before I can reach the end! ;) (★★★★★)