Serpent & Dove (Serpent & Dove, 1)
An Amazon Best Book of 2019 * New York Times Bestseller * B&N's YA Book Club Pick * Indiebound Bestseller * #6 on the 2019 Kids’ Indie Next List
"A brilliant debut, full of everything I love: a sparkling and fully realized heroine, an intricate and deadly system of magic, and a searing romance that kept me reading long into the night. Serpent & Dove is an absolute gem of a book." —Sarah J. Maas, #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Court of Thorns and Roses series
Bound as one, to love, honor, or burn. Book one of a stunning fantasy trilogy, this tale of witchcraft and forbidden love is perfect for fans of Kendare Blake and Sara Holland.
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.
As a huntsman of the Church, Reid Diggory has lived his life by one principle: Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. But when Lou pulls a wicked stunt, the two are forced into an impossible situation—marriage.
Lou, unable to ignore her growing feelings, yet powerless to change what she is, must make a choice. And love makes fools of us all.
Set in a world of powerful women, dark magic, and off-the-charts romance, book one of this stunning fantasy trilogy will leave readers burning for more.
Reviews (180)
If you're sensitive to overused words and phrasing, stay away
I didn't make it through the first chapter, so I'm not going to be rude and give it 1 star simply because it isn't to my taste. I don't trust reviewers who do that. However, seasoned readers should probably beware. I was immediately drawn to this book based on numerous targeted ads. The plot sounded fantastic. Great cover art. Character names that weren't otherworldly levels of obnoxious (I'm looking at you, Clary). So, I gave it a shot. Instantly purchased, even though I already have oh-so-many books sitting at home unread. I cracked this open less than an hour ago, and decided that I can't bring myself to continue. I don't consider myself an ABSOLUTE snob. I understand no book is perfect. I just want to be transported! Why did I stop reading this quickly, I hear all two of you asking? Simple: The editor on this book failed. FAILED. Seriously, worst editor EVER. Here are the references to a smile/mouth/laughter in the first few pages alone as a descriptor: Page 4 (the equivalent of the second page, as it begins on page 3): "I couldn't help but grin." "Smirked." "I cackled." Page 5: "She pouted." "Grinning." Page 6: "Chuckling." "Whose lips twitched in an effort not to grin." "Saccharine smile." "Forcing a grin." "Lips curling upward." (There was also a "winked conspiratorially" which implies a smile yet again.) Page 8: "A wide smile." "She grinned like a cat with cream." Page 9: "An alluring smile." Page 10: "An evil smile split his face." "Andre bared his teeth." (This is where I tapped out, but I'll continue through the first chapter just for your benefit.) Page 11: "Babette cast the two a small smile." "Their grins vanished." Page 12: "Licking his lips nervously." "With gleeful smirks." Page 13: "Her smile grew small and cruel." "Smothering a snort." "Shook with silent laughter." Page 14: "His mouth twisted." Page 16: "I could almost see her smile. It matched my own." Phew! Now, maybe I'm just too sensitive and that's really not that bad. But, keep in mind that 1) I probably missed some and 2) this is a fairly easy read, so the repetitiveness of descriptors feels fairly unrelenting. If this were the only issue, I probably wouldn't have said anything. But poor editing becomes even more clear through other examples. For instance: "Babette glared at us." And then, just a couple short sentences later on the same page: "He glared at her for several long seconds." I don't think it was intended repetition to mirror Babette, but rather, they didn't realize that "glared" was already used above. And if it was an intentional glare, it should have been more obvious like "he matched her glare" or something, to make the two pointedly linked. Similarly, the word "however" is used at least a few times within the first chapter. References to "stupid" or idiot/idiocy, also several times in the first chapter. It may very well be a book with a wonderful plot and full, developed characters - it certainly seemed like it had the potential to be interesting. However, I was so thoroughly taken out of it by the way certain phrasings and descriptors were overused that I decided it wasn't worth it. It felt rough, unpolished, and amateurish in this regard. If you are not sensitive to cliches in word choices and repetition, you may love this book! I'm not saying don't give it a try - it may just be a "me" issue. But, to the editor...and author, for that matter...please enter future novels into one of those "overused words" analysis websites online before beginning edits. No one needs to read the word "grin" six times in one chapter alone.
I feel duped. It was so, so bad.
I bought this because Sarah J. Maas reviewed it so well. I now know to never buy a book based off of her recommendation alone. After I read her review, I gave it a try and forced myself to finish it, thinking it must get good at some point. No. It did not. It was awful. I read a lot of books, especially in this genre. It was staggeringly riddled plot holes and unanswered questions, a magic system that was under-explained and underwhelming, but the worst thing about it was the lack of character development. You learn almost nothing about anyone but the two main characters, and even those two were so lacking in personality that I found myself uncaring of their success or their romance. I hate to be so negative, especially of a new author, but I can't believe this was published in its current form. It isn't a bad overall storyline other than there being no resolution whatsoever in the end (even as an intended series, it was lacking in any conclusion that mattered), but it could have been so much better. It felt like she made a fan fiction version of Leigh Bardugo's Nina and Matthias storyline from "Six of Crows" and added unoriginal elements from other YA authors in this genre, including Sarah J. Maas (i.e. a witch named Manon, an irreverent princess who is full of herself, the main character is a thief, a love develops between two opposite people who are forced together- or even more cliche- one is tasked with killing the other, etc.). Even the romance wasn't exciting. It was one sex scene, and the lead up to it didn't offer much anticipation. From Maas's review, I was at least expecting some great sex scenes. Nope. Everything just felt so random. Nothing tied together in the way you expect. Oh, "I had sex with a prostitute once." Ok... I like to eat chocolate. What's the point? There was no point. The main character was trying to say she wasn't an innocent person, but her innocence didn't matter at all to the storyline. It didn't develop her character. Now, if she (the main character) told an interesting story about said sex with a prostitute that showed her character or humor or morals, or literally anything else, it would have been relevant to the plot. It was completely random. And the cursing. Let's just preface this with me saying I use the F word liberally. I have no issues with cursing or the F word in general, but it's not the only curse word I use. And I use it in more creative ways than just saying it nearly every time I open my mouth or speak passionately about anything. It was like the author thought the more she used that word, the more personality it gave her character. It didn't work. I think I'm going to ask for my money back. I bought both the Audible and the Kindle version (I do with nearly all the books I buy), and this is the first time I've considered returning either. Please. If you don't read the synopsis and think, "OMG, this book sounds amazing, and I can't live without reading it!" then don't waste your money on it. Pretend SJM didn't review it. I (generously) gave it two stars because she's a debut author, and it's a tough industry.
Not for me
I read about 80 percent but could not finish. Characters behaved foolishly and annoyingly and out of character, rapidly changing their minds dramatically in just one line of writing. Also, (spoiler alert) some weird stuff like making passionate love while still wearing clothes that are sopping with the blood of your enemies? It seemed like that was just a gross oversite in the writing not a weird fettish, but either way, not enjoyable to read. Also I dislike romance that is so dramatically on again, off again. Also it seemed pretty unbelievable at so many points, like the blood witch hiding in plain site working in a convent by day and having publically obvious sexual trysts at night and threatening to exsanguinate people whenever she got riled, seriously, the people at the convent didn't notice??? And other stuff like that.
Nonsensical plot device used merely to get 2 characters laid
This books story line you can find in thousands of horrible fanfictions. This entire story revolves around 2 characters who are mortal enemies being forced to get married and then inevitably fall as love and the author inserts a porn scene. The problem is the entire reason they have to get married is one of the most stupidest reasons I have ever read outside of fanfiction. Its like she didn't even try and I feel bad for the main character being dumbed down so much that she never even attempted to run away. The entire book from then on just crumbles and falls apart. The porn scene doesn't even feel naughty because the two characters have absolutely zero chemistry. but to each their own.
A spell binding book that will have you hypnotized to the very end.
Serpent&Dove is the kind of book that every reader dreams of. The kind that captures your attention so much that you never noticed the sun has faded and darkness has captured the skies.Time becomes irrelevant. The only thing that matters is Lou and Reid’s story. 2 enemies, one is a witch in disguise. The other is a witch hunter determined to rid the world of these evil creatures. But fate puts them in quite the predicament when they are forced to get married. Marriage means Lou will be protected from her never ending list of enemies. And Reid can protect the Chasseurs’s image. But these two couldn’t be more different. Reid follows the laws to a T. Lou was born to break them. I love how wild and unapologetic Lou is. I even melted for the straight laced Reid. But Lou’s lies and deception can cost her the man she never meant to love and her life.I absolutely loved this book. And highly recommend everyone picks up a copy.
Fantastic
I originally downloaded the sample as I’ve come across it on multiple social media platforms. Its not something I normally read but something I didn’t even know I was looking for. I had no expectations nor did I read a summary of what this story was about so when I read it, I was hooked instantly. Great introduction to a world of witches. The idea of magic requiring balance, of sacrifice, was interesting and different from what I usually read. The relationship between Lou and Reid was refreshing and genuine and definite slow burn. Their interactions together were funny and endearing. Reid doesn’t easily give up his beliefs over a beautiful woman. There is an inner struggle with each character against what they’ve believed in and what they’ve come to learn. More realistic than most where everything always falls into place or works out for story sake. This story is told beautifully. I can’t wait to see how this story unfolds.
More New Adult than YA, but addictive and amazing!
"I knew that I would remember him. I would feel his absence even after death, would ache for him to be near me in a way he could never be again. This was my destiny - my eternal torment. As much as it hurts to think of him, I would bear the pain gladly to keep even a small part of him with me. The pain meant we'd been real. Death couldn't take him away from me. He was me. Our souls bound. Even if he didn't want me, even if I cursed his name, we were one." The Chaussers are employed by the church to hunt witches and serve the people of Cesarine. Reid has been a Chausser his whole life and is bound in purity to serve tha cause that all witches are evil and should be annihilated. He has known notthing else. Rescused by the Archbishop as a baby, Reid's hunt continues as captain of the Chaussers. One day, Reid runs into a woman dressed as a man and she calls herself Lou. A street urchin who has many enemies and must fight for survival in a city that would burn her at the stake if anyone discovered who and what she really was. By some very public and very embarrassing circumstances, the Archbishop arranges a mutually beneficial marriage between Lou and Reid. But Lou had many secrets and many enemies, all coming to find her. This was definitely a hate to love trope all the way. There was a ton of cussing in this and this may be titled as YA but was really more like a new adult book as the one sex scene that was in this was way more discrptive than the usual YA book. The excessive cussing alone, would not have had me label this as New Adult. But the context of the cussing and the sex scene took this from borderline to all the way New Adult. I know this has been debated, but I can't see it as anything else. I loved the foul mouthed Lou, and the noble and loyal Reid. The chemistry and the banter had me excessively turning the pages. This was a great romance and I'm definitely seeing why everyone is taking about this book. Also the supporting characters were also very notable. Ansel and Coco where two other characters I became very much attached to. Usually I don't fall in love with supporting characters to this extent, but I'm just hooked and I care so much for them. All in all, this book was fantastic and now I know there is going to be a sequel I know getting to read it will feel like forever.
Lives up to the hype
Hi my name is Cassy and I am quite often disappointed by a super-hyped up book but I can FINALLY SAY I READ A BOOK THAT LIVES UP TO THE HYPE. I was so nervous to read this book because usually I hate things that everyone else loves but NOT THIS TIME. I am already trash for witch magic and then you add in enemies to lovers slow burn and I am dead. The dynamic between the two MC's was so well done and made me unable to put the book down. Lou was one of my favorite protagonists I've read in a long time because I am also always here for sassy sarcastic funny females so more of that please. I loved seeing Reid as the more uptight one getting all flustered over a lady and Ansel is my child who must always be protected. I do wish there'd been more of a resolved ending but I can't even be fully mad like I usually am about it because I will 100% be preordering the sequel as soon as I'm able to can I do that yet or... I will say, I feel like this book was largely more NA than YA, based on the way the characters acted/spoke and the much more suggestive themes in the book. I really wish that this age group would become a thing because this is the exact type of story I (and a lot of people I think) would love to see more of :) *nudge* But Shelby is an instant read for me and I can't wait to see what other stories she has hiding in that wonderful brain.
Not Worth The Money.
A fun but juvenile story that touches on interesting social topics without actually creating anything memorable or profound. There were entertaining moments but the characters themselves are one dimensional and not especially likable. The world building is lackluster as well as the magic system. If you are an avid reader of fantasy both high and low, this will bother you. But if you are a new reader of fantasy it might be a flaw you can overlook. Arranged marriage romances can be tricky to develop and in this book it falls flat. These people despise each other due to religion and a history of hatred built on murder. You have to do a better job at developing that into 'I would die for you' kind of love. There is no genuine deep connection built on intellect or friendship. But more so one driven by circumstances and lust. It should have been developed over the course of the book until the end, but they "love" each other way too quickly. There should have been more moral philosophical struggles given the gravity of the situation. But that does not happen. This book genuinely reads like a fanfic and not a book deserving of its hype. I'm genuinely baffled by its good reviews.
Not worth your time
If you like sappy teen dramas where the main character is such a Mary Sue and representation of unhealthy relationships, it makes you want to barf~ Read this book. After reading some of the reviews, I was like, "Eh, why not? I'm on vacation." Little did I know that this book would make me spiral into a deep dark depression contemplating if this book was actually written by a woman or an egotistical man who wants to brainwash girls young into thinking the toxic male character was actually romantic partner material. If I could give this negative stars, I would. Even if you ignore the characters' lack of development, you probably can't get past the uninteresting and brain cell destroying plot. I digress for my own sanity.
Comments
Post a Comment