Serpent & Dove

By: Shelby Mahurin

Narrated by: Holter Graham, Saskia Maarleveld

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 duology, 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.

Don't miss Gods & Monsters, the spellbinding conclusion of this epic trilogy, coming July 2021!

Story is okay, Male narrator almost ruins it

I am a huge fan of the Court of Roses and Thorns series, so I hoped I would really enjoy this. It was good. I would probably pick up the second one when it comes out, unless they have the same male narrator! When I heard his first chapter, I considered turning the book off and returning it. I’m glad I pushed through, but I won’t listen to the second one if he narrates again. Listeners, beware!

Holy Witches Batman

Honestly, I was pretty skeptical with the first chunk of this book. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to stick with it, but I’m glad I did. The characters, the world building, the French influence.... it’s actually amazing. Such a magical story, you won’t be able to put it down!

I deducted a star only for the first 30% being a bit slow and the male lead INITIALLY being incredibly unlikable. However, he quickly develops and grows on you. Additionally, Lou, the female lead, is a hilarious gift and I LOVE HER.

The male narration leaves something to be desired. It’s not awful, but his cadence is choppy and a little off putting. In contrast, the female narrator is exquisite so they balance out.

Overall? Definitely worth a listen/read. I can’t wait for the next one!

The male narrator is hoooooorible.

I'm only a quarter through this book, but goodness gracious. The Holter Graham reads like it's his turn to perform a chapter in a high school drama class. Awkward pauses and cadence that break up sentences in unnatural ways, almost a dramatic stutter. It's unbearable. I really want to listen to this book while working, but I don't know how much more of him I can put up with, to be honest. Saskia Maarleveld is excellent though, which makes is even more frustrating. Ugh.

Powerful social commentary. Terrible Narration.

I immensely enjoyed reading Serpent and the Dove. But book's pacing in the third act didn't quite match with the rhythm it should have been told. Audiobook narration is one of the worst I've ever heard. You're better off without it.

a most familiar & yet totally unique adventure!

overall / story- a wonderful story that hooked me immediately. I found myself re-falling in love with a tale as old as time. girl and boy are from different worlds and live their lives avoiding/hunting one another's peoples. girl and boy fall in love but struggle to overcome family differences. what makes this story special is the magic weaving & world building. it's the imagery that makes you feel as though you can watch the book as if it were a movie, but without overuse of imagery! i absolutely loved the female lead & her foul mouth, rough around the edges feel. Her best friends remind me of all of my favorite people. & Reid (male lead) gives us all hope that men who are raised wrong, will one day open their eyes.

performance- female narration was amazing. cheifs kiss. I don't think anyone could have read this book better. male narration was not as bad as many reviews make it out to be but towards the end he gets a bit sloppy with characters voices, and can at some points be a bit cringy with his dramatic effects. that being said, it takes nothing away from the story and I still highly recommend the read!