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Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin (Review #159)


"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."

Review:
This was such a hyped book, there was no way I was going to skip this one! It was way more interesting than I was anticipating. Lou was so complex and conflicted as a person. I absolutely adored the whole murkiness of this war. Are the witches truly these evil creatures out to plague the world, or is the church an institution with a genocidal agenda? The answer isn't always clear, but Lou makes it clear she wants no part in it. She has refused her magical abilities for years, and only uses them, while in search for an artifact that could protect her from other witches forever. And after a rocky escape from a heist, she is forced into marriage with one of the only people she has to fear, aside from other witches - a witch hunter. 

He thinks her just a lowly thief, still a nuisance, but not pure evil like the witches. They bond over the course of the book and eventually grow to love each other, which we expect. Their entire relationship had many hills and valleys from beginning to end and I sincerely enjoyed them. Coco was by far my favorite character, though. She was a ride-or-die friend for Lou and I was so happy she was an integral part of the story. She rocks. Frankly, I think she carried the team, you know what I mean? A true queen in my opinion. There were some twists I didn't seem coming which I always enjoy as well. We stan surprises. 

And this may be a weird thing to like about a character, but I was happy that Lou wasn't a virgin. I know this is a weird thing, but one thing I've found with main female characters in fantasy is this preservation of their virginity. And to me it doesn't make sense. For Lou, she has been living in the underbelly of Cesarine, consorting with all different walks of life, including prostitutes. And not that means she HAS to have sex, I feel like its a normal thing, especially if she has had past romantic partners. I feel like authors use virginity as a sign of their female characters (not the MALES I notice) goodness still being intact. Being a virgin has NOTHING to do with it, and I appreciated that change. 
Overall this was a great read, and worth the hype. I already have the sequel so I look forward to continuing this story!


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