Serpent and Dove Synopsis
Note: This review is spoiler-free!
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.
Why did I pick it?
I’ve seen this one on Instagram and it always gets great reviews. From reading the synopsis I was hopeful for a new and unique adventure.
What I loved about it
As the first novel in a trilogy, it did have me hooked. I loved the setting, a fantasy land with obviously french tones which reminded me a little of the court of miracles.. It had all the elements of a great YA fantasy novel. There were some nice twists in there too, some more predictable than others, but enjoyable all the same.
What I loathed about it
The romance element felt underdeveloped. I think with YA you get insta love and it feels like lazy storytelling. I much prefer a slower burn, along the same lines of a Sarah J Maas novel, you can’t beat a will they won’t they. This wasn’t insta love as such, but the sudden change went unexplained and it was a little jarring, it didn’t feel very believable.
Some of the secondary characters were under development for me, Ansel in particular, he went from an unknown to a key character and I think I totally missed why or how.
Thoughts
It was a great and unique adventure, it could have been so much more but I can’t wait to read the second and third instalments to see how it develops.
When and where can you can get it
You can purchase Serpent and Dove on Amazon today
