Serpent&Dove Reading+Review

I am figuring out how to start this article as I don't know how I feel about this book. I've been on a reading spree lately, and it feels fantastic. It's been flying around here, whether audiobooks or books. I put on audiobooks whenever I'm doing my bujo or chores around the house, and so far, I have been reading excellent books.

Now, let's move on to Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin. I'm 29% into the book, and honestly, there are some moments when I have to go back because I wasn't focused on it anymore. I tried to read it, and it just wouldn't work, so now I'm listening to the audiobook, and I've made more progress like this, but it's still complicated. I didn't know that even in the third of the book, it would still be slow to begin and have some actions. This book has everything I love: fantasy and, as it seems to be — the enemy lover trope, and I like the characters; just for now, I keep forcefully bringing myself back to it, and I'm drifting away.

Another day and another listen to the audiobook. Things are getting interesting. I like how their relationship develops, but I want more action. Although it's slowly starting to arrive, I can feel it. Especially since the woman (I forgot her name) came to see Lou to tell her that her mother was coming back. The only thing that I know is that I still struggle to like it. Usually, I have no problem putting the audiobook I'm listening to back on while doing stuff, but it happened multiple times when I preferred to listen to music than listen to it. Hopefully, it will change, and I will be able to appreciate it.

I'm so happy I chose to keep reading this book. I asked for more actions and more to happen, and well, I was served. Her mom finally found her back, and Reid will go after Lou to find her, and I am so happy. I must say I didn't see it coming—her father being Florin! The twist was so twisted! Again, I am thrilled I decided to keep reading it.

Wait, wait. How can Lou die? She's the protagonist, one of the main characters. It can't be. Please tell me it's not true. I'm supposed to be doing my bullet journal at the same time, and I just can't do anything, so much so that I'm hanging onto the book. Oh my god.

Oh my god. Reid killed Florin!!! Ahhhh! So much is happening at the same time. I swear to God, never let me complain about a lack of action in a book until I finish reading it.

Lou is alive!!! Okay, this book is going to be my death. I don't get it; how can she be alive? I need more info. Please let Coco be okay, too. I love her so much. Okay, I understand why she's alive — because Reid killed Florin. Woah. Of course, Reid has magic; he's your son, Labelle. I cannot wait to discover Reid's powers.

I am going, to be honest: the beginning of the book was way too long for me; I had to force myself to keep listening to it, and even though I am glad I did, the reviews I read of it online once I finished it all agreed with me. It's great to have a worldbuilding, and I know that in fantasy it can be tricky, especially when you're not using a template — something that has already been made. I liked the uniqueness of this book. I wish that more things would have happened.

Reid. I fell in love with him instantly. I knew it would turn into a character development I'd enjoy, and it didn't miss! The way he was written was terrific, and the development wasn't made suddenly. You felt his confusion and internal battle with the beliefs he has been taught since his youth about the truth—not all is black and white; grey exists.

Lou — even though I loved Reid, he wasn't enough for me to keep listening, but Lou was. She was the sole reason I kept listening. She wasn't weak; she had to fight her true nature to survive and was okay with whatever she had to do. I appreciated how it depicted her falling in love with Reid and being torn by what she thought and what indeed is—the poignant reality of having to betray or be betrayed, to kill or be killed.

I appreciated how their relationship was written. The only good side of the book being long to start is that the buildup needed to be faster; it was an excellently written slow burn without being too slow. Enemy to Lovers is my favorite trope, and I'm happy with how it was written.

The loveable side characters — Coco and Ansel. I adore them! I would burn the world down to protect them. Coco's wit and Ansel's innocence but fierceness in protecting and defending his friends. Just — chef's kiss.

I have to be honest. Reid's having magic, and Madame LaBelle being his mother is a genius twist. I mean, the chasseur being the prey he was taught and trained to kill is just amazing thinking. I cannot wait to see more of his powers in the following books.

Lou's mother. She's horrible but a machiavellian of a genius. Having a child to have your revenge and defeat your enemy is cold and horrible but genius. I was so worried when she found Lou, but when I tell you that I stopped everything I was doing when I found out that Florin was Lou's father!! The twists keep on coming; it's never-ending!!

I have to admit, I was a bit worried when Reid found out Lou was a witch. I really thought he was going to give up on her, and the book would have turned from enemy to lover to enemy again.

The bad French is the other thing that put me off, and I'm glad that it isn't the case in the second book so far. It's mainly in the audiobook because you can't notice it on paper, except for "La Voisin." I am French, so when I say that, I had to stop to cringe — it's an understanding. Audiobook side — I'm not asking for a perfect French; on the contrary, I know you're not French, but it's okay. But some of the pronunciation was horrible, and I knew they weren't researched first. And again — for "La Voisin"... Editing. It's what it's made for. Make sure you're right. If you want to add something foreign to what you know, it's okay; please do your research before. Overall, it is a good book. I wish there had been more work into it, more editing, and more thoughts about the reader — it is too long, has many French mistakes, and isn't enjoyable when your characters are supposed to be French. The characters are excellently written, they fit so well together without erasing their individualities, they all stand out on their own, and it's pretty easy to appreciate or hate them (yes, Madame Labelle, I'm talking about you.) I have more hope for book two.