Book Review: Blood & Honey by Shelby Mahurin

Title: Blood & Honey

Author: Shelby Mahurin

Series/Standalone: Serpent & Dove (Book #2)

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult

Pages: 536

Publisher: HarperTeen

Year Published: 2020

Format: Audiobook

"After narrowly escaping death at the hands of the Dames Blanches, Lou, Reid, Coco, and Ansel are on the run from the coven, kingdom, and church- fugitives with nowhere to hide.

To elude the scores of witches and throngs of chasseurs at their heels, Lou and Reid need allies. Strong ones. But protection comes at a price, and the group is forced to embark on separate quests to build their forces. As Lous and Reid try to close the widening rift between them, the dastardly Morgane baits them in a lethal game of cat and mouse that threatens to destroy something worth more than any coven.

The hotly anticipated sequel to the New York Times and IndieBound bestseller Serpent & Dove- packed with even steamier romance and darker magic- is perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas."

My Rating: 3/5

This was not the sequel I need from this series. I was really hoping that it wouldn't get too extreme in the mythology but it really went all in and I just didn't enjoy that. I felt that the world wasn't well built and we were relying on a relationship that appeared to be falling apart. The joking and fun that happened in the first book just weren't as great as I hoped. Overall just ok, fun but not great.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin

Title: Serpent & Dove

Author: Shelby Mahurin

Series/Standalone: Serpent & Dove Series (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Pages: 513

Publisher: HarperTeen

Year Published: 2019

Format: Hardcover Copy (Own It)

First Line: "There's something haunting about a body touched by magic."

"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 Curch as  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."

My Rating: 4/5

It took me a minute to warm up to this book. I thought that the beginning was really slow, but as you begin to get into the relationship aspect of the book and seeing how the world develops around our two main characters helps to flesh the story out. I loved the romance in this, I'm a sucker for enemies to lovers and a protective hero. I will say that the plot while interesting isn't what carried the book for me. I will be continuing the series and I can't wait to see where this story goes.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny