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Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin
Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin
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Serpent & Dove (Book 1)
by Shelby Mahurin
"A foundational study in ideological friction, the tactical utility of proximity, and the systemic collapse of the hunter-prey binary."
🔥 SYSTEMIC CONFLICT & COMPULSORY ALLIANCE
An analytical narrative centering on the survival strategies of a displaced practitioner and the institutional dogmas of a high-ranking ecclesiastical huntsman.
Extended Synopsis
In Serpent & Dove, the debut volume of the critically acclaimed trilogy, Shelby Mahurin constructs a world defined by a zero-sum conflict between the coven and the Church. The narrative follows Louise "Lou" le Blanc, who has strategically abandoned her magical heritage to survive as a thief within the city of Cesarine. Lou’s existence is a study in risk mitigation, as the institutional forces of the Church—specifically the Chasseurs—actively execute practitioners of magic.
The conflict escalates when Reid Diggory, a Chasseur dedicated to the total eradication of witchcraft, is forced into a tactical and legally binding marriage with Lou following a public disturbance. This "impossible situation" creates a unique laboratory for examining ideological breakdown, as both protagonists must navigate a shared domestic space while harboring mutually exclusive identities. Mahurin meticulously details the erosion of long-held dogmas when confronted with the human element, delivering a high-stakes exploration of forbidden alliances and the cost of institutional loyalty.
Author Profile
Shelby Mahurin is the #1 New York Times and IndieBound bestselling author behind the Serpent & Dove trilogy. Her debut has been lauded by genre luminaries like Sarah J. Maas for its intricate magic systems and sparkling characterization. Mahurin’s work is a primary resource for modern Gothic and Romantic Fantasy, offering a sophisticated look at the intersection of magic and socio-political power structures.
Reader Targeting & Academic Utility
- Gothic Romance Scholars: A definitive modern example of the "Enemies-to-Lovers" archetype used to explore deep-seated cultural divisions.
- Literary Studies: Ideal for analyzing the "marriage of convenience" trope as a catalyst for deconstructing religious and magical dogmas.
- Fantasy Curation: A foundational text for fans of Kendare Blake or Sarah J. Maas, bridging the gap between high-fantasy world-building and character-driven drama.
Core Analytical Themes
- The friction between individual identity and inherited institutional prejudice.
- Survival through the abandonment of magical assets and the adoption of low-profile thievery.
- Compulsory proximity as a mechanism for dismantling state-sponsored "othering."
Accolades & Awards
- NYT & IndieBound Bestseller: A commercially dominant debut that redefined modern YA fantasy.
- Amazon Best Book (2019): Critically recognized for its atmospheric depth and narrative pacing.
- "An absolute gem... a searing romance that defies the odds." — Bust Down Books Editorial Review
Product Specifications
| ISBN-13: | 9780062878038 |
| ISBN-10: | 0062878034 |
| Publisher: | HarperCollins |
| Binding: | Paperback |
| Publication Date: | 2020-08-04 |
| Language: | English |
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