I listened to the audiobook version of Serpent and Dove.

My thoughts

Narrative and Plot

Serpent and Dove is by far the most interesting  fantasies I’ve read in 2019. This book encompasses everything you look forward to reading in a YA Fantasy. There is magic, an entire fictional world and warring factions, a passionate romance, mystery and danger till the end. There is humor in the most unexpected places.

The narrative shifts between Louise le Blanc and Reid Diggery. Even then, it gives a clear picture of every other character and their inner motives. Somehow it is done in a clever way, where the character might not realise it but the reader can pick it up if they’re reading between the lines.

The plot is weaved in an intricate and vivid manner. It is one thing to introduce great deal of mystery into your story at the beginning, but to make the revelations equally intriguing till the end, definitely takes skill. This book does that in the most satisfying way. Which is another way of saying, stay till the end and you are going to enjoy this story more than you thought you would.

Characters and Conflicts

Reid and Lou are the main characters of Serpent and Dove. Just like the title, they’re yin and yang. They’re the opposites. And not the ones that attract. This is lethal and vicious. Yet, there is beauty when they come closer. It makes you want to ship for them even more. The eccentric ways of Lou and how she exists to survive and the archaic structured ways of Reid whose existence is about his belief and systems is something to look out for.

When you have characters this complicated, the conflict rises on its own. Will love be enough in the end? And that is the danger, the threat that lurks above them throughout.

With such powerful characters, there is a chance that the other characters miss out. But this is an ensemble of remarkable characters. Each one of them is situated in the plot with a purpose. Each one of them comes back with surprising twists at unexpected times. And there aren’t any loose ends. If there are any, I’m sure we will meet them in the sequel.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a mysterious, cozy YA Fantasy for this October, Serpent and Dove is a must read. To enjoy this book, one must have an appreciation for romance and magical fantasy. The ending leads you to the next book. This is a duology after all. If you enjoy this story, you’ll be all in for the magical ride.

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