Blood & Honey (Serpent & Dove) (udgave 2020)

First of all, the covers in this series are gorgeous. The gold and red combination fits the title so well and the naming nomenclature is iconic. It was really interesting to see where Reid and Lou ended up in this book. The plot is so complicated and there are so many names, which kind of made it hard to keep track of everyone since I couldn't read it in one sitting.

I'd recommend reading this, but maybe right before the third book comes out. A lot happens at the end of the book and I'm still reeling from what happens in the last two chapters. These poor souls might never get a break.

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3.5/5 This one had some interesting elements and was a good story, but it was super predictable. ( )

As with all sequels, I say little because I don't want to give away spoilers. I want you to read these books!

I loved the humor of the first book, Serpent and Dove, laughing at the last word of the book. I like that some of that humor moves to this second book. This book is darker. As with many second books, there's a lot of running around because we have to set up for the finale. With this one, we also gain more people in our quest. Lou and Reid really don't know each other that well, yet they are married. They have to find a way to trust each other and maybe not have so many secrets. Secrets always create problems! Coco, Ansel, and Beau are with them as well. At the end of book one, they are leaving Morgane's control. They need to evade her as well as the chasseurs. Reid's mother can help here. Eventually, they realize that they can no longer hide when an event happens that causes Reid to use his magic without the ability to completely control it. They need help; they need allies. They'll separate to try and convince groups to join them.

Lou, Ansel, and Coco go to Coco's aunt asking for an alliance. Coco discovers that her witch family have fallen on hard times. People have gone missing. If Lou can help, they may join Lou against Morgane. Meanwhile, Reid and Beau go to the werewolves. This alliance may be trickier because Reid has a history with them and it's not good. The last hope is the king--can Beau and Reid convince the King to join them as well? If these groups will join them, can they all defeat Morgane? There is an added bonus--a new character who seems to know a lot and appears just when necessary.

I thoroughly enjoyed the novel. Lou's struggle to control her humanity against the magic and Reid's need to come to terms with being a witch himself pull me into the story. Often, we prefer the main characters and the side characters are fine. I usually enjoy novels where the side characters have a valuable presence--where you want that character to be your friend as well. I like Beau, Coco, Ansel, and our new guy, Devereaux. I listened to the book, so I am sorry if I misspelled any names. Unfortunately, the final book will be out in a year. I'll be re-listening next year and excited to see how it all ends--if it ends...... ( )

I remember way back when "The Empire Strikes Back" came out, a movie with no beginning and no ending, but I liked it anyway (years later it is now my favorite of all the "Star Wars" movies, but back then it was supremely frustrating). That's kind of how I feel about this second entry into Mahurin's series. I think what I like best is the steadfast romantic relationship between the two lead characters. They might fight and they might not always agree or get along, but they clearly always love each other. I wasn't overly surprised by anything that happened in the book (not even the tragic happening of which I will not speak). I did find it kind of odd that Lou's spiritual companions (I won't get into the meaning of it all as it is kind of spoilery) rather just up and disappeared near the end with no explanation.

Overall, as I said, it is a good middle story, but truly with no beginning or end. I'll certainly keep an eye out for the next (hopefully end book) of this series. ( )

After a spate of novels that were lackluster at best and boring at their worst, I finally have a novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. The second book in the Serpent & Dove series, Blood & Honey, by Shelby Mahurin not only made me feel all of the emotions, but it also left me with a readers’ high, the kind that leaves you giddy with joy at the end of a fantastic story. The only problem now is that I finished the novel before its publication date and have to wait for Ms. Mahurin to finish the final story in the series!

On Instagram, Ms. Mahurin mentioned how she loves characters, and it shows in Blood & Honey. With little action to move the overarching story significantly forward, she chooses instead to focus on the characters. We meet other magical beings as part of the attempt to gain allies and learn more about their current allies. More importantly, we see Lou and Reid grow as individuals as well as a couple. Every new encounter forces them to learn more about themselves and determine what they most value. The issues they work to overcome simply endear them even more to you. Theirs is a natural maturation, albeit one occurring within a condensed timeline.

Ms. Mahurin understands human emotion, and she pulls no punches in getting you to feel everything Lou and Reid do. From Reid’s conflict to Lou’s fear to their overwhelming love for each other, you feel all of it. Honestly, the intensity of those emotions took my breath away as I did not expect such a visceral response to the story. For me, though, to have such a strong emotional reaction is an indication of a well-written novel, and it is something I seek with every novel I read. In this regard, Blood & Honey does not disappoint.

I adore Lou in her own right and LOVE her interactions with Reid and other persons in authority. I appreciate her snark and practically squeal whenever she is able to put it to good use. Plus, there is nothing remotely pretentious about her. Not one to shy away from harsh realities, she sees the world as it is and not as she wishes it would be. This makes her the perfect counter for Reid’s idealistic worldview. Together, they make the right kind of sparks – the kind that requires you to fan your cheeks after certain scenes.

At the end of Blood & Honey, I honestly have no idea where Ms. Mahurin is taking us. Nor do I have any idea of what our heroes will face in the finale. I like that I cannot predict anything because it means I have no ideas that might lead to disappointment. As long as she gives us plenty of Lou and Reid and maybe one or two sexy scenes, I will be happy. I just have to get through the wait. ( )