REVIEW: Serpent & Dove (#1) - Shelby Mahurin

Title: Serpent & Dove (#1)
Author: Shelby Mahurin
Series: Serpent & Dove
Publisher: HarperTeen
Format: Hardback
Pages: 513 Pages
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Goodreads Blurb

Bound as one to love, honour, 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 Church as a 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.

REVIEW: Court of Shadows (#2) - Madeleine Roux

Title: Court of Shadows (#2)
Author: Madeleine Roux
Series: House of Furies
Publisher: HarperTeen
Format: Hardback
Pages: 416 Pages
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Goodreads Blurb

After the frightful events of last autumn, seventeen-year-old Louisa Ditton has settled into her role as a maid at Coldthistle House, but she has not settled into what that means for her humanity.

As Louisa struggles to figure out whether she is worthy of redemption, the devilish Mr Morningside plans a fete— one that will bring new guests to Coldthistle House. From wicked humans to Upworlders, angelic beings who look down upon Mr Morningside’s monstrous staff, all are armed with their own brand of self-righteous justice.

Even a man claiming to be Louisa’s father has a role to play, though what his true motive is, Louisa cannot tell. The conflicts will eventually come to a head on the grounds of Coldthistle House—and the stakes include Louisa’s very soul.

REVIEW: House of Furies (#1) - Madeleine Roux

House of Furies (#1) - Madeleine Roux
Series: House of Furies
Publisher: HarperTeen
Format: Paperback
Pages: 404 Pages
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Blurb

After escaping a harsh school where punishment was the lesson of the day, seventeen-year-old Louisa Ditton is thrilled to find employment as a maid at a boarding house. But soon after her arrival at Coldthistle House, Louisa begins to realize that the house’s mysterious owner, Mr. Morningside, is providing much more than lodging for his guests. Far from a place of rest, the house is a place of judgment, and Mr. Morningside and his unusual staff are meant to execute their own justice on those who are past being saved.

Louisa begins to fear for a young man named Lee who is not like the other guests. He is charismatic and kind, and Louisa knows that it may be up to her to save him from an untimely judgment. But in this house of distortions and lies, how can Louisa be sure whom to trust?

REVIEW: War of the Cards (#3) - Colleen Oakes*

The War of the Cards (#3) - Colleen Oakes*
Series: Queen of Hearts Saga
Publisher: HarperTeen
Format: E-Book
Pages: 352 Pages
Rating: ✭✭✭✭✭

*Received fromNetGalley for an honest review*

Goodreads Blurb

Dinah has lost everyone she ever loved. Her brother was brutally murdered. The wicked man she believed was her father betrayed her. Her loyal subjects have been devastated by war. And the boy she gave her heart to broke it completely.

Now a dark queen has risen out of the ashes of her former life. Fury is blooming inside Dinah, poisoning her soul and twisting her mind. All she has left is Wonderland and her crown, and her obsession to fight for both. But the war rages on, and Dinah could inherit a bloodstained throne. Can a leader filled with love and rage ever be the ruler her kingdom needs? Or will her all-consuming wrath bring Wonderland to its knees?

This is not a story of happily ever after.

This is the story of the Queen of Hearts.