Reading Order – Serpent & Dove – Shelby Mahurin – Complete Guide – Books in Order

Reading order of the Serpent & Dove trilogy by Shelby Mahurin. Contains general spoilers and magical climax through to the final book. Love doesn’t hide behind spells—it’s forged in fire. Reading this trilogy in order means burning with Lou and Reid as they defy creeds, covens, and ancient curses. Each page is a dance between faith and desire, where monsters don’t always wear cloaks and goddesses might still cry.

Louise and Reid atop an open grimoire amid submerged ruins, dragons, and golden magic – Serpent & Dove Reading Order

Introduction – Reading Order – Serpent & Dove

The Serpent & Dove series, written by Shelby Mahurin, is a fantasy trilogy that blends magic, forbidden romance, and religious tension in a world where every choice can reshape the fate of entire nations. This reading order guide will lead you through a story that evolves from persecution to redemption, featuring intense characters and a backdrop of secrets, spells, and rebellion.

The journey begins with Serpent & Dove, where Lou and Reid are forced into an impossible bond within a society ruled by intolerance. Over the course of three books, the universe expands with dark mythology, emotional twists, and a growing threat that tests their values and their love. The conflict between beliefs, loyalties, and personal desires drives every step of this power-charged narrative.

This guide allows you to follow the chronological and emotional development of the protagonists, ensuring a deep, coherent reading experience enriched by the nuanced progression of every scene.

Libros en Orden de Lectura – Serpent & Dove

1. Serpent & Dove – Serpent & Dove – Book 1

Louise le Blanc has forsaken her magic and fled her coven to hide in the city of Cesarine. There, she lives among thieves and criminals, knowing that being discovered as a witch means death. Meanwhile, Reid Diggory, a devout witch hunter of the Church, has vowed to eradicate all witches. By a twist of fate, they are forced into marriage, unaware of each other's true identities. In a hostile city, Lou struggles to survive and love without being discovered, while Reid begins to question everything he believed about good and evil. Their relationship jeopardizes not only their lives but also the balance between the worlds of hunters and magic. An intense story of secrets, spells, and impossible passions. See the full summary of Serpent & Dove ➤

2. Blood & Honey – Serpent & Dove – Book 2

After the devastating events that shook Cesarine, Lou and her allies must flee as danger grows from all directions. Now a fugitive, Lou is forced to embrace the darker parts of herself she had sworn not to use. Reid, still conflicted about his identity and his love for Lou, must learn to live with the magic he has always hated. New enemies emerge, old pacts are broken, and alliances begin to falter as the King's children claim what they believe is theirs. As dangers intensify, every decision the protagonists make brings them closer to an inevitable confrontation with their own origins. A sequel where darkness, revenge, and emotional bonds elevate the tension to another level. Walk through the full summary of Blood & Honey ➤ 

3. Gods & Monsters – Serpent & Dove – Book 3

Darkness has claimed more than Lou imagined, and her mind begins to crumble under the weight of losses. Beside her, Reid must assume the role of protector but also face the truth about his lineage and his connection to magic. As enemies prepare for the final battle, Lou and her allies travel through hostile lands in search of answers and enough power to defeat the evil looming over all. With ancient gods awakening and real monsters lurking, every sacrifice counts. The line between love and destruction becomes increasingly blurred, and the climax approaches with a mix of tragedy and hope. An epic conclusion to a saga that masterfully blended romance, action, and sorcery. Try the full summary of Gods & Monsters ➤ 

Conclusion – Reading Order – Serpent & Dove

Reading the Serpent & Dove series in the correct order means entering a story where love stands against dogma and magic becomes the most intimate battlefield. Shelby Mahurin has crafted a trilogy that not only entertains with action and romance, but also raises questions about identity, free will, and redemption.

From Lou’s initial escape to the final battle in Gods & Monsters, the protagonists face emotional and moral trials that transform them completely. With a fast-paced, immersive narrative, the series delivers a powerful conclusion that honors every conflict set in motion from the beginning. While the universe continues with new stories, Lou and Reid’s arc closes with the strength of a tale well told.

This reading guide ensures you experience the series in all its intensity, without missing any of the revelations that make Serpent & Dove one of the standout sagas in contemporary young adult fantasy.

FAQs – Reading Order – Serpent & Dove Series

What is the correct reading order for the Serpent & Dove series by Shelby Mahurin?

The recommended reading order is: Serpent & Dove, followed by Blood & Honey, and finally Gods & Monsters. This sequence preserves the narrative flow, character development, and major plot twists. Reading out of order could spoil key emotional and magical turning points central to Lou and Reid’s journey.

What makes Louise le Blanc a standout protagonist in YA fantasy?

Louise is a witch on the run, but what sets her apart is her complex, messy humanity. She’s fierce, flawed, and unapologetically herself. Her refusal to conform, even when love and survival are at stake, gives the series its emotional punch. Lou’s internal battles are just as intense as the magical wars she fights.

How does Reid Diggory evolve throughout the trilogy?

Reid begins as a devout witch hunter, loyal to a system built on fear and control. Through his relationship with Lou, he’s forced to confront uncomfortable truths about faith, love, and his own power. His arc from rigidity to vulnerability is one of the most emotionally resonant aspects of the series.

Is The Scarlet Veil essential to understanding the main Serpent & Dove trilogy?

No, The Scarlet Veil is not required to understand the main trilogy, but it expands the universe with new characters and challenges. Fans of the original books will appreciate the subtle ties and lore expansion. It’s best seen as a bonus for readers who want more of Mahurin’s magical world.

What deeper themes does Serpent & Dove explore beyond fantasy and romance?

Beyond spells and slow-burn love, the trilogy delves into themes of religious indoctrination, personal freedom, trauma recovery, and moral ambiguity. Each book challenges the characters to redefine what they believe about power, loyalty, and the people they once feared. It’s a love story wrapped in rebellion and reflection.