Blood & Honey (Serpent & Dove, #2) – A Reflection on Secrets and Side Characters
When I first picked up Blood & Honey by Shelby Mahurin, I felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. The vibrant world of witches and magical beings created in Serpent & Dove captivated me, and the promise of continuing that journey was enticing. But as I settled in, I found myself pondering whether this sequel truly needed to exist. While I didn’t love it, I certainly didn’t find it as irredeemable as some reviews suggested. Here’s my nuanced take on this complex book, which I rated a modest 3 out of 5 stars.
Themes, Characters, and Plot Elements
In Blood & Honey, the central theme revolves around secrets and the various forms they take. As one character aptly states, “Though a secret is a lie in pretty clothing, some secrets must be kept.” This reflects the book’s ongoing tension as characters grapple with their hidden truths, complicating their relationships and motivations.
While I found Lou and Reid’s journey a bit lackluster—particularly in the first half—other characters truly shone. The side characters, such as Coco, Ansel, and notably Beau, became my favorite parts of the story. Beau’s determination left a lasting impression on me; his declaration, “I have a chance to be part of something extraordinary…maybe even mermaids—we have a chance to change the world,” had me rooting for him wholeheartedly. He is a breath of fresh air in a narrative that sometimes stumbles.
Claud, a newcomer to the fray, also adds depth and intrigue with his troupe. Their dynamics brought levity and unexpected twists that often overshadowed the protagonists.
Writing Style and Pacing
On a technical note, I appreciated the book’s accessible writing style. Perhaps it was the dual medium of reading and listening to the audiobook, but chapters flew by, even those deemed “boring.” However, I must echo the sentiment that the plot dragged at times. While I was enchanted by the magic of blood witches and werewolves, the actual narrative arc felt thin.
The repetitive nature of Morgane’s villainy left me longing for a fresh conflict. It became almost farcical—how many speeches does one villain need? Additionally, the drama surrounding a minor character at the end felt forced and unearned, further detracting from the impact of the climax.
Final Thoughts
I can’t deny the pleasure I derived from certain plot twists, particularly the surprising reveal in the last two chapters. Mahurin adeptly plays with expectations, and despite my frustrations, I still feel invested in the overarching story.
While I stand by my belief that a duology would have sufficed, I think Blood & Honey will find its audience among those eager for more witchy escapades and mythical lore. If you’re a reader who enjoys fleshed-out side characters and can overlook some pacing issues, this book may just be worth your time.
As I turn the page toward Gods & Monsters, I’m left with lingering questions and theories—hoping for a thrilling conclusion that brings clarity to this magical chaos.
So, did this sequel meet my hopes? Not exactly. But it did create a space for characters to shine in unexpected ways and left me curious about what lies ahead. What more can a reader ask for?
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