Serpent & Dove
Shelby Mahurin
Serpent & Dove, book 1
Average Goodreads rating4.3
Book 1 in The Stonewater Kingdom
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The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig is a gothic fantasy romance of fate and faith, where a cursed knight and a prophetic girl are bound by secrets, sacrifice, and forbidden love.
Tagged on the series as a whole, so not every book will feature each one.
The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig is a richly atmospheric gothic fantasy that blends dark romance, prophecy, and moral ambiguity into a haunting, emotionally driven story. Known for her lyrical prose and shadow-soaked worlds, Gillig crafts a tale where destiny is both a burden and a weapon, and love can be as dangerous as it is redemptive.
At the heart of the novel is a girl marked by prophecy, raised within a rigid religious system that treats her visions as both sacred and exploitable. Her life is defined by ritual, control, and expectation - until she crosses paths with a knight bound by a curse that strips him of agency and hope. Their meeting sparks a fragile alliance that challenges everything they have been taught to believe about duty, faith, and free will.
As the story unfolds, The Knight and the Moth explores the tension between obedience and rebellion. Gillig delves deeply into themes of institutional power, manipulation disguised as protection, and the quiet courage it takes to question inherited truths. The romance is slow-burn and emotionally charged, shaped by longing, restraint, and the constant threat of loss.
The novel thrives on Gothic Fantasy aesthetics - crumbling sanctuaries, ominous prophecies, and an ever-present sense of dread. Through Dual POV, readers gain insight into characters who are deeply flawed, traumatised, and painfully human. Morally Grey Characters, Forbidden Romance, and Fate vs Free Will are woven seamlessly into the narrative, giving the story depth beyond its romantic core.
Dark, romantic, and introspective, The Knight and the Moth will appeal to readers who love atmospheric fantasy with emotional intensity, complex belief systems, and relationships forged under impossible circumstances. It stands as a compelling entry in modern gothic fantasy, perfect for fans seeking stories that linger long after the final page.
Up next · book 2
Shelby Mahurin
Serpent & Dove, book 1
Average Goodreads rating4.3
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Average Goodreads rating4.4
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Average Goodreads rating4.2
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Average Goodreads rating4.4
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Buy from Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Rachel Gillig is an imaginative author of contemporary romance and women’s fiction, known for her heartfelt stories, relatable characters, and emotional journeys that explore love, self-discovery, and personal growth.
Books, series and tropes by Rachel GilligThe Knight and the Moth
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