This book surprised me so much. It exceeded my expectations, hell, blew them out of the water even.
I was never a fan of Célie, I still remember how much I couldn't stand her the first time I read S&D, but now finally doing a read through the whole trilogy at once and finally completing it, the unthinkable happened — Gods&Monsters made me fall in love with her. However, when I first heard TSV being announced I had my reservations, especially since I hadn't read G&M at that time and Célie wasn't a character I was interested in.
But then somehow, miraculously, I landed an arc and everything changed.
And this book was just so damn good, and so much more than I thought it would be.
We have murder mysteries and gothic castles, and deadly beautiful creatures - and in the center of it all the beginning of a love story you can sink your teeth into.
The tension, the angst, the slow burn, the pull between Célie and Michal .. it's gonna set your heart on fire.

I wasn't expecting we'll see the gang so early on in the book or that we'll even see them as much as we did but I'm so happy this was the case *happy tears*. Though they don't take away from Célie and her story, exactly the opposite!
I'm so happy Célie still has her friends even if they don't treat her exactly right in the beginning of the book.
Not to worry, they quickly realize their mistake and honestly I blame Jean Luc for everything even if they shouldn't have listened to him in the first place.

The characters

Célie is the type of heroine we don't see often as a lead in a fantasy book - soft, kind, gentle, her mind is her strongest weapon, and her strength is the people she loves. It's very interesting to take her away from everything she's ever known and make her realize she can survive on her own.

Célie went through so much in S&D and she continues to struggle in TSV — to find a place where she belongs, to work through her trauma, to prove herself — and the way Shelby describes it is so painfully relatable. When she told Lou "you know what I went through, you were supposed to be my friend" oh, how that hurt, I can easily imagine how gutted Lou was.

Jean Luc was never someone I thought she's gonna end up with. I'm sorry to all of his fans, at this point I don't mind him but to me it always felt like Célie was settling for him, and after everything it's obvious he loved more the idea of her or perhaps who she used to be than the person she is now.
Everything that happens between them made perfect sense and I'm glad she was able to talk to him and try to make him understand even if he's in denial.


Michal... *content sigh* I don't wanna give away too much but I think everyone will love Michal, I know I do.
He's definitely a villainous character though I wouldn't call him a "villain", he's exactly what I love - morally grey.
And the way he treats Célie, the way he is when he's with her and everything that happens between them is just... 🫠🫠🫠
I love them together so much, oh my gods, and barely anything even happens between them in this book. The romance is so torturously slow burn and I loved every minute of it. They better end up together or I swear—

The new supporting characters are fantastic and I can't wait to learn even more about them.
I need to point out that even though I was able to guess pretty early on who was behind the murders (call it occupational hazard, 98% of my reads are fantasy lol) that didn't take away from my enjoyment and there were plenty of other things that shocked me.

If you go into this book expecting only romance - you will be disappointed, even if what you get in TSV makes you shiverish and giddy. But the plot is so much more - it gave me The Vampire Diaries, The Phantom of the opera and Beauty and the beast vibes. As I mentioned there's a murder mystery, a masquerade ball, there are ghosts, betrayal and heartbreak and scorching tension. Célie's arc is so beautiful and compelling I couldn't put this down.
Such a thrilling, engrossing read with gothic, decadent atmosphere that will grip you by the throat refusing to let go.

The ending had me gasping, I didn't think she will go there, I can't believe Shelby actually went there and I'm so SO excited that she did, I can't wait to see where it's gonna take Célie and I'm already begging on my knees for the sequel.

Eternal gratitude to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC

#54- I loved the Serpent and Dove Series so much. I was shocked a few months ago when I noticed this book out on NetGalley. I was even more surprised that I was able to get an ARC. It picks up right where Gods and Monsters leaves off. This time it follows Celie as the main character. She is pretty immediately kidnapped and taken to a world of vampires. It does end in a cliffhanger (which I hate) but over the book was so good and I will impatiently be waiting for the next one (hopefully in 2024).

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

This book was absolutely immaculate. I read Serpent and Dove awhile ago, but was interested in this because it was a spin-off, and boy did it not disappoint! This book was a perfect supernatural romantasy, and it had me in my feels. The romance was such a slow-burn, but it is worth it!!! This book also has the found family trope, and the one coffin trope. I was immersed in the world building of this book, and the mystery behind who was killing all these supernatural creatures! I felt for Celie, and how she never quite felt like she belonged. That cliff-hanger ending tho!!! This book was definitely one of my top new releases of 2023!

I am a huge fan of Serpent & Dove so I was SO excited to be approved to read The Scarlet Veil early. Shelby Mahurin really knocked it out or the park with this one! She took a character from Serpent & Dove who wasn’t very likable (Celie) and really changed my perspective on her. By the end of the book I was sympathizing with her and rooting for her.
I loved being able to return to the world of Serpent & Dove. The new characters and addition of vampires built on what was already established in the previous series in a positive way.
This book had everything you could want in a fantasy book. A strong female lead, relationship drama, a compelling vampire love interest, enemies to lovers, and a compelling storyline.
I loved this book! I’m already mad that I have to wait for the next one!

It shouldn't have been possible.

Celie.
Jean-Luc.
Vampires.

Those three things shouldn't have come together and made me swoon. Yet, somehow, Shelby has turned my old hardened heart back into softened mush for VAMPIRES and that is what this review is really about-- how I've made the terrible mistake of giving up on them.

Just kidding-- it's also about how Celie's character ARC was impressively written, and I held onto every thought, moment, mistake, and epiphany of growth without being annoyed at her struggle or internal monologue overly droning on (because it didn't! What a relief).

IF YOU CAME FOR THE VAMPIRES then you will be pleased. IF YOU CAME FOR ANY OTHER REASON, then you will still be pleased because… yes. Yes to everything I don't think I can say without providing too many spoilers and yes to Vasiliev. Like, maybe if I say that three times he will suddenly appear? Could that work?

I'm done because I'm going to reveal something pivotal and someone will be disappointed and so-- if you are someone who enjoys Shelby's writing, you'll love this. I think the voice and tone exceeds the Serpent & Dove series (don't attack me, I still love those!). If you're new to her, and thinking this is where you'd like to start then I support that because it will not disappoint, and in fact, I think it will make you fall in love and, hopefully, support all of her future work as I plan to.


And of course, thank you NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Scarlet Veil in exchange for my honest opinion

I read an eARC of The Scarlet Veil by Shelby Mahurin. Thank you, HarperCollins Children’s Books and NetGalley.

I read this after I forgot it’s set in the world of Serpent and Dove. As someone who forgot Serpent and Blood after reading it, and reading this, I’m not sure I missed anything, but it definitely felt like I didn’t have information that I should have going in the book. Certain side characters had weight to them in the text that felt weird to be reading about, and certain things I should have known about Celie, while revealed later, felt more like things I should have “known all along” instead of things revealed for plot-relevant reasons.

But onto the story itself. It’s been six months since Celie joined Chasseurs. She’s not very good, mostly because her fiancé Jean Luc, basically encompasses the “nice guy” trope, and he won’t let her train with the other hunters, and it turns out, hides a string of deaths that she should have known about for her own safety, but instead he didn’t tell her “for her safety”. When she finds a dead body, and then overhears what he’s kept from her, she leaves.

Of course, after her friend gives her a cloak and an apology, she’s left by herself long enough to be conked on the head, find herself on a boat, and captured by a mysterious man who takes her to an island full of magical creatures, including “Eternals”.

I have to say, I think I read this at the wrong time. The story wasn’t bad, I could see a lot of things that other people would definitely enjoy, but for me, everything felt flat. I didn’t enjoy Celie, while working with the mysterious man, didn’t actually learn how to protect herself, and that the love interest needed a nice guy love interest to make this unsufferable gloomy man actually interesting. Though from other reviews, apparently he’s the type most find “hot”. While I’m stuck here hoping she gets with the blood-addicted cousin of the gloomy man because this guy is so insufferable, and I’m done with his type being the “main love interest” in books.

Anyway, this definitely has an audience, but I expect I’ll forget it as quickly as I did “The Serpent and the Dove”.

This was a fun read! I will admit that after loving Serpent and Dove and Gods and Monsters (we don't talk about Blood and Honey), I was slightly disappointed, but it was very minor. I just wish I had connected to the characters more. And really, I think the reason I struggled to connect to them was because the first 60% of the book was so slow. It was good, and I enjoyed reading it, but if you're looking at the development of the plot, there was very little. Especially when you consider the last 10% and the sheer chaos that went down. The chaos was fun though! It does make the wait for Book 2 rather painful... I didn't remember much about Celie from Serpent and Dove, which did serve as a minor problem. This is definitely a spinoff where the first trilogy is essential. Despite that, I can't wait for the second book!

Thanks to Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children’s Books for this earc

Let me start with the fact that you kind of really need to read S&D trilogy before reading this one because you need the backstory

That being said, please see a perfect example of “I tried copying ACOMAF plot but YA”. Don’t get me wrong. It’s not exactly a bad thing but you can also predict 80% of this book. You honestly wanted us all to believe that ACOMAF wasn’t the inspiration? Because Jean Luce sure looked like Tamlin to me. And Dimitri and Odessa sounded a lot of like the Inner Circle members.

As a lover of Vampire romance, you can also predict every scene Michal is in, including Celie watching him feed from a woman, Michal giving Celie his blood and of course turning her in the end. You couldn’t have written basic ABC plot if you tried.

Even the bad guy. I’m not a huge fan when the bad guy being the one character authors brings on without a reason and “saves” for a big reveal.

Even with all that, you can still enjoy this book because she used these plot lines because we all love them, just don’t expect have your mind blown. It’s a fun and easy book you can read between your favs.

My hope is that Shelby will take this book and builds something more out of it. I guess we’ll have to wait and see.

First: Michal is hot.
Second: MICHAL IS SO HOT.
Third: I wish I could erase my memory and read this book over again from new CAUSE OMG WHAT. Obviously I will be reading this again and again and again and cannot wait to own a physical copy to READ AGAIN CAUSE DID YOU HEAR MICHAL IS HOT. Ok seriously. I adored The Scarlet Veil. It exceeded all of my expectations and was just so deliciously good. Any spare moment I had I was reading. I needed to know what happened next and I wish I could scream about everything and everyone and all the juicy bits but I’m not going to spoil anything so just trust me when I say you are going to devour this book and beg for seconds. I need book two. Please. Like what? WHAT?? That ending — I am just going to be in pain until I get book two in my hands. I LOVE CELIE SHE IS MY SWEET ANGEL BBY AND SHE DESERVES THE WORLD. There were so many parts in the book that just struck me in the heart, parts where I felt SEEN. I highly recommend this book and i'm just so excited to see readers reactions when they get this book in their hands. VAMPIRES ALL THE WAY!!!

ONE COFFIN...there's a scene with one coffin okay yup it's there and you want to read it

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for allowing me to read an early copy!

3.5 stars. This was a little slow for me and a bit repetitive. I also never like Celie in the previous series and can’t say my opinion is much changed after reading this. That said, the story is excellent and I love the addition of vampires.

Big thank you NetGalley and to the publisher for the chance to review this book pre-release. The Scarlett Veil I absolutely devoured. It was a great addition to the Serpent & Dove universe which I loved, and had SUCH amazing characters. They were so well constructed, and I felt like I was actually seeing them grow with their choices. Already dying a little inside waiting for book two, because that ending?? A more formal review will be available on my IG/TikTok and Goodreads.

3/5 stars

*thank you net galley for gifting me this book in exchange for an honest review*

This was a great book I would pick up during fall, to snuggle up with and divulge myself in a semi-spooky, haunted, engaging paranormal romance. It reads less a paranormal romance and more as a paranormal/fantasy mystery driven fiction book with a slow burn romance as the subplot.

I would recommend this for someone who has tired out from reading the predictable vampire romance and wants to read something that still has the swoony elements of a vampire love interest but what's something more than just a romance driven plot.

I loved seeing our female main character grow throughout the book as well!

Thank you so much for an advanced copy of The Scarlet Veil! This was one of my most anticipated books of 2023, and it lived up to all the hype.

I would like to think I could be a heroine in a vampire romance novel. You know, the steely, strong woman who resists the vampire's charms until the bitter end. The truth, though? I'm not that girl. I would be the girl who gets her throat torn out by a bloodlust-ridden vampire because I couldn't keep it in my pants for more than three chapters. I know this because I am a total simp for a vampire romance...and The Scarlet Veil is one of my new favorite vamp romances!

First, I went into this book wanting to love Jean Luc. His redemption arc in the Serpent and Dove series gave me hope because there were moments, towards the end of that series, that I actually liked him more than I liked Reid. This book ain't it, though. I was three chapters in probably when I had decided Jean Luc was not the move in this book. If you're like and had thoughts like this, be prepared for your mind to get blown by Michal. Michael, I am convinced, was created to satisfy the itch that needs scratching for ALL the Damon Salvatore girlies out there suffering in his absence. Michael is not just a vampire, he is THE vampire in my book. And, he is perfect for Celie IMO. Pure perfection. There were literally scenes where I was talking to the my Kindle (and Celie) because I do not know how she wasn't jumping his bones on every page.

Second, I loved Celie's character arc in this story. She feels undervalued and underrepresented (and honestly, what woman doesn't feel that way?), and worse, the people who are her best friends in the world consistently slight her. Jean Luc especially treats her like she's a fragile piece of glass, undermines her, and in some cases (IMO), belittles her. Her thirst to prove herself is almost tangible throughout the story, and at almost every turn, Michal is there supporting her. He believes in her, even if this belief isn't the warm/fuzzy kind. And, when things go to hell, as we know they will, he's literally the only one looking at her (IYKYK).

Third, this book introduces a new cast of characters as well as giving us a bit more of the Serpent and Dove gang. I liked that we saw Coco/Beau and Lou/Reid happy in this story while also creating a book that stands alone from that series (and those characters). Michal and Celie are front and center for most of the this story, and their chemistry is dynamite from the beginning. I also loved Odessa and Dimitri, flaws and all. And Requiem? I can see the island in my head clear as day (okay, a cloudy day because it's a vampire island, but you get the gist).

I have been waxing poetic about Brigid Kemmerer's Defy the Night for about a year now, and everyone who knows me will be glad to learn I have a new fantasy book to champion now - The Scarlet Veil! Shelby Mahurin has outdone herself with this book.

Rating: 5⭐️ (I wish I could give it six to be honest)

"The Scarlet Veil" by Shelby Mahurin is an epic fantasy , taking us on an exhilarating roller-coaster ride through a magical world filled with love, action, and unexpected twists. Mahurin's storytelling skills are on point, weaving together a spellbinding narrative that keeps us hooked until the very last page.

The characters in "The Scarlet Veil" continue to grow and surprise us, making us feel like we're part of their journey. Their decisions and sacrifices tug at our heartstrings, making this book an emotional rollercoaster.

With its immersive world-building and thrilling plot, "The Scarlet Veil" is a must-read for any fantasy-loving high school student. It's a fitting finale to a series we've all come to adore, leaving us both satisfied and eagerly awaiting future adventures in this magical universe.

eARC provided by NetGalley for honest review.

Disclaimer: As someone who did not finish the Serpent & Dove trilogy, there were some references and deeper meanings to certain scenes that did not have the same impact if I had finished the series.

3.75 stars

THAT being said, this story was a DELIGHT to read. Celie does not come across as some badass "i'm not like other girls" MC, she is very much full of self-doubt and walks amongst some of the most powerful people in Belterra and still feels herself small in comparison. It was fun watching her slowly emerge from the shadows of her friends and start feeling her BIG feelings and take a more headstrong approach to life. The only downside of this book is the very much "insta-love" between, what I'm expected to believe (but don't), the main love interests. I honestly could've done just fine without the whole "furtive glances" and "electric grazes" and I would've loved it if Celie reached some conclusions about her own life and future without the influence of "a man" but that's the YA aspect of the story rearing it's damned head.

I quite enjoy Shelby's writing and for that reason, when this book is released and its sequel thereafter, I will be reading them!

If you are looking for a wild ride that will make you beyond frustrated, and leave you out of breath, this is the book for you. Once I began reading I couldn't put it down. A sexy, dangerous vampire, a kidnapping, murder and intrigue? Yes please. This story has twists you never see coming, and I will admit, some are not what you want, but they are what you need. The only thing it left me wanting was more.

I’m Thankful that I received this Arc!

It’s started out with the vibe and world of Serpent & Dove! It was like being home. Though this is Cèlie’s story, and it transforms into Gothic Mystery. She is discovering her self-worth, what does she want to do with her life, and which relationships are worth keeping.

With the mysterious discoveries that are plaguing Cesarine, it leads Cèlie into a different world. Let me just say, the transition was prefect; Vampires, ghost, and dark castle. I really liked the new characters introduced along with the new setting. It really made it into it’s own story.

“I have walked amongst monsters, danced with ghosts, and come to know them as so much more. That is the true reality of the world. Of my world.”

Admittedly, it took me a little bit to get into The Scarlet Veil but once I was hooked, I was hooked. Célie was the type of FMC we need more of! She was equal parts badass and fragile. Michal was giving vampire-Rhysand and I was here for it. The cliffhanger at the end will have you VERY ANXIOUS for book 2! This is going to be a super slow burn romance and the perfect fall read!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc ebook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Thank you #NetGalley and #HarperCollins Children's Books for allowing me to read The Scarlet Veil by Shelby Mahurin.

First, I want to say that this book I was hesitant about because I did not like Serpent and Dove and in fact did not finish the book. I believe that in The Scarlet Veil, you do not need to read the others to understand because I got enough context and background information about what was going on and about the characters to understand. I feel like people who have read her work before would like this as well as people who are new readers of her work would enjoy this book.

Basic Overview of the book:

Célie Tremblay is on a mission to prove that she is a capable woman not only for herself but also for others. She is trying to solve the case of several murders taking place in Belterra. People are being found with their blood drained from their bodies and only two marks on their necks. Célie is determined to prove herself as a capable huntswoman amongst the Chasseurs. Everyone including her fiance Jean-Luc sees her as a fragile doll that can break any minute, but she knows she is much more capable than what they believe. She also knows that what has been happening is very strange and doesn't make any sense. To find out if Célie figures out who is killing all these people you need to read The Scarlet Veil today!

Spoilers Ahead!

The plotline of the story is a slow burner at first if I am going, to be honest at the beginning I was annoyed with Celie, I thought she was pathetic. Then, I put the book down for a couple of weeks and came back. After getting over the part where Celie believes she cannot do anything and she must be obedient to Jean-Luc that is when the plot changes.

Character Development:
First, I was worried typically fantasy books show a very strong heroine which is great, but I felt the Célie was a much more accurate representation of it. She doubts herself, she also goes through the emotions of understanding what is happening and what her role is.

Michal- At first, I did not know what to make of him, but I knew in the first chapter he appeared that Célie and he were going to fall in love with each other. I mean a dark hot vampire, who doesn't age and he is also mysterious and kidnaps Célie It was only going to be a matter of time.

The Romance:
Célie views of love are very limited, she believes that Jean-Luc and her are meant to be, but there is something wrong. Célie finds that Jean-Luc does not confide in her as much as she hopes and this really bothers her. He is also lying to her, which this information is what gets her kidnapped anyways because she is mistaken to be Coco.
Then, her relationship with Michal is I would say would be a typical Enemies to lovers trope. Célie wants nothing to do with Michal and cannot stand the sight of him and refuses to help him. Slowly, as the book goes on she begins to trust Michal, especially after meeting his sister. She starts to see him as someone who she might care about. In the end, their feelings start to get intense, but nothing really juicy happens because of the ending!

The Veil and Other Elements:

Besides vampires, I really thought the element of ghosts and that Célie has special powers because she is a Bride and can open and close the Veil is cool. Having this power, helps her to gain information to not only help solve the crime, but also Michal.
The ending:
Okay, my question is she alive? What is going to happen? Is the Epligoue of her or her sister I am not sure and the stitching is throwing me off, My last question is when is book two coming out?

I am not ashamed to say I was one of the millions of young girls obsessed with Twilight growing up. I read the books countless times, watched all the movies in theaters, and covered my walls with posters. For a while, the media was oversaturated with new takes on the classic vampire, from books to movies and TV shows. And then, as if staked through the heart, the trend shriveled and turned to ash.

Within recent years, however, with the so-called “Twilight Renaissance,” there has been a resurgence in vampire media. While maybe not as strong as it once was, the vampire trend is back from the dead, and Shelby Mahurin’s new book The Scarlet Veil is out for blood.

The Scarlet Veil is a spin-off of Mahurin’s popular Serpent & Dove Trilogy. The story follows main character Célie six months after joining a group of huntsmen known as the Chasseurs. After repeatedly being made to feel useless, Célie uncovers a murderous plot and must join forces with the vampire Michal to try to stop it.

I have not read the original Serpent & Dove books (though I hope to pick them up, having finished The Scarlet Veil), but I was too excited about the chance to read a new YA vampire book to pass up the opportunity. My lack of knowledge of Mahurin’s universe did cause some confusion in the early pages (there are several references to the characters and events from the original series, as well as some worldbuilding that isn’t thoroughly explained in this new book), but once the plot thickened, I was hooked.

I enjoyed Célie as a main character. In recent years, it seems YA heroines have to be badass 100% of the time. There’s no room for softness. That’s not the case for Célie. Her peers do not see her as strong, and her wanting to prove herself is an important recurring motive throughout the book. She feels overlooked and underappreciated, and I immediately empathized with her frustration. She may not be physically strong, but her determination carries her forward on her journey in this new, dark world.

The one person who just may see her for who she truly is is Michal, the (spoiler alert) love interest. I’m a sucker for a good slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance, and I absolutely ate this up. Célie didn’t know vampires existed until she met Michal, until she found a dead body drained of blood and was enlisted by Michal and his vampire relatives to find the murderer. Michal appears to be a pretty typical brooding YA hero: he’s cold and mean and he hates Célie… or so she thinks. The tension between the two builds slowly, and by the end I was desperate for them to be together.

I felt that the side characters were pretty well-developed, too. We learn their secrets and backstories alongside Célie as we wonder who is to be trusted. I did feel like I was missing out on the original Serpent & Dove characters; it’s assumed in this book that readers already know who they are, and I did not. However, I’m interested to see how everyone’s stories continue to align as this series moves forward.

I think what I enjoyed most about this book, though, is that the vampires are vampires. A lot of stories try to put new twists on the classic creature (like sparkling or being able to walk in the sun), but Mahurin keeps things pretty standard here, in the best way. The vampires are not ashamed of drinking human blood, they blister and burn in the sun, and they hide in coffins. It was all things I’ve seen before, and I loved it. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Overall, The Scarlet Veil is an engaging, Gothic read reminiscent of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. I eagerly await the rest of this series and hope to catch up on Serpent & Dove in the meantime.