This is definitely a fun read for anyone who read the Serpent and Dove trilogy and loved it. You get to see all your favorites from the first series and Celie is a great protagonist to follow. Shelby's writing is always fun and compelling and Vampires brought back so much Nostalgia and it was so much fun. I will say the book keeps a pretty slow pace and the characters never got as deep as they could've But this is just the start!

Sadly this book just didn’t grab as much as I hoped it would. I put it down and picked it up multiple times but I just couldn’t connect with it. Super bummed.

What a decadent, thrilling, and atmospheric story this was! I loved every minute of it. Shelby always knows how to write compelling characters, and Célie was no exception. I loved her emotional journey, as well as the plot. The pacing was perfect. It also got me out of my two-month book slump, so very excited about that.

I received this book for free for an honest unbiased review from Netgalley.

I wish more books were this well written. Characters were witty and the setting fantastic.

I was really excited to get back into the World of Belterra, but unfortunately The Scarlet Veil wasn't quite what I'd hoped for. The plot dragged a bit and I found I didn't actually like the characters as much as I did in the original series. The only bonus was the fact that it had vampires.

I'm just going to start by saying if you liked Shelby Mahurin's Serpent and Dove series than this is a must read for you.

The Scarlet Veil takes us back into the land of Cesarine where we again get to hang out with Lou, Reed, Coco and Beau. I would have thought this should be a part of the previous series until it takes a really interesting turn.

Do you remember Ceili? She was a bit of a background character in the first series but in this one she takes on a life and story of her own. Following the events of the Serpent and Dove, Ceili has a fiancé - who happens to be the captain of the Huntsmen - and has, herself, become the first female Huntsmen. She is forging a. new path for herself in a man's world. Not surprisingly, the roles she is playing don't always fit.

Cast aside and forced into a role that's too small, Ceili decides to investigate a series of mysterious murders. Victims from all the magical species are being found dead and drained of their blood. The investigation takes her to the Isle of Requiem, a colourful, creepy land of vampires.

Yes, Vampires.

And it is brilliant. Unsure whether she is prisoner or guest, Ceili gets to know the ruling family of Vampires. Most fascinating is Michal, the ruler of the Vampires. He is dark and brooding, sexy and witty, dangerous and strangely sensitive. No wonder Ceili is drawn to him, against her better judgement.

This is equal parts murder mystery and vampire legend.

It is characters struggling with their ghosts (both real and internal) and forging their path.

It is about finding a place to belong where you can truly be yourself.

And it is good.

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the ARC!

Shelby Mahurin creates such beautiful characters and worlds when she writes, it is truly breathtaking - I love her writing. My only major compliant with any of her books, however, rings true with The Scarlet Veil - pacing and length. While I absolutely loved this story, I felt like it was longer than it needed to be and felt very slow until the last 25-33%.

That aside, I mean it when I say I adore Mahurin's writing. It's intoxicatingly beautiful, especially when it comes to the morally grey, conflicted love interests. Her characters are magnetic, drawing you in and leaving you always wanting to know more. Her plot is engaging and her world building is magical, interesting from beginning to end.

I really loved getting to dive more into Celie in this book - she was there in the Serpent & Dove trilogy but we never got to really dig into her history and trauma and reactions as she wasn't part of the main cast. We saw a lot of growth from her in S&D but the relevance of that growth (and her continued development) became much more apparent and impactful in this book. And while I love Lou and Coco and Reid and Beau (and I'm thrilled they are back in The Scarlet Veil!) I loved getting to know a new part of the world and cast as well. It felt fresh but familiar.

Overall this was a seductive, dark, beautiful, conflicted vampire story from brilliant author Shelby Mahurin. It is a much more classic take on vampires than some other more modern twists and I really loved her development of characters, both new and old, and her handling of the lore and magic. I highly recommend it, especially for anyone that loved Serpent & Dove.

10/10

Desperately need the next one.
I'm such a sucker for vampires, and the way this book was like crack - utterly enthralled. The ending still has me reeling, I don't know what to do with myself.

I love, love, love, love Shelby Mahurin's writing and I was so happy to be back in this world with Célie who received such a glow up/redemption ARC! I found this to be such an interesting take on Vampires, in world already overflowing with magical/paranormal creatures. When it comes down to it Mahurin can write! Her character depth and emotion is unmatched and plot wise this was engaging the entire time. I took forever to read it but it was not due to lack of engagement with the story. I would suggest making sure you read the full Serpent and Dove trilogy first, especially Gods & Monsters, otherwise this could be very confusing as a first foray into the world and the politics. Overall, 5/5 I will read anything set in this world.

<spoiler> Jean-Luc was as awful as Reid in Serpent and Dove, his moral compass was shoved SO FAR up his own ass that he could not reconcile with a woman, he was meant to love, when she grew and changed based on sheer need and willpower. The difference, however, is that Reid grew with Lou (eventually) where as Jean-Luc just made me want to gouge my eyes out the entire time. The moment he called Célie a whore, to her face, I was ready to drop-kick him. He is the Tamlin of this series and I will not be changing my mind at this time. </spoiler>

"I realize Hell is empty, and the Devil is here."

i saw that epilogue coming BUT THE MURDERER??? i never wouldve guessed that person💀 curse this cliffhanger because i dont want to wait until next year for book 2😭 im in desperate need of more célie and michal🥺🫶

but guys shelby has renewed my faith in her books again!! after the mess of G&M i originally wasnt interested in TSV but i was convinced AND SO GLAD I DID BECAUSE IT MADE ME REMEMBER WHY I LOVE SHELBY'S BOOKS SO MUCH??? this wasnt just so fun but also heartbreaking, funny and gave me the "i need more asap" feeling. (i may or may not have neglected school life for this book oops)

I smile--because I know, in this moment, my strength has never been like the others'. I am not cunning or fearless like Lou, nor am I strategic or disciplined like the Chasseurs. No. I am Célie Tremblay, Bride of Death, and my strength has always and will always be in my loved ones. My friends.

célie's story is one i never imagined we'd see but im so so happy that shelby decided to write it because she deserved her own story!! from her acknowledgements: I still remember sitting down to write Gods & Monsters and hesitating when you asked, “What about Célie?” Though I’m ashamed to admit it, I’d already dismissed her as the jealous ex-girlfriend. You challenged me to see her differently—as a flawed character, yes, but also as a sheltered, grief-stricken young woman with a spine of steel truly this made me tear up🥺 i also never really thought twice abt her in S&D trilogy but oh if there's anything that TSV has done, it's made her one of my favourite MCs ive read abt this year (and maybe even ever??). her strength is in her love for others and cliché as that may sound i love that her optimism in situations and trying to see the best in others!! she's actually too pure.

"Perhaps the Célie you know never existed. Have you ever considered that? It can happen without us even realizing--we fall in love with an idea instead of a person. We give each other pieces of ourselves but never the whole thing, and without the whole thing, how can we ever truly know a person."

no because when célie spoke of this... it hit HARD. like it really takes so much courage and strength to give all your pieces to someone because... what if they dont accept every part of you?? there's always that small possibility and to have to deal with the possible pain and heart break that would come with it?? so its safer to just not give someone all of you and avoid that chance of rejection😭🥹

which brings me to MICHAL AKA NEW LOVE OF MY LIFE!! their start was truly an ACTUAL enemies to lovers (and actually to the lovers parts👀👀). he sees all of célie and doesn't shy away in disgust or pity from any of it. he's so sweet, tender, funny, and charming to célie GAHHH MY HEART🥺🫶 célie said it herself His smiles fades with it, returning him instantly to the cool and collected Michal I've always known. My muscles go weak with relief. I've witnessed his wrath, his grace, his power, and I've survived them all, but his charm? I don't think anyone can survive that. SPEAKING FACTS i swooned so many times like michal acting ruthless?? can totally handle that BUT HIM BEING SO CHARMING AND SWEET??? IM WEAK and so in love with my vampire king. when célie asked what he feared and michal's response was nothing but philophobia oh i just🫠🫠 IM IN LOVE WITH THEM YOUR HONOR i need more michalcélie🥹

and may i just express my love for their conversations as well?? so many times i laughed like truly célie is so funny😭
“We aren’t exactly being inconspicuous as it is, and”—I lower my voice—“and couldn’t you just compel a courtesan to tell us where to go?”

“Doest my ears deceive me, or did the holier-than-thou Mademoiselle Célie Tremblay just suggest we take away free will?” He casts me a sidelong glance. “I had no idea you were so wicked, pet. How delightful.”

“I don’t mean we should compel her,” I say hastily. “I’m merely asking, hypothetically, what would happen if we did.”

“Hypothetically,” he repeats, his voice dry.

“Of course. I would never actually suggest we force someone to do something against their will. I’m not”—I cast about for the right word, failing to find it—“I’m not evil.”

“No, no. Just hypothetically evil.” He rolls his eyes again as I sputter indignantly.

michal's response to celie helppp they had me dying actually these two🫶 also!! i adore the new characters we got to meet !! odessa, dimitri, d'artagnan, mila and monsieur marc <33 my favs were definitely mila and odessa i love those two queens. and i really want to see more odessa & célie moments because the potential for their friendship blooming more!! always saying yes to that.

it was so fun seeing the old gang from S&D together also (not jean luc though, he can respectfully go to hell🤩. THAT ONE SCENE WITH LOU, COCO, AND CÉLIE??? IT WAS EVERYTHING🥹 the pride and love they hold dear towards célie makes my heart full of so much happiness

i am so beyond excited for book 2 and truly cannot wait to see where things head, i can already see book 2 being very character driven and of course more romance🤭 michal and célie are my newest obsession and you're telling me i'll have to wait a year to see more of them??? i will do anything to get my hands on book 2

I really thought this book would have been better than it was. I loved Serpent and Dove (which you will need to read before this one) so I thought this book would be a good spin off. I couldn't stand the main character who could have had growth, but the author decided to skip it for plot convince. There was no chemistry between the main characters.

I binged through the Serpent & Dove series and absolutely couldn't wait to dive back into this incredible world that Shelby Mahurin built with just words. I was never the biggest fan of Celie but the moment i realized this was a vampire story I couldn't contain my excitement.

And let me completely honest with you in this review, it took me a very very long time to get into this book (which i cannot say about her previous trilogy). The reading was slow and dense until about halfway through the second section. I understood the need to set up the reader for this new main character's POV, but it felt like it could have been done in a more succinct way that would have left the reader with much more action. Instead, the book is about 85% leadup to the "meat" of the story, and then it all ends so fast and abruptly that you are left confused. To be fair, I am not a big fan of cliffhangers, but this ending just felt unfinished in general, especially after reading endless chapters about backgrounds and fillers.

I also didn't love Celie for the majority of this book. She grew on me at the end, but it was hard to live in her head as she constantly belittles herself and compares herself to her magical friends. Like girl, you are capable of so much and you just need to recognize it!

On the bright side, I absolutely loved the cameos of our favourite characters from the Serpent and Dove series. Lou, Reid, Cossette, and Beau all make appearances throughout the book. Jean Luc does too but I don't like him and that is all I will say when it comes to him. Its nice to get an insight into how these characters developed post the original book series end.

I also loved the new vampire characters. Michal is tall, dark, and broody, and his soft yet stubborn feelings for Celie left me kicking my feet many times (he was giving me Mr. Darcy vibes with the soft touches, silent curses, and veiled compliments). I loved him so much an I need more of him ASAP. I also loved Odessa and Mila, both bad-asses in their own rights. And Dimitri had his moments, but I enjoyed the charm he offered throughout the book (although he has a lot to answer for in the next book).

So overall, this book take a whole lot of effort out of me for the first half, but once that ended, it picked up quit nicely, and i found myself devouring the last section of the book. However, I am still MAD AT THIS CLIFFHANGER and the fact that I have to wait a whole YEAR FOR THE NEXT BOOK!! Please manifest an earlier release than the announced October 2024 date on goodreads. Thanks!

I really enjoyed this book. I hope the author continues to write more books in the future. I can't wait to see what this author releases in the future.

You say vampires I say hell yes. So I loved this so much! I've never read anything by this author but now I don't see how anything else she has wrote will top this. It was amazing. I loved the characters. This gave me Interview with a Vampire vipes and I was living for it. It was amazing

The Scarlet Veil by Shelby Mahurin is a captivating return to the enchanting world of Serpent and Dove. Mahurin weaves a spellbinding murder mystery infused with the allure of vampires and adorned with feminist undertones. True to Mahurin's style, the narrative is rich in intrigue, seamlessly blending elements of fantasy and suspense. Fans of Serpent and Dove will delight in the subtle yet delightful character cameos, adding a nostalgic touch to the tale. Mahurin's storytelling prowess shines through, delivering a compelling and thoroughly enjoyable experience for readers who appreciate a perfect blend of mystery, fantasy, and strong thematic elements.

Thank you for an ARC of this book.

Writing: 4/5
Plot/Story: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
World Building: 4.5/5

Overall, this was a quick read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters, world building elements, and writing style were all great.

Enthralling YA mystery fantasy!
Huntress Celie finds a woman dead as she’s leaving the cemetery after visiting her sister’s memorial spot. She learns that more bodies have been found and she’s being kept in the dark for her protection. She goes out on her own to investigate when she gets kidnapped and pulled into vampire life on the Isle of Requiem. Celie discovers that things aren’t always as they seem. All that she has grown up to believe is turned upside down and she has to learn to rely on the help of others.

Likes/dislikes: I like the complexity of the characters. I like the character variety and character development. I enjoyed the mystery surrounding the whole story.
Mature Content: PG-13 for passionate kissing and implied sex.
Language: R for 84 swears (mostly God), and 7 f-words.
Violence: R for bloody deaths.
Ethnicity: predominantly white with amber, tawny and bronze skin characters mentioned.

”Some might call it fleeing, some might call it hiding, but some might be wrong. Some might say they want to protect me, but what they mean is they want to coddle me. To manage me. I will not be managed. I will show all of them.”

I am OBSESSED and ready to devour book 2! Shelby Mahurin is amazingly talented and I will read anything and everything she writes.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for letting read an early copy. :)

I went through a phase where literally all I read was vampire books (thanks Twilight) and then I was sick of them and didn't want to read them anymore... Until this book that is. This book was everything I never knew I needed and then some.

If you haven't read this book and are planning on it, please back away from this review now, because there will be SPOILERS (also some spoilers for the Serpent and Dove series)

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It took me a little longer to get invested in this one, because it took Celie a long time to finally find her footing and grow more confident in who she was. I was so glad that she was able to start seeing how important and powerful she was even if it was in a way that was different from the people that she loves. I was a little frustrated with her and how black and white she saw things for a while (although a lot of that can be blamed on how she was raised) but as the story went on, she started questioning things more.

I loved that there were so many familiar faces in this book, while still being able to stay its own story. It was actually so spooky and much darker than I was thinking it would be (even though that's a silly thing to say because it's VAMPIRES so of course it's going to be spooky and dark)

I LIVED for the back and forth between Michal and Celie, and I really can't wait to see if we get to learn more about the... future that predicted that Michal would take a bride that was described to be an awful lot like Celie. and then kill her.. which... well you can't see my face right now, but. I like that Michal didn't treat Celie like she was made of glass. He pushes her (and sometimes comes off as a jerk which, yeah, he is...) and tells her that she is much smarter and stronger than everyone (including herself) thinks that she is.

The part with the silver dress... I may cry.

This was a slow slow slow burn romance, and I liked it so much. But just be aware of that going in because if you're expecting lots of romance right off the bat, you'll be disappointed. It hits heavy on the Enemies first in this enemies to lovers book.

I really really like Dimitri, which has me nervous because my track record with lovable side characters is not good. They either turn out to be evil or get killed. And considering what happened to Ansel in From Blood and Honey, this has me REAL NERVOUS.

I also think it will be interesting to see what's going to happen with Jean Luc. I have very mixed feelings about him. I hate the way he treated Celie as if she was something so easily breakable, but avoided actually talking to her and trying to help her. He lied and hid things from her. He also called her some mean things when they met up again. I was so frustrated and irritated with him on Celie's behalf. I think he does care for her, but he's so old fashioned and in the "girls can't do anything" mindest. Where I don't want him and Celie together at all, I hope he does get to go through some major character development.

The actual bad guy kind of sort of surprised me. Like, I didn't like this person to begin with, but I just assumed that it was a normal dislike, nope turns out this person was REAL BAD. So that was nice. I was suspecting everyone else. Whoops.

The cliffhanger ending had me so stressed out, but also now I can't stop thinking about it, and how long it is until I can read book 2. So BRAVO Shelby Mahurin, you've got me hooked again.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for allowing me to read an ARC

*This review is on Goodreads and my blog, I am waiting for Amazon to approve the review, but I left a link to my profile.*

Thank you, HarperCollins and Netgalley, for this arc for an honest review.

It was such a treat to jump back into the Serpent and Dove world with Shelby Mahurin's newest book, The Scarlet Veil.
This book has a murder mystery, vampires, and a woman fighting for her place in a man-dominated world/job. I really enjoyed watching the development of the main character, Celie, and seeing her strength.
The little glimpses of our beloved characters in Serpent and Dove were such a nice surprise! This book, while the start of if was a little slow, really picked up and had me hooked. There is a little bit of enemies-to-lovers, slow burn that just hits in this book.