Wow. I liked this much more than S&D. I went into this a little hesitant - I wasn’t the biggest fan of the last book in S&D and felt like overall that the series declined with each new release in the series. But I was pretty impressed with how much this book took me by surprise. Some highlights and tropes:
• Enemies to lovers
• Brave heroine with a heart of gold
• Tension build-up (I LOVE tension. The more the better)
• Vampires (Yeah, it needs to be highlighted)
• Brooding love interest who’s actually sweet at heart

The only downfall I feel the book has is that it’s a little too long and there were definitely some.. conveniences throughout the story. Otherwise highly enjoyable and looking forward to book two! Crossing my fingers and toes I enjoy the sequels to this series more than S&D 🤞🏼. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!

I loved this book! It's everything I enjoy about a YA fantasy - it's fast-paced, there's tension galore, a good mystery to solve, new characters I can't wait to spend more time with and honestly so much more. I can't get over how much I've come to enjoy Célie as a character and watching her grow and evolve and become her own person has been fantastic.

I had my ups and downs with the original trilogy, but overall I really enjoyed how that series ended and the fact that we still get Lou, Coco, Beau, Reid and all our favorite Serpent and Dove characters makes The Scarlet Veil even better.

I absolutely devoured this book in just a couple days and would recommend it to anyone who wants to dive into a perfectly spooky fall read. Also - the vampires are perfection.

Serpent and Dove is one of my favorite YA series, so the idea of this spin off was so exciting to me.
I was really happy with the addition
L world building, and as much as I love Reid and Lou, I feel like I got an entirely different experience with Celie.
This was so impressive and I’m looking forward to the next book. It genuinely stood on its own without diminishing its predecessor.

Holy wow! I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this book, but it felt like coming home. Serpent & Dove is one of my favorite series to date, so it was amazing to be back in that world while also getting an expansion on the world building. Celie was not a character I initially related to in the previous series, so it was also wonderful to see her development in this book and learn more about her and have the chance to love her as much as I love Lou and Coco. The descriptions in this book as so beautifully written and I can't wait to see where this story goes!

I want to thank NetGalley and Harper Collins Children's Books for providing me with an egalley of this book to read and give an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Having read the Serpent & Dove trilogy, I will say I was hesitant about this book. While I enjoyed the world built in those three books, I felt the author was a bit disjointed with how she presented it and often found myself having to back track to make sure I was understanding scenes correctly. I had particular trouble with the second book and was even hesitant to finish the series. But overall I enjoyed it and really wanted to see where the author would take a new book in this world. I am so glad I put my hesitancy aside and jumped into this one because I ended up truly enjoying it.
First I will say I can see how Mahurin has grown as a writer since the first books she wrote. The world she chose to build was deep in fantasy and while I was able to clasp the basics of it, I felt like things were missing. This book solidified that world very well. I almost felt like it was a different author writing this book than the others I have previously read.
I"m so happy Mahurin chose to write this book from Célie's perspective. I enjoyed meeting her character in the first trilogy but I also didn't feel like we completely got who she was. I actually didn't like her all that much. But I think this story is especially considering the bigger part she took in the third book of that series. In this book we see her as much more than the prim and proper aristocrat she is made out to be. She's been immersed in a world of creatures she formally despised/feared and now she's learning there is more to these other worldly creatures than what she has been taught all her life. Given the events of the final Serpent & Dove book, this makes total sense. This book shows immeasurable growth for her. character. Does she become some badass heroine who suddenly knows how to fight and take on the paranormal, yes, to a degree. But mostly you see how smart and perceptive she is and how she uses that to figure things out and fight. She is completely relatable because she is so real. I think girls will connect with her because she is not suddenly a character who can win all her battles with brute force or some special power. I also love the introduction of the new characters in this book. Odessa, Dimitri, and of course Michal. Michal is a love to hate character who grows on you so much in the end, you don't want to hate him anymore. But Mahurin also does not totally romanticize vampires as some other books do. You get the gore and power that truly encompasses what a vampire is. They are a gruesome and awesome trio of vampires. And the side characters are also fun to learn about. Plus you get your favorites from the first trilogy: Lou, Coco, Reid, and Beau, and even Jean Luc. And the villain turns out to be someone you really would not think of as a one, but makes total sense when it's revealed.
And the romance! UGH! It's a total and complete slow burn. And even at the end, you are not sure how or where it will end up, though you do see the complete and total connection that has occurred. I will again emphasize how Mahurin does not completely romanticize vampires in this book. This is a very important part of the romance that does occur.
The plot is amazing. I love the vampire aspect. I did get a bit of a Twighlight vibe between Célie and Michal. I also feel a bit of Beauty and the Beast coming through. If you're looking for a good enemies to friends to more trope, this book ticks off those boxes. While Mahurin does create a bit of a new world in this book, I do think you need the background from the first trilogy to truly understand the world in total. Mahurin does a good job with some background, but I honestly feel like I would have been lost without that background. I would not be surprised if the author chooses to write a short to go set before this series (or even the previous one) to link the two without someone having to read the first trilogy. I don't think you can truly understand Célie and how she grows and changes without that background. I am happy I did read the first trilogy and would recommend that to anyone before jumping into this book. In this way, I feel I can compare Mahurin's books to Cassandra Clare. Not only does it have many paranormal characters, but the links made between the books are immensely important,
Mahurin was spot on with her pacing for this book. I truly could not put it down. I read it in just a few days while on vacation. Every chapter left me with a want to dive right into the next and see where the story goes. I loved the tension she wove into each chapter and I feel this is what truly pushed the book forward.
One of the things I adored about how Mahurin staged this book is that she did not rely on the previous main characters to ensure there was a story. Were the involved, yes. Much of the hints lead back to the first trilogy. She truly made the story about Célie and her experiences. She composes a story that shows Célie's strengths but also exposes her weaknesses. But most of all, she makes her a survivor.
Overall, I adored this one. But that ending! I had tears. and then Mahurin went where I was sure she would not go and it made the entire book even more spectacular! I need book #2 now, but have to wait and I am already chomping at the bit for it! Again, I don't want to be a broken record but people really need to read the first series before this spin off. Not only does it spoil the trilogy but it will give you a better understand of the world, the magic system, and characters you meet.

I am absolutely obsessed with this book.
The perfect autumn read with a wonderful balance of spook and spice. I’ve wanted to read a story about vampires that checks off a certain aesthetic in my mind and this book did exactly that. The writing is spectacular as usual and the plot is luxurious and juicy. Seriously ready to reread as soon as possible.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing the ARC.

As an avid fan of the Serpent & Dove series, I was overjoyed to return to Belterra, this time with Jean Luc and Célie at the helm. Not going to lie, these two were not my favorite characters in S&D, but they kind of grew into somewhat likable people during Gods & Monsters, Célie especially.

The Scarlet Veil tackles their story as a new threat arises in Belterra. The story is evocative, similarly to how Mahurin crafted her S&D series. There is a ton of imagery, flowing prose, and an interesting conflict with a powerful enemy.

Perfect for those who want to explore more of the S&D universe, but may be difficult for anyone not already versed in that story.

💫4.5/5 |🌶️ 1/5 | Enemies to Lovers | Gothic YA Fantasy | Supernatural Romance | One Coffin | Soft Heroine | Murder Mystery | Blood Lust | Found Family

First, VAMPIRES. Second, DEVOURED. Third, I will romanticize nightmares any day if we are talking about Michal Vasiliev! Wow! This book was 650+ pages of goodness! This is my first Shelby Mahurin book and boy am I ecstatic! The Serpent & Dove series just got under my radar recently and I didn’t even know that The Scarlet Veil is from the same world. The world building here was wonderful, the character developments were amazing! And I love the found family aspect between Celie and the gang. If you want to get a better grasp of their history, the world building and the magic system, I’ve seen that you’d want to read the Serpent & Dove Trilogy first but isn’t necessary. I haven’t, and I didn’t have a hard time indulging in this world at all. The book was very gothic, atmospheric, and full of surprises. She was able to keep the curiosity and intrigue all throughout the book.

Celie is our soft, kind, and selfless heroine who has struggles with overcoming a traumatic event in her life. She is faced with a lot of self-discovery and self-awareness as she navigates the new life she has chosen and the need to prove herself. You may initially see her as weak and naïve but that won’t last. We see her inner conflicts as she assesses her incongruous relationship with her Fiancé & Captain Jean Luc. I love how Mahurin took her time with Celie’s character development, I liked seeing her struggles trying to face the realities of her situation. Mahurin painfully and beautifully represents Celie’s struggles with PTSD, Anxiety, Panic Attacks.

Michal is our broody, Vampire King those oozes with that morally grey characterization. I loved that throughout the book we knew exactly where his moral compass lie. There was no question there and Mahurin didn’t change that. I love when we are presented with a “Touch Her & Die” trope, and we get that protectiveness from Michal from the start despite their dislike for each other. There is deadly banter between our MCs. The shared coffin scene was one of my favorites because that was a turning point for their relationship. The brothel section of the story… damn! The restraint he had with Celie was chef’s kiss! I know there is very little spice but there is lots of little moments and nuances that will make you absolutely shiver!

The secondary characters were all fantastic and able to hold their own. And can we talk about that ending?! That last 5% of the book was jaw-dropping and what a cliffhanger! Holy Hell! How long do we have to wait for the sequel because I NEED MORE!

I enjoyed the Serpent and Dove series but I didn't click with Celie in that series at all. Not until Scalet Veil, Shelby did do her justice in giving her redemption. She not only redeemed herself but she showed her character grace to make mistakes and it is ok. She said you can be a huntress but you don't have to be the best at it. You can do your best and recognize all that you have accomplished along the way. I really appreciated that. I don't know if it was just me but Celie gave me Eve vibes from The Mummy.

I absolutely LOVED this book! It is definitely going to be one of my top reads of the year - right up there with Fourth Wing & Divine Rivals. I'm already sad thinking how long I have to wait for the next book.

If you felt let down by the author's previous series, don't let that stop you from trying this book. I enjoyed The Serpent and the Dove trilogy. That series lagged in places. It dragged in places. The Scarlet Veil has a bit of a slow start, but once it gets going it's a fun ride.

I honestly didn't have high hopes for it because Celie did not stand out to me in the previous trilogy, but I LOVED her journey through this book. I loved watching her realize that she has a backbone and that she is not as fragile as others (and she) think.

Highly recommend it for fantasy romance/ romantic fantasy readers.

While I really enjoyed this book (in some ways more than Serpent & Dove) it really felt like it wanted to be adult fantasy romance, not YA. And I'm not gonna lie, some of the plot felt forced. Much could have been avoided/resolved if some characters had just asked nicely instead of going straight to kidnapping. That said, I am really excited to see what happens in book two with everything that went down at the end of this book.

4.5 stars rounded up!

As many of you know, the Serpent & Dove series is one of my favorite YA/NA fantasies (and has the loml Reid Diggory in it), and I was so excited when Mahurin announced this spin-off series.

If you like Phantom of the Opera but wanted Christine to get with the Phantom instead Raul, this is the book for you! I love a good vampire romance, and this was an absolute slay in that department. I loved the tension and chemistry between Celie and Michal. The vampire hierarchy and world was so atmospheric. My only complaint is I felt like this could’ve been shorter or at least more concise.

Thank you so much for an advanced copy, and I’ll be waiting with bated breath for the sequel!

The Scarlet Veil is set in the same world as the Serpent & Dove series picking up six months after Célie became the first female to join the Chasseurs. Everything should be picture perfect: she has acquired her dream role and is working alongside fiancé Jean Luc. However, terrors from Célie’s past keeping coming back to haunt her. Then once she stumbles across a murdered witch, Célie begins to question her role and the foothold she thought she found. Evil is quite literally stirring and she’s determined to catch the villain at the center of it.
I really enjoyed the Serpent & Dove series, so I was all in when I saw Mahurin was revisiting this world. Add vampires to the mix and *chef’s kiss*. The only hesitancy I had going into this was Célie being the FMC. I wasn’t overly invested in her during the Serpent & Dove series, but Mahurin quickly made me a believer. Watching Célie come to terms with her trauma and what she needed to help her recovery was written in a meaningful and believable manner. She was repeatedly made to be believe that she was lesser and couldn’t handle tough situations but she rapidly proved that she was more intelligent and capable than anyone believed possible. With Michal’s help, Célie was able to grow and begin to heal. He challenged her rather than trying to put her in a glass box. The found family Célie develops in Requiem are such an entertaining group of characters. I hope we get to see more of them in the sequel as well as more cameos from the OG series cast, particularly Lou.
In terms of the plot, there were enough clues sprinkled throughout to figure out the villain’s identity as well as Pip’s secret. The clues were also subtle enough that if you didn’t pay close attention you would be shocked. The last 50 pages or so of the book were mind blowing. I can’t wait to see where Mahurin takes the story in the next book, particularly after the epilogue.

Shelby Mahurin keeps getting better and better!

This book DE-LIV-ERED! I mean, there are vampires, touch-her-and-die vibes, secrets, mystery, enemies-to-lovers, the TENSION! I can't quit gushing and, quite honesty, I'm not sure my brain has even fully digested it all. I'm in love. I mean, there's a man in a soaking wet, flowy white shirt. What more could you want?!

So, the story follows Célie (which, if you read SERPENT & DOVE you'll have probably been excited to watch Célie continue to grow and strengthen as her arc really picked up in GODS & MONSTERS; although, reading the previous trilogy is not a requirement for inhaling this beautiful story). Célie is now a Chasseur, a huntswoman, but she's struggling to find her place as she's a female and engaged to Jean Luc, the Captain. When bodies start showing up, drained of blood, and she discovers her friends have kept secrets from her, Célie sets out to prove her worth.

I absolutely adored this story (if you couldn't tell). Mahurin expanded the world that we've come to know and love from her previous trilogy, and there's a hidden island, and vampires. The story moves quickly and the relationships between characters are filled with heart and chemistry. You can't help but fall in love with them. But be warned, that ending....*mind blown* The only bad thing about reading this as an ARC is that I now have to wait longer for book 2.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for an e-arc!

So first off, I was very nervous about this book -- I worried I would miss Lou too much, but thankfully Celie stood so well as her own character, and the plot was superb as well. And it wasn't like we didn't see the other characters -- we did -- but this is Celie's story, and a continuation of something that happened in the previous books.

I very much liked how this book played out overall, I will admit that there was a part in the middle where I started to get a little bored. My least favorite character still remains my least favorite character and nothing will change that.

I was honestly very surprised with how this book played out, nothing was as expected, and I really appreciate the lore that Mahurin added to the world she had already built. It was incorporated well, and it didn't feel awkward at all. Therefore, I felt that the plot was strong, and it made you think. There were twists and turns, but it just all flowed so well.

I loved the writing, and what I really loved is that Celie had her very own voice in this book, and her character arc was amazing. I loved every second that I spent with her.

However...I don't know how I am going to wait for the next book in the series -- this one ends on a major cliffhanger, and I don't know what is going to happen next!

The Scarlet Veil, written by Shelby Mahurin, is a captivating and exhilarating vampire romance that seamlessly blends elements of horror, action, and puckish humor. This enthralling novel not only delves into a twisted central mystery but also takes readers on a profound journey of self-discovery alongside the protagonist, Célie. Mahurin's masterful storytelling skillfully intertwines heady romance with a dark and thrilling narrative, leaving readers spellbound from beginning to end.

I know that people have stated that you should read the first set of books before this one. But if you didn't enjoy that other series then I would say don't worry about it. This book although it is set in that world have is about a side character I enjoyed this one way more than book one of the other series. And although I know I missed a lot of the connections etc. I didn't loose any enjoyment from that. This book was fabulous and I could not put it down.

I thought the premise of this book showed a lot of originality. You can definitely see the authors development through writing compared to be debut series to this novel. The writing was wonderful. I appreciated the characters as well. Some parts moved a bit slow, and I was craving a bit of action or romance rather than the constant dialogue.

I did not realize this was a spin-off series, but I still enjoyed it not having read the original trilogy. It took me a little bit to get into the story because I was a bit confused, and I'm sure there are little things that I didn't pick up on/a few things that didn't make total sense, but I still had a good time. I really enjoyed the protagonist's characterization, and overall I thought this was a really solid and fun YA fantasy.

I received an advanced copy of this book from HarperCollins Children's Books via NetGalley.

Six months after Célie embraced her sacred vows and became a huntswoman among the Chasseurs, she strives to establish her place alongside her fiancé, Captain Jean Luc. As they both work to safeguard their realm of Belterra, echoes of her past linger, and a fresh malevolence emerges, one that Célie must confront to prevent succumbing to its darkness.

I did not know this was a spinoff series, so I was quite confused when I started the book. However, I felt the author did an excellent job of explaining what had happened without the reader needing to read the previous series.

The protagonist, Celie, stood out to me, not as a typical weak character despite moments of self-doubt. Her true strength emerged through her bonds with friends. Although I had reservations about Michal initially, the author masterfully crafted a blend of tension and captivating moments between Celie and Michal when they were in each other's company.