Reviews tagging 'Violence'

The Scarlet Veil by Shelby Mahurin

15 reviews

leedolee's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

eap157's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous mysterious fast-paced
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

2.75

I was expecting S&D with vampires, and instead I read over 600 pages just waiting for any of it to come together. There was very little world building, an unlikeable, deeply traumatized heroine, and a lackluster Rhysand stand-in vampire king. Michal and Celie had zero chemistry, so romance 0, action, maybe a 3? I would have forgiven a lot of its failings if the ending had wowed me, but the ending was 
TERRIBLE. I can't believe she didn't make a choice and just give us an actual ending. To leave things ambiguous after 600+ pages was just wrong. It's not a cliffhanger if the should-be ending of this book will be revealed in the next book's blurb. Why leave it out?
 
The brothel scene with the blood witch in Amandine was the book's highlight for me. It was a very quick read, but it left me so disappointed. SM teased at the salacious vampire aspects, but that was mostly just violence. She took the (YA) sexy out of vampires. BOO.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings

caitlyn05's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

katymat18's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

All I can say is WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK with that ending Shelby!! I need the next book PRONTO! 

As an aside I am so happy to be back in the Serpent and Dove world and Célie is turning out to be a truly compelling main character. But that freaking cliffhanger of an ending and the epilogue. I spiral..
Expand filter menu Content Warnings

natashaleighton_'s review

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Wickedly dark and utterly atmospheric! Shelby Mahurin has once again ensnared me with her deliciously moreish prose (and enemies to lovers-style character dynamics)— in this gorgeously addictive series starter that takes place in the same world as Serpent & Dove. 

Firstly, I just wanted to say I’m a huge fan of Shelby Mahurin’s Serpent & Dove series, so you can imagine how excited I was to receive a proof of The Scarlet Veil (which follows Célie’s journey after the action packed events of Gods & Monsters.) And I loved every second! 

The supernatural, whodunnit aspect of the plot had me hooked from the start, and the romantic tension between Célie and her smouldering vampire love interest was gloriously well done, with an enemies to lovers style dynamic that’s just as swoon-worthy as Lou and Reid’s (especially THAT scene at Les Abysses .)

This is a new series, but I do think you’ll get the most enjoyment if you read the Serpent & Dove books before starting this, as characters from that series do make cameos and their connections/ shared history isn’t fully explained, so may get confusing.

Also, given the character driven focus of the narrative, and Célie’s complex emotional journey in finding herself. I feel you also get a better understanding of what Célie’s endured (both physically and emotionally) if you’ve followed her journey from Serpent & Dove onwards. 

In fact, Célie has already undergone such a huge transformation by the start of this. Gone is the clingy ingenue and in her place, a determined young woman who intends to protect herself (and others) by taking up a balisarda and becoming the first woman Chasseur (which I thought was pretty badass of her.)

But the world still views her as the fragile, innocent girl she once was —and the uphill battle she’s forced to face (in trying change that perception) was an emotionally complex but relevant one; mirroring many of the struggles that women often still face in male dominated workplaces. 

Our Byronic Vampire, Michal was an incredible character, both mysterious and charismatic, he felt like the prefect mash up of Dracula, Damon Salvatore and Eric Northman— that will no doubt have you swooning immediately. But if your still unconvinced, his support for Célie in her investigations (in respecting, listening and valuing her insights) definitely will. 

The supporting characters (Dimitri, Odessa and Mila) were also as detailed and complex, with their own tragic pasts that did tug at my heartstrings more than once. I did happen to guess the killer’s identity, but I did not see that ending coming AT ALL. And I need to get my hands on the sequel immediately! 

Overall, a satisfyingly pacey and plot twisty read that fans of vampires, Serpent & Dove or the enemies to lovers trope, definitely don’t want to miss! Though do check trigger warnings beforehand.

Also, a huge thank you to Electric Monkey for this absolutely stunning proof.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings