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tierneymichele's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
4 stars because the story was riveting and although it took a few chapters to really get into it, it had me hooked. Missing 1 star because the main character is insufferable and it was a headache to be stuck following half of her absolutely moronic choices throughout the book. From start to finish it felt like she was given multiple options no matter what and she always chose the WORST one. On purpose. Because she thinks it proves something or that her stubbornness will win no matter what, which is ridiculous.
***The next part will contain small SPOILERS so don't continue from here if you have not read the book yet!
The worst part of that was everyone around her who just keeps praising her near the end for simply surviving through the outcome of her stupid choices.
***The next part will contain small SPOILERS so don't continue from here if you have not read the book yet!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Gore, Torture, Violence, Blood, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, and Sexual content
Minor: Self harm
mixed_emoticon's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A TLDR Review for The Scarlet Veil
4/5 stars
A neat little thing to read around October.
Highlights:
đ§đ» Serpent & Dove Spin-Off
đ«đ· French Setting
đ Murder Mystery
đ§ Vampires
âïž Misogyny
đ Worth & Value
âïž Kidnapping
đ± Fear & Phobias
đ» Ghosts
đ§ Necromancy
đ The power of friendship
4/5 stars
A neat little thing to read around October.
Highlights:
đ§đ» Serpent & Dove Spin-Off
đ«đ· French Setting
đ Murder Mystery
đ§ Vampires
âïž Misogyny
đ Worth & Value
âïž Kidnapping
đ± Fear & Phobias
đ» Ghosts
đ§ Necromancy
đ The power of friendship
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Misogyny, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
caidyn's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
A fun read. Definitely unique and I enjoyed how it didn't try to redo the Serpent and Dove trilogy. It's own story and allowed side characters to grow.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, and Blood
readwithsuzanna's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Blood
maisie_leigh27's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Blood
shannnne_reads_words's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gore, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Addiction, Confinement, Grief, Pregnancy, Alcohol, and War
bribreez's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
slow-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
4.5
4.5âïž
Just when I thought the story was over, Shelby Mahurin came out with a spin-off series from the beloved, âSerpent & Doveâ trilogy, but this time focusing it on a certain character who you may recognize, CĂ©lie. While this book can be considered a standalone/ new series on its own, I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND you go back and read the, âSerpent & Doveâ trilogy as a lot of things that happened in those books connect to CĂ©lieâs story, as well as bringing back the characters from the previous series too. This story introduced a new set of challenges specifically for, CĂ©lie as she was the first ever huntswoman within the Chasseurâs. CĂ©lie wanted to fight to protect the innocent from the evils lurking in the world, but when a new evil comes about leaving bodies drained of their blood, a whole new mystery begins.
Just when I thought the story was over, Shelby Mahurin came out with a spin-off series from the beloved, âSerpent & Doveâ trilogy, but this time focusing it on a certain character who you may recognize, CĂ©lie. While this book can be considered a standalone/ new series on its own, I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND you go back and read the, âSerpent & Doveâ trilogy as a lot of things that happened in those books connect to CĂ©lieâs story, as well as bringing back the characters from the previous series too. This story introduced a new set of challenges specifically for, CĂ©lie as she was the first ever huntswoman within the Chasseurâs. CĂ©lie wanted to fight to protect the innocent from the evils lurking in the world, but when a new evil comes about leaving bodies drained of their blood, a whole new mystery begins.
Not going to lie, when I first met CĂ©lie in the previous trilogy, my first impression of her wasnât the best. I say that to preface that beforehand I wasnât the biggest fan of CĂ©lie, but throughout the books it made me appreciate CĂ©lie as a character, and how even despite my initial impression of her, she grew on me, and I actually cared about her in the end. This time around, I felt like I got to see a more stronger version of CĂ©lie. CĂ©lie still had this softness to her that exuded in her compassion, even when she captured creatures, she showed kindness when most other Chasseurâs wouldnât. CĂ©lie had a lot to overcome from the bullying and unfair treatment from other Chasseurâs (*ahem, Iâm talking about you, Frederic!) to even the lack of trust Jean Luc showed in the beginning. CĂ©lie was more than what people gave her credit for, and I was more than intrigued to see her train, battle, and hone her skills in the danger that was to come.
You would think CĂ©lie has seen everything from witches, werewolves, and mermaids, but nope, there was still more creatures she had yet to face. While this story did involve other magical creatures weâve seen before, it was the first time, vampires were introduced. Once CĂ©lie came across the dead bodies that had twin puncture wounds on the neck, it was an immediate understanding that this story was going to revolve heavily around vampires! I liked the way it kind of built up to the moment when CĂ©lie realized that the new individuals she came across were exactly similar to the old stories her old nursemaid would tell her as a child. For CĂ©lie to be surrounded by new strangers, and ones who could easily unalive her at any moment, she yet again surprised me with her way of handling the situation as best as she could. If I were in CĂ©lieâs shoes, Iâd most definitely be losing my mind, and simultaneously avoid letting any vampires try to bite me!
Ok, let me just say that I legitimately had no idea what this book was going to be, but once I got to a CERTAIN part in the storyâŠit made the story even more compelling! Donât be fooled by CĂ©lie, she was a lot stronger than you would think, and her story was just the tip of the iceberg. I couldnât even fathom what was revealed about her in this story like, WHAT?! Just now that when you read this book, it isnât going to be a straightforward read, thereâs intrigue, mystery, danger, and more to be explored with CĂ©lie, and new characters like, Michal.
At first, I just assumed that Michal was going to be villain, and that was it, but there seemed to be a shift between him and CĂ©lie. Obviously, Michal was morally gray, wasnât exactly the type of man that CĂ©lie was use to such as herâŠfiancĂ©e, Jean Luc. Whereas Jean Luc was the heroic type to try to take down nefarious people or creatures, Michal did whatever fit his agenda, albeit it usually ended with him unaliving someone. Michal was an interesting character compared to the other that Iâve come across within the Serpent & Dove universe. The more I read, the more I got to see different sides of Michal, more of his cunning personality and surprisingly even his rare show of kindness. Iâm not even sure what to classify CĂ©lie and Michal as âenemies to loversâ, only because I wasnât even sure if they would become lovers, but I got the sense of being enemies more than anything especially in the beginning half of the story.
I really thought CĂ©lie and Jean Luc were going to have a happy life together especially with all they went through in the previous year, butâŠNOPE! I was immediately back to not liking Jean Luc. I feel like I keep saying this, but Iâll say it again, CĂLIE WAS SO MUCH MORE THAN PEOPLE GAVE HER CREDIT FOR! Jean Luc was probably the main one who consistently underestimated and viewed CĂ©lie as a âdamsel in distressâ. You would think being engaged and working alongside each other as Chasseurâs would be all happy for CĂ©lie and Jean Luc, but it wasnât an equal partnership. Jean Luc wanted to keep CĂ©lie in a glass box, safe from any harm. CĂ©lie in her own way, wanted to prove to Jean, her friends, and mostly herself that she wasnât weak and could be brave just like the others. I admired CĂ©lie for pushing herself, despite some of her plans didnât always pan out. Whereas Jean Luc was basically trying to prevent and keep CĂ©lie in a cookie cutter box of protection, Michal was different. Michal ACKNOWLEDGED AND PRAISED CĂ©lie for taking down Morgane, for going up against blood witches, and albeit a VERY DANGEROUS IDEA, helped give her own blood to save Michal. In case you havenât caught on, I firmly became on team Michal, even with his morally questionable actions, THE VAMPIRE WAS STILL MORE UNDERSTANDING TO CĂLIE THAN FREAKING JEAN LUC!
âŠummmâŠI HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS WITH THAT ENDING! ESPECIALLY THAT EPILOGUE CLIFFHANGER?! AHHHHHH! WHAT?!?! This story (just like the other books written by Shelby Mahurin) took me on a journey suffice it to say. There was so much that happened in this story that Iâm still trying to wrap my mind around it. Aside from the trip I experienced and was left feeling gobsmacked, I really enjoyed this book! Beginning half of this book, I wasnât sure exactly what direction this story was headed, but as per usual, trust the process. CĂ©lie really shined in her story, there was more depth to her character, lots to learn about her hopes for her own life, and truly discovering her own independence. I feel like the romance wasnât as big plot point in this story, and I was totally fine with that. If anything, I would say this was more of a slow burn romance, enemies to acquaintances to lovers (in the future). CĂ©lie and Michal definitely came together more towards the story and the little crumbs of them together made my heart happy. WE LOVE A MORALLY GRAY VAMPIRE WHO TREATS THEIR WOMAN AS THEIR EQUAL! Michal may have been a powerful vampire king, but even the way he treated and spoke to/ about CĂ©lie spoke volumes of how much he truly saw how wonderful she was. I loved seeing Lou, Coco, Reid, and Beau, I love those guys SO MUCH! Now, to wait patiently for the sequel because I GOTTA KNOW WHAT THE *BEEP HAPPENED! Highly recommend if youâve read the âSerpent and Doveâ trilogy!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Blood
bradiesbookshelf's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
taylorthebookdemon's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-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
This book made me cry not even a hundred pages in. Michal is mortally gray yet is honest, surprisingly sweet, and plain devious. Celie story is a tense, heart-wrenching tale that will leave you absolutely conflicted by the end of it...if not sobbing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Blood, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
booktalkwithrae's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Note: this is a new series, however it is very imperative, that you read this authors, original trilogy Serpent & Dove as the characters from that story are still a big part of the story.
I was very hesitant going into this book, because even though I loved Serpent & Dove I wasnât a huge fan of the second and third of that series. But I wanted to give this one a try, and I am so glad I did because I absolutely loved it!
We follow Celie after the events of Gods & Monsters as she struggles to find her place. She has always been the perfect girl based on societal expectations, but after the war on the witches, she wants to prove to herself and everyone around her that she is strong. A series of murders begins to happen as she begins to get involved. In the case, she is abducted by some vampires. As she navigates through this new land, new creatures, as well as try to find the murderer, she grows in her understanding of herself.
This book has everything you want. It has adventure, mystery, secrets, banter, romance, and definitely some angst. I loved all the characters in this book, new and old. Celie, as a main character grew on me in this book. I was never a huge fan of her in the original trilogy but she definitely redeems herself in this one. It was very easy to relate to her as she struggles with the pole of societal expectations as well, wanting to be herself. The character growth is very strong in this one.
This is a slow burn romance, and in the beginning, I was a little frustrated that nothing was really progressing with that part of the plot, but once it picks up, it is sizzling and angsty. I cannot wait to see where itâs going to go in the next book.
Iâm not gonna give any spoilers, but the ending was action-packed, and I was at the edge of my seat. The ending leaves off at a cliffhanger, and the epilogue threw me for a loop. Some parts of the main plot line were a little predictable but it did not take away from my enjoyment of this book. I am so excited for the second book, and I really hope that this new series will not suffer the same way the original trilogy did.
Thank you to Harper Collins Canada for sending me an eARC of this book and exchange for an honest review.
I was very hesitant going into this book, because even though I loved Serpent & Dove I wasnât a huge fan of the second and third of that series. But I wanted to give this one a try, and I am so glad I did because I absolutely loved it!
We follow Celie after the events of Gods & Monsters as she struggles to find her place. She has always been the perfect girl based on societal expectations, but after the war on the witches, she wants to prove to herself and everyone around her that she is strong. A series of murders begins to happen as she begins to get involved. In the case, she is abducted by some vampires. As she navigates through this new land, new creatures, as well as try to find the murderer, she grows in her understanding of herself.
This book has everything you want. It has adventure, mystery, secrets, banter, romance, and definitely some angst. I loved all the characters in this book, new and old. Celie, as a main character grew on me in this book. I was never a huge fan of her in the original trilogy but she definitely redeems herself in this one. It was very easy to relate to her as she struggles with the pole of societal expectations as well, wanting to be herself. The character growth is very strong in this one.
This is a slow burn romance, and in the beginning, I was a little frustrated that nothing was really progressing with that part of the plot, but once it picks up, it is sizzling and angsty. I cannot wait to see where itâs going to go in the next book.
Iâm not gonna give any spoilers, but the ending was action-packed, and I was at the edge of my seat. The ending leaves off at a cliffhanger, and the epilogue threw me for a loop. Some parts of the main plot line were a little predictable but it did not take away from my enjoyment of this book. I am so excited for the second book, and I really hope that this new series will not suffer the same way the original trilogy did.
Thank you to Harper Collins Canada for sending me an eARC of this book and exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood