A review by bribreez
The Scarlet Veil by Shelby Mahurin

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

4.5⭐️

Just when I thought the story was over, Shelby Mahurin came out with a spin-off series from the beloved, “Serpent & Dove” trilogy, but this time focusing it on a certain character who you may recognize, Célie. While this book can be considered a standalone/ new series on its own, I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND you go back and read the, “Serpent & Dove” trilogy as a lot of things that happened in those books connect to Célie’s story, as well as bringing back the characters from the previous series too. This story introduced a new set of challenges specifically for, Célie as she was the first ever huntswoman within the Chasseur’s. Célie 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 Célie in the previous trilogy, my first impression of her wasn’t the best. I say that to preface that beforehand I wasn’t the biggest fan of Célie, but throughout the books it made me appreciate Célie 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 Célie. Célie still had this softness to her that exuded in her compassion, even when she captured creatures, she showed kindness when most other Chasseur’s wouldn’t. Célie had a lot to overcome from the bullying and unfair treatment from other Chasseur’s (*ahem, I’m talking about you, Frederic!) to even the lack of trust Jean Luc showed in the beginning. Célie 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 Célie 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 we’ve seen before, it was the first time, vampires were introduced. Once Célie 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 Célie 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 Célie 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 Célie’s shoes, I’d 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 story…it made the story even more compelling! Don’t be fooled by Célie, she was a lot stronger than you would think, and her story was just the tip of the iceberg. I couldn’t even fathom what was revealed about her in this story like, WHAT?! Just now that when you read this book, it isn’t going to be a straightforward read, there’s intrigue, mystery, danger, and more to be explored with Célie, 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 Célie. Obviously, Michal was morally gray, wasn’t exactly the type of man that Célie was use to such as her…fiancée, 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 I’ve 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. I’m not even sure what to classify Célie and Michal as “enemies to lovers”, only because I wasn’t 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 Célie and Jean Luc were going to have a happy life together especially with all they went through in the previous year, but…NOPE! I was immediately back to not liking Jean Luc. I feel like I keep saying this, but I’ll say it again, CÉLIE WAS SO MUCH MORE THAN PEOPLE GAVE HER CREDIT FOR! Jean Luc was probably the main one who consistently underestimated and viewed Célie as a “damsel in distress”. You would think being engaged and working alongside each other as Chasseur’s would be all happy for Célie and Jean Luc, but it wasn’t an equal partnership. Jean Luc wanted to keep Célie in a glass box, safe from any harm. Célie in her own way, wanted to prove to Jean, her friends, and mostly herself that she wasn’t weak and could be brave just like the others. I admired Célie for pushing herself, despite some of her plans didn’t always pan out. Whereas Jean Luc was basically trying to prevent and keep Célie in a cookie cutter box of protection, Michal was different. Michal ACKNOWLEDGED AND PRAISED Célie 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 haven’t caught on, I firmly became on team Michal, even with his morally questionable actions, THE VAMPIRE WAS STILL MORE UNDERSTANDING TO CÉLIE THAN FREAKING JEAN LUC! 

…ummm…I 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 I’m 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 wasn’t sure exactly what direction this story was headed, but as per usual, trust the process. Célie 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 wasn’t 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). Célie 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 Célie 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 you’ve read the “Serpent and Dove” trilogy! 
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