BOOK REVIEW
Book: The Scarlet Veil
Author: Shelby Mahurin
Reviewed by: Zainab Shah
Set after the events of Gods & Monsters, the story follows Célie, now a chasseur, as she struggles with the challenges of being the first woman in her role and planning her engagement to Jean Luc. The complexity of her character is a central theme, as she faces a tough journey with determination and recklessness. Along with her struggles, she finds herself in complex relationships with Jean Luc and the rest of the Serpent & Dove cast, where right and wrong are often blurred, creating a beautiful connection between the characters.
I want to talk a little bit about some interesting friends Célie makes, friends with fangs who shun the sun, including the enigmatic king of vampires. The tension between Célie and this mysterious vampire king keeps readers on the edge of their seats. This is not the typical steamy romance; it’s a romance book that builds slowly and whatever little description of affection makes you happy.
The supporting characters are also a delight, with the Serpent & Dove cast making appearances that will excite fans, even as they step aside to give center stage to Célie’s journey of self-discovery. The new side characters added to the story adds so much depth to the character of Célie.
And then, there’s the murder mystery that adds an extra layer of intrigue. Mysterious killings in Cesarine drive Célie’s quest to find the murderer, weaving a suspenseful plot that keeps readers engaged. However, the heart of the story lies in Célie’s personal journey, her quest to unearth her true self. The book masterfully talks about her internal struggles and the intricate path toward self-realization, making it an emotional and relatable experience for young readers.
What I absolutely loved about the book is that the climax builds up gradually and is executed beautifully with clues and uncertainties; it just keeps you eagerly flipping the pages. You will definitely find out the identity of the murderer before it is revealed in the book, but believe me this will not take away the enjoyment since the true power of Scarlet Veil lies in the character growth and transformation of the main character, Celie.
Shelby Mahurin, in The Scarlet Veil, showcases her storytelling talent, injecting realism into the world of magic and desire. The complex characters, wholesome relationships and an additional compelling murder mystery makes The Scarlet Veil a perfect book to enjoy.