The Scarlet Veil

I must confess that I'm fashionably late to this party, as it turns out “The Scarlet Veil” is a spin-off from another series by this author. Now, I'm left wondering where I've been hiding all this time. In my defense, it's been a while since I've come across a good vampire book. However, let me regale you with the tale of this unexpected 5-star gem that I didn't even know I was searching for.

First and foremost, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Netgalley and HarperTeen for providing me with the opportunity to dive into this E-Arc. I'll admit, I approached “The Scarlet Veil” with minimal expectations, particularly because I tend to be quite the book snob when it comes to vampire stories. You see, the only ones that have genuinely captivated me in the past have been the Anita Blake series, up until now. But oh, my goodness, this book was an extraordinary revelation—everything I never knew I needed.

Shelby's writing flows effortlessly, as if I were spending time with a close friend. I adore her style, and this book, in particular, showcases her storytelling prowess beautifully. Right from the outset, I found it utterly impossible to tear myself away.

Enter Célie, a character archetype that often lurks in the shadows of YA literature. We're accustomed to protagonists like Lou or Coco (both of whom I adore), but characters like Célie usually play supporting roles. This book's message, I believe, lies in the fact that characters like Célie can indeed take center stage. Even though they lack physical strength, earth-shaking powers, or reckless bravery, they can achieve remarkable feats.

Célie is a gentle soul navigating the world, striving to make a difference. Yes, she sheds tears frequently, finds herself in avoidable predicaments, and occasionally requires rescue. Yet, Célie embarks on an internal journey throughout the narrative that is nothing short of mesmerizing, and I cherished every step of her transformation.

Now, let's talk about Michal. I'll admit, I was initially suspicious of him, but around the 60% mark, I found myself warming up to his character more and more. His relationship with Célie resonates with the timeless “Beauty and the Beast” motif, and witnessing its evolution was truly enchanting. As a devoted fan of all things “Beauty & the Beast,” I couldn't have been more delighted.

I regret not being able to read this before its publication day, but let me assure you that I devoured this book in a single day, in one epic reading marathon, and I would gladly do it all over again. Furthermore, I am now eager to delve into the trilogy that gave birth to this captivating world. I adored “The Scarlet Veil” wholeheartedly, and I implore you to follow the link below and embark on this enchanting journey.

While I regret not reading Serpent & Dove after finding out this was a sequel series, this book was AMAZING. I loved it a lot, possibly because of Dimitri at the start but Lou and Coco are also such lovely people. Célie was a real protagonist, she didn't have a strength that outshone the rest and her trauma was so powerful that it didn't matter that she was over-emotional at times. Michal was an okay character but their romance could have come a slight bit faster. We also never got much information about him, which is slightly disappointing since he's the love interest.