The Scarlet Veil Review: Vampire Romance is Back

This dark and thrilling vampire romance—set in the world of the New York Times bestselling Serpent & Dove series—is perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas!

Célie Tremblay has always been a good girl: kind and beautiful, a daughter of whom every parent would be proud. She surprises the entire kingdom when she defies tradition to become the first huntswoman—including her new captain and fiancé, Jean Luc, who rules the huntsmen with an iron fist. He isn’t the only one concerned for Célie’s safety, however. Though her friends try to protect her from the horrors of her past, mysterious whispers still haunt her, and a new evil is rising in Belterra—leaving bodies in its wake, each one drained of blood.

Determined to prove herself in her new role, Célie tracks the killer to the lair of Les Éternels—ancient creatures only spoken about in nursery rhymes—and catches the attention of their king, a monster who hides his plans for her behind beautiful words and sharp smiles. Now Célie has new reason to fear the dark because the closer he gets, the more tempted she feels to give in to his dark hunger—and her own.

What do you do when you get kidnapped by a vampire? But even better, what do you do when you get kidnapped by a vampire, befriend them, get protected by them and realise it’s better than the life you had before?

That’s basically the premise of The Scarlet Veil. Célie is a female chasseur who is bethrothed to a chasseur, but instead of being out in the field and battling it out, she’s relegated to the Tower and treated like a damsel. This frustrates her to no end, as she’s being underestimated having survived some dire consequences at the end of the Serpent and Dove series. I really felt for Celie and what she had to endure – even though she’s got friends, a fiancee and is in a very secure position, that inner fire in her wants something more.

So when she gets kidnapped by a vampire, Michal, I didn’t quite know what to expect as she’s thrust into his world of danger. The plotline is kind of weak, where he needs to keep her around as bait to get to her friends – she’s put in pretty dresses and ballgowns and protected. But I was definitely along for the ride, because Michal himself is more than meets the eye as well.

How did I come to choose the company of an arrogant and imperious vampire to my own flesh and blood?

Yes, Michal is a bloodthirsty fearsome vampire who tortures and miams others, and we certainly see that in the book. But slowly but surely, you see Célie bring out his gentler side. I enjoyed how the two of brought out different traits in the other – Célie becomes braver, bolder and more secure in being her own person. She can put up a fight for herself instead of hiding behind her tougher friends like Coco and Lou. Michal finds someone he wants to protect, learns to trust someone despite his own judgement, and bares his soul for. Much of the book focuses on the development between them, which happens slowly but surely.

Célie also has the ability to see and communicate with ghosts, which serves her well in this adventure as she learns who she is able to trust. She uses her ability to her full potential during her adventure.

I am Celie Tremblay, Bride of Death, and my strength has always and will always be in my loved ones. My friends.

Bloodthirsty, full of character development and romantic tension, The Scarlet Veil offers a supernatural adventure where vampires offer a sanctuary. Those who enjoyed A Court of Mist and Fury will enjoy this one for sure, as there’s definitely some similarities.

Thanks to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a review copy!

Rating: 4 out of 5

The following two tabs change content below.

• Bio
• Latest Posts

Jeann @ Happy Indulgence

Owner at Happy Indulgence Books

Jeann is an Aussie YA blogger and mum who loves to read and recommend books! You can usually find me fangirling about books on my various social media channels including Twitter @happyindulgence, Instagram and Youtube.

Latest posts by Jeann @ Happy Indulgence (see all)

• 5 Thoughts About House of Flame and Shadow - March 28, 2024
• The Atlas Complex Review: The Conclusion of Tortured magical academics - January 23, 2024
• The Scarlet Veil Review: Vampire Romance is Back - October 22, 2023