Shelby Mahurin, The scarlet veil, HarperCollins Publishers, October 2023, 672 pp., RRP $19.99 (pbk), ISBN 9780008582494
Six months into her new life as the first female Chasseur, Celie Tremblay witnesses a murder down in the cemetery- one that reveals terrifying secrets kept by those whom she loves most. Feeling betrayed, Celie flees downtown, where an unknown creature whisks her away to a mysterious island, in attempt to lure her all-powerful friends to the Vampire King, Michal. However, unforeseen danger forces enemies to become friends, as a man known as the Necromancer threatens to bring the dead back to life… and use Celie’s blood to do so.
The scarlet veil provides readers with a captivating tale filled with action from the beginning to the end. There are many different characters involved with the story, all of whom are fascinating in their powers and otherworldliness. The character development of main protagonist Celie is particularly intriguing, as she transforms from an obedient fiancée obsessed with impressing her peers to a fearless heroine who possesses power of her own.
The novel incorporates themes of romance, family, friendship, as well as some violence. The recommended reading age for this novel is therefore 14+.
Reviewed by Emily Woolnough