Review Detail

After being turned into a vampire, Célie struggles with adapting and at the thought of harming humans for blood. Her friends, Lou, Reid, Beau, and Coco all try to help with the transition, but their expertise on the matter is a bit lacking. And since they won't listen to Odessa's advice, Célie begins to feel like she's going mad. And she blames one person: Michal. It isn't until she hurts someone she cares about that she realizes she needs to get a grip on her new life.

When a monster appears, Michal is the one to save Célie this time and they learn it's a Revenant. But there's something even more sinister lurking in the shadows who's the master of these creatures, and he wants to break his "chains" (the Veil). As his bride, he needs Célie to help him do that. Bring in another shadow from the past and Célie has to face her sister Filippa, but she isn't the same person Célie knew. How can you face a world of monsters when confronting your sister can be the most difficult thing?

THE SHADOW BRIDE is a magical fantasy full of betrayal, romance, adventure, action, friendship, I mean this has it all. Shelby Mahurin had me sold with her lyrical writing in Serpent & Dove and this spin off duology didn't disappoint either. The characters are always so well-developed with breath of their own as they come to life in your mind. Célie has so much going on, it's no wonder she has a hard time coming to terms with her new life. She's now a vampire, she has to face her dead sister, she has growing feelings for Michal, and death is after her. I'd feel a bit crazy too. I love the romance between Célie and Michal because we get to watch it grow even more in the second book. Michal is so sweet, which is not something that comes off naturally. I also really loved how everyone helps each other and how big of a part Lou plays in this book. She's the kind of friend everyone needs in their corner. Overall, this book goes down as another enchanting story with a twist ending that worked out perfectly.


Final Verdict: I would recommend this to fans of vampires, ya fantasy and magic, romance, and friendship. THE SHADOW BRIDE is an enthralling conclusion to The Scarlet Veil duology and it's a book you won't want to put down.