Scarlet
Ratings16
Average rating3.5
'Scarlet is utterly stunning. The intrigue and adventure keep you turning the page in this exciting tale of revolution, vampires and the guillotine' - T. L. Huchu, author of The Library of the Dead Revolution's a bloodthirsty business . . . Revolutionary France is no place to be, especially for aristocrat vampires facing the guillotine. But the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel are determined to rescue them. And they have an ace up their sleeve: Eleanor, a lowly maid from an English estate with a striking resemblance to French royalty. For Eleanor, the League and their legendary deeds are little more than rumour - until she's drawn into their most dangerous plot yet. The mission? Travel to France in disguise, impersonate Queen Marie Antoinette and rescue the royal family. If they succeed, it'll be the heist of the century. But there's more to fear than ardent Revolutionaries. For Eleanor stumbles across a centuries-old war between vampires and their fiercest enemy. And they're out for blood . . . Sunday Times bestselling Scarlet is the first book in the Scarlet Revolution trilogy, set during the turbulent French Revolution, and featuring all of Genevieve Cogman's trademark wit and fast-paced plotting. It's perfect for fans of The Invisible Library series, Kim Newman and Gail Carriger. 'This book is a smart, swashbucking joy. I loved it.' - H.G. Parry, author of The Magician's Daughter
Series
Featured Series
3 primary books#1 in Scarlet
Scarlet is a 3-book series with 3 primary works first released in 2012 with contributions by Genevieve Cogman, A.C. Gaughen, and Brian Michael Bendis.
Reviews
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The Scarlet Pimpernel plus vampires in a vaguely YAish style. It was fun enough for what it was, I appreciate the linking of nobility to vampirism (what with their general obsession with bloodlines etc). I have previously stated my distaste towards nice vampires, and this book offers a mixed bag. There is definitely a hint that there is something more intrinsically nefarious with vampires and the French vampires are suitably bloodthirsty and depraved. The English ones are presented in a strangely pleasant light.
Where I have some issue is in the classist stylings on this book. Our MC is supposedly from the lower classes, and yes I know the original Scarlet Pimpernel was definitely viewed through a more higher class lens, it would be hoped the addition of this character might give an eye to the genuine class struggle going on in France, but she comes across extremely passive on this issue. The only genuine presentation of the lower class came through a somewhat distorted lens of the daughter of a senior official in the revolution. This missed opportunity and somewhat jarring juxtaposition of social background and politics definitely detracted a bit from the story for me.
The actions sequences, considering the source material, are as expected solid. Revolutionary France really does offer fertile ground for historical fantasy. I just feel that this one missed a few notes on the different views of the different social backgrounds here.
I struggled with this story. It is way too boring. I wasn't enjoying myself, so it's a DNF.
Good, but a little unsatisfying as it feels very much like the first of a series, rather than a complete story in its own right. Having said that, it may be interesting to see where the story goes next..
