Title: Scarlet
Author: Genevieve Cogman
Genre: Historical / Fantasy
Publisher: Tor / Pan Macmillan
Pages: 320
Release Date: 11 May 2023
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Hello fellow book lover! I'm back with a review for Genevieve Cogman’s brand new novel, Scarlet. An historical fantasy reimagining of The Scarlet Pimpernel, which follows English maid Eleanor who, thanks to her uncanny resemblance to the Queen of France, finds herself involved in a plot (lead by the legendary Scarlet Pimpernel) to rescue aristocratics (and aristocratic vampires) from Revolutionary France.
Synopsis
Revolution's a bloodthirsty business . . . Scarlet is a thrilling reinvention of the tale of The Scarlet Pimpernel with the addition of magic and even more mayhem.
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 . . .
Review
I’m not too familiar with the story of the Scarlet Pimpernel, but the promise of a high stakes romp through revolutionary France, and a dangerously daring rescue—with both MAGIC and VAMPIRES—was something I couldn’t pass up!
And, for the most part I thoroughly enjoyed it. The pacing was a little slow to start and it did take a bit of time coming to terms with all the characters, but once I did (there’s a character guide included which I really appreciated) I really began to enjoy all the action packed and espionage laden scenes.
The World-building was gorgeously vivid and soo visceral which definitely made for an immersive experience. I was also impressed with the level of detail and research that went into all the historical aspects of the plot.
Cogman’s clever use of Vampires, as an allegory for capitalism, inequality and the exploitation of the working class—was also surprisingly relevant,
It also meant that despite Eleanor’s ties with the League of The Scarlet Pimpernel, we do see her begin to question the injustice in the leagues work—in purposefully favouring the wealthier French nobility over the poorer working classes—which is something I found really interesting.
As far as characters go, Eleanor was a really compelling, well developed and likeable protagonist and I really enjoyed getting to know her. She is a little naive at first but, her emotional development as she grows in confidence and learns to trust her own instincts was really phenomenally done. I honestly felt like a proud parent watching her navigate some of the tough situations she finds herself in and really enjoyed the intriguing, supernatural twist—which I very much had not anticipated.
There’s also some romance hinted at, the definitely not the main focus of the narrative so do bear in mind if you prefer a heavy dose of romance with your fantasy.
Overall, a satisfyingly adventurous romp through 18th C France that’s perfect for historical fiction lovers, or fans of Lillie Lainoff as well as Cogman’s previous works —I just wish we explored the shadowy and mysterious lives of vampires a bit more. Though given this is the start of a new series, I have hope we’ll see (and learn) more about them in future instalments.
Also, a massive thank you to Blackcrow PR and Tor/ Pan Macmillan for the physical arc.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
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