Scarlet

By: Genevieve Cogman

Narrated by: Georgia Maguire

Revolution is a bloodthirsty business . . . especially when vampires are involved.

It is 1793 and the French Revolution is in full swing. Vampires—usually rich and aristocratic—have slaked the guillotine’s thirst in large numbers. The mysterious Scarlet Pimpernel, a disguised British noble, and his League are heroically rescuing dozens of aristocrats from execution, both human and vampire. And soon they will have an ace up their sleeve: Eleanor Dalton.

Eleanor is working as a housemaid on the estate of a vampire Baroness. Her highest aspiration is to one day become a modiste. But when the Baroness hosts a mysterious noble and his wife, they tell Eleanor she is the spitting image of a French aristocrat, and they convince her to journey to France to aid them in a daring scheme. Soon, Eleanor finds herself in Paris, swept up in magic and intrigue—and chaos—beyond her wildest dreams. 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. . . .

Scarlet is the first book in a wildly engaging new series from Genevieve Cogman, which reinvents the beloved tale of the Scarlet Pimpernel.

Critic reviews

“Utterly stunning. The intrigue and adventure keep you turning the page in this exciting tale of revolution, vampires and the guillotine. Cogman writes with beauty and wit to create a heroine we should all root for.” – T.L. Huchu, Author of The Library of the Dead

“Will keep audiences enthralled to the end. Highly recommended for readers of alternate history, those who enjoy re-examinations of classics, and fans of Cogman’s ‘Invisible Library’ series.” - Library Journal (starred review)

"You don't need to be familiar with the tale of the Scarlet Pimpernel to enjoy this romp through revolutionary France. The light-hearted adventure is complimented by a commentary on the poisonous class system of the late eighteenth century, and – as a maid – protagonist Eleanor's voice rises poignantly above the brasher tones of her privileged companions. If you appreciate a solid historical setting and have a soft spot for vampires, you'll enjoy this first book in what promises to be an intriguing trilogy." - Lucy Holland, Author of Sistersong

"Cogman kicks off a new historical fantasy trilogy, reimagining Baroness Orczy's The Scarlet Pimpernel with a feminist and supernatural twist." - Booklist

“Scarlet reinvents the classic story of The Scarlet Pimpernel using a clever blend of fantasy and researched history, throwing well-chosen irony into the brew. It’s a high-stakes adventure with an eclectic mix of human and non-human historical and fictional characters and an engagingly palpable feel.” - Historical Novel Society

"If you have even the slightest interest in the French Revolution, and the thought of throwing vampires into the mix seems exciting, check this book out. It's a great mashup of themes and I quite enjoyed it." - Game Vortex

What an interesting twist in history

Vampires in France is not a not a new topic but this wonderful story puts such a creative twist on the downfall of the French monarchy. I found it to be delightfully entertaining.

Clever, fun adventure

Devoured the Invisible Library series and loved it. Put this book on Pre-order as soon as I learned if it.

Very different from Library adventures but I’m hooked.
This author is one of my favorites and the writing and narration do not disappoint. Strong female protagonist. Vampires and more.

Hoping this will be a series!!!

Clever Series -Fun & Inspirational

This series delights readers with honest grounding into the original Scarlet Pimpernel book. But it’s not necessary to have that background either. The author takes the sparse threads of the original story into a gorgeous tapestry-immense and amusing character development and fascinating plot lines! Our heroine Eleanor is so relatable as she navigates menaces and opportunities beyond her wildest dreams. The sociopolitical power struggles and ethical themes in the story deeply inspire us as we navigate our own current times. Thank you Ms Cogman for this really fun ride! I gobbled up all three audiobooks with glee.

Could have been shorter

The story started great, however, it became less interesting as it progressed. The heroine was over praised & we were reminded over & over again that she is working class. I think we could have been spared some of that since that was drilled into us so much from the beginning. Also, Charles the love interest is just boring and I wish he’d be smarter so he didn’t have to apologize so much.

I think it’s a clever book. I especially like that vampires & Magi are incorporated into the story.

Overall I enjoyed the book. However, I will not pursue reading the rest of the series.