Scarlet - by Genevieve Cogman (Paperback)

About the Book

"The first book in a rollicking new historical-fantasy series that reinvents the French Revolution with vampires as the aristocrats, in a lively retelling of The Scarlet Pimpernel from the author of the beloved Invisible Library series. It is 1793 and the French Revolution is in full swing. Vampires are a normal part of society across Europe--usually rich and aristocratic, they have slaked the guillotines thirst in large numbers. The mysterious Scarlet Pimpernel, a disguised British noble, and his League are heroically rescuing dozens of aristocrats and helpless victims from France, both human and vampire. Eleanor Dalton is an English housemaid working for the vampiric Baroness of Basing. Eleanor's highest aspiration is to one day become a modiste. But when the Scarlet Pimpernel and his wife come to visit, Eleanor discovers she resembles someone important. She is asked to impersonate a French aristocrat. Soon, she finds herself swept up in magic and intrigue beyond her wildest dreams."--

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"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

About the Author

Genevieve Cogman is a freelance author, who has written for several role-playing game companies. She currently works for the National Health Service in England as a clinical classifications specialist. She is also the author of the Invisible Library series.