Scarlet
Ratings17
Average rating3.4
Vampires? Nobility? Historical stuff? Sorry, doesn't work for me. DNF.
I struggled with this story. It is way too boring. I wasn't enjoying myself, so it's a DNF.
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.
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..
This felt like it took a bit to long to hit its stride, but if you read and loved The Scarlet Pimpernel in middle school like I did, give this a try. I plan to continue with the series, as I feel the characters will get stronger as the novels progress.