Elusive

Scarlet Revolution #2

by Genevieve Cogman

Revolutionary France is full of blood and bite as vampires plot for power.

Eleanor, once a lowly English maid, is now a member of the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel, know for their daring deeds and recusing aristocrat vampires from the guillotine.

This time, Eleanor and the League are investigating the disappearance of Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand, the notorious French statesman and diplomat. But they soon uncover two vampire parties feuding for power and learn Talleyrand's disppearance is part of a bigger, more dangerous scheme that will throw France into bloody chaos.

Elusive is the second 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.

Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Vampires, Historical, Fiction, Urban Fantasy, Magic

380 pages, Hardcover

Published May 23, 2024

About the author

Genevieve Cogman got started on Tolkien and Sherlock Holmes at an early age, and has never looked back. But on a perhaps more prosaic note, she has an MSC in Statistics with Medical Applications and has wielded this in an assortment of jobs: clinical coder, data analyst and classifications specialist. Although The Invisible Library is her debut novel, she has also previously worked as a freelance roleplaying game writer. Genevieve Cogman’s hobbies include patchwork, beading, knitting and gaming, and she lives in the north of England.

Reviews

[K.J. Charles]

First off, the titling of this Scarlet Pimpernel trilogy is GODDAMN AMAZING. Scarlet / Elusive / Damned. Wow, that is good.

I very much enjoyed this. I like the complexity, the way neither aristos nor vampires nor indeed rebels are automatically good or bad. And the recognition that a lot of people have knees primed to bend towards 'superiors' and that programming is hard to undo. Proper political fantasy that doesn't scrimp on the adventure. Fascinated by the development of several of the major characters and fully invested in whatever's coming.

[Abbie Toria · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

📜 Historical fantasy
🇨🇵 Revolutionary France
🩸Vampires
🔎 Spies
📖 Book 2 of The Scarlet Revolution

Vampires, spies, Revolutionary France, and a dash of romance; Genevieve Cogman returns for another historical fantasy romp with The League of the Scarlet Pimpernel in Elusive.

Cogman's light and humorous writing keeps this a fun and light read, even amongst "The Terror" of Revolutionary France.

For me, Eleanor's character growth is the real strength of Elusive. She's become more politically aware, her experiences amongst the revolution leading her to more deeply question the class divides that restrict her own life and opportunities, and the chafing gap it causes between herself and other League members. She's using her own initiative, deciding for herself, and I like her all the more for it! The plot didn't feel quite as tight to me as that of Scarlet, but it was far more satisfying character-wise. Plus, the haphazardness of events seems to just be an intrinsic part of The League's antics.

I enjoyed learning more about Anima and that intriguing side of things. There are definitely more mysteries to unravel!

All in all, it was good to be back amongst The League and their whimsical characters.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic! This was just what I hoped for in a continuation of the series. I loved that Eleanor really took centre stage and showed what a brave and resourceful character she was. Can’t wait for the next one. Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.

[Kristy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was just... Kinda boring. Nothing much really happened. Well, stuff did happen, just behind the scenes. Most of what went down on the page was discussions about plans and political machinations. I would have much preferred there to be less talking about what was going on and more showing of what was going on.

There was a prison break and a couple sneaking-into-places moments, but these felt largely purposeless. Perhaps some of that makes sense with the book's theme of how it can sometimes there's no right side to be on in a revolution - and whatever you do might not be enough to make a difference. Or perhaps not.

For a world with vampires, ancient magic, and a revolution, I just feel there should be more action and adventure.

[Clbplym · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second in the author’s new series and this one picks up the conspiracy threads from book one. I enjoyed this book more than the first which felt very much a book that was setting up the series. Eleanor is working with the Scarlet Pimpernel and his gang. Whilst it is quite hard to care too much about the odd aristocrat, the story mainly revolves around the ‘Prince of Paris’ and a potential rebellion against the National Convention in France. I enjoyed the parts with Chauvelin. The most interesting part is the battle between the mages and the vampires. Obviously, this is all nonsense but the book was good fun and I am looking forward to the next instalment. Thanks to a Netgalley for an ARC.

[River Marijn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give it 3,5 stars. Elusive was an enjoyable follow-up, and I liked it a bit more than the first book. While Eleanor’s tendency to wallow in self-victimisation in the first half was frustrating, the story picked up in the second half with fresh developments and more engaging action. The single POV approach felt limiting compared to a broader perspective, but the lively later chapters made up for it overall.

[Siddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to PanMacmillian and Netgalley for the e-arc in exchange for this honest review!

This book was a satisfying continuation of book 1 - developing characters, theme, and conflict really well. It felt a lot more mature than book 1 since now the stage is set, and we can get into the nitty gritty of the conflict.

Eleanor returns to France on another mission for the league. But this time Anima is lurking in the background and the machinations of the vampires are a lot more relevant. The best parts of book 1 were further developed. We explore Eleanor's place in society and how this impacts her relationship with the league a lot more, really digging into her insecurities but also her unique internal conflict. She is no longer *just* a maid and has a greater awareness of the world around her. She displayed real agency that was a far cry from the obedient maid she was raised to be. Her understanding of politics and social revolution has also made her question the behaviours bred into her. The routine act of providing blood to vampires no longer seems quite as docile with Anima whispering in the background.

The fun adventure vibes were still there but better fleshed out with the politics and social commentary. The maturation in themes makes sense with the French revolution in the background. Eleanor's exposure to the principles of revolution and dramatic societal change leads to believable character growth. She was always a sympathetic character. But now, finally, she feels like a real player in the story.

I've knocked off a star as although events are developing in an interesting way, the ending was predictable. Book 1 set the scene and book 2 developed Eleanor. It still feels like not a lot has actually happened. Also, our dear Pimpernickel, the magnetic personality at the centre of events, still feels like a caricature. I'm waiting for him, and the story at large, to surprise me.

[Ali Bama · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in Cogman's Scarlet series, recently released. Set during the French revolution and moving between England and France, the story picks up where book 1 left off, with Eleanor (Nellie) working as a member of the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel, dodging vampires and the guillotine. Another great adventure, ending with a new problem to be addressed and no doubt I'll need to wait another year for Book 3 to find out how that turns out!

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elusive is the 2nd instalment of the Scarlet Revolution series.
The story picks up from book 1.
When a notorious French diplomat goes missing, the League leaps into action.
I enjoyed this, and I'm looking forward to 'Damned' the final adventure.
Ce livre était bon 😉 🇲🇫

[Heather - Just Geeking By · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on Just Geeking by.

Content warnings:
This book contains scenes of violence, death, blood, gore, gun violence, bloodletting, abduction, forced captivity, drugged against will, attempted abduction of a woman, prejudice, racism, misogyny, ableism and discussions of executions.

Vampires have toxic views of humans, viewing them as their property

Elusive by Genevieve Cogman continues the story of maid Eleanor and her involvement with the Scarlet Pimpernel. Now working as a maid in the Blakeney household when not accompanying Sir Percy and his friends on missions, Eleanor’s perspective of the world and her place in it has started to change since the events of her first mission to France. She has been back there several times since, and can’t help comparing the ways that the English aristocracy while away their time drinking as people die in France.

It’s not just Eleanor’s world view that has grown; she’s recognising the way that her friends, especially the noblemen, treat her. When they need a woman, especially someone who can pose as a servant, they are happy to have her along on their missions, but when she tries to act on her own she is told it is too dangerous. Those feelings grow even stronger when Sir Percy goes missing in France while on the hunt for the notorious French diplomat Charles-Maurice de Talleyran.

For safety, the Chief likes to keep things close to the vest, meaning that if a member of the League is caught, they only so know much. It’s a good tactic until he’s the one that’s missing, leaving the rest of the League struggling to put the pieces together with little intel to go on. Determined to be of use and not made to sit on the sidelines, Eleanor starts to make her own plans alongside those of the League with the help of Anima, the mage spirit inhabiting her body.

But things in France are getting more dangerous, and as Eleanor and the League try to find Sir Percy and their other missing friends, they stumble across more than they bargained for.

After finishing the first book, I had hoped to see more development of Eleanor in this book, and Cogman certainly delivered on that front! I felt that the way her thoughts and awareness changed were very on point with her experiences as well as the period she lived in. It was particularly startling to start the novel with her as a maid, to be honest, rather than living as a peer to the Blakeneys or running a modiste as discussed at the end of the last book. There are also multiple times during Elusive when Cogman steers the point back to Eleanor’s low social status, as Eleanor herself reminds us of the harsh reality of living in Georgian England.

That didn’t get tedious, however, at the start of the book Eleanor’s constant back and forth about whether the nobles considered her part of the team or even cared for her was beginning to wear on me. While a maid might find it difficult to accept, members of the aristocracy could act honourably or accept her as family, the situation Eleanor finds herself in isn’t a normal situation. She has, by this point, been on several missions and in incredible danger alongside these men. The bond between them is beyond social classes.

What it isn’t, is beyond gender, and Cogman does a fine job of showing the disparity between how they treat Eleanor compared to Marguerite. Whether it is Lady Blakeney’s history, experience with age or that she is the Chief’s wife, she is treated with much more respect and while they protect her, they would never dream of telling her she couldn’t go somewhere if she put her mind to it. Unlike Eleanor, who they treat as a little sister rather than one of them.

A lot happens in Elusive, and Cogman has done a wonderful job of spinning a conspiracy. A character who I expected never to see again (and wrote off as a nobody) is suddenly very much in the thick of it, and I am looking forward to seeing where the story goes. There is also a scene between Eleanor and someone else which was my favourite part of the book, and I’m very happy with the way that Cogman chose to handle that character.

I would have liked to have learned a bit more about some things, but I can also see why Cogman chose to only reveal so much in this book. Book three is going to be an absolute cracker, that’s for sure!

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[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm often a fan of book 2's because they have the opportunity to explore the world the first book has set up in more depth, and elusive is no exception- while its predecessor was more slowly paced, I found myself flying through this one and really enjoying it.

finally a member of the league, eleanor gets a more upfront seat to the action and gets to make quite a few difficult choices herself. her character growth was really satisfying to read. I appreciated that eleanor's motivations in the first book were very fitting of her station and that she wasn't unrealistically bold or brave. as eleanor fosters a newfound strength within the league, finding occasional frustrations in her male peers for overlooking her, she develops a wider understanding of the political situation that she's in; this was especially important to elusive's narrative, as we finally get to question the choices of the league, the republic, and the bourgeoisie alike. I'm eager to see how eleanor's character continues to develop in the final book after the excitement of elusive's ending.

additionally, her relationship with charles was very sweet. they get a little development off-screen between book 1 and 2, and that's further explored throughout this book. some might find charles to be a little too relaxed of a character for their tastes, but I actually appreciated the love interest being just a normal guy interested in science. their relationship isn't supposed to take the forefront, and it's a nice addition of normalcy in the changing world eleanor finds herself in.

anima definitely fit better than she did in book one, but I can't say I particularly cared for her at any point in the story. even when she sacrificed herself for eleanor's wellbeing, there wasn't much I felt towards her other than vague irritation. she also took too much agency from eleanor by saving her at every turn; I would've rather seen eleanor's own skills come into play herself a lot of those times rather than anima-ex-machina. while anima taking over eleanor's ability to act is a purposeful commentary on the nature of their relationship, every time they were in trouble, anima was always there to save the day with her magic powers. please, can we resolve some things differently?

the vampires also get to take a more direct approach, which was a missing element in the first book. a world built on vampires in revolutionary france, and yet we barely get to them? not in this one! with the likes of lady sophia and marie antoinette returning, the interactions between humans and vampires is much more notable and exciting. while the secondary plot revolving the mages still isn't my favourite thing about these novels, it's become more natural with the world now that we're getting to interact with the fantastical elements a lot more.

overall, elusive was an enjoyable, adventurous read and I'm eager for the final installment of the trilogy!

[Leighton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

The queen of fantasy is back! Elusive by Genevieve Cogman is the sequel to Scarlet, the first book in a fantasy reimagining of The Scarlet Pimpernel. The story continues with Eleanor, who is now a member of the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel during the French Revolution. There are rival factions vying for control through their secret schemes. Eleanor must go undercover with her crew in order to discover the truth. But can Eleanor, with her limited control of magic, succeed in her mission, or will she end up being killed by vampires?

Here is an atmospheric excerpt from the Prologue:

"It wasn't yet dawn, but Portsmouth was already busy. The night trade - vampires, criminals, whores, aristocrats out late partying, and poor fellows who had no choice but to work those hours - was drawing to a close, and the business of morning had begun. The sky was pale and a thin light etched the horizon, glinting off the sea and gleaming on the brass fittings of the boats which filled Portsmouth Harbour. Carts of food creaked through the streets, on their way to supply inns and shops for the day. Beggars, many inured and deformed - or at least apparently so - crawled out from their nocturnal hiding-places, ready to call on the sympathies of workers heading to their jobs. A troop of freshly recruited (or possibly press) soldiers marched down the road to the harbour to take ship, the cadence of their boots stumbling in their newness. And in the Admiral Inn, Joseph took a jug of hot water up to his master's room so that he might shave."

Overall, Elusive is an amazing fantasy book full of vampires, books, secret missions, escapes, fights, and magical powers. One highlight of this book is the author, who wrote The Invisible Library, my favorite fantasy series. Although that series has a dear place in my heart, this trilogy has been getting better and better with each book. I enjoyed reading this book even more than I enjoyed reading the first one.

Another highlight of this book is the exciting prison-break plot, which had me on the edge of my seat in suspense. One final highlight of this book was the subplot involving the voice in Eleanor's head (trying not to be too specific to avoid spoilers). I think that Eleanor's relationship with this voice really developed during this book, and I became much more invested in it. I will definitely check out the third book in the trilogy and anything else that the author writes in the future! If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of fantasy books in general, I highly recommend that you check out this book when it comes out in May!

[Amy Burt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elusive was, for me, a book of two halves. The story starts in London with Eleanor still working with the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel before the Pimpernell himself goes missing while investigating the missing Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand, a French statesman and diplomat. The League find themselves travelling back to France to find their leader and derail a plot that could jeopardise France as they know it.

The first half of the book, based in England, took quite a while for me to get into, I’ll confess it took me a little while to remember who everyone was and what happened in Scarlet, which is totally on me and not a fault of the book. That said, I think this story really comes into it’s stride when it returns to Paris and the plot and the ‘Prince of Paris’ becomes a little clearer – Eleanor also has a greater role in the League in the second half so it’s just a lot more enjoyable as you follow her.
Cogman really does do a great job of integrating well researched French history with fantasy. A minor criticism I had of Scarlet was that for a book about vampires, they weren’t particularly menacing. Maybe that isn’t even a bad thing, there were villains indeed in Scarlet, and certainly some bad vampires, but they weren’t the only monster – and that is of course true for a story where the mob mentality of human beings is also involved. That said, in Elusive you feel the vampires start to fight back, there is a real menacing air to them, a party scene comes to mind where Eleanor and others are there to be fed off of, and you can feel the power that they possess when not outnumbered by a mob.
Eleanor really is a fantastic character, she feels a little out of place at the start of the story, a little on the outside, but as the scheming progresses, she creates her own place within the group and finds not just her voice but her power. Eleanor’s interactions with Anima are particularly enjoyable, Anima is fascinating and you learn much more about her here, with revelations that make for an interesting third instalment! Eleanor is a well developed and likeable character that you experience grow and develop across the pages.

This series has wonderful world building, where vampires and mages walk through French history, social revolution and politics, action, surprises and a little love, and an array of characters you can’t help but route for as they scheme and plot and try to survive. If you struggle to get into the story, persevere and it’ll be worth it.

Another solid effort by an author who always hits the mark, thank you NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of the books of the Forbidden Library series are still waiting patiently on the shelves to be read, but when I discovered this series, about the French Revolution, but with vampires, I was sold. I got the first book and finished it far quicker than I had expected and then I patiently waited for the second book to be released. Luckily I discovered that the book was available via Netgalley and I was really happy that Tor granted me a review copy.

Once more this book mixes history, vampires and a touch of magic. I especially love how the author manages to make this book really believable. It's not hard to imagine that the French revolution happened like this. Especially all the politics, the way the people in power manipulate others and all the games that are played, is so well done and makes so much sense. The vampires might be fictional, but how they abuse their vampirism totally isn't.

I also love that the heroine of this story is a maid. She's not noble. She's not rich. She doesn't have power or influence. She just ended up in a strange situation by accident. However, that also gives her a lot of room to learn and grow. I really love how she's starting to understand more and more of the world in this book. She sees how power can be abused and she also starts to see how she can use her own talents to change the world or people's minds.

Since this book is very political and since our heroine is not among the vampires and the rich, there's not much action. There is some danger here and there, but most issues are solved by intelligence and wit. I can imagine that some people might get a little bored while reading, but I personally loved how all those characters, both the "good" and the "bad" guys, are forcing each other to be smarter and to always be on the tips of their toes.

I can't wait for the next book in the series!

[Gayle (OutsmartYourShelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now safe in England, Eleanor, is still working as a maid for the Blakeneys whilst being a member of their League of the Scarlet Pimpernel. Sir Percy Blakeney has returned to France to investigate the disappearance of a notorious French diplomat named Talleyrand. The circumstances of his disappearance are odd & it leads to the discovery of feuding vampire factions battling to gain power in the chaos of revolutionary France, which risks trouble spilling out onto the streets of England. Can the League solve the mystery & head off further violence?

It's that 'difficult second book of a series' time but the author mostly manages to avoid the main pitfalls. The book is surprisingly light on actual vampires considering the theme, & Sir Percy Blakeney is absent for three-quarters of the book. What we do have is Eleanor's growing frustration that she isn't fully accepted as a member of the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel in her own right & her yearning to play an active part in what is happening. Alongside this, Eleanor still carries the secret of 'Anima' (ancient mage) in her mind & she wonders how she would be viewed even by those on her own side if they knew she can perform magic. Overall it was a really enjoyable read with action, historical detail, & just a smidgen of romance, although it is a little slow-going at times..

My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Pan Macmillan/Tor, for the opportunity to read an ARC.

[fridge_brilliance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short version: I didn’t like Elusive as much as Scarlet. It seemed less propulsive and more prone to regurgitating its themes (or rather, Eleanor grappling with the same questions throughout, which I didn’t find great for holding tension) and I kept thinking it should get even campier and funnier but it kept on getting more earnest.

Long version is that I suspect that while Scarlet held my interest as it established the set up and limitations of Pimpernel pastiche vs original worldbuilding, and plunged our servant heroine into wild antics orchestrated by swashbuckling aristos, this book aimed to delve deeper into the issues raised while also trying to keep up with the antics, but the balance was off and impacted how enjoyable I found the story. The ponderings and conflicts seemed to repeat themselves, and antics took shape of Eleanor taking unnecessary risks to prove a point - with chaos or indifference ensuing. I seem to be in minority with this opinion so far, so impressions clearly differ - YMMV.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a chance to read an early copy,

[Robyn Little]

I have received a free copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review

I did not expect Scarlet to get a sequel. I felt the ending did have potential for one but I couldn’t think of what else could be done with it. Set in England sometime after the events of the first book we get to experience life alongside Eleanor as she sees how people live post-vampire [wanna buy some blood?] and how she develops as a member of the League. Particularly with all the voices in her head.

The sense of danger returns as the adventure continues however, we see a lot of characters in action and get the feel of a series coming on. To avoid spoilers I would say this was a very satisfying return to the series and this time I’d very much expect a sequel.

[L & J Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 in a fantasy based on a retelling of the Scarlet Pimpernel where the League is composed of humans who are rescuing French aristocrats from the guillotine, however these aristocrats are vampires. It’s a well written compelling romp through England and France told through the eyes of Eleanor, a maid who is recruited to join the League initially because of her resemblance to Marie-Antionette.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eleanor is absorbing the lessons she has learnt from her actions in revolutionary France, her membership of the League but not quite as equal as the aristocrats, and her involuntary apprenticeship to a sorceress. It’s good to see her grow and evolve throughout this book and the action is firmly set up for book three, Damned.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

*splutters in annoyance* well bother and damnation why do I keep doing this to myself where I have to wait for the next one?! 😭

This one felt far more solid, plot wise, than the first, and I’m not entirely sure why but demne (heh) if I don’t enjoy the hell out of this story.

[Niki Vervaeke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Het 2e boek in de trilogie is beter
het tempo logischer en de personages komen meer tot leven
https://www.netgalley.co.uk/book/3299....

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another riproaring adventure in this trilogy.

More than just an adventure, it contains Eleanor‘s character arc. I can forgive a lot if the author does a good job of that. She definitely does in these books.

That having been said, I’m off to the final installment.

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I really loved the first book, I didn’t enjoy this one as much. The story’s still alright, but it just didn’t hit me the same way the first one did.

[Stine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kunne ikke måle sig med første bog, men jeg kan stadig rigtig godt lide forfatterens skrivestil.

[Lynn Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 of 5 stars
https://lynns-books.com/2024/05/27/el...
My Five Word TL:DR Review : The French Revolution with Vampires

Elusive is the second instalment in Genevieve Cogman’s Scarlet Revolution series and is an instalment that I really enjoyed. I would say before I start this review that being the second in series there may be potential spoilers below so bear that in mind before continuing on (although I do endeavour to avoid such things).

As we start this next instalment we’re back in England. on the estate of the Blakeneys, where Eleanor is once again acting as a maid. The League of the Scarlet Pimpernel still continues to make dashing rescues across the water and Eleanor has been involved but her involvement mainly comes into play only if they need someone to act as a maid and for the most part you can feel her frustration that she seems, in many respects, to be exactly where she started. A maid, at the whim of her employers and with very little voice in the matter.

Within fairly short order Cogman sets up the main theme for this episode. Nefarious plots are afoot and Sir Percy (aka the Pimpernel) has travelled to France in search of information. Unfortunately, all has gone quiet and eventually the League must formulate a plan to go in search of their missing chief. Eleanor manages to wangle a place on this latest mission and pretty soon becomes much more deeply embroiled than originally anticipated.

I don’t intend to go any further into the plot. I would say that once again I had good fun with this. There’s enough adventure thrown in to keep the pace alive and kicking and I found the pages turning very easily with this second instalment.

What I really liked about this.

Firstly, Eleanor’s development is really coming along. She is a willing student who likes to learn and her own political sensibilities are increasing surely and steadily. I did still feel for her in this book. She reminds me a little of Eliza from My Fair Lady who has learnt to speak perfectly and no longer fits on the streets but neither does she fit in the ballroom. Eleanor is very similar in that she is still a maid, she has little voice in the plans of the League (which makes sense in a lot of ways given her lack of experience I suppose) and she’s a little like a duck out of water. The other servants of the household are a little mistrustful of her which you can understand given the degree of attention she seems to receive but at the same time she isn’t of high birth and can’t really develop friendships or have any real voice amongst the other members. I did feel frustrated on her behalf at times, especially given the risks that she’d already put herself through. All that being said, I liked this element of the story. It provides an intriguing social commentary about the period and Eleanor’s knowledge and sensitivities make for an easy discussion for the rights and wrongs of both scenarios.

In my last review I kept one particular element in reserve – Eleanor has found herself with a ‘passenger’ a ghost or spirit, if you will, has taken up residence inside her head – I didn’t want to spoil that element for readers of the first book as it’s nice to discover during the read. I mention it at this point because the obvious enmity between mages and vampires becomes much more apparent in this instalment and in fact you can see that this is going to play a role as the series progresses.

I liked the developing relationship between Eleanor and one of the League members. This isn’t a central part of the story but it’s a nice touch and keeps very much to a back seat – I felt like it give Eleanor a real friend, someone who was concerned about her and prepared to listen.

I thought the storyline was intriguing. Eleanor becomes involved in a hasty plan to save some prisoners from almost certain execution, one of them a character from the first book. The whole plan goes to hell in a handcart and quickly becomes a ‘seat of the pants’ type scenario.

We travel to Paris again where Eleanor becomes wrapped up in the underground world of the vampires and a new pretender – the Prince of Paris. I felt like the vampires in this story really started to show their fangs. I felt in Scarlet that they were cloaked in the respectability that their wealth has afforded them but here we start to get the impression that their true nature is simply waiting for the opportunity come to the fore These are immortals, and they’ve been playing the long game.

Once again, there is a dramatic finale, the same as book 1 Sir Percy plays a very small role with Eleanor taking centre stage for the most part although all the league are always immeasurably relieved to hand back the reins when he does eventually put in an appearance.

Overall, I’m enjoying this series. I like the way it’s written. There are certain restrictions that are placed on our MC as a result of the period and her position in society, but for the most part the author has brought to us a very easy to like and capable character in Eleanor. She isn’t well educated but she’s keen to learn. She has courage but still feels fear whenever she’s rushing into a situation that is dangerous and it’s interesting to join in her adventures because of the way she’s developing. Plus, this ending, a perfect set up for the next instalment.

I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.

[David Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sequel to Cogman's Scarlet, Elusive features the characters, and setting, of Baroness Orczy's Scarlet Pimpernel series in which an English nobleman and his friends, acting anonymously, rescue French aristocrats from the Terror during the Revolution.

In Scarlet, the premise was established, with our reluctant hero, housemaid Eleanor, being "lent" by her vampire (I'll come to that in a moment) employer, Lady Sophie, to Sir Percy Blakeney (the Pimpernel) and his crew to that she can impersonate Marie Antoinette to facilitate a rescue. (Yes, Eleanor closely resembles the French Queen, something which I speculate may be a future plot point). All Eleanor wants is the opportunity to set up as a modiste, earning an honest living through her needleworks skills, but it is not to be. Cogman draws Eleanor as a convincing protagonist who's not afraid to think for herself, albeit the position she's in is precarious due to the vagaries of the English class system and, of course, patriarchy. Any fear I had that that exploring Orczy's "rescue the aristos" angle might seem dated or crass was rapidly dispelled by the intelligent and engaged way in which Cogman presents the realities of Revolutionary France and the crimes of the ancien regime. She also overcomes that fact that she's probably the only person living now who's read the Pimpernel books and that for many, knowledge of them will be limited to the "They seek him here, they seek him there" verses and the Carry On parody. (Is there a proper literary term for works better known from derivatives and parodies than from the original text?)

With Elusive, Eleanor pretty much gets her own adventure, driving much of the action (albeit she has to be somewhat underhand about this) and getting back to France, in the absence of Sir Percy (hence the book's title) to stage a diversionary raid on Mont Saint Michel, where a large number of prisoners are held hostage.

As we learned in Scarlet, vampires are a thing in this world, indeed they're one of the evils against which the people of France rose. The vampires formerly had enemies in the order of magicians/ sorcerers who they defeated and had expunged from history. Eleanor just happens though to have the should have the last remaining sorcerer, Anima, hitching a ride with her. And Anima has her own plans, which also involve Mont Saint Michel...

I loved Scarlet, but now I find I actually enjoyed Elusive even more. Eleanor has much more licence here and is less subject to others' machinations and orders. The relationship with Anima, her unexpected passenger, grows and develops, the two very different women struggling with, but learning to understand and trust, one another. Eleanor has grown, and deepens further here in her understanding of the world, and wherever her story is going, it isn't leading to her becoming an enthusiastic lackey of the British Establishment: she can see the reasons for the Revolution, and enthusiastically urges another young woman, freed from captivity, to strive to make it a better Revolution. There's a questioning side to Eleanor's nature which contrasts with the other members of the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel. They may be perfectly affable, honourable young men by their own lights, they are brave and by no means stupid, but nor have been servants and so they are comfortable with a level of privilege and wealth which is only maintained by repression.

Eleanor sees more clearly.

This story is both more straightforward and more layered than its predecessor. More straightforward, in that it's clearer from the start what Eleanor faces, and what she is doing. We don't have to wait for it to be revealed where the story is going. More layered, because with different factions in play - several different groups of vampires, including the late Marie Antoinette, now one of the undead, the French authorities, personified by Citizen Chauvelin, who has his own difficulties, the sorcerers, whose motivations and fate become clearer and who have some remaining power via Anima, and lots more besides (spoilers!) - Eleanor has to dig deep into her store of knowledge, talent, and courage, and also broaden it with new abilities. She has power, up to a point, but much of her success in this adventure comes rather from persuasion, empathy and quick thinking, in circumstances where a false step could see her and all her friends sent to the guillotine.

As ever in Cogman's books, there is some sharp writing here, both to convey to us the reality of things from Eleanor's viewpoint and to keep the story moving. I especially enjoyed the way that Cogman will have her characters describe a plan, and then jump to the aftermath of its execution, giving the essence of the story without needing to repeat herself. She also often visualises opportunities, situations and schemes as fabrics to be worked rather than timelines, using needlework metaphors to show Eleanor grappling with the difficulties she's in. That's not something I'd come across before and it is a very effective and economical way to portray things.

So - if you loved Scarlet I think you'll love this even more, if you haven't read Scarlet, go and do that!

[Caleigh J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genevieve Cogman you've done it again! This is definitely a series I can re-read again and again.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Pan MacMillan for the eARC! Please find below my honest review:

I had a fun time with this novel. I believe that, just based on the summary and list of Dramatis Personae, you'll understand whether or not this is the kind of novel that you'll have fun with - if you hate 'camp', if you can't find delight in the idea of Marie Antionette as a vampire, and if the concept of the consciousness of an ancient mage being entwined with our main character puts you off, then this isn't your kind of book. But if these things speak to you, then I think you'll have a delightful ride!

I honestly love the way that Cogman takes the story of the Scarlet Pimpernel and decides that vampires, mages, and magic should feature. I have only a passing familiarity with the works of Baroness Orczy, and still enjoyed this read, so I don't think that it's necessary to know much, or anything, about it to engage with Cogman's novel, but I do get the sense that there are probably plenty of nods to pre-existing Pimpernel stories that folks who are familiar with them will see and enjoy.

I also appreciate that the novel isn't just an blanket endorsement of rescuing aristocrats from the guillotine in revolutionary/post-revolutionary France. As our main character, Eleanor, continues to expand her understanding of the workings of the world around her, she starts to interrogate her own ideas of justice, the possible merits of some revolutionary ideas, and whether or not she is content to continue to live in a world of such inequality. Cogman ensures that neither Eleanor, nor the reader, are unable to see that many individuals among the vampires, human aristocrats, and revolutionary figures alike are all content to feast on the blood (literal and metaphorical) of the common folk, while those same common folk toil, starve, and descend into paranoia and desperation.

For what it is worth, I did not know that this was the second novel in a series when I picked it up. This is in no way the fault of the novel itself - it's very clearly stated - just an oversight on my part. I did become aware by the time I actually opened the book up, but by that point I decided I'd give it a try even though I hadn't read the first book. I wasn't completely lost, and still had a lovely reading experience, but I do believe that I would have had a better grasp of some of the characters and set up if I had. On this account, I can't really speak to how Eleanor and the other characters progress from one novel to the next, but just in the novel alone I see quite a bit of development in Eleanor as far as having the confidence to trust herself, to have her own ideas, and, more importantly, to believe in those ideas. I believe that this would probably offer a satisfying progression in her character from where she started in book 1.

It may also be because I did not read the first novel that I don't quite feel the chemistry between Eleanor and her love interest, Charles. Both are quite likeable characters, so I can't quite put my finger on why I am not overly invested in their connection, unless it's that I missed the whole foundation of their relationship as set up in the prior novel.

Besides that, I have only some nit-picks. There are a few places where the dialogue doesn't quite flow as well as it does in others and took me out of the scene - this isn't a chronic issue, so it's more of a heads up than a Warning To Others. Mostly, though, I just wish Cogman leaned a little bit further into the "campiness" of the whole premise. The places where she does are some of the most compelling bits of the novel to me - the Victims' Ball, the hot air balloon, the confrontation with the vampires in the tunnels, and everything with Marie Antionette, to name a few without any blatant spoilers.

Overall, as stated above, I found this to be a fun read with a likeable main character. I appreciate seeing her start to have opinions about the world that she previously hadn't allowed herself to have. I love watching her grow in confidence and power. I feel ambivalent about her love interest, but love when Cogman embraces the inherent absurdity of where superhero fiction (as the Scarlet Pimpernel is often considered), historical fictional, and vampire fiction overlap. It really seems that these scenes are where Cogman herself has the most fun, so I hold great hope that as the adventures of Eleanor and the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel escalate, so will the stakes and, in some ways, the foolery.

[Caro · Rating 4 out of 5]

-Inhalt siehe Klappentext-

Zunächst einmal empfehle ich wirklich Band eins „Scarlet“ vor „Eleanor“ zu lesen. Innerhalb des Buches werden immer wieder Rückschlüsse zu diesem gezogen und es ist auch vorteilhaft die Charaktere bereits zu kennen.
Direkt zu Beginn wird man beim Lesen mit dutzend verschieden Namen überworfen, was durchaus bei mir für kleine Verwirrungen gesorgt hat. Wirklich hilfreich empfand ist es da immer wieder auf das Personen Register auf den ersten Seiten zurückgreifen zu können.
Wie schon bei Band 1. Startet das Buch mit einer kurzen Bemerkung zur Französischen Revolution, die zusätzlichen Aufschluss zum Geschehen bietet.
Dennoch muss ich anmerken das desweilen einzelne Ereignisse für mich nicht ganz schlüssig waren und auch nicht mittels Recherche aufklärbar. Wer also besonderes Interesse an den geschichtlichen Aspekten des Buches hat sollte bereits Vorwissen haben oder die Zeit für ausgiebige Recherche.
Der „Ball der Opfer“ ist mir zum Beispiel stark in Erinnerung geblieben. Die Idee von ehemaligen Aristokraten aus Frankreich, die der Guillotine entkamen und dies nun in einem kleinen Kreis von nur geladenen Gästen feiern ist interessant. Aber gab es dergleichen wirklich? Ich weiß es immer noch nicht.
Mangelndes Geschichtswissen oder kurzweilige Namensverwirrungen schränken allerdings nicht den Lesefluss ein. Ganz im Gegenteil Genevieve Cogman ist der Spannungsbogen wirklich gelungen. In regelmäßigen Abständen passieren kleine Konflikte oder Eleanor, die Protagonistin, erfährt etwas entscheidendes Neues.
Die Vampire und die Magie sind diesen Band wesentlich stärker vertreten und wir erfahren auch einiges Neues, insbesondere über den früheren Krieg. Dennoch bleiben einige Fragen weiterhin ungeklärt offen.
Wer sich, wie ich, besonders auf mehr von Sir Percy gefreut hat wird vermutlich beim Lesen enttäuscht sein, denn dieser taucht erst auf den letzten 100 Seiten auf und ist zuvor verschollen. Sir Percy ist einer meiner absoluten Lieblingscharaktere und Sympathieträger, daher ist es Schade ihn in diesem Teil so wenig vertreten zu haben, auch wenn wir natürlich zwischendurch ausgiebig mit seinen Zitaten versorgt wurden, aus Eleanors Erinnerungen.

„Es ist immer klug die eigenen Karten auf der Hand sorgfältig anzuschauen, bevor man zu spielen beginnt.“

„Je mehr du redest, desto größer ist das Risiko, dass jemand einen Fehler in deiner Geschichte bemerken wird.“

Ich freue mich mehr von Sir Percy und auch von Eleanors und Charles Beziehung, die in diesem Band ausgebaut wurde, im finalen dritten Teil zu erfahren.
Womit ich schon bei meinem letzten Punkt wäre, es ist eine Trilogie. Zuvor war ich immer davon ausgegangen das es sich um Dilogie handelt, was angesichts des Endes definitiv nicht mehr möglich ist. In der Danksagung wird der dritte Teil auch von der Autorin bestätigt.

[Magdalena (magdal21) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Elusive" is the second installment of Genevieve Cogman’s "Scarlet Revolution" trilogy, loosely inspired by Baroness Orczy's "The Scarlet Pimpernel". In this series, the tumultuous reality of the French Revolution is augmented by the presence of wealthy, aristocratic vampires, who are seen as the new regime's primary adversaries. The series centers on Eleanor, a maid and seamstress who joins forces with a group of English nobles who risk their lives to save French citizens from the guillotine.

"Elusive" is a solid sequel that surpasses its predecessor in certain aspects. With the characters and their goals already established, the reader is quickly immersed in the action, allowing for pure enjoyment of the narrative. One of Cogman's notable strengths is her skillful world-building, a quality exemplified in "Elusive". Though rooted in fantasy, the novel remains meticulously researched and intricately intertwined with the historical backdrop of the French Revolution. The integration of vampires and supernatural elements feels remarkably organic, blurring the lines between fiction and historical truth. It was delightful to return to this richly crafted universe.

The plot of "Elusive" is very compelling, but much like its predecessor, it takes some time for the action to really kick in. It is not a particularly fast-paced book, which may be the biggest drawback for many readers. It is also a factor that keeps me from giving it 5 stars. However, the novel excels in its intricate world-building and depth of political intrigue, which shows the considerable quality of the book. I really enjoyed the League's adventures and how they were woven into the real events of revolutionary history. Also, the character relationships are more solid in this installment, which allowed me to enjoy the interactions between Eleanor and the other members of the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel, who I had confused with each other in the previous book.

Speaking of character development, Eleanor goes through a remarkable growth throughout the book, which I particularly liked. What I found very interesting was her dilemma of belonging. By working for the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel, she alienates herself from her fellow commoners, but at the same time, she remains acutely aware of her inferior status among the nobility, perpetuating her feelings of inadequacy.

Overall, "Elusive" proves to be a satisfying book. Personally, I found it even more enjoyable than the first installment. For those who have started this trilogy and are considering whether to continue, I highly recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.