Scarlet cover art

Scarlet

The Sunday Times bestselling historical romp and vampire-themed retelling of the Scarlet Pimpernel

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Scarlet

By: Genevieve Cogman
Narrated by: Georgia Maguire
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About this listen

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 . . .

Scarlet is the first 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.

‘I absolutely loved this’ – N. K. Jemisin on The Invisible Library

Action & Adventure Fantasy Historical Royalty Fiction French Revolution Paranormal

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Critic reviews

Scarlet is 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 Edinburgh Nights series)
You don't need to be familiar with the tale of the Scarlet Pimpernel to enjoy this romp through revolutionary France . . . 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)
Scarlet beautifully captures the high adventure of the Scarlet Pimpernel, yet weaves in a thoughtful exploration of class and revolution, a clever, sympathetic heroine finding her voice and her power, and a vampiric aristocracy who seem all too familiar. This book is a smart, swashbuckling joy. I loved it. (H.G. Parry, author of The Magician's Daughter)
I absolutely loved this . . . flavoured with truly unique mythology and a dash of the eldritch. Such clever, creepy, elaborate world-building and snarky, sexy-smart characters! (N. K. Jemisin, author of The Broken Earth Trilogy on The Invisible Library)
Irene is a great heroine: fiery, resourceful and no one’s fool, she has a wonderfully droll sense of humour – much like the novel itself (The Guardian on The Masked City)
Brilliant and so much fun. Skullduggery, Librarians and dragons – Cogman keeps upping the ante on this delightful series! (Charles Stross, author of the bestselling Merchant Princes series, on The Burning Page)
A fantastic addition to Genevieve Cogman’s oeuvre, and paves the way for a deeper exploration of the fantastic world that she has created. (Fantasy Book Review on The Lost Plot)
Cogman fills a captivating story with animated characters and propels the narrative at a cracking pace, planting perfectly timed plot twists and reversals of fortune along the way (The Guardian on The Mortal Word)
All stars
Most relevant
Really enjoyable listen. Well performed by Georgia Maguire and cleverly written by Genevieve Cogman. I got this book as I enjoyed the Invisible library series so much. Glad I did, I hope this book will also lead to several more in a series.

History intertwined with fantasy

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It took me a little while to get into this book but once I was into it I was hooked. Fantastic story and beautifully narrated. I look forward to finding out more about Eleanor and the gang in future books

Excellent

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Another hugely enjoyable tale from the author, ably delivered as an audiobook. Can’t wait to see what book 2 brings.

Fab retelling with a twist

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Was starting to second guess my choice in audio book in the first few chapters as I went off reviews. This book didn't disappoint, a great story just a slow burner and once through the first few chapters, it really picks up and very entertaining.

A very slow burner

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A very good story with all the elements that were part of the invisible library series! Adventure, action and fantasy well woven into the history of the french revolution.

very enjoyable

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