Graphic: Blood, Death, Gun violence, Self harm, and Sexual harassment

Thank you to Pan Macmillan for a free e-ARC in return for an honest review!

Slow to start with, doesn't help that there's very little in terms of re-capping the previous book, it just goes straight into the deep end! It took me a while to really remember all the different details from the book before and all that work was on me which was a first in a sequel - normally there's too much recapping in sequels!

I think it was pretty solid, even if it maybe suffered from middle-book syndrome a teeny bit. It's got a lot of lore, a lot of waiting and it's mainly just 1 event that's stretched across like 80% of the book and another event that takes up most of the rest - which honestly I wish had more page-time since it was pretty interesting! There is though a surprising amount of character development though, Eleanor has been taught well and has a very sharp mind which comes through quite well here.

It is good, I did quite like this once I got into it. Just certainly do read this one quickly after reading the first one (either a re-read or a first read) to help get you started easier!

This is book two of the Scarlet Revolution trilogy, and the fun continues apace.
Marie Antoinette has been sent to the Guillotine, and Eleanor, who resembled her so closely, is safely back in England, and working for Sir Percy Blakeney, and his many league members.
The English Government has welcomed many French Noble families into the country and offered them a safe haven, but now the fear is that spies have infiltrated organisations and are planning counter conspiracies.
A new industry has grown up in England, providing blood for the many vampires now residing in England. An Alien bill has been passed to expel foreigners who are a threat to home security. There is also a conspiracy in France, guilty vampires have avoided arrest and execution. I idly wondered how vampires went to the guillotine in daylight, did they not turn to dust, then realised what a weird thought that was!!
There is a great secret to be found in London, it is hidden deep and has been there since the days of Boadicea, it might provide a way of redressing the balance between humans and the vampiric race.
We are now more familiar with the characters, and they are gradually changing, becoming more mature and independent of action. This time , Sir Percy is away for most of this book, and Eleanor surprises herself and many others with her growing mage power. She can create light that burns vampires, she can use this positivity for good.
Another exciting tale that is mad, bonkers, but so readable and immensely enjoyable. I honestly can’t Wait for part three, it’s going to be an absolute riot. A deserved five star read.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers Pan MacMillan, for my advanced copy, freely given in exchange for my honest review. I will leave copies to Goodreads and Amazon UK upon publication.

Elusive picks up from where Scarlet left off with Eleanor now being a member of the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel. In this book, Eleanor must head back to France in order to find out what happened to French diplomat, Talleyrand after he goes missing.

I enjoyed Elusive. It is very much in the same vein as Scarlet and has all the hallmarks of what I like in a Genevieve Cogman book. I think Eleanor is a great protagonist in the series. She’s smart and resourceful and has a lucky habit of getting herself out of sticky situations where she is vastly outmatched. This is in part due to Anima, the spirit living inside her and I do enjoy their interactions. The only thing I wanted more out of the characters was to find out more about Anima. I find the whole concept fascinating and I would love to get the full story. Maybe in the next book.

Elusive very much has the same tone of the book from which it was inspired. I love The Scarlet Pimpernel, it’s a fun adventure novel and Elusive honours it with its fast-paced story which doesn’t really stop from beginning to end. It packs a lot into less than 400 pages. I love Cogman’s storytelling and the inclusion of the vampires and mages really makes things more interesting. I’m not always a fan of vampire stories but this is definitely one of the better ones. I am endlessly amused by historical people from French history being vampires.

I had a great time with Elusive. It’s better than the first book and feels a lot more confident. Scarlet was good for setting up the world and the characters but Elusive really furthers the plot and ends on a cliff hanger just to make me excited to read the next book.

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

An absolutely wonderful second book in this trilogy, I loved the development of the themes, the magic, vampires, the scarlet pimpernel, the French Revolution, all of it! The writing felt more mature in this one, and I highly recommend it.

I love how Eleanor has developed her political and social awareness throughout this book as she’s spent more time with the other characters, I will say it starts slightly slower than the last book, and I think I would have liked maybe a touch more humour and feel pretty ambivelant towards the love interest. But all this was put aside once the action started to get going and I thoroughly enjoyed all that went on.

Overall this was a wonderfully fun book to read and I am eagerly anticipating the conclusion!

ELUSIVE returns to a French Revolution with vampires.

There is a different plot to thwart this time, more of a mystery to solve as the chief is off doing something, leaving the others in the lurch. It gave Eleanor a bigger role in the planning and also let old characters come back as antagonists and potential allies all muddled in the big scheme (and its new players).

Eleanor's frustration in this book at being treated differently because she's a woman, because she's not a noble was a really interesting part. Many books focus on the nobles but this series is centred around a maid who is dragged into this group's plans, shows she's as good as the rest of them, and then is continually told to stay back and let others do the work. She even starts to wonder if it's true.

I liked this difference, the way it gave a lens onto the aristocracy. Some might be trying to do the right thing, believing in all their honour, but their inherent privilege leaves massive blind spots. It's a nice way to explore some of the nuances of the revolution, the horror but also what led to it, while not having that be the focus (vampires and escapes are!)

There is one more book to come, which sees the crew focus on England and the plots they've found reaching back home...

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.

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.

A brilliant follow up to Scarlet. We return to the adventures of the Scarlet Pimpernel, set in an alternate world where vampires live amongst the nobility. It was refreshing to see this world from Eleanor's viewpoint, a maid servant in the household of Sir Percy Blakeney, and secret member of the League, and her slow disenchantment with her status in society. The adventure itself was alot of fun in the spirit of Sir Percy although I think it would have always been better with more of him in it! Some great twists and turns and I can't wait for the next one!

Thank you Tor, Pan MacMillan and NetGalley for the arc of Elusive by Genevieve Colman in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Elusive follows on very soon after the events of Scarlet, the first book in the series and continues to be told from the perspective of Eleanor, housemaid to Sir Percy Blakeney, who also just happens to be the Scarlet Pimpernel. Eleanor is of course now a fully fledged member of his league of secret agents who continue to do their bit amidst the French Revolution, and unknowingly to her confederates, Eleanor is now semi- possessed by the spirit of an ancient mage - Anima, who aided her with magic at the end of Scarlet.

The second book focuses on Eleanor, who has most definitely changed and continues to develop, mature and expand her political and societal awareness, and of course knowledge and experience after all she has been through already. Alongside this, Eleanor is once again plunged into a world of plots, politics and power, as the unknown and mysterious Prince of Paris emerges and the adventures recommence.

Book two does initially start with a slower more reflective pace but, this soon ratchets up amidst prison breaks, vampire parties and heinous plots. And then there is the mystery of Eleanor’s ancient mage, Amina and of course the magic she introduces Eleanor to. I’m sorry, I’d love to talk you more but, spoilers…you’ll just have to pick the series up, and yes you need to read Scarlet first!

All in all Elusive is a well paced and plotted second book that builds upon the foundations of Scarlet. If you love historical set fantasy, the French Revolution and vampires, you’ll live Elusive!

An excellent continuation in the Scarlet Revolution trilogy as Eleanor’s assistance and ingenuity is once again required in the service of The Scarlet Pimpernel. In true Cogman-style, Elusive is jam-packed with action, plotting, escapades, vampires, magic and secret side-plots and all with a strong female lead. It also comes with a very handy cast list.
I cannot wait for the final part.

I didn't like the second book in the Scarlet Revolution series. The book suffers from Middle Book Syndrome, in my opinion. The plot dragged on because it was too much about Eleanor being in her own head and asking the same questions over and over. The second half of the novel picks up the pace a bit, but by that point I was tired of reading "What would Sir Percy do?" or "If only Sir Percy was here," as well as reading about Eleanor getting into trouble just to prove her point.

I hope the final novel in the trilogy shows us a strong Eleanor who knows who she is and what she is worth and who doesn't need to prove herself over and over.

2.5 stars rounded up to 3

I read an eARC of this book so thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley.

A fantastic second book in this series. We really see Eleanor start to come into her own and mature. She starts to build confidence, to challenge what’s told to her and take more authority over her own future. It was a really strong character development from the first book.

This series mixes The French Revolution with Vampires and it works so well! There are interesting comparisons drawn between the nobility and vampires and they slot so well into the time period and society.

This is a fascinating blend of historical fiction and fantasy and it’s quite riveting! The second book was just as good as the first. We see the return of characters from the first book along with new challenges. Eleanor has greater autonomy in this book and often is leading the investigation on her own initiative.

This is definitely a series I will continue.

Loved this clever follow up to Scarlett. The revolutionary world has been fleshed out and the character development has been broardened. We just need more books now, a super series.

Decent book, pace and style similar as the last one. I didn't care too much about the plot, I didn't see why would they care to do what they did, but the mage plot line is very interesting. I am very curious to read about that and I hope next book will be focused on it.

Vampires were again very background characters. I hoped they would be more involved in this book. They are a little bit more involved, but not much.

Characters are the same as in previous book and they stay pretty much the same development wise. Eleanor develops a bit, but she gets annoying at times with frequency of pointing out how she is just a maid.

All in all, if you liked the first book, you will likely enjoy this one too.

Half way through Elusive I remembered that it was written by the author of the (much-missed) Invisible Library series and it's a hallmark to Cogman's plotting, writing and characterisation that up to now I hadn't remembered, because beyond being fiendishly clever and totally unputdownable the two series are completely different with Eleanor very much her own person and not an Irene part 2.
As an overly romantic child bookworm I adored The Scarlet Pimpernel, the romantic estrangement between him and his beautiful wife, the relentlessness of their enemies, the way Lord Percy switched from fop to genius in a second. I love Cogman's take even more, Eleanor's continuing independence and awareness that for working people things in England aren't exactly utopian, her growing resentment that her status as both female and maid mean she is always an outsider, the element of magic, of age old forces manipiulating circumstances, all enrich and enhance the original seamlessly.
Elusive is as filled with adventure, derring deeds, betrayal, subterfuge and bravery as the first in the series. Highly recommended.

I loved the sequel to Scarlet! This book really focussed on the growth of Eleanor's character and how she began to think of herself differently. It was really subtle and well-done, but at the end of the book, Eleanor was markedly different, and I really enjoyed how she began to think she deserved better than the well-meaning but patronizing treatment she frequently received. I'm really looking forward to seeing how she comes into her own power in the third book.
It's uncommon to read a book about the nobility from the perspective of a maid who, at the start of the series, truly doesn't see herself as deserving of anything else in life. This is possibly the more realistic kind of historical fantasy, and really considers the inherent inequality between Eleanor and her friends. I loved this book!

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.

Whilst I'm still not a fan of the 'French revolution with vampires' concept underlying the 'Scarlet' trilogy, there's no doubt Genevieve Cogman writes a very compelling adventure story. 'Elusive' is the second novel of the set, and they should be read in order. The point of view character is Eleanor, a housemaid in the home of Percy Blakeney - the Scarlet Pimpernel - and a member of his league of secret agents. She also happens to be partially possessed by the spirit of an ancient mage, who shares some of her magical powers with Eleanor. The storyline centres on a conspiracy surrounding a mysterious character known as the Prince of Paris, and sees Eleanor once again in France getting into and out of all sorts of dramatic situations.

After a slowish beginning, the second half is a non-stop rollercoaster of eventfulness, and is hard to put down. I think I preferred this novel to 'Scarlet' - there was less time setting up and establishing concepts, and more time for the story itself. The vampire element, which seemed really pointless in the first novel, was better integrated in this one and I felt it did add something different to the story. It will be interesting to see how the concept is finally dealt with in the conclusion.

Eleanor is a sympathetic enough character but I never felt any strong liking for her, or indeed for any of the characters. They all feel a bit flat to me - perhaps because Cogman is limited by working within the confines of both history and the original 'Scarlet Pimpernel' concept. Certainly Cogman is very capable of creating really interesting and loveable characters. Despite being the heroine of two novels now, and despite all the times Eleanor privately resents people not being interested in the 'real her', I don't feel she is a fleshed out character and she has few defining characteristics apart from liking sewing. It's a shame. I find many of the other characters annoying or dull - Anima the spirit-magician and the vampiric Marie Antoinette are probably the most interesting.

The writing is easy to read as always and the pacing is good. But it lacks the humour that makes Cogman's 'Invisible Library' series such a joy to read. The constraints of the concept would always make it harder for this trilogy to succeed in the same way as that series (which is excellent and highly recommended, and should not be judged based on 'Scarlet' or 'Elusive'), but there could definitely be more of a sense of fun and the sort of humorous touches Cogman added so expertly to the 'Library' books.

I would recommend 'Elusive' to fans of fantasy adventure who read only or mainly that genre. Readers who prefer to cover a wider range of genres and therefore need to restrict themselves to only the best of each should give it a miss. There are just too many better books in this category to take reading time for this one. For any readers who like fantasy and haven't read the 'Invisible Library' series I would highly recommend that, over this trilogy.

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,