Elusive: An electrifying retelling of the Scarlet Pimpernel packed with magic and vampires BY Genevieve Cogman

In Genevieve Cogman's thrilling sequel, "Elusive," readers are transported back to Revolutionary France, a landscape teeming with both political upheaval and supernatural intrigue. Eleanor, once a humble English maid, now stands as a stalwart member of the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel, renowned for their daring rescues of both aristocrats and vampires from the clutches of the guillotine.

Set in 1793, the story unfolds with the disappearance of the infamous French diplomat, Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand. Eleanor and her compatriots in the League, including the enigmatic Scarlet Pimpernel himself, plunge headlong into a treacherous web of conspiracies. What they uncover is a bitter feud between vampire factions vying for supremacy and control over the fate of humanity. Talleyrand's vanishing act, they soon realize, is a mere piece in a much larger and perilous puzzle—one that threatens to plunge France into even deeper chaos.

As Eleanor navigates through the labyrinthine streets of Paris, she encounters a city rife with mutiny, a resurgent queen presumed dead, and the conspicuous absence of the Scarlet Pimpernel. Faced with these daunting challenges, Eleanor must seize control of her own destiny to avoid becoming a pawn in a game where betrayal and danger lurk at every turn.

Genevieve Cogman's narrative prowess shines in "Elusive," weaving together elements of historical fiction, supernatural suspense, and swashbuckling adventure. With its clever reinterpretation of classic themes and its richly drawn characters, "Elusive" captivates readers with its blend of intrigue, romance, and the eternal struggle for freedom.

For fans of Cogman's "The Invisible Library" series, as well as enthusiasts of Kim Newman and Gail Carriger, "Elusive" promises a gripping and imaginative journey through a tumultuous period in history, where vampires and revolution collide in a battle for the soul of France.