Not interested in watching my video review of Scarlet? Then look below for the major bullet points.
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Rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Historical Fiction / Fantasy
Hello friends!
In this blog, I’m reviewing Scarlet by Brynne Weaverl. As usual, the first half of the review will be spoiler-free, and more about my overall thoughts, whereas, for the second half, I’ll be doing a technical review. There will be spoilers there to help you strengthen your craft.
I needed to read the synopsis. I was sucked in by the French Revolution and vampires.
Not my style of book.
The magic was weird. About halfway through, there was a new fantastical element added that confused me. I couldn’t see the point. I wasn’t sure where it fit into the story.
Vampires in the French Revolution didn’t work for me. At least in the way, Cogman designed it. I expected more sinister, darker means for them, but they were living as everyone else. They were known in society and because of their lifespans, they amassed large fortunes and titles.
The inclusion of vampires was an afterthought, even though this is the main premise of the book. Most of the story wasn’t about them. They added nothing to the plot. In fact, they seem to water the French Revolution down.
The writing style was enjoyable and a quick read. Cogman’s style reminded me of Diane Wayne Jones.
The protagonist was okay. Somehow she found the courage to go above her station. She was wickedly smart for her background (almost unbelievable). Even with that, she was two-dimensional.
Don’t go in expecting a fantastical, dark book. I would categorize it under speculative fiction steeped in historical fiction.
I’m don’t how this is a series unless she plans for something serial. I won’t be picking up the next book.
Now look away if you don’t want spoilers.
Because here we be entering our spoiler section.
Here we go again with a synopsis lying to us. Scarlet was less of a lie than The Name of the Wind, but still, I was misled. If you’re leading with vampires, they have to play a role in the story. Instead, they were like a horse — spoken about and moved the characters forward, but not a real portion of the story. That is unless you’re reading Schrader’s Chord. You know. You know.
Large swaths of settings were featured in the story. This is something that I’m in awe of. Cogman did a great job of giving enough descriptions without slowing the story down. I was able to see a clear picture of each location.
I appreciate the idea of putting vampires in the story even though they barely played a role. Though Eleanor’s scars could give her away, other details could produced the same effect. Eleanor being attacked by a vampire could have been turned into a horny old man. Even the queen being turned didn’t add a lot to the story. That part could have been converted to other guards chasing them. If you’ve read this book, tell me one thing that needed the vampires. Not even the French Revolution could be blamed on the vampires.
What was with the second fantasy element? Now there are witches and one lives in Eleanor’s mind. How does this fit into the story? And if you removed the vampire element, the witch using her powers to save everyone in the sewers wouldn’t have mattered. I found the witch to be the hardest thing for me to grasp. On top of that, I struggled with this new fantasy element fitting in. My brain broke at the news and I tried to ignore it.
Cogman’s message was overdone. I’m obsessed with the French Revolution for many different reasons. The revolution sparked so much history. Maybe others don’t know the historical significance enough and need the constant reminder.
Except for the narrative mentioned above, I did think Cogman did a good job not picking a side in the revolution. Her writing felt neutral. And I appreciate the nod to history.
Happy Reading!
Love,
Kait