Elusive Pimpernel

Rating:
Summary: Fairly good sequel...
Review: "Elusive" isn't my favorite Pimpernel sequel, but it's not bad at all either.

First, the bad: While I can understand that Marguerite is a woman in love, some of her stupidity at the beginning bordered on unbelievable (I don't mean this as an offense to Margot, who is one of my favorite characters, but if you read this book, you'll understand what I mean when I say she makes a bad decision). As usual, Percy becomes a secondary character in his own books, and that bothers me. Lastly, the choice Chauvelin gives Marguerite and Percy gets to be a little too much.

The good:
When Percy is around, he really shines. He has some really great moments in this book (which I won't spoil). The reader gets an idea of some of the emotions that are going on behind the facade. Also, "Elusive" has much more of a climax than some of the other Pimpernel books, which is a nice relief. Lastly, Desiree Candeille is an interesting character.

In all, I would recommend Eldorado between Elusive Pimpernel, but it's still a good read anyway.

Rating:
Summary: Fairly good sequel...
Review: "Elusive" isn't my favorite Pimpernel sequel, but it's not bad at all either.

First, the bad: While I can understand that Marguerite is a woman in love, some of her stupidity at the beginning bordered on unbelievable (I don't mean this as an offense to Margot, who is one of my favorite characters, but if you read this book, you'll understand what I mean when I say she makes a bad decision). As usual, Percy becomes a secondary character in his own books, and that bothers me. Lastly, the choice Chauvelin gives Marguerite and Percy gets to be a little too much.

The good:
When Percy is around, he really shines. He has some really great moments in this book (which I won't spoil). The reader gets an idea of some of the emotions that are going on behind the facade. Also, "Elusive" has much more of a climax than some of the other Pimpernel books, which is a nice relief. Lastly, Desiree Candeille is an interesting character.

In all, I would recommend Eldorado between Elusive Pimpernel, but it's still a good read anyway.

Rating:
Summary: can't catch me, I'm the Scarlet Pimpernel
Review: I had almost forgotten what my language could do - there are exquisite English words on each and every page (sometimes 2 or 3 on the same page!). Of course, it's that kind of romantic Sherlock Holmes kind of novel that modern people don't like to read, because they've forgotten the French Revolution; but, if you're not too proud to read Daphne DuMaurier, jump into this one. I must also add that I like the Microsoft reader - really has a rich, book-reminiscient look-and-feel.

Rating:
Summary: can't catch me, I'm the Scarlet Pimpernel
Review: I had almost forgotten what my language could do - there are exquisite English words on each and every page (sometimes 2 or 3 on the same page!). Of course, it's that kind of romantic Sherlock Holmes kind of novel that modern people don't like to read, because they've forgotten the French Revolution; but, if you're not too proud to read Daphne DuMaurier, jump into this one. I must also add that I like the Microsoft reader - really has a rich, book-reminiscient look-and-feel.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Pimpernel Sequel by Original Author
Review: I'll admit this book contained some entertaining plot twists/intrigue/romance, but the fact that Orczy bases its plot on the incorrect assumption that all those involved with Republic of France in 1793 had the collective logical reasoning skills of a house plant does not add a thing to the book's entertainment quality. Though writing from the popular view that Robespierre and the Committee of Public Safety were directly responsible for all violent, hateful, vengeful, destructive, deceitful, sinful, and corrupt behavior in Revolutionary France makes for an entertaining read, it is absolutely false, and detracts drastically from the book's appeal. "The Elusive Pimpernel," like many other Pimpernel books, has a simple one-dimensional plot with simple one-dimensional characters who are either very very Good or very very Bad all the time. If you want a quick and painless sensation novel in which very little thought is required, I heartily recommend "The Elusive Pimpernel."

Rating:
Summary: A thoroughly good read!
Review: This is another excellent Scarlet Pimpernel story from the pen of Orczy. It has all the usual elements - Chauvelin, Marguerite and of course the foppish Sir Percy.

In this tale Chauvelin attempts to redeem himself in the eyes of the French Revolutionary Government by weaving yet another dastardly plot to capture the Scarlet Pimpernel; he seeks not only to destroy his arch enemy but also to humiliate Marguerite. As always though Chauvelin underestimates the cunning and brilliance of Sir Percy and the League of the Pimpernel.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book - it was exciting and romantic; although to the veteran Pimpernel reader the ending may seem predictable, Orczy manages to keep you in suspense to the very end. A very lucid book and one which is difficult to put down.

Rating:
Summary: The Scarlet Pimpernel does it again!
Review: What a great book! It's a worthy follow-up to the original, with plenty of excitement, loads of humor, world-class table-turning and narrow escapes.

Rating:
Summary: The Scarlet Pimpernel does it again!
Review: What a great book! It's a worthy follow-up to the original, with plenty of excitement, loads of humor, world-class table-turning and narrow escapes.