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The Scarlet Pimpernel (chronological order) #7
El Dorado: Further Adventures of the Scarlet Pimpernel
The elusive Pimpernel returns for another swashbuckling adventure in El Dorado. The still-raging French Revolution continues to claim lives, and the shadow of the guillotine draws ever nearer to theyoung Dauphin, son of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. No one dares to attempt to liberate the little prince � no one, that is, but the mysterious Sir Percy Blakeney, also known as the Scarlet Pimpernel. Sir Percy takes on one of Robespierre's agents, the scheming Citizen Chauvelin, in a suspenseful blend of action and political intrigue, recounted with captivating period detail. Unabridged republication of the classic 1913 edition.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1913
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1,847 people want to read
About the author
Emmuska Orczy
642books1,023followersFull name: Emma ("Emmuska") Magdolna Rozália Mária Jozefa Borbála Orczy de Orczi was a Hungarian-British novelist, best remembered as the author of THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL (1905). Baroness Orczy's sequels to the novel were less successful. She was also an artist, and her works were exhibited at the Royal Academy, London. Her first venture into fiction was with crime stories. Among her most popular characters was The Old Man in the Corner, who was featured in a series of twelve British movies from 1924, starring Rolf Leslie.
Baroness Emmuska Orczy was born in Tarnaörs, Hungary, as the only daughter of Baron Felix Orczy, a noted composer and conductor, and his wife Emma. Her father was a friend of such composers as Wagner, Liszt, and Gounod. Orczy moved with her parents from Budapest to Brussels and then to London, learning to speak English at the age of fifteen. She was educated in convent schools in Brussels and Paris. In London she studied at the West London School of Art. Orczy married in 1894 Montague Barstow, whom she had met while studying at the Heatherby School of Art. Together they started to produce book and magazine illustrations and published an edition of Hungarian folktales.
Orczy's first detective stories appeared in magazines. As a writer she became famous in 1903 with the stage version of the Scarlet Pimpernel.
Baroness Emmuska Orczy was born in Tarnaörs, Hungary, as the only daughter of Baron Felix Orczy, a noted composer and conductor, and his wife Emma. Her father was a friend of such composers as Wagner, Liszt, and Gounod. Orczy moved with her parents from Budapest to Brussels and then to London, learning to speak English at the age of fifteen. She was educated in convent schools in Brussels and Paris. In London she studied at the West London School of Art. Orczy married in 1894 Montague Barstow, whom she had met while studying at the Heatherby School of Art. Together they started to produce book and magazine illustrations and published an edition of Hungarian folktales.
Orczy's first detective stories appeared in magazines. As a writer she became famous in 1903 with the stage version of the Scarlet Pimpernel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
January 4, 2024
5 stars. Okay, this was EPIC.
To start off, I admit I had issues. I was SO MAD with Armand. Look, I’m also of Latin race and I FELT him. Like, I really got him and his thinking and feelings. But bruhhhhhh. Where’s your sense of responsibility and obedience??!!
However, the story quickly redeemed itself because it got so awesome. Percy was SO PERCY and Chauvelin was so Chauvelin, and Marguerite was amazing and not running into trouble AT ALL, and Andrew was amazinggg! And the plot was SO COOL and so gripping, and the adventure! and excitement!! and anxiety!!! And the writing style!!
Yeah, I loved this. :D And better review to come upon reread!
Content: language.
A Favourite Quote: Enough harm � had been done by tempestuous passion already.
A Favourite Humorous Quote: And he began to dictate slowly, watching every word as it left Blakeney’s pen.
“‘I cannot stand my present position any longer. Citizen Heron, and also M. Chauvelin—� Yes, Sir Percy, Chauvelin, not Chambertin ... C, H, A, U, V, E, L, I, N.... That is quite right—‘have made this prison a perfect hell for me.’�
Sir Percy looked up from his writing, smiling. “You wrong yourself, my dear M. Chambertin!� he said; “I have really been most comfortable.�
“I wish to place the matter before your friends in as indulgent a manner as I can,� retorted Chauvelin dryly.
“I thank you, sir. Pray proceed.�
�...‘a perfect hell for me,’� resumed the other. “Have you that? ... ‘and I have been forced to give way. To-morrow we start from here at dawn; and I will guide citizen Heron to the place where he can find the Dauphin. But the authorities demand that one of my followers, one who has once been a member of the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel, shall accompany me on this expedition. I therefore ask you’—or ‘desire you� or ‘beg you’—whichever you prefer, Sir Percy...�
“‘Ask you� will do quite nicely. This is really very interesting, you know.�
To start off, I admit I had issues. I was SO MAD with Armand. Look, I’m also of Latin race and I FELT him. Like, I really got him and his thinking and feelings. But bruhhhhhh. Where’s your sense of responsibility and obedience??!!
However, the story quickly redeemed itself because it got so awesome. Percy was SO PERCY and Chauvelin was so Chauvelin, and Marguerite was amazing and not running into trouble AT ALL, and Andrew was amazinggg! And the plot was SO COOL and so gripping, and the adventure! and excitement!! and anxiety!!! And the writing style!!
Yeah, I loved this. :D And better review to come upon reread!
Content: language.
A Favourite Quote: Enough harm � had been done by tempestuous passion already.
A Favourite Humorous Quote: And he began to dictate slowly, watching every word as it left Blakeney’s pen.
“‘I cannot stand my present position any longer. Citizen Heron, and also M. Chauvelin—� Yes, Sir Percy, Chauvelin, not Chambertin ... C, H, A, U, V, E, L, I, N.... That is quite right—‘have made this prison a perfect hell for me.’�
Sir Percy looked up from his writing, smiling. “You wrong yourself, my dear M. Chambertin!� he said; “I have really been most comfortable.�
“I wish to place the matter before your friends in as indulgent a manner as I can,� retorted Chauvelin dryly.
“I thank you, sir. Pray proceed.�
�...‘a perfect hell for me,’� resumed the other. “Have you that? ... ‘and I have been forced to give way. To-morrow we start from here at dawn; and I will guide citizen Heron to the place where he can find the Dauphin. But the authorities demand that one of my followers, one who has once been a member of the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel, shall accompany me on this expedition. I therefore ask you’—or ‘desire you� or ‘beg you’—whichever you prefer, Sir Percy...�
“‘Ask you� will do quite nicely. This is really very interesting, you know.�
March 6, 2020
Hey! I’ve read the #1 oldest book on my tbr!! I got a copy a couple years ago but have just now picked it up.
It’s probably more of a four-star read, but I’m tagging on an extra star for being completely unable to put it down and skipping sleep last night to read most of it. The first few chapters are a bit slow, but after that...wow. Loved it. The Scarlet Pimpernel is as crafty as ever and Chavelin is still trying to catch him.
Armand plays a large role in this book, which wasn’t my favorite, but then the way SP treats him is just that much more a reflection of SP’s honorable and forgiving character. And of course Marguerite is there showing her pluck as much as she can and Ffoulkes and Tony and others of the band.
It’s probably more of a four-star read, but I’m tagging on an extra star for being completely unable to put it down and skipping sleep last night to read most of it. The first few chapters are a bit slow, but after that...wow. Loved it. The Scarlet Pimpernel is as crafty as ever and Chavelin is still trying to catch him.
Armand plays a large role in this book, which wasn’t my favorite, but then the way SP treats him is just that much more a reflection of SP’s honorable and forgiving character. And of course Marguerite is there showing her pluck as much as she can and Ffoulkes and Tony and others of the band.
August 9, 2017
That was a nail biting and engaging read!
There’s still a lot of hooey about true love be defined as worshiping someone in a weird and unbelievable way � passing off ordinary humans and finite human love into something as divine as God himself. Armand’s relationship is particularly excruciating and certainly doesn’t do his already thick and unlikable character any favors. (while I thought that the idea for Armand's character was good and believable, the over the top execution rather killed it for me)
On the flipside � Marguerite’s and Percy’s relationship finally seemed much more genuine and real � putting Percy in such extreme peril and on a more human footing really increased the believability and I actually really felt for their sorrow and struggle and was engaged in their relationship.
Though it was definitely longer than the other books � or at least seemed it � it was one of the most engaging Pimpernel books I have read and had me biting my nails to the very end and really emotionally involved. I was a little disappointed that we didn’t get to actually see a lot of the end finale � most of the action taking place off screen. However, it was fill of delightful plot twists and the tension kept piling up into a thrilling climax that makes a fun and exciting read.
3.5 stars
There’s still a lot of hooey about true love be defined as worshiping someone in a weird and unbelievable way � passing off ordinary humans and finite human love into something as divine as God himself. Armand’s relationship is particularly excruciating and certainly doesn’t do his already thick and unlikable character any favors. (while I thought that the idea for Armand's character was good and believable, the over the top execution rather killed it for me)
On the flipside � Marguerite’s and Percy’s relationship finally seemed much more genuine and real � putting Percy in such extreme peril and on a more human footing really increased the believability and I actually really felt for their sorrow and struggle and was engaged in their relationship.
Though it was definitely longer than the other books � or at least seemed it � it was one of the most engaging Pimpernel books I have read and had me biting my nails to the very end and really emotionally involved. I was a little disappointed that we didn’t get to actually see a lot of the end finale � most of the action taking place off screen. However, it was fill of delightful plot twists and the tension kept piling up into a thrilling climax that makes a fun and exciting read.
3.5 stars
November 24, 2012
Roll up your sleeves and get ready to dive into another adventure with Sir and Lady Blakeney! Don’t ask me what a Spanish sounding title has to do with a story of the French Revolution. I haven’t figured it out yet. Anyway, here is the review.
Only one thing matters more to Sir Percy Blakeney than his wife, Marguerite. His honor. And his honor is bound to his newest mission. The French revolutionaries hold their young prince captive. The young Dauphin’s life is in danger, and Sir Percy (also known as the Scarlet Pimpernel) determines to rescue the lad. The mission is fraught with danger, especially now that Citizen Chauvelin knows the identity of the Scarlet Pimpernel. Marguerite’s love struck brother, Armand, isn’t helping matters either. Are the reckless adventures of the Scarlet Pimpernel about come to end?
I haven’t read all of the sequels to The Scarlet Pimpernel, but this is one of my favorites out of the ones I have read. (I think I might say that about all of them, though.) Sir Percy Blakeney is doing crazy things to rescue people. What’s not to like? For anyone who hasn’t read The Scarlet Pimpernel, these books can be pretty heavy on the romance, but there’s nothing explicit, and Percy and Marguerite are married, so it’s not inappropriate either. If you’re not big on this period of history, don’t let that stop you from reading these books. I had the same reservations and The Scarlet Pimpernel won me over. Enjoy your reading!
Only one thing matters more to Sir Percy Blakeney than his wife, Marguerite. His honor. And his honor is bound to his newest mission. The French revolutionaries hold their young prince captive. The young Dauphin’s life is in danger, and Sir Percy (also known as the Scarlet Pimpernel) determines to rescue the lad. The mission is fraught with danger, especially now that Citizen Chauvelin knows the identity of the Scarlet Pimpernel. Marguerite’s love struck brother, Armand, isn’t helping matters either. Are the reckless adventures of the Scarlet Pimpernel about come to end?
I haven’t read all of the sequels to The Scarlet Pimpernel, but this is one of my favorites out of the ones I have read. (I think I might say that about all of them, though.) Sir Percy Blakeney is doing crazy things to rescue people. What’s not to like? For anyone who hasn’t read The Scarlet Pimpernel, these books can be pretty heavy on the romance, but there’s nothing explicit, and Percy and Marguerite are married, so it’s not inappropriate either. If you’re not big on this period of history, don’t let that stop you from reading these books. I had the same reservations and The Scarlet Pimpernel won me over. Enjoy your reading!
November 29, 2022
Another Scarlet Pimpernel classic! It was a fun read, but I didn’t expect how hard it would be to see Sir Percy at Chauvelin’s mercy for such an extended section of the book. That also meant that there was less adventurous derring-do throughout that section—more a battle of the wills and wits. Armand’s instalove (“loveatfirstsitis,� as one friend of mine puts it) made me shake my head, but every now and then I could sympathize…just a little. But only because Sir Percy did…just a little. It did prove that Armand’s love story could have been carried off very well with less explicit detail than the 1982 movie introduced. As always, I really enjoyed the scenes with Sir Percy in conference with the League. I liked seeing more of Sir Andrew and Lord Tony. And the ending—in some books, it really annoys me when I start to suspect the final move. In other books, I’m thrilled to get a hunch and have it proven right. This book was one of the latter type. Partway through the climax, I started to get the feeling of “Oh, oh, oh, I think I know what’s going on…� and it was delicious to discover I was right. Score another one for Sir Percy.
Lots of flowery melodrama and some cussing, as usual, but a good read—my third favorite after the original book and The Elusive Pimpernel. I just always want more of Sir Percy than Baroness Orczy wants to give. But could someone please explain to me what the title has to do with the story?
Lots of flowery melodrama and some cussing, as usual, but a good read—my third favorite after the original book and The Elusive Pimpernel. I just always want more of Sir Percy than Baroness Orczy wants to give. But could someone please explain to me what the title has to do with the story?
June 27, 2020
Every so often, I feel the urge to venture forth and either return to something I once enjoyed in my youth, or indulge in an area that, for whatever reason, has never greatly appealed to me. A reading challenge required a classic adventure work, and that is a genre that combines aspects of both situations: while I've read some of the big classic examples and liked them well enough, this happened so long ago that the only reason I remember bits of pieces of any of them is through the power of various, not entirely accurate adaptations. Under optimal circumstances, a reread of would have been first in my sights, largely due to phenomenal , the fact that I've seen fit to read other Dumas works in the intervening years, and the general delight I feel in telling people, yes, the author is black. However, looking back, my average page count per challenge read for this year is already much higher than I'm personally a fan of, so when this particular, relatively shorter, work crossed my path, fond memories of , plus the usual practicalities of older woman authored work, led me to consider this a rather good score. Now, this work did not go so well in my estimation, and I'm self aware enough to recognize the incompatibility between the genre's typical targets and my own desired indulgences. Still, the fact that it wasn't either of those two far more famous aforementioned works means I still have a couple of rereads in my future, and I'd like to to think, in the case of the Orczy, that the old adage of the first work customarily doing far better than its successors will weigh in my favor.
If one pampered rich boy hadn't willfully succumbed to the most nonsensical of heterosexual nonsense I've seen in literature in a long time, the book could have been wrapped up in a hundred pages or so, easy. As it stands, that was not the case, so it was a matter of twists and turns and the diabolical evils of people who aren't rich trying to govern themselves and the ineffable beauty of the people who are rich trying to rescue their beleaguered comrades in wealthy bloodlines. Why all this good will showed up after the French Revolution outlawed slavery, I'll never know, but in any case, it was off to the races with beauteous damsels, secret disguises, dastardly blackmails, and a dude who couldn't go to two steps without having his massive physique, stoic integrity, sultry eyes, etc, etc, etc complimented by the earnest narrator. Honestly, what engaged me most was not any particular component of the narrative itself, but how easily I managed to catch the two main sleights of hand that figured in the protagonist's clandestinely heroic efforts. I hardly make a habit of reading these sorts of works, but I suppose reading, and every so often trudging through, various types of complicated/experimental/ornately written works at such a pace as I have for the past several years has made it easier for me to take note of narratological linchpins, even when admittedly not putting in close to my average effort. Still, it did deprive the work of some of its thrills and other elements used to generate a feeling of shocked and/or impressed amazement, so when the adventure finally came to a close, it wasn't as exciting as I imagine the author hoped it to be. Ah well. So it goes.
A theory I've mulled over in a largely unspoken manner over the past few years is that women writers are sometimes allowed to exist in the annals of history (in far smaller proportion to their existences in history) if they are especially useful to various components of the social status quo. Children's (training manual) literature, marriage plots, a nationalist consciousness expressed with various degrees of directness: many works rise above such simplifying labels, but that doesn't nullify how awfully useful they are for less than transcendent motivations. Orczy was a hardcore imperialist, militarist, and fan of the aristocracy (whatever the ideological jargon for that particular belief system is), so it was perfectly fine that she is credited with "introducing the concept of the hero with a secret identity into pop culture," as there is little worry that she is going to misbehave. That doesn't prevent the Scarlet Pimpernel's series of works, if my extrapolations from this work are correct, from being rich in queer possibilities, as well as less lovely considerations involving the comparison of anti-French Revolution propaganda to anti-Soviet propaganda (a transition Orczy made with ease) and the like. Still, a film adaptation of TSP put out today? I wouldn't mind that at all.
If one pampered rich boy hadn't willfully succumbed to the most nonsensical of heterosexual nonsense I've seen in literature in a long time, the book could have been wrapped up in a hundred pages or so, easy. As it stands, that was not the case, so it was a matter of twists and turns and the diabolical evils of people who aren't rich trying to govern themselves and the ineffable beauty of the people who are rich trying to rescue their beleaguered comrades in wealthy bloodlines. Why all this good will showed up after the French Revolution outlawed slavery, I'll never know, but in any case, it was off to the races with beauteous damsels, secret disguises, dastardly blackmails, and a dude who couldn't go to two steps without having his massive physique, stoic integrity, sultry eyes, etc, etc, etc complimented by the earnest narrator. Honestly, what engaged me most was not any particular component of the narrative itself, but how easily I managed to catch the two main sleights of hand that figured in the protagonist's clandestinely heroic efforts. I hardly make a habit of reading these sorts of works, but I suppose reading, and every so often trudging through, various types of complicated/experimental/ornately written works at such a pace as I have for the past several years has made it easier for me to take note of narratological linchpins, even when admittedly not putting in close to my average effort. Still, it did deprive the work of some of its thrills and other elements used to generate a feeling of shocked and/or impressed amazement, so when the adventure finally came to a close, it wasn't as exciting as I imagine the author hoped it to be. Ah well. So it goes.
A theory I've mulled over in a largely unspoken manner over the past few years is that women writers are sometimes allowed to exist in the annals of history (in far smaller proportion to their existences in history) if they are especially useful to various components of the social status quo. Children's (training manual) literature, marriage plots, a nationalist consciousness expressed with various degrees of directness: many works rise above such simplifying labels, but that doesn't nullify how awfully useful they are for less than transcendent motivations. Orczy was a hardcore imperialist, militarist, and fan of the aristocracy (whatever the ideological jargon for that particular belief system is), so it was perfectly fine that she is credited with "introducing the concept of the hero with a secret identity into pop culture," as there is little worry that she is going to misbehave. That doesn't prevent the Scarlet Pimpernel's series of works, if my extrapolations from this work are correct, from being rich in queer possibilities, as well as less lovely considerations involving the comparison of anti-French Revolution propaganda to anti-Soviet propaganda (a transition Orczy made with ease) and the like. Still, a film adaptation of TSP put out today? I wouldn't mind that at all.
July 12, 2021
Romantic, suspenseful, and detailed. I read this out loud to my husband. We did not love Armand's instalove that made him make such ridiculous choices. I've never seen this kind of behavior from grown people in real life in my entire life, so it was not believable for us. We just went, "well, this is the dark side of the romanticism the French are famous for!"
Each chapter had us holding our breath as chapter after chapter advanced the story very little. We always joked, "are we going to get down the hall in this chapter? Will the next chapter get us out into the porch?" That's how slowly it progressed, with all the detail and feelings Orczy wanted us to experience in each scene. So the suspense was spot on.
The end wrapped up quickly. Glad to see Percy and Marguerite still alive and going strong, and his treatment of Armand's betrayal is convicting and inspiring.
Lastly, this book had way too many uses of the word wan. I don't really know how to pronounce wan. I will say that I've never heard it used in every other sentence before now. We also had plenty carryover of "imperturbable," that unpronounceable (to me) darling from The Scarlet Pimpernel, and preemptory. Ah the joys of reading aloud!
Each chapter had us holding our breath as chapter after chapter advanced the story very little. We always joked, "are we going to get down the hall in this chapter? Will the next chapter get us out into the porch?" That's how slowly it progressed, with all the detail and feelings Orczy wanted us to experience in each scene. So the suspense was spot on.
The end wrapped up quickly. Glad to see Percy and Marguerite still alive and going strong, and his treatment of Armand's betrayal is convicting and inspiring.
Lastly, this book had way too many uses of the word wan. I don't really know how to pronounce wan. I will say that I've never heard it used in every other sentence before now. We also had plenty carryover of "imperturbable," that unpronounceable (to me) darling from The Scarlet Pimpernel, and preemptory. Ah the joys of reading aloud!
February 25, 2016
I loved this book just as much as the first one! The beginning is a little slower, and Armond drove me nuts. While I could see why he got everyone into so much trouble, it also earned a lot of forehead slapping because it was so obviously the wrong choice. Once the POV mostly switched over to Marguerite, the pace picked up. Once again, the Scarlet Pimpernel pulls off a daring rescue even while it seems impossible for him to escape. There was a little more language in this book than the first one, mostly the word d***.
November 22, 2022
2022 Review Note: There are still going to be spoilers, so keep reading at your peril.
It seems to be that every time I reread a TSP book, I realize I didn't fully understand something and that I get it much better this second time around. With this reread, I have realized just how hard Percy worked to keep Marguerite in the loop.
After The Elusive Pimpernel, Percy is not about to have Marguerite anywhere near France. She is too easily recognized and captured. She might be a fantastic actress, but she's also a famous actress, and I'm fairly certain Chauvelin is always on the lookout for her. He finds her too quickly. However, this book states that Percy sends her messages twice a week, just so she knows that he's okay. When Armand accuses Percy of not understanding what it is to love, we get this gem of a quote.
When Marguerite comes to him in prison, he is prepared. He knew she would come, and uses to little time they have together to set in motion his plan so that they can continue to live happily ever after. When anyone speaks against Marguerite in any way, his immediate response is violence.
I may not want my actual men violent, but Percy's defense for Marguerite is precious to see. Also, if Marguerite wasn't kept in England all the time, they would be an unstoppable duo!
Note: If you haven't read the first book in the series, don't read this review, or the identity of the Scarlet Pimpernel will be spoiled! You have been warned!
So now I know where the 1980s movie gets its plot!
This was another fabulous adventure in the wild, adventurous life of The Scarlet Pimpernel! There are a few things I don't adore about it, things that are growing worse as the series progresses, but there are still a lot of things I love.
First, the good things!
One, it was nice to finally see Armand again, though we got to see that Marguerite is definitely the one that got all the brains in the family. That boy made me want to commit murder. I realized that we haven't heard or seen Armand since book one. It's been that long! And then he came back and was a little ninny. Which wasn't fantastic, but it made for great drama, and a nail-biter of a storyline.
Two, Marguerite got some screen time! I complain forever that she is not in every book in this series, but she was definitely here! She takes a proactive role (at first), and we get to see her actually doing stuff!
Three, The Scarlet Pimpernel himself! Percy is my dearest love, and even when he is in the worst of situations, he never gives up or forfeits his honor. That is who we should all wish to be!
Now the things I have to question just a little bit.
I really don't understand how people fall in love in this series. It's usually a moment of *gasp* look at that gorgeous person! And then they hang out with the person and before they have been together for an hour, they're madly in love (or on their way there). And the dramatic language Baroness Orczy uses is almost ridiculous at times. She was a woman who had a wild imagination and let it carry her away regularly.
Side note: Can we NEVER have a romantic heroine described as anything childlike again? I don't care if it's talking about her crying easily "like a child." Or saying her personality was "childlike" but in that moment "she was all woman." Those quotes are referencing two different characters, and it's obnoxious. One, that's inaccurate, and two, I don't want to hear that in a scene where a character is being romantic. That is just disturbing.
I also don't love how Percy is so dismissive of Marguerite. He ignores her for months at a time, then returns to her, shows he loves her so much, but then abandons her again, when he KNOWS that she is dying by inches every time he leaves. She can't just shoot him a text and ask if he's okay. No, she has to wait about a week before she can get any news! In book one, we see Percy and Marguerite estranged, and as time progresses, they realize that they misunderstood the other and are reunited. But as the series progresses, we go from Percy being the "love sick supplicant" who Marguerite has had the "pleasure of kicking [him] aside like a troublesome lap dog" (yes, that is a direct quote from Percy in the first book), to Marguerite being the poor puppy. Only I feel like it's almost worse because the moments where he is with her are the best moments of her life.
This might just be me, but I almost feel like Percy is getting revenge on Marguerite for their first miserable year of marriage. I know that's wrong, but that's how he treats her, and it's not okay. If it wasn't for the fact that anytime someone speaks poorly of her, he turns into a berserker, I would question his love.
Yes, I'm still giving this book four stars. The plot was fantastic, the characters (besides Marguerite) very much themselves and wildly fun, and Percy's ideas were brilliant, as always.
It seems to be that every time I reread a TSP book, I realize I didn't fully understand something and that I get it much better this second time around. With this reread, I have realized just how hard Percy worked to keep Marguerite in the loop.
After The Elusive Pimpernel, Percy is not about to have Marguerite anywhere near France. She is too easily recognized and captured. She might be a fantastic actress, but she's also a famous actress, and I'm fairly certain Chauvelin is always on the lookout for her. He finds her too quickly. However, this book states that Percy sends her messages twice a week, just so she knows that he's okay. When Armand accuses Percy of not understanding what it is to love, we get this gem of a quote.
He was in the garden at Richmond, and Marguerite was sitting on the stone seat, with branches of the rambler roses twining themselves in her hair.
He was sitting on the ground at her feet, his head pillowed in her lap, lazily dreaming whilst at his feet the river wound its graceful curves beneath overhanging willows and tall stately elms.
A swan came sailing majestically down the stream, and Marguerite, with idle, delicate hands, threw some crumbs of bread into the water. Then she laughed, for she was quite happy, and anon she stooped, and he felt the fragrance of her lips as she bent over him and savoured the perfect sweetness of her caress. She was happy because her husband was by her side. He had done with adventures, with risking his life for others� sake. He was living only for her.
When Marguerite comes to him in prison, he is prepared. He knew she would come, and uses to little time they have together to set in motion his plan so that they can continue to live happily ever after. When anyone speaks against Marguerite in any way, his immediate response is violence.
“Then in the name of the wife whom you love—�
But even before the words had died upon his lips, Sir Percy, too, had risen to his feet.
“Have done, man—have done,� he broke in hoarsely, and despite weakness, despite exhaustion and weariness, there was such a dangerous look in his hollow eyes as he leaned across the table that Chauvelin drew back a step or two, and—vaguely fearful—looked furtively towards the opening into the guard-room. “Have done,� he reiterated for the third time; “do not name her, or by the living God whom you dared to invoke I’ll find strength yet to smite you in the face.”But Chauvelin, after that first moment of almost superstitious fear, had quickly recovered his sang-froid.
“Little Capet, Sir Percy,� he said, meeting the other’s threatening glance with an imperturbable smile, “tell me where to find him, and you may yet live to savour the caresses of the most beautiful woman in England.�
He had meant it as a taunt, the final turn of the thumb-screw applied to a dying man, and he had in that watchful, keen mind of his well weighed the full consequences of the taunt.
The next moment he had paid to the full the anticipated price. Sir Percy had picked up the pewter mug from the table—it was half-filled with brackish water—and with a hand that trembled but slightly he hurled it straight at his opponent’s face."
I may not want my actual men violent, but Percy's defense for Marguerite is precious to see. Also, if Marguerite wasn't kept in England all the time, they would be an unstoppable duo!
"But what even the most astute, most deadly enemy could not see was that subtle message of understanding that passed at once between Marguerite and the man she loved; it was a magnetic current, intangible, invisible to all save to her and to him. She was prepared to see him, prepared to see in him all that she had feared; the weakness, the mental exhaustion, the submission to the inevitable. Therefore she had also schooled her glance to express to him all that she knew she would not be allowed to say—the reassurance that she had read his last letter, that she had obeyed it to the last word, save where Fate and her enemy had interfered with regard to herself.
With a slight, imperceptible movement—imperceptible to every one save to him, she had seemed to handle a piece of paper in her kerchief, then she had nodded slowly, with her eyes—steadfast, reassuring—fixed upon him, and his glance gave answer that he had understood."
Note: If you haven't read the first book in the series, don't read this review, or the identity of the Scarlet Pimpernel will be spoiled! You have been warned!
So now I know where the 1980s movie gets its plot!
This was another fabulous adventure in the wild, adventurous life of The Scarlet Pimpernel! There are a few things I don't adore about it, things that are growing worse as the series progresses, but there are still a lot of things I love.
First, the good things!
One, it was nice to finally see Armand again, though we got to see that Marguerite is definitely the one that got all the brains in the family. That boy made me want to commit murder. I realized that we haven't heard or seen Armand since book one. It's been that long! And then he came back and was a little ninny. Which wasn't fantastic, but it made for great drama, and a nail-biter of a storyline.
Two, Marguerite got some screen time! I complain forever that she is not in every book in this series, but she was definitely here! She takes a proactive role (at first), and we get to see her actually doing stuff!
Three, The Scarlet Pimpernel himself! Percy is my dearest love, and even when he is in the worst of situations, he never gives up or forfeits his honor. That is who we should all wish to be!
Now the things I have to question just a little bit.
I really don't understand how people fall in love in this series. It's usually a moment of *gasp* look at that gorgeous person! And then they hang out with the person and before they have been together for an hour, they're madly in love (or on their way there). And the dramatic language Baroness Orczy uses is almost ridiculous at times. She was a woman who had a wild imagination and let it carry her away regularly.
Side note: Can we NEVER have a romantic heroine described as anything childlike again? I don't care if it's talking about her crying easily "like a child." Or saying her personality was "childlike" but in that moment "she was all woman." Those quotes are referencing two different characters, and it's obnoxious. One, that's inaccurate, and two, I don't want to hear that in a scene where a character is being romantic. That is just disturbing.
I also don't love how Percy is so dismissive of Marguerite. He ignores her for months at a time, then returns to her, shows he loves her so much, but then abandons her again, when he KNOWS that she is dying by inches every time he leaves. She can't just shoot him a text and ask if he's okay. No, she has to wait about a week before she can get any news! In book one, we see Percy and Marguerite estranged, and as time progresses, they realize that they misunderstood the other and are reunited. But as the series progresses, we go from Percy being the "love sick supplicant" who Marguerite has had the "pleasure of kicking [him] aside like a troublesome lap dog" (yes, that is a direct quote from Percy in the first book), to Marguerite being the poor puppy. Only I feel like it's almost worse because the moments where he is with her are the best moments of her life.
This might just be me, but I almost feel like Percy is getting revenge on Marguerite for their first miserable year of marriage. I know that's wrong, but that's how he treats her, and it's not okay. If it wasn't for the fact that anytime someone speaks poorly of her, he turns into a berserker, I would question his love.
Yes, I'm still giving this book four stars. The plot was fantastic, the characters (besides Marguerite) very much themselves and wildly fun, and Percy's ideas were brilliant, as always.
October 3, 2007
Probably my favorite of the three Scarlet Pimpernel books I've read, simply because we get to see more of the inner workings of the Scarlet Pimpernel, and also several chapters center around a young, kind (but too impulsive) member of the league.
Set during the French Revolution, the Scarlet Pimpernel and his league make it their priority to help innocent people escape from France. I can’t say how historically accurate the books are, but they are an interesting, mystery-like read. And though I find the writing sometimes melodramatic, I’m always curious to find out how things will be resolved.
Set during the French Revolution, the Scarlet Pimpernel and his league make it their priority to help innocent people escape from France. I can’t say how historically accurate the books are, but they are an interesting, mystery-like read. And though I find the writing sometimes melodramatic, I’m always curious to find out how things will be resolved.
July 19, 2019
I LOVED THIS BOOK. Seriously, the Scarlet Pimpernel is the best. I like his humor and the dashing ways he saves people, even when it looks like all hope's lost, but in this book, he was different. A little more human and less superhero at times, and that gave him even more of an edge. There was more chance of failure, and that raised the stakes.
If you love classic adventure, read this series! (But it might be helpful to start with the first book).
If you love classic adventure, read this series! (But it might be helpful to start with the first book).
December 16, 2023
I finished this at 11 pm last night! Baroness Orczy has a wonderful way of writing that you can get lost in even the most dull parts of the story. It is rather long but it is certainly worth it, I do not know how she keeps making up such great disguises for the Scarlet Pimpernel and his band but each one amazes me and makes perfect sense!
April 14, 2021
Armand St. Just, the brother-in-law of the Scarlet Pimpernel, is even more annoying than his sister was in the original book! Lots of adventure of course but the denouement struck me as very predictable (though of course neither Armand nor Marguerite had the least suspicion!).
June 5, 2020
How to described the Frenchie in the context of this book?
Les Incompetents
Not as good as Scarlet Pimpernel.
Les Incompetents
Not as good as Scarlet Pimpernel.
March 1, 2017
This book could be either one or five stars, but it made me laugh so much that I went for a fiver here.
(Also, no anti-semitism OR racism here! Yay!)
Let's just say, this book is ridiculous. It shouldn't surprise anyone who has read the first book, which I enjoyed so much that a friend of mine gave me a copy of this baby. There's not much thinking involved here; the reader knows who is a villain, because Emmuska Orczy will tell you. And if they're bad, they're all bad, and possibly also have a hideous appearance.
Because that's another thing. She does this whole describing a character's personality through their looks, which was a thing back in the early 20th century for writers of romances and probably is now too, only I've been fortunate enough not to have read those. The women are usually just so silly, and don't worry their pretty heads (an actual quote) about other people's strife. They themselves keep saying that they're just women and what could they do to help (hint: nothing). Marguerite, the main babe, is being referred to as 'little mother' despite not being a mother. She's just so feminine.
All those things that would infuriate most, but luckily in here they can't - because it's all so stupid.
And the most wonderful thing: Scarlet Pimpernel himself, who is as grotesque as usual. He is so amazing, Emmuska Orczy doesn't bother explaining the details of his feats, since we wouldn't be able to reproduce them. Here is a small list of amazing things he does in this book, (avoiding the spoilers but I'm exempting the events that would happen in every book, let's be honest here):
* when tortured in a Salem-esque manner, he still bribes a man to be shaved each day because he can't bear not to look English enough,
* also after around 2 weeks of this torture, on the brink of death, he punches a man for insulting his wife and sends him sprawling,
* was once told by someone he doesn't know how to love in an argument, so he then brings it up in every conversation and every letter with this person,
* at the end of the book, still exhausted and recuperating from the near death experience, Emmuska Orczy can't resist mentioning he also shagged his wife really well.
I'm off, gotta go and watch that 1980s Scarlet Pimpernel movie with Ian McKellen as the villain Chauvelin, just look at this face:
EDIT: This was once played by an all-female cast in Japan *makes grabby hands*:
(Also, no anti-semitism OR racism here! Yay!)
Let's just say, this book is ridiculous. It shouldn't surprise anyone who has read the first book, which I enjoyed so much that a friend of mine gave me a copy of this baby. There's not much thinking involved here; the reader knows who is a villain, because Emmuska Orczy will tell you. And if they're bad, they're all bad, and possibly also have a hideous appearance.
Because that's another thing. She does this whole describing a character's personality through their looks, which was a thing back in the early 20th century for writers of romances and probably is now too, only I've been fortunate enough not to have read those. The women are usually just so silly, and don't worry their pretty heads (an actual quote) about other people's strife. They themselves keep saying that they're just women and what could they do to help (hint: nothing). Marguerite, the main babe, is being referred to as 'little mother' despite not being a mother. She's just so feminine.
All those things that would infuriate most, but luckily in here they can't - because it's all so stupid.
And the most wonderful thing: Scarlet Pimpernel himself, who is as grotesque as usual. He is so amazing, Emmuska Orczy doesn't bother explaining the details of his feats, since we wouldn't be able to reproduce them. Here is a small list of amazing things he does in this book, (avoiding the spoilers but I'm exempting the events that would happen in every book, let's be honest here):
* when tortured in a Salem-esque manner, he still bribes a man to be shaved each day because he can't bear not to look English enough,
* also after around 2 weeks of this torture, on the brink of death, he punches a man for insulting his wife and sends him sprawling,
* was once told by someone he doesn't know how to love in an argument, so he then brings it up in every conversation and every letter with this person,
* at the end of the book, still exhausted and recuperating from the near death experience, Emmuska Orczy can't resist mentioning he also shagged his wife really well.
I'm off, gotta go and watch that 1980s Scarlet Pimpernel movie with Ian McKellen as the villain Chauvelin, just look at this face:
EDIT: This was once played by an all-female cast in Japan *makes grabby hands*:
October 23, 2022
One cannot read a Scarlet Pimpernel novel without some form of happy obsession overtaking one’s heart! I was so into this novel, and had a blast listening to Karen Savage narrate it with her perfect french accent!
Nothing can trump the first novel, but this one was more enjoyable than The Elusive Pimpernel!
Is it Melodramatic, oh yes! Did I facepalm into another dimension over Marguerite’s reckless brother, YES! But watching Percy’s resilience and clever nature overcome all odds was amazing! I love him all the more for the qualities revealed about him in this installment.
Plus I loved all the inner and outer dialogue between him and Marguerite! 😍
Sir Percy Blakeney is a man with a life’s purpose and a mission. It’s an unorthodox life and gives tremendous anxiety to his little wife…this is why Percy may say he doesn’t know how to love because the common man might give up his dangerous ways to spare his lady love grief. But he’s a man who’s been given a talent and purpose by God and must go forth to do it. I don’t think that makes him a bad husband or lacking in love for Marguerite.
The man is mad for his wife and she over him, and it’s a grand thing to see…they had to throw in a distraction for Percy like life-saving, daring escapes, and plots to offset all the romance they have for each other. It’s called balancing a character. 😂
The novel could have been less predictable and had more action in it but alas when you’re having so much fun who cares?! ;)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Nothing can trump the first novel, but this one was more enjoyable than The Elusive Pimpernel!
Is it Melodramatic, oh yes! Did I facepalm into another dimension over Marguerite’s reckless brother, YES! But watching Percy’s resilience and clever nature overcome all odds was amazing! I love him all the more for the qualities revealed about him in this installment.
Plus I loved all the inner and outer dialogue between him and Marguerite! 😍
Sir Percy Blakeney is a man with a life’s purpose and a mission. It’s an unorthodox life and gives tremendous anxiety to his little wife…this is why Percy may say he doesn’t know how to love because the common man might give up his dangerous ways to spare his lady love grief. But he’s a man who’s been given a talent and purpose by God and must go forth to do it. I don’t think that makes him a bad husband or lacking in love for Marguerite.
The man is mad for his wife and she over him, and it’s a grand thing to see…they had to throw in a distraction for Percy like life-saving, daring escapes, and plots to offset all the romance they have for each other. It’s called balancing a character. 😂
The novel could have been less predictable and had more action in it but alas when you’re having so much fun who cares?! ;)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 8, 2012
So. This book. Hmm. I could have, would have, should have liked it better. I'm quite disappointed in myself for not. Perhaps if I had just blazed through it in two days like I did with The Scarlet Pimpernel I would have enjoyed it more. As it is, it took me the better part of 3 weeks to read. I'm still trying to figure out why. Was it that the first half mainly centered on Armand? Apparently, I have no tolerance for Armand. He's just so insufferably stupid. And that Percy was in prison (can you guess why he's there? Yeah. Armand.) being starved to death for most of it? It almost sorta kinda felt like nothing was happening. I don't know. I just don't know.
*sigh*
I think that if I had been able to read it quicker, I would have loved it. I dwelt too long on Armand.
Yes. That must be it.
*sigh*
I think that if I had been able to read it quicker, I would have loved it. I dwelt too long on Armand.
Yes. That must be it.
February 1, 2016
Baroness Emmuska Orczy could probably have written this entire story using a quarter of the words. She likes long, descriptive pasages where sinews nearly break with passion. El Dorado was a good story, maybe even one of the better ones, but not totally my favorite. It was nice having some more of Margurite. I just got a little annoyed with Sir Percy, though. He's always running off and saving people and ignoring his poor wife. He wasn't at his best in this book.
Otherwise, another rollicking adventure from that dashing hero, the Scarlet Pimpernel.
Did I really start this way back in July? Yikes.
Otherwise, another rollicking adventure from that dashing hero, the Scarlet Pimpernel.
Did I really start this way back in July? Yikes.
June 13, 2020
If you loved The Scarlet Pimpernel, or are a fan of early 19th century swashbuckling adventures, then you'll love this book. This was the second book (along with the Scarlet Pimpernel) that was the basis for the Anthony Andrews/Jane Seymour classic movie. Eldorado is the story of how the Pimpernel escapes prison and saves the Dauphin. The first part of the book shows Armand to be a bit of a putz, and his whirlwind romance is a bit too whirlwind to be realistic. But hey, such was the genre at the time. Overall, I really liked it.
July 27, 2014
The start was rather slow, and yes Armand is an incredibly annoying and immature main character. It's hard to resist the urge to throttle him. But the second half of the story more than makes up for this. It's a great adventure story that I'm sure I will return to again.
March 23, 2022
I got a bit bored with this at first, but in the end I enjoyed it. I understood why Armand did what he did, but at the same time I was screaming at him to just do as Percy said, especially when he pledged to Percy that he would do exactly what he said. Knowing Percy, and knowing the Scarlet Pimpernel, he should really have trusted Percy to do what he said he would do. Little head overruled big head though.
September 4, 2022
The slowest book of these so far. And not for any added intrigue or appeal. There's still intrigue and it's worth the read if you liked the Scarlet Pimpernel, but El Dorado is longer for no obvious reason.
April 16, 2021
Armand is a bit tiresome (or worse) in this one, but he does redeem himself. Percy and Marguerite are as delightful as ever, Chauvelin is scheming in rare form, and the League is suitably dashing. Knocked off a star for the over-flowery, melodramatic style (very of its time, I suppose).
September 22, 2017
Another suspenseful novel about the Scarlet Pimpernel...
The Scarlet Pimpernel is embarking on one of his most daring rescues - to liberate the Dauphin (the crown prince of France) from prison. He and his comrades arrive in Paris, and are given strict orders they need follow as part of this venture.
For the first time since the Scarlet Pimpernel rescued him in the first novel, Armand is allowed to join them on this dangerous venture. However, his impetous nature causes him to disobey his leader in multiple ways, which severely endangers the mission. He falls in love with an actress, Jeanne Lange, and when she is arrested for keeping company with him, he loses his head and cannot think of anything but rescuing her.
Even though Percy succeeds in his rescue mission, he has to return to Paris to try and save Armand from his folly, and also becomes arrested in the process. Because Chauvelon and his colleague Heron know that the Scarlet Pimpernel knows where the Dauphin is hidden, they torture him in prison in hopes to get him to reveal the secret.
It seems that all is lost, when, the Scarlet Pimpernel escapes again by his ingenuity.
I found the first part of this book to drag along, as well as frustrating to read about Armand's stupid choices. About halfway through, it started to pick up the pace. It was so suspenseful, I was having a hard time putting it down. But at the same time, sometimes the author tends to drag out the agony and suspense everyone is feeling. I thought the ending wrapped up rather quickly, and I would have enjoyed having more details in that part. I thought the character traits that Percy showed in extending mercy and grace to Armand were very admirable, and that was one of my favourite parts of the book.
The Scarlet Pimpernel is embarking on one of his most daring rescues - to liberate the Dauphin (the crown prince of France) from prison. He and his comrades arrive in Paris, and are given strict orders they need follow as part of this venture.
For the first time since the Scarlet Pimpernel rescued him in the first novel, Armand is allowed to join them on this dangerous venture. However, his impetous nature causes him to disobey his leader in multiple ways, which severely endangers the mission. He falls in love with an actress, Jeanne Lange, and when she is arrested for keeping company with him, he loses his head and cannot think of anything but rescuing her.
Even though Percy succeeds in his rescue mission, he has to return to Paris to try and save Armand from his folly, and also becomes arrested in the process. Because Chauvelon and his colleague Heron know that the Scarlet Pimpernel knows where the Dauphin is hidden, they torture him in prison in hopes to get him to reveal the secret.
It seems that all is lost, when, the Scarlet Pimpernel escapes again by his ingenuity.
I found the first part of this book to drag along, as well as frustrating to read about Armand's stupid choices. About halfway through, it started to pick up the pace. It was so suspenseful, I was having a hard time putting it down. But at the same time, sometimes the author tends to drag out the agony and suspense everyone is feeling. I thought the ending wrapped up rather quickly, and I would have enjoyed having more details in that part. I thought the character traits that Percy showed in extending mercy and grace to Armand were very admirable, and that was one of my favourite parts of the book.
November 11, 2014
From the title, El Dorado, you would never know this is the sequel to one of my favorite books, The Scarlet Pimpernel. The opening chapters were slow, but the story soon picks up speed.
The first half of the book is about Armand, brother-in-law and fellow conspirator to Percy Blakeney (a.k.a. the Scarlet Pimpernel). He makes some foolish choices that jeopardize the Pimpernel’s plans to free the heir to the French throne from prison. Blakeney steps in to save the day and when he makes his appearance, the story finally becomes as engaging as the original book.
This is not primarily a romance, but I loved how Sir Percy referred to his wife, Marguerite, as “dear heart�. I appreciated her complete willingness to trust him and to die for him, if need be.
There was plenty of Christian imagery in this book, which I didn’t recall from the first one. Blakeney is compared to a savior and after his imprisonment is described as one “on his way to Calvary�. When Armand fouls up the plans, he calls himself “Judas� and feels the only way to redeem himself is to give his life for Percy. Fascinating vocabulary. The writing, too, was exceptional at times.
The first half of the book is about Armand, brother-in-law and fellow conspirator to Percy Blakeney (a.k.a. the Scarlet Pimpernel). He makes some foolish choices that jeopardize the Pimpernel’s plans to free the heir to the French throne from prison. Blakeney steps in to save the day and when he makes his appearance, the story finally becomes as engaging as the original book.
This is not primarily a romance, but I loved how Sir Percy referred to his wife, Marguerite, as “dear heart�. I appreciated her complete willingness to trust him and to die for him, if need be.
There was plenty of Christian imagery in this book, which I didn’t recall from the first one. Blakeney is compared to a savior and after his imprisonment is described as one “on his way to Calvary�. When Armand fouls up the plans, he calls himself “Judas� and feels the only way to redeem himself is to give his life for Percy. Fascinating vocabulary. The writing, too, was exceptional at times.
August 17, 2019
I listened to the audio book and was reminded why I started reading this in high school right after I read The Scarlet Pimpernel, but then lost interest. Armand annoyed me. It focused more on Armand and his love interest, when I was more interested in Percy's cunning plan. If you've read the book you know what role Armand played in that. I was interested in this to see what elements played into the 1982 movie because there's so many elements that are not in the original. Odd's fish m'dear I think it's been ten years since my plan to read all the books in this series. Well, now I know what wifi is and have a cell phone/smart phone. I would like to add more physical books to my collection but audiobooks online is a bit kinder to my bookshelves. I recommend the audio book read by Karen Savage on LibriVox. This is probably more of a 3.5 for me. I really appreciated the audiobook, but the story itself didn't hold my interest as much as the first one. although I have a bad habit of reading several books at a time to the point it takes me years to finish reading them. On the other hand, I didn't put Testament of Youth in the freezer.
November 21, 2012
This is the Scarlet Pimpernel book that the watchers of the Anthony Andrew's Scarlet Pimpernel will be familiar with even if they've never heard of it. The film is an amalgam of elements of the first book and this one. So having watched the film it was interesting actually reading the book upon it was based.
Over all I generally enjoyed it. The build up in the beginning was quite good as everything is laid out, The plot with Armand and his "true love", I admit, I wasn't as fond of. But strangely enough, for me, the book got good when things got hard for Sir Percy. If you've seen the movie you sorta know what happens, but I won't give it away for those who haven't. But I will say that is where I started really enjoying the book. Sir Percy's impudent spirit is there even in hardship, a hardship much worse than in the film.
I would put El Dorado up there as one of the better Scarlet Pimpernel stories. I wasn't enamored of certain parts,which is why the rating is quite as high as it could be, but the parts that are good are excellent. Highly recommended.
Over all I generally enjoyed it. The build up in the beginning was quite good as everything is laid out, The plot with Armand and his "true love", I admit, I wasn't as fond of. But strangely enough, for me, the book got good when things got hard for Sir Percy. If you've seen the movie you sorta know what happens, but I won't give it away for those who haven't. But I will say that is where I started really enjoying the book. Sir Percy's impudent spirit is there even in hardship, a hardship much worse than in the film.
I would put El Dorado up there as one of the better Scarlet Pimpernel stories. I wasn't enamored of certain parts,which is why the rating is quite as high as it could be, but the parts that are good are excellent. Highly recommended.
August 18, 2018
I find myself unable to rate any of the Pimpernel books any lower than 5 stars. Why? Because they're THAT GOOD. Romance, trickery, heroism, and most of all, Chauvelin being made to look the fool. What more could someone ask for? This particular book also had the bonus of showing the raw power of Percy's love, and respect for love, something that often times seems lacking in the daring hero. I would definitely recommend this one!
March 17, 2010
I liked this book very much. The only reason I gave it four stars is I would have rather had more of the Percy and less of Armand. When Percy is involved it is great fun trying to figure out what is going on in his mind. Armand on the other hand is whiny and irritating beyond belief. Then he does need to be that other side of the coin, not all men can be a Percy after all.
August 1, 2014
This was another outstanding novel in "The Scarlet Pimpernel" series. Just when you thought some steam was getting out of the kettle, it becomes even more interesting and difficult to put down. Throwing in the Dauphin as a character could have been a disaster, but it was handled with sheer genius.
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