The Triumph of the Scarlet Pimpernel

Enjoyable, not excellent:
Triumph is the first SP book I've read after the original story. I enjoyed it, but it wasn't excellent. I found the beginning to be very drawn out; it took me a very long time to read the first 75 pages or so, before it got going. Once it did start, (with Theresia and SP meeting for the first time) I found it to be fast paced, and I looked forward to reading it. However, the long beginning brought it down to a 3 star book for me. Also, the ending wasn't really explained at all...one second, literally, Robespierre is the tyrant in charge, next paragraph, well, no spoiler, but suffice to say he's not. Even in real life, the change was not so dramatic, and surely Orczy could have written a page or two more explaination. Furthermore, I was disappointed that while St. Just, Andrew, and Tony were mentioned, that was about it; they were barely in the picture at all. A fun adventure.....but not much more than that.

Wonderful!!!!!!!!:
This is one of my favorite pimpernel books. It is so awsome! The story begins with a fortune teller predicting to Robispeirre that the only thing to hinder his taking over France is the Scarlet Pimpernel. So, of course, he goes to Chauvelin, who once again sets masterful plans for the Pimpernel's capture. One of the things that I liked about this book was the simplicity of plot. No more going for the Pimpernel's honor, or others through him. The plot is cut and dry simple, catch and kill the Scarlet Pimpernel. That is not to say that the Pimpernel does not have something up his sleeve. I simply mean that as far as Chauvelin is concerned his plots aren't as elaborate or far-fetched as they have been in the past. Margarite is also involved(duh). But in the case of this book, she actually doesn't get involed through an act of her own stupidity. Also in this book it dwells less on Margarite's life in her captivity than others do. Lastly, I love the dialogs in this book. Percy shines in this book almost unlike any other. Therisa Cabarras is an interesting character, and she has two great conversations with our elusive Hero. Chauvelin is Chauvelin. No matter how hard he tries he simply cannot keep track of Percy(and belive me he tries extra hard in this book). Chauvelin and Percy have the best exchange ever in this book, a whole chapter of uninterupted audacidy. Any Pimpernel lover will be in heaven. I highly recomend this book to all who liked the original, and any of the sequels. But if you haven't read the original Scarlet Pimpernel then I suggest reading that first, so as to know the characters a little better. -E

A real triumph:
If you know this story, or have even read the CAPS section above, you'll know where I get my net-name from. La Cabarrus (based on a historical figure whose real life reads better than most fiction) is the main reason why this book is one of the best in the series. The terror has reached its height and both of Orczy's main protagonists are beginning to crack under the strain. Chauvelin has become obsessed with catching Sir Percy using any means necessary and his current tool is beautiful Spaniard, Theresia Cabarrus. Unfortunately for both Chauvelin and Blakeney, you never quite know where her loyalties lie. When she succeeds in luring Margot into Chauvelin's clutches, Sir Percy is driven to ever more extreme measures to save her. Can Cabarrus be trusted? Is she friend or foe? Unlike Chauvelin, she can see through Sir Percy's disguises, which makes her doubly dangerous to know. As ever Orczy delivers a cracking good adventure through a slightly rose-tinted quizzing-glass, making even the rather gruesome sections seem light-hearted... unless you really stop and think about what she's saying.

Super Reader:
The Scarlet Pimpernel again has to deal with a femme fatale, but this time, she is Spanish. This doesn't mean that the Robespierre types are not around, just that she is involved with one of them. The Pimpernel has to save a brash young man from her wily clutches, and really is quite enjoying himself in the process. When she can't outthink or seduce our hero, they decide to do the kidnap the wife routine. Committe, you should know by now, that trick never works.

A real triumph:
This book brings the Scarlet Pimpernel series to a very satisfying end. Chambetin, er, Chauvelin finally gets what is coming to him!Sir Percy is at his debonnaire best. Marguerite, the love of his life appears, too. A must-read for any Scarlet Pimpernel fan.