Masque of the Red Death by Bethany GriffinRelease Date ~ 4/24/12
Format ~ ARC
Publisher ~ Greenwillow
Source ~ Publisher
Purchase: The Book Depository
Everything is in ruins.The best way to describe Griffin's debut is unusual. The moment I heard of Masque of the Red Death I was drawn in by the retelling of the Poe classic and the bleak dystopian landscape depicted. The reason why it's unusual is because the way the dystopian is depicted.
A devastating plague has decimated the population. And those who are left live in fear of catching it as the city crumbles to pieces around them.
So what does Araby Worth have to live for?
Nights in the Debauchery Club, beautiful dresses, glittery make-up . . . and tantalizing ways to forget it all.
But in the depths of the club—in the depths of her own despair—Araby will find more than oblivion. She will find Will, the terribly handsome proprietor of the club. And Elliott, the wickedly smart aristocrat. Neither boy is what he seems. Both have secrets. Everyone does.
And Araby may find something not just to live for, but to fight for—no matter what it costs her.
The thing I loved the most about Masque of the Red Death was thew world created by Griffin. People die of the plague that has decimated earths population every day in a wasteland New Orleans where only the rich can purchase the masks that will save them from the contaminated air. Though it was so bleak, it was also written wonderfully! Every detail was very precise, which helped enrich the steampunk aspect of the novel.
The one thing that was disappointed me in Masque was Araby. I felt like we barely scratched the surface her. We didn't actually get to know her that much, and that bothered me. When I read, I want to get know and feel for the characters. I was able to do neither of those in this book.
Masque of the Red Death is very fast paced and full of action! I complain a lot about pacing and lack of action, but Bethany Griffin's debut is anything but!
Dark, fast paced, and very enjoyable, I can't wait for more from Griffin!
Cover Comments: This cover is gorgeous! The swamp background is great, and I love how her dress is red (like the red death).
tnx 4the review
ReplyDeletehoping to read this1 soon
I'm glad you enjoyed this one! I definitely did so, too, although it's not really one of my favorite books. Sadly I found it a bit too easy to put away. Nonetheless I'm looking forward to the second book! :)
ReplyDeleteCarina
Fictional Distraction
I'm really excited about this one and I'm glad you liked it so I know it won't suck. (or so I hope :P) I'm gonna get this soon I think. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI've seen this one pop up on a few blogs and I'm really keen to read it. Great review!
ReplyDeleteThis one always catches my eye becuase of the cover! Looking forward too finally reading it!
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds great! The whole retelling of a Poe story is probably what sounds the most interesting. Can't wait to read this one. I'm glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeletethis book has been around the blogosphere, and i've always wanted to read it. the plot seems nice, and if you enjoyed it, i bet i will too.. :) thanks for the great review!
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favorite reads this year even if I didn't fall for Araby but I love the world she created.
ReplyDeleteTalk Supe
Gah! Your review just want me to read this book right away. I mean, it's another AWESOME dystopian. Who wouldn't want it? Great review! :D
ReplyDeleteFara @ Tumbling In Books
I like action packed books! I can't wait to check this one out, I don't think I'd like the main character very much though.....
ReplyDeleteCannot wait for this one to arrive in my JLG shipment!
ReplyDeleteI recently read this book and I liked it... even though I usually dont like reprised versions of the classics...
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Edgar Allan Poe! I was a little concerned that my expectations of this book would be too high, but based on your review...I think I might just like it. Will definitely be reading before the summer's up.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
I've heard so many good reviews about this book and even though I haven't read any of Poe's works I certainly delve into this book and I fell truly incaptivated until the very last page.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this one! I was so afraid that I might have set my expectations too high after so many glowing reviews but it did not disappoint! I agree that we barely got to know the characters, hopefully there will be more development in the next book. :)
ReplyDeleteMy friend sent me an ARC of this book, and I cannot wait to read it. I really like Poe's writing, and I am glad that YA writers are inspired by it. This way, new people can discover Poe's stories and poems.
ReplyDeleteThe first idea that comes to me was Poe, too. I like this idea and I really want to read this book.
ReplyDeleteThis book has the most amazing cover. I would read it for that alone but I'm also a huge Poe fan.
ReplyDeleteI love dark reads, especially if they're build around / inspired by someone as magnificent as Poe! I can't wait to read it - I ordered my copy from Amazon and it's sooo gorgeous! Need to find more time to read non-review books! :D Great review :)
ReplyDeleteThe cover is to die for!!
ReplyDeleteGlad you also liked the book. Cant wait to get my hands on this!!
I plan on reading this soon. Thanks for the great review! :)
ReplyDeleteHmmm...for some reason, I feel very skeptical about this book. I think I'll read it sometime, though. If my library has it. Great review, Benji!
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!
♥Jessica(:
Great review..I have been wanting to read it!!! Love the cover!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review. The minute I heard of Masque I knew I wanted to read it. And that cover is amazing. I have heard so many mixed reviews about this one, I just don't know what to think. So, I will have to find out for myself!!
ReplyDeleteI am glad you enjoyed the book. I think the cover is just awesome and it certainly ended on my wishlist.
ReplyDeleteThe cover is beautiful but it sounds like their is really no hope in the book and I don't like really sad things. I am on the fence about reading it now. Thanks
ReplyDeleteI've had this one on my wishlist since I first saw the cover and read the blurb.
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