The Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

Series: Masque of the Red Death, Book One

Publisher: Indigo

Format: ARC

Published: 2^nd August 2012

Number of Pages: 336

Book: For Review*

Genre: Dystopia, Steampunk, Romance, Historical, Mystery, Fantasy, Action-Adventure, YA

Recommended Age: 12+

Contains: Violence, Death, Alcohol and Drug References

Author's Blog: Bethany Griffin

Everything is in ruins.

A devastating plague has decimated the population.  And those who survived 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 so many tantalizing ways to escape from it all.

But in the depths of the Debauchery Club – in the depths of her own despair – Araby is going to find oblivion.  He’s called Will, the handsome, secretive proprietor of the club.  And Elliott, the wickedly smart aristocrat.  Neither is quite 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.

                                                                   Review:

“You don't recover from this contagion.  You contract it, and then you die.  Quickly, if you are lucky.”

Araby Worth lives in a world where a deadly plague has wiped out most of the population and people live in fear of contracting the disease.  The city is crumbling around them, masked men gather the dead bodies before the disease can spread and danger is everywhere. 

With all of this and the fact she holds herself responsible for her twin brother’s death, Araby can barely handle living.  Nights in the Debauchery Club spent drinking and drug-taking are her only means of escaping it all.  Until she meets Will and Elliott, all she's looking for is oblivion. 

But Will makes her learn to live again, to love the experiences of life.  Elliott gives her a cause, a way to make a better world, something to fight for. 

But can she fight through a rebellion, through a whole new plague?

Can she fight for the love she's denied herself for so long..?

From the moment The Masque of the Red Death landed in my doorstep, I was desperate to read it.  It's so my kinda book.  As I began reading, I found I couldn't stop.  Everything about it was insanely addictive: the horrible world, the amazing writing, the brilliant characters...  It was just one of those you could read in one go if you could.  I fell totally in love with Araby and even more so with the two boys.  I can't pick a team!  But I can't tell you how addictive this book is!  You must read it!  I loved it to absolute pieces and am almost certainly going to go insane waiting for the next one!

I loved Griffin's characterisation: all her characters felt so real.  I loved how many weren't what they first seemed, that most grew and evolved through the book.  I just loved them all!  Araby was broken, barely alive to begin with.  She loved her brother so, so much that she vowed to do nothing he couldn’t do, cutting herself off from everyone – mentally, emotionally, physically.  I loved watching her slowly come back to life: she was tough, fearless.  And Will: oh, he was so, so sweet!  I mean, how can you not love a guy who takes care of his younger siblings and has tattoos?!  As for Elliott, he may have been harder to read, but I loved him – his rebellious side, the glimpses of the inner Elliott.  He was kinda like Adrian Ivashkov – and you all know how I love my Adrian!  Araby’s friend April was brilliant too, and Will's siblings Elise and Henry were just too cute - I loved them to pieces!

I found Araby's family intriguing.  It was kinda uncomfortable and really rather un-family-like.  They all seemed to tiptoe round each other, never confronting the elephant in the room.  Araby really misjudged it all to begin with - meaning we did too.  So much had happened to that family and I loved learning all the secrets, solving the mysteries. 

I adored Griffin's writing - it was brilliant.  I could see everything in my head.  I was hooked to every word and felt all the pain and fear and hope Araby did.  It was the kinda writing I could read forever and ever.  And even though love triangles aren't my favourite thing - maybe 'cause I just hate seeing people get hurt - yes, even fictional people, in this… the triangle worked.  It was needed.  And 'cause both guys were so amazing: I just couldn't choose!  The world, thought, was a definite winner!  It was scary real and complete genius!

With two totally irresistible guys, a girl living a decadent life and a plague on the loose, The Masque of The Red Death was an addictive, amazing book that had me hooked from the word go.  I've never read the Edgar Allen Poe story this is based on so I can't say how well or not this was remade.  Nevertheless, I'd still say this book was a million times better and kicked Poe's butt!  And it's a Must Read for all dystopia, steam punk and historical lovers - and, of course, those who love totally hot guys!  I'll be counting down the days 'til the next book!  I can't wait for it - and I've only just finished this one!  I want more Will and Elliott!

Star Rating:

4¾ Out of 5 

Read this book if you liked:

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Blood Red Road by Moira Young

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Challenges It's Taking Part In:

100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge 2012 (Hosted by Book Chick City)

Happy Reading

Megan

* This book was received from Indigo in exchange for an honest review