Book Review: Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

 

Title: Masque of the Red Death
Author: Bethany Griffin
Publisher: Greenwillow Books (Harpercollins)
Release Date: April 24, 2012
Source: Publisher, finished copy
Read from July 4-11, 2012

Everything is in ruins.
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.

My Thoughts:


Dark, haunting and just pure depressing. In this post-apocalyptic novel, Bethany Griffin brings us into a world of devastation and hopelessness. Everything is in ruins as a plague destroys everyone. There might be survivors but they too live in constant fear and threat. Worse, a selfish and murderous prince is lording over the city. So what will anyone live for? Is there salvation in this desperation?

Araby Worth is the daughter of the scientist that invented a mask that prevents a person from contracting the virus. But since losing her twin to the disease, she doesn't want to live anymore. Until April comes along and influences her. They go to the Debauchery club and spends their time to enjoy and be whisked away into oblivion. This is where she meets Elliot, the young arrogant and brooding handsome poet. And mysterious and kind and handsome Will. Things got complicated and now she's afraid to die.

The plot is full of mysteries and twists that will make you squirm and clutch the book hard while reading it. I didn't know the novel was inspired by edgar allan poe's poem "the masque of the red death". I honestly did not even know that such poem exists,hehe. Anyway, I am amazed by this novel. The premise was good, but it was not until I was deep into the story that I realized how addicting this devastation is. I was submerged into the character's lives. It was that gripping.

Araby was someone who has lost all hope and was just living her life trying to enjoy the last of her days. I understand her depression and where she's coming from. But I very much appreciated it when April and Elliot came into her life. They gave her purpose she never knew she needed. She began to question things which led her eyes to be opened to the chaos building around her. Elliott on the other hand is the kind of guy that I have always loved in books. The arrogant and all dangerous type but has heroism and vulnerability just waiting to be unleashed. They make me swoon! Anyway, we are first lead to believe he is someone who he is not really. Wait what? I mean at first I didnt know what to believe in, whether he is good or bad. But then soon enough we'll have our own judgements on that...Will on the other hand, is also handsome and kind, but I dont know why from the very start I am drawn to Elliott. So because of previous bad experiences from clinging too much to characters and having "teams" (the Nightshade series)- well I still do like teaming ups but just not much passion now because I refuse to be devastated once more! Anyway, i am for Elliott. No question. Moving on, April is a very strong character for me. You'll know why and agree with me when you've read the book. :) There are so far two main antagonists I am willing to bet on. But rest assured, you can never be to sure whom to trust in the story..

There were so many times that my guesses turned out to be wrong and my guesses were right. It always excites me that a book can still make me think a lot. The ending was so so so not enough! Total cliff hanger! But aren't they always? Lol. So much sadness and darkness linger on the ambience of the environment. Lies, betrayal and undeniable love. I am very much excited for the next book.