Audience/Genre : Young Adult/Dystopian.
Publication: April 24th 2012 by Harper Collins.
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.
I've not read Edgar Allan Poe's book so there's no way I can compare Bethany Griffin's novel to his. I can, however, confidently say that Bethany Griffin's Masque of the Red Death is hands-down my best read in 2012 so far.
Set in a dark and eerie world, Masque of the Red Death captivates you right from the beginning. Araby Worth is a depressed girl living in the most messed up world imaginable. She tries to pass her days by numbing herself with drugs but it only lasts so long. Her friend April who is possibly her only friend goes missing on one of their nights at the Debauchery Club - a place where the privileged go to forget and entertain themselves, it's a place of mystery - and Araby's world gets from bad to worse.
Everything about this book sucked me in. The writing, the characters and the entire setting was unique and gripping. If you've read my reviews, you'd know that I'm not a fan of love triangles. It's very rare for me to actually like a love triangle but in this book, it was freakin' fantastic! I couldn't decide who I was rooting for - the good, sweet, hot Will or the sexy, rough, brave Elliot. Although towards the end of the book I made up my mind - I'm Team Elliot all the way (at least until I read the next book)!
Bethany Griffin's extremely talented writing, unique characters and strangely mesmerizing world all together make Masque of the Red Death a riveting, haunting novel that's literally impossible to put down. Believe me, you want to read this.
Oooooh you've definitely made me intrigued to read this one! I've seen a few other raving reviews for it so it definitely looks like it's going to be a favorite for 2012. <3
ReplyDeleteNot to mention I love the name Araby. How cool is that name? It's REALLY cool.
I should read this ASAP. Is this a stand-alone or a series? I have a feeling its a series but I just can't remember right now. ><
Great review! I am really looking forward to reading this book. Thanks for posting about it.
ReplyDeleteI love your review, and you have me excited to read this author!
ReplyDeleteAwesome review. This one is going on my TBR list for sure!
ReplyDeleteWonderful review. I'm so glad to see you liked it so much. I've had my eye on this one since I first heard about it. I haven't read Poe's story either but it's free for Kindle so I think I'll read it before this. :)
ReplyDeleteI read the Poe story right before Christmas and loved it, so I can't wait to see how this take on it is done.
ReplyDeleteI'm so disappointed it's not coming out in the UK until later this year!
wow awesome...lets see if ill ever get to read this lol :P
ReplyDeleteThanks for the fabulous review! I have only heard awesome things about this book. It is definitely on my TBR list!
ReplyDeleteAwesome review. i can;t wait to read it
ReplyDeleteYou are making me jealous, and after such an awesome review i definitely need to read this myself
ReplyDeleteWonderful review! You've got me even more excited for this book :D
ReplyDeleteI've been going back and forth on whether or not to read this one, but I think you just convinced me that it's a must read. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteTracy A.J.
This is on my TBR pile for some time now, I should definitely read it soon! Sounds quite interesting! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is obviously the first book in a series, as the ending left many openings and tons of unanswered questions. I look forward to the next installment with the hope that the author can continue this unique tale in a way that distinguishes it in a crowded dystopian genre.
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