Masque of the Red Death (Masque of the Red Death, #1)

by Bethany Griffin

In this twist on Edgar Allen Poe's gothic short story, a wealthy teenaged girl who can afford a special mask to protect her from the plague that decimated humanity in the mid-1800s, falls in love, becomes caught up in a conspiracy to overthrow an oppressive government, and faces the threat of a new plague.

• ISBN10: 0062107801
• ISBN13: 9780062107800
• Publish Date: 26 March 2013 (first published 24 April 2012)
• Publish Status: Out of Stock
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Imprint: Collins
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 336
• Language: English

Reviews

[Amber (The Literary Phoenix)]

I’ve got some mixed feelings about Masque of the Red Death. On the one hand, it’s this beautiful, decaying steampunk world. This is a retelling, as you may have guessed, of Edgar Allan Poe’s “Masque of the Red Death” short story. It’s takes this devastating contagion and casts a spotlight on the masked faces of the selfish upper class dancing while the city burns, essentially.

But I think… I think I wanted this book to be something it wasn’t, which resulted in my explaining away a lot of it. Trying to make excuses. Trying to make it a better book than it was.

More than anything, I think Masque of the Red Death spent too much time telling me about the world Telling me Araby’s past. Telling me how she felt about Will or Elliott. This type of writing creates a bland palate, rather than richly painting a world that the reader can fall into. The richness of this plague-ridden steampunk work? There’s a lot of blank imagery I filled in with my own imagination. Even as we are told that there are mutant bats and the city is crumbling, we aren’t really shown the city.

Part of this is because we spend so much time in Araby’s thoughts. She’s not allowed to develop as a character and make a mark on the story, because she is constantly being held up as a resource to one of the other characters. Araby is less Araby and more… Finn’s sister. April’s friend. Elliott’s resource. Will’s provider. Her father’s daughter. Never is she left to develop herself and show what she wants or she feels, because Araby’s asides are caught in one of the flattest love triangles I’ve ever seen, and in memories of her family.

I’m not sure how best to address this greyscale presentation of the story. On one hand, things moved along just fine, but on the other hand… I kept asking myself, “Why?” Why did Elliott care about her, why was it so easy for her to do things. Why did people keep saving this otherwise unremarkable girl. Araby just… didn’t fit in this world. As a protagonist, she wasn’t very interesting, because she very rarely shared any opinions or passion.

While the trajectory of the story was fairly easy to guess, so little is revealed about it. It’s relatively cliche, although I wasn’t quite expecting the evolution of the Red Death itself. I felt like a lot more could have been developed to show the grotesquery of the world and that Araby herself could have reached for more information or to put things into motion. A lot of time was spent on Finn, the deceased twin who ultimately had no part to play in the story outside the impression he left on Araby and her parents. And while grief and mourning is important, his use never felt like that… just an obstacle to the love story. Ultimately, he ended up being an obstacle to the story in general, because he stole so much screen time for so little reward.

As a whole, Masque of the Red Death was an interesting mood read. There’s a volcano of potential waiting to erupt, edges of a story not quite refined enough to capture the reader. I love that this is a Poe retelling and I would read other ones like it, but not with any sense of urgency. It’s a good quick, casual read, but nothing to get overly excited about. One of those books you read, are fascinated by a few pretty passages, and then forget.

"Or maybe the ugliness is in us. Father says that's just the way we are. Underneath the pretense of civilization." (Araby Worth)

In the beginning, Masque of the Red Death feels like a typical YA novel. There's the beautiful protagonist who is dealing with grief and guilt and tries to numb her feelings by partying and drugs, a love triangle between two very different guys and the promise of a rebellion.

Masque of the Red Death doesn't have a gripping beginning. It took me a month to read this book and while that was partially due to packing for university and orientation week, it was also because my brain had no interest in reading Masque of the Red Death.

Things began to change a few pages before the half way mark and I didn't want to put Masque of the Red Death down. Almost everything that I thought would happen in this book gets twisted on its head.

In the beginning, I thought that the main character, Araby, was selfish and silly. She goes ahead and betrays her family for a guy who tells her things that sound awesome, but doesn't provide any evidence to back up his claims, because he is also offering her drugs. After the half way mark, I started warming up to her and liking her. Araby is forced to make some tough decisions and her progression in dealing with them is interesting.

Apart from Araby, the secondary characters characterizations are quite rounded and there's a balance to two sides that they have such as:
☂ April who cares very much about her material lifestyle but she's loyal to the people she loves.
☂ Elliot who is cold and arrogant, but can also be vulnerable and sensitive
☂ William who puts on a tough guy facade at The Debauchery Club, but is also fiercely protective of his siblings.
Araby's parents are also fleshed-out characters and while they don't feature much, I appreciate their characterization.

Romance plays a huge role in Masque of the Red Death. This role isn't huge enough to affect the plot, but it does affect the pacing. There is a love triangle and I thought that it would be conventional and I would know exactly who Araby would end up with, but after the half way mark, the love triangle took an interesting turn. I could understand Araby's feeling towards both Will and Elliot - her instant attraction to one and her loathing which gradually becomes some form of compassion for the other.

I love that Masque of the Red Death deals with the idea of a petrifying incurable disease taking over the world and how it leads to a ripple effect of issues. Masque of the Red Death is a Steampunk novel as shown through the scientific inventions of masks that are a preventative measure against the disease. The problem is that the masks are expensive and can only be afforded by the rich. Interesting themes come into play such as corrupt leadership, science, religion, rich vs poor and rebellion.

I can't comment on the Masque of the Red Death in relation to the short story with the same title written by Edgar Allan Poe, because I haven't read it, but if I had, I would have probably appreciated this book more.

One star for a slow and typical beginning that was still readable and two stars for awesome characterizations, themes and twists and turns.

"Violence is mindless. It doesn't listen to reason" (Araby Worth)

[Angie]

Sadly, I liked the idea of Masque of the Red Death a lot better than actually reading it. The plague has swept through the world, and those who are left must wear masks to filter out the contagion. There are daily corpse collectors, and it's legal to kill those who are infected but haven't died. It's a dark, dank, sad world. So what's there to do but party?! Araby and her friend April frequent the Debauchery District, which is exactly what the name suggests. But then April goes missing, and Araby gets involved in a plan for rebellion, at least until the Red Death strikes and no one is safe.

I loved the world of Masque of the Red Death. It's totally depressing and disturbing, but it was interesting. It takes our germaphobic society to whole new level. Araby will not touch anyone! Part of this is due to the disease, but she also denies herself any happiness since her twin died and he won't be able to experience it. But to me, it's probably better that he doesn't have to suffer in this world like Araby does! The world isn't all bad though. There's some fun inventions, like steam coaches and airships. Araby also partakes in drugs, which was interesting and unexpected.

However, the plot of Masque of the Red Death was boring. First, April disappears and I assumed that would be the focus, since she has a crazy uncle, who also happens to be the Prince and sole ruler of whatever city this is set in. But then she turns up and acts like nothing happened, and no one wonders where she was. Then I thought there would be exciting rebellion building stuff, since Elliot--who is April's brother--recruits Araby to his cause. Well, there kind of was, but mostly not. I really have no idea where this story was going, and I'm not sure if I'll read the conclusion.

Masque of the Red Death also has romance! It's a kind of love triangle, but not really, but sorta. I don't know. Araby has that whole no touching rule and no kissing or boyfriends, so that makes it kind of hard to start a romance. There's Elliot, but they're more fake dating for his crazy uncle's benefit, but he likes her, and maybe she likes him. I don't know. She definitely likes Will though, and I like Will, so I'm on his team. Even after what he does at the end, because I totally get it. He did what needs to be done, and I'm sure he'll make up for it. Not that I'm likely to find out though.

So, basically Masque of the Red Death didn't do it for me. This alternate history, dystopian society was pretty great. I just have no clue where it's set. Somewhere in Europe, I'm assuming, but it was only ever referred to as "the city." Not helpful. The romance was interesting, since Araby has feelings but doesn't let herself act on them, which is different than most love triangles where there's lots of kissing of both objects of affection. I just wish the plot had engaged me more. For the most part I was just reading to get done.

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.

[reveriesociety_]

It had pretty good writing but unfortunately, it didn't really hold my interest. After a few chapters I simply stopped reading. =/

[Chelsea]

Starting this book I was really excited. A lot of dystopia books are pretty much the same and I was glad this one was different. I shouldn’t have gotten excited too soon.

I was a little concerned that the book wasn’t an original thought, instead it’s based on a short story by Edgar Allen Poe. The plot wasn’t too bad. There was a typical love triangle between the main character Araby, the rich prince’s nephew and the hard-working poor dreamy guy. Of course. So my problem wasn’t with the plot.

My problem was the characters. I couldn’t relate to anyone and usually that means I’m not going to enjoy the book. Araby is just so stupid. A handsome guy that she has never met before asks her to steal from her father. And guess what? She does. Why is she so stupid? I had no sympathy for her at all! She betrays her family the first moment she can! She never even trusts the guy that she’s helping.

[Kelly]

http://divainpyjamas.blogspot.com.au/

This is officially the first 'Steam Punk' genre book I've read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The world created by Bethany Griffin is magically. Elaborate costumes, masks, extraordinary transportation, I felt as though it was reading a modern dystopian historical novel and I was enthralled.

[littleread1]

Buddy review coming soon ...

My Review: 3/3.5 stars

I was so incredibly excited when I finally bought this book because I had heard some utterly fantastic things about it. I simply devoured it! I couldn't stop reading! Every chance I had (heck, even when I should've been doing other things) I grabbed this book just so I could delve back into this world. When I finished I immediately went to Goodreads and rated this a huge 4/4.5 stars.

Fast forward 30 minutes when I tried to write this review and I just felt...bleh. But not in a good way where you're just so sad the book ended and can't find another book to fill its awesome shoes. No. I looked back and couldn't really remember much about the book. I thought it was utterly fantastic while reading it, but afterwards all these things I kind of ignored kept coming back to bug me.

To be honest, I think what kept me so addicted was the atmosphere. There is no doubt that Masque of the Red Death is dark and gritty and gruesome and I loved it! I was completely immersed in this dark, gothic world. The eerie masks and threat of disease around every corner. It was....addicting.

However, I'd be lying if I didn't say the guys were also a bit addicting. Neither of them were exactly swoonworthy but they were intriguing. This has to do with their mysterious natures. Will, the mysterious man of the club has always intrigued Araby. But he's got a softer side too. He's actually an incredibly kind and loyal guy and really wants to help Araby. Elliott, the rich owner of the club probably has a couple loose screw yet I was still intrigued by him. In a weird way. If that makes any sense :P I can't really delve into either of them too much for fear of giving things away, but while I didn't fall in love with them, there is no doubt that I want to learn more about them.

But, those were really the only two aspects of this book that kept me reading.

When looking back, I didn't really care for Araby. She wasn't an incredibly strong heroine and she was far too trusting. She didn't really think through things and this really bothered me. Not to mention she was a bit depressing. I understand the death of her brother really affected her, but she's also got to learn to move on and learn that she can be happy. She's one of the lucky few to have a mask and should be thankful for that. Instead she does drugs and wants to go into oblivion to get away. I will say that she can be incredibly kind and she has a good heart and towards the end she does become stronger and learns that maybe she can be happy. However, I wasn't exactly rooting for her.

Also, there were many inconstancies in the writing. There were too many times where I had to go back and re-read sections because I thought I missed something. A big part where I did this was between Ch. 3 and 4. There was no transition. It went from 1 scene straight to the next. Even though you get a glimpse of what "happened" a little later, it doesn't make sense. I literally thought I was missing a chapter. That's not good.

While I loved the plot, it definitely could've been delved into more. Masques to keep out diseases, a tyrannical prince, rebellions? A great set-up but I feel like we only really get a glimpse of it. While that's not bad, I do wish I could've seen more, especially more about how the world came to be. But hopefully we get to learn more about it in the next 2 books.

Also, on a side note: there is a religious cult. I don't think it was too bad, but I do hope it doesn't go overboard in the next books (which I have a feeling it might since I think its a big part of this book).



Overall:

This book was interesting, don't get me wrong. The atmosphere and mysterious nature of the book were definitely addicting. However, while the descriptive writing was good, transition needs to be worked on and more details added. If you like gothic atmospheres, definitely give this a try!

All the best ♥
Mackenzie

Review originally on Oh, For the Love of Books!

[Suz @ Bookish Revelations]

The Masque of the Red Death is a dark and gorgeous gothic novel with beautiful atmosphere, intriguing characters readers will want to know more about, and compelling mystery. Bethany Griffin brings to life an edgey modern re-telling of a classic Edgar Allen Poe short story, with new original twists sure to wow. The world building is exceptionally phenomenal and amazingly crafted. The imagery and descriptions are stunningly dark and rich, that has a way of pulling readers into the terrifying world of beauty and darkness. The vibrancies shining through in small bits and doses, literally pops off the pages.

Bethany Griffin pens a fantastic blend of gothic horror and steampunk, set in a terrifying world post-apocalyptic world sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats. It's a beguiling world brimming with corsets, beautiful gowns, and carriages that virtually transports readers back to the Victorian era wowing them with gorgeous scenery and intense mystery and intrigue. It's a chilling novel that induces fear and panic surrounding an epidemic deadly plague. The world is dark and dismal. Half of the population has been decimated by this virus, while those who are poor find themselves employed by the wealthy well-to-do, whose main task is to deliver messages. Others seek employment ridding the streets of the bodies ravaged by the virus. The characters are deceptively brilliant and wonderfully developed.

Araby was an interesting character to get to know, in her own unique way. She's the daughter of the man who created the masques that the citizens wear. She seems to be wandering through life, not really sure of herself or what she's capable of. It's almost as if she has somehow lost her footing and doesn't seem to have much hope left. It isn't until her best friend goes missing and a mad man who refers to himself as Reverend Malcontent starts wrecking violence and causing a ruckus in the city, that she begins to find herself and her purpose in life. She starts to slowly metamorp into this beautifully strong, determined, and brave girl despite everything that she's had to endure in her life and the affects of the plague claiming so many other lives.

The romance comes in the form of a love triangle and even though I'd personally prefer not to have them in almost every book I read, it was actually sweet and nice in this one. Will is incredibly swoon worthy handsome and fully of mysterious intrigue. It's easy to see how Araby could find herself irresistibly drawn to him. He's sweet and kind with her, showing he cares for her but it seems as if he lives his life in two separate worlds, passing between the two so effortlessly. This is another small mystery that will have readers guessing and looking for answers.

Elliot, on the other hand, is a bit darker and definitely handsome. He is the brother of Araby's missing best friend. There's just something so thrilling and dangerous, almost wreck less when it comes to him. He's a hard one to figure out, whether he's using Araby or if he actually does care for her. He's all about the revolution, but it's not sure as to what lengths he'd go to actually cause it. He just possesses so much bad boy mysterious charm that makes him likable regardless of whether it's a good thing or not. He will either the best thing to happen to Araby or he'll be the worst thing and readers will definitely want to know more.

Masque of the Red Death is a bone chilling tale full of tantalizing mystery, wickedly dark secrets, and an amazingly killer plot that will surely keep readers guessing all the way to the end. It is just a fantastic ball of wow. It's incredibly thrilling and unique and is definitely a book that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys dark gothic fantasy, the mechanical world of the Victorian era, and survival in a post-apocalyptic world. This phenomenal world full of amazingly interesting characters and equally vivid scenery is bound to stay with readers long after the last page has been turned.