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stuckinafictionaluniverse's review against another edition
3.0
This was a quick read and I really enjoyed the first half, which was packed with a solid plot and fascinating settings. Unfortunately, the second half felt messy and rushed, and I can barely remember what happened. Maybe I've gotten to the point where I read so many books that they all blend together?
halynah's review
5.0
BRILLIANT, EXTRAORDINARY, EXCITING BOOK! I've never expected to like it so much judging from the first chapter, so dear fellow-readers - be patient at first, adjust to this book, because it's not the type of book that sweeps you from your feet at once, it's the type that grows on you with every page and to the middle of the book you can't imagine not reading it!
So, the merits:
- great style of writing, perfectly recreating sinister and hopeless atmosphere
- many unexpected events and revealing of secrets - especially in the end
- steady and incessant development and growth of characters - at first I couldn't imagine liking Araby or Elliott, but then changing my mind ( equally I couldn't imagine disliking Will and also changing my opinion)
- despite the analogy with Poe this book is really unique and unforgettable
I can't wait the sequel and highly recommend it to everybody - I guess this book is remarkable and invaluable to any reader with any genre preference.
So, the merits:
- great style of writing, perfectly recreating sinister and hopeless atmosphere
- many unexpected events and revealing of secrets - especially in the end
- steady and incessant development and growth of characters - at first I couldn't imagine liking Araby or Elliott, but then changing my mind ( equally I couldn't imagine disliking Will and also changing my opinion)
- despite the analogy with Poe this book is really unique and unforgettable
I can't wait the sequel and highly recommend it to everybody - I guess this book is remarkable and invaluable to any reader with any genre preference.
rjdenney's review
1.0
The romance killed his book by The Red Death.
I stopped at page 148 and couldn't do it anymore.
I liked the story and the world but the romance came in and ruined everything, why was a love triangle necessary? and there was so much stuff wrapped into the book it was hard to keep up with what was going on. A rebellion? I've read this before, nothing new to me. I give this 1 star for the first half of the story and the world building, but other than that this was not a good read.
I stopped at page 148 and couldn't do it anymore.
I liked the story and the world but the romance came in and ruined everything, why was a love triangle necessary? and there was so much stuff wrapped into the book it was hard to keep up with what was going on. A rebellion? I've read this before, nothing new to me. I give this 1 star for the first half of the story and the world building, but other than that this was not a good read.
heatherliz86's review
5.0
I have not read the original by Edgar Allan Poe so I will not compare the books. However, I do believe Griffin wove her own magic throughout the concept of the original story. Bethany Griffin takes you to a time that is dark and the eerie world, that will captivate you right from the beginning.
Araby Worth is a depressed girl that is trying to ward off the ever impending disease . 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.
The romance was bittersweet, because there’s Elliot and then there’s Will. Elliot is kind of a tough nut to crack and he knows how to rub Araby the wrong way. And Will is more of a caring person and Araby has a soft spot for his situation and his charming nature.
I would highly recommend Masque of the Red Death !!!
Araby Worth is a depressed girl that is trying to ward off the ever impending disease . 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.
The romance was bittersweet, because there’s Elliot and then there’s Will. Elliot is kind of a tough nut to crack and he knows how to rub Araby the wrong way. And Will is more of a caring person and Araby has a soft spot for his situation and his charming nature.
I would highly recommend Masque of the Red Death !!!
ladytiara's review
4.0
In Masque of the Red Death, which is very loosely based on Edgar Allen Poe's short story of the same name, the author creates a unique and vivid dystopian world. In an unnamed city at an undetermined time (it could be the past or the future; what technology there is seems rather steampunk, but some of the science seems fairly advanced), a devastating plague has killed much of the population. There's still danger of infection, and Prince Prospero rules the city despotically from his castle in the surrounding countryside. The rich have access to masks that keep them from contracting the disease, but the poor can't afford the masks and they have to take their chances every time they go outside. Araby Worth is the daughter of the man who invented the masks. As her scientist father is in the service of the prince, they live in a luxury apartment in the upper part of the city. Araby lives with terrible guilt because her brother died of the plague years earlier. She and her friend April, the prince's niece, spend their nights at the creepy Debauchery Club looking for oblivion.
Araby is just drifting along through life, trying to ignore her grief and her messed up family life. But then she meets April's brother and everything changes. Elliott is secretly plotting a rebellion against his uncle the Prince and he wants Araby's help. She's intrigued by Elliott, but not sure if she can trust him. Still, she gets caught up in his plots and finds herself having to face real life. Adding another complication is Will, a young man who works at the club. Araby has been attracted to him for a while and her interest grows as she learns about his life. He lives in the poor, lower section of the city and cares for his younger brother and sister.
I really enjoyed this book. The world that Bethany Griffin creates is vivid and compelling, and I was completely drawn into the story. I liked Araby. Her seeming apathy at the beginning of the book bothered me a bit, but it soon became clear that there was much more going on beneath the surface. The plot is filled with intrigue. There are plots and counter-plots (there's another shadowy group plotting rebellion, which may wreak havoc with Elliott's plans) and family secrets abound. I really enjoyed Elliott's character. He's handsome, distant, prickly, and occasionally swoony. Araby has no idea where she stands with him, and he keeps her on her toes. I found Will a bit less interesting, but Araby's attraction to him made sense because she's impressed with his devotion to his younger brother and sister. But in this book, none of the characters are quite what they seem, and that kept things interesting.
Readers who go into this book expecting a retelling of Poe's story may be disappointed. It's not so much a retelling as a reimagining. It shares the same idea of the rich partying and seeking oblivion while the world is collapsing around them, but in this version, we see what's happening outside the castle and there's a lot more going on. Be warned that this is not a stand-alone novel. There are a lot of interesting things introduced toward the end that should make for an intriguing sequel. I'm definitely looking forward to it.
I received an ARC from Amazon Vine.
Araby is just drifting along through life, trying to ignore her grief and her messed up family life. But then she meets April's brother and everything changes. Elliott is secretly plotting a rebellion against his uncle the Prince and he wants Araby's help. She's intrigued by Elliott, but not sure if she can trust him. Still, she gets caught up in his plots and finds herself having to face real life. Adding another complication is Will, a young man who works at the club. Araby has been attracted to him for a while and her interest grows as she learns about his life. He lives in the poor, lower section of the city and cares for his younger brother and sister.
I really enjoyed this book. The world that Bethany Griffin creates is vivid and compelling, and I was completely drawn into the story. I liked Araby. Her seeming apathy at the beginning of the book bothered me a bit, but it soon became clear that there was much more going on beneath the surface. The plot is filled with intrigue. There are plots and counter-plots (there's another shadowy group plotting rebellion, which may wreak havoc with Elliott's plans) and family secrets abound. I really enjoyed Elliott's character. He's handsome, distant, prickly, and occasionally swoony. Araby has no idea where she stands with him, and he keeps her on her toes. I found Will a bit less interesting, but Araby's attraction to him made sense because she's impressed with his devotion to his younger brother and sister. But in this book, none of the characters are quite what they seem, and that kept things interesting.
Readers who go into this book expecting a retelling of Poe's story may be disappointed. It's not so much a retelling as a reimagining. It shares the same idea of the rich partying and seeking oblivion while the world is collapsing around them, but in this version, we see what's happening outside the castle and there's a lot more going on. Be warned that this is not a stand-alone novel. There are a lot of interesting things introduced toward the end that should make for an intriguing sequel. I'm definitely looking forward to it.
I received an ARC from Amazon Vine.
dherzey's review
4.0
“Just because you don't want to see something doesn't mean that it will go away. Do you think inhumanity doesn't exist if you pretend not to see it? Or maybe get too drunk to understand? We've forgotten the things that make life worthwhile.”
This fantastic book just seemed to got everything. The setting might have been confusing for its timeline but it was written in such a simple yet tangible way that makes me feel like a part of their world. There's a lot of twists and turns that makes the story addicting. The female lead is okay, weak at first but you can see that she isn't one to give up so easily. And the other characters? There is just this grayness in them that makes you think who they truly are and what they are capable of. I especially found this intriguing on the character of Elliot, who is intense, clever and unpredictable. The romance isn't overwhelming as to obscure the plot and yes, there is a love triangle, but even that seemed something to positively anticipate because it was dynamic and both love interests are neither the good or bad guys that they seem. The characters, plot and romance just have that certain dark appeal to them that really works well in a world as bloody and gritty as this one.
Spoiler
But seriously, I have my bets on Elliot because he seemed to be a better written character than Will or actually, than any of them.charms1976's review
2.0
When I was typing up the top portion of my review layout, I had a hard time figuring out how to classify this book. Young Adult? Yes. Dystopia? Yes. Steampunk? Yes. So I just put it all together and made my own classification. What grabbed my attention the most about this book before reading was the cover. Oh my goodness! It is gorgeous, dirty, gritty and mysterious all rolled into one picture. It truly is a picture of many words. Then I read the summary and thought I would give it a try.
I am having a hard time writing this review though. I just finished it and frankly, I wasn't a big fan of this book. I have read so many reviews on this book and every other one is full of praise. I must be blinded though by the cover, because I just can't hold it in the same glorious light as others. I don't know if it is because I am still a little confused on how to actually place this book in a certain realm in the young adult genre, or if maybe my reading tastes should stay away from anything with Steampunk involved. I just couldn't bring myself to enjoy the world that was created.
On the other hand, I did like a few of the characters. There is nothing specific that made me like them, I just felt a connection with them which just shows the reader that the author can flesh out a character pretty well. Beyond the characterization though, the story moved at a slow pace and drawn out in one too many places. There was even times I wondered how much longer a certain scene was going to go for.
This is a darker themed book. As others have mentioned, it has a certain Poe-like feel to it. Yes, it does seem to have that feel to me as well. Dirty. Angst. Death. Danger and tragedy. All the makings for a dark and stormy night read. While this isn't one of my favorite books this week or even this month, I will still give the second book a try for the simple fact of the ending of the first book.
I am having a hard time writing this review though. I just finished it and frankly, I wasn't a big fan of this book. I have read so many reviews on this book and every other one is full of praise. I must be blinded though by the cover, because I just can't hold it in the same glorious light as others. I don't know if it is because I am still a little confused on how to actually place this book in a certain realm in the young adult genre, or if maybe my reading tastes should stay away from anything with Steampunk involved. I just couldn't bring myself to enjoy the world that was created.
On the other hand, I did like a few of the characters. There is nothing specific that made me like them, I just felt a connection with them which just shows the reader that the author can flesh out a character pretty well. Beyond the characterization though, the story moved at a slow pace and drawn out in one too many places. There was even times I wondered how much longer a certain scene was going to go for.
This is a darker themed book. As others have mentioned, it has a certain Poe-like feel to it. Yes, it does seem to have that feel to me as well. Dirty. Angst. Death. Danger and tragedy. All the makings for a dark and stormy night read. While this isn't one of my favorite books this week or even this month, I will still give the second book a try for the simple fact of the ending of the first book.
squirrelsohno's review
4.0
Review goes live on Book Brats on 4/19 - http://book-brats.com
For me, MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH was one of my most anticipated books of spring 2012. As a fan of Poe and gothic culture, I knew from the moment I heard about this book that I needed to acquire it at all costs. I think I probably set my expectations for this one too high, though, because when I reached the end, I felt myself conflicted between only 3 and 4 stars. It was a wonderful book that I know most people, particularly fans of dark, literary YA, will love. I fancy myself the occasional fan, but something about this one fell short of the mark.
MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH (book one in a new trilogy by sophomore author Bethany Griffin) is the story of Araby, a young girl in a bleak post-apocalyptic city hit by a devastating plague that is slowly killing off humanity. The Prince has sealed off the city and now controls everything, including the porcelain masks that stave off the Red Lung. Araby, the daughter of the mask’s inventor, is deeply depressed and addicted to drugs to stave off her feelings of worthlessness and guilt for watching her twin brother die. When rebellion begins to brew and Araby is drawn in because of her father’s connections – and the disappearance of her friend – Araby will be in for a lot more excitement than she anticipated.
I should start by saying that if you are a fan of WITHER by Lauren DeStefano, you’re in for a treat – this is very much up that same alley. Very literary and stylized, with a heavy focus on Araby’s emotions as she traverses the bleak landscape, this is not a book for people who want a breakneck action thriller. The pacing is subdued and built with rich description and exotic, unique world building. Action happens, but it isn’t the main focus, or at least it wasn’t in my opinion. This is more of an emotional story against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic dystopian world with elements of intrigue and action mixed in.
I think my mail problem with this story lies in the love interests and their relationship with Araby. Elliot is a bold, outgoing society gentleman who comes from a wealthy family – and he’s also the nephew of the Prince. He also supplies Araby with opium in exchange for her accompanying him on various trips and missions. The other love interest is Will, a staff member at the club Araby frequents, and a down-on-his-luck guy taking care of his two siblings in the ruins of the city’s slums. I know the majority of people will disagree with me, but I couldn’t find a connection for either one. It wasn’t about Araby to them, it was about themselves and their own interests, and they both show it. But yes, if you have to ask, I am Team Will. You can read the book and find out why, but I am more for the strong quiet types if that makes any sense.
Araby herself is a difficult character to explain. She’s very depressed and naïve about the world, wrapped up in a little bubble of despair brought on by death, being ignored, and some pre-existing psychiatric reasons I would think. She uses drugs to dull her mind, going to clubs with her friend April to forget the world outside, but when she steps out of this bubble, you really begin to see the world for what it is, and all of its faults, along with her. This is the strength of the novel – the world building from the eyes of a girl who has little left to live for, and proof to show this. She is not tough, she is not a fighter, but when she realizes she does have something to live for, that spark of life is back.
MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH is an enthralling, fascinating take on life in the face of death and every manner of steampunk, post-apocalyptic excitement you could think of. With the exception of the love interests and some pacing issues, seeing as how the story is a slow burn that starts off exceptionally slow (oh, I didn’t mention that – the first fifty pages almost lost me with a plodding narrative, but Griffin stole me back by page 100 and the story refused to let me go), this book will appeal to fans of literary YA with a definite speculative slant. Don’t be discouraged by the early pacing issues – this one gets better as it goes along.
VERDICT: Although I didn’t care for the love interests, Araby’s story is gripping and taut. The world building alone makes up for pacing difficulties and characterization issues.
For me, MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH was one of my most anticipated books of spring 2012. As a fan of Poe and gothic culture, I knew from the moment I heard about this book that I needed to acquire it at all costs. I think I probably set my expectations for this one too high, though, because when I reached the end, I felt myself conflicted between only 3 and 4 stars. It was a wonderful book that I know most people, particularly fans of dark, literary YA, will love. I fancy myself the occasional fan, but something about this one fell short of the mark.
MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH (book one in a new trilogy by sophomore author Bethany Griffin) is the story of Araby, a young girl in a bleak post-apocalyptic city hit by a devastating plague that is slowly killing off humanity. The Prince has sealed off the city and now controls everything, including the porcelain masks that stave off the Red Lung. Araby, the daughter of the mask’s inventor, is deeply depressed and addicted to drugs to stave off her feelings of worthlessness and guilt for watching her twin brother die. When rebellion begins to brew and Araby is drawn in because of her father’s connections – and the disappearance of her friend – Araby will be in for a lot more excitement than she anticipated.
I should start by saying that if you are a fan of WITHER by Lauren DeStefano, you’re in for a treat – this is very much up that same alley. Very literary and stylized, with a heavy focus on Araby’s emotions as she traverses the bleak landscape, this is not a book for people who want a breakneck action thriller. The pacing is subdued and built with rich description and exotic, unique world building. Action happens, but it isn’t the main focus, or at least it wasn’t in my opinion. This is more of an emotional story against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic dystopian world with elements of intrigue and action mixed in.
I think my mail problem with this story lies in the love interests and their relationship with Araby. Elliot is a bold, outgoing society gentleman who comes from a wealthy family – and he’s also the nephew of the Prince. He also supplies Araby with opium in exchange for her accompanying him on various trips and missions. The other love interest is Will, a staff member at the club Araby frequents, and a down-on-his-luck guy taking care of his two siblings in the ruins of the city’s slums. I know the majority of people will disagree with me, but I couldn’t find a connection for either one. It wasn’t about Araby to them, it was about themselves and their own interests, and they both show it. But yes, if you have to ask, I am Team Will. You can read the book and find out why, but I am more for the strong quiet types if that makes any sense.
Araby herself is a difficult character to explain. She’s very depressed and naïve about the world, wrapped up in a little bubble of despair brought on by death, being ignored, and some pre-existing psychiatric reasons I would think. She uses drugs to dull her mind, going to clubs with her friend April to forget the world outside, but when she steps out of this bubble, you really begin to see the world for what it is, and all of its faults, along with her. This is the strength of the novel – the world building from the eyes of a girl who has little left to live for, and proof to show this. She is not tough, she is not a fighter, but when she realizes she does have something to live for, that spark of life is back.
MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH is an enthralling, fascinating take on life in the face of death and every manner of steampunk, post-apocalyptic excitement you could think of. With the exception of the love interests and some pacing issues, seeing as how the story is a slow burn that starts off exceptionally slow (oh, I didn’t mention that – the first fifty pages almost lost me with a plodding narrative, but Griffin stole me back by page 100 and the story refused to let me go), this book will appeal to fans of literary YA with a definite speculative slant. Don’t be discouraged by the early pacing issues – this one gets better as it goes along.
VERDICT: Although I didn’t care for the love interests, Araby’s story is gripping and taut. The world building alone makes up for pacing difficulties and characterization issues.
tippyloohoo's review
4.0
This is a re-imagining of Poe's short story of the same name. The Masque of the Red Death is my all time favorite Edgar Allan Poe story and Griffin does an amazing job building on the story Poe so masterfully created. But you have to keep in mind that this is a re-imagining NOT a re-telling, there is a difference. Mostly in this case the difference is that you will not find the Poe's masked ball in Griffin's book. But there is a good reason for it. Masque of the Red Death is the first in a planned series, you'll see the famous ball in the second book, Dance of the Red Death which is expected out in April of 2013.
Masque of the Red Death is the story of Araby Worth, the scientists daughter. In a world torn apart by the plague Araby lives in relative safety. Her father created the masks worn, by those who can afford them, to keep the disease at bay. She has learned to read the movement of people's eye brows and the look in their eyes but behind her mask Araby hides the guilt of her twin brothers death. She spends her nights at The Debauchery Club seeking oblivion in the form of drink or drug with her best friend April. But it's not until she become involved with April's brother, Elliot, that Araby truly begins to live dangerously. Elliot is planning a revolution and he wants Araby to play a big part in it. With both now clearly on the radar of Elliot's uncle, Prince Prospero, the game is only more deadly.
I truly loved Masque of the Red Death, it is an absolutely brilliant re-imagining of the original Poe story and a wonderful beginning to what I hope will be an amazing series. I can not wait to get my hands on a copy of Dance of the Red Death.
Masque of the Red Death is the story of Araby Worth, the scientists daughter. In a world torn apart by the plague Araby lives in relative safety. Her father created the masks worn, by those who can afford them, to keep the disease at bay. She has learned to read the movement of people's eye brows and the look in their eyes but behind her mask Araby hides the guilt of her twin brothers death. She spends her nights at The Debauchery Club seeking oblivion in the form of drink or drug with her best friend April. But it's not until she become involved with April's brother, Elliot, that Araby truly begins to live dangerously. Elliot is planning a revolution and he wants Araby to play a big part in it. With both now clearly on the radar of Elliot's uncle, Prince Prospero, the game is only more deadly.
I truly loved Masque of the Red Death, it is an absolutely brilliant re-imagining of the original Poe story and a wonderful beginning to what I hope will be an amazing series. I can not wait to get my hands on a copy of Dance of the Red Death.