Masque of the Red Death: Review

Title: Masque of the Red Death

Author: Bethany Griffin

Release Date: April 2012

Published By: Harper Collins

Pages: 320

Goodreads Rating: 4.32 stars

Review: The population has plunged into one remaining city from a devastating plague, and those left alive remain in constant fear of catching it as the city crumbles around them. The privileged, like Araby Worth, live only to forget it all: nights in the Debauchery Club, elegant dresses, glittering make-up, and a tantalizing way to never remember. But one day she meets Will and Elliott, neither of whom is what he seems, and she just may find something to live for - and maybe even fight for.

This novel may seem at first sight to be similar to other apocalyptic novels out there, featuring a plague and a death-ridden world, but it's obvious just a few pages in that no book is comparable to this one. The story is based off of a short work of the same name written by Edgar Allen Poe, and though there were many inventive twists on the original work, MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH was still able to retain the same wonderfully gothic feel.

This riveting novel captures you not just because of its intriguing plot but the writing was well. It seems to be deceptively simple words strung together, but in fact, each sentence reverberates with power and weaves together a dark world easy to get lost in. Once the cover has been lifted, there is no putting it down, and it is near impossible to not be tempted to finish the entire book in one sitting.

MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH is not a novel to be forgotten. From the remarkably powerful writing and gothic tone to the poignant emotional scenes that seize your breath, this book shows a bleak but oddly beautiful future. I would recommend this to anyone, regardless of their preference about dystopian fiction.