Book Review: Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

 

*Received from Around the World ARC Tours for review*

Synopsis (from Goodreads):   

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:

This was a great book!  I started reading it and did not want to put it down.  It captures your attention from page one until the end!

Araby lives with her parents.  Her father is a scientist for the Prince but he is one of the few that gets to live outside the castle walls.  Her father has invented a mask for those who are not infected with the plague (and those who can afford to buy them) to wear when in "unclean" air. 

 Araby feels like the unwanted since her brother died.  He was always the golden child and he died from the plague.  Araby decides after he dies that she will not experience anything that her brother wasn't able to experience.  She won't fall in love, won't kiss anyone, etc.  This doesn't become a problem until she meets Will and Elliott.

Will is the "inspector" at the club Araby goes too.  The club has clean air so you can take your masks off there but first you must go through a series of tests to make sure you aren't infected.  This is Will's job.  Will is sweet and caring underneath is serious attitude.  He works hard and takes care of his little brother and sister.  I really liked Will!

Elliott is April's brother.  April is Araby's best friend and the two often go to the club together but Araby doesn't ever meet Elliott until after April disappears one night.  Elliott wants to take the prince down and make masks available to everyone.  But, since the prince and Araby's father are the only two who have the prototype, Elliott needs Araby.  Araby depends a lot on Elliott as well. 

Together, they need to find a way to take down Prince Prospero, find April and not get infected.  They want to be able to make masks for the old and young, rich and poor unlike.  In a world full of death and plague, this is quite the challenge.  

The love triangle between the three wasn't a huge issue.  I was kept guessing which boy would be "the" boy and I enjoyed that.  Triangles get old but this one was not bothersome at all.   

This book is fast paced and exciting from start to finish. The characters were well developed and likeable.  I think this one is a must read!