Masque of the Red Death took a lot of risks. Firstly, it was based on Poe’s title of the same name. And as everyone knows, generally you just don’t go messing with Poe.
All I’m saying is that shortly before this was taken, that skeleton was alive and very apologetic.
Secondly, it’s a young adult novel that features drugs, sex and alcohol. Thirdly, the protagonist, Araby Worth, is suicidal.
After finishing it, it doesn’t feel like a novel that I necessarily need to talk about. I really enjoyed it. Duncan, an editor at HarperCollins, said in the forward, “We think Bethany Griffin is a startling and fresh voice in teen fiction.”
Well, I’ll give them that. I thought Griffin’s writing was well-crafted and strong. She has control over her prose and uses them to great effect throughout the novel.
Masque of the Red Death contains that dreaded creature – the love triangle. Curse it! But it was not horrifyingly painful. As a reader, it’s not something I enjoy and I don’t think it added much of value to this novel – but nor did it cause my eye to bleed and my internal organs to explode, so I think it can mostly be forgiven – though the relationship aspect does take up a significant portion of this story where I would have preferred, perhaps, to spend more time focusing on the political intrigue or intense plotting than over which boy may or may not kiss her.
Plot, I’m going to let you finish in a minute. But this kiss scene is going to happen now.
Characterization in this novel is a tightrope over Niagra Falls difficulty setting and I think Griffin may just have pulled it off. Araby was the most difficult character of all. Not just because she was suicidal and depressed and mopy, but because she has a lot of difficult decisions to make and most of them impact on the world she’s in. There’s this uncomfortable feeling that a suicidal junkie may not be the person I’d want to place my hopes in, but somehow I think her warm heart and generous spirit balanced it out.
The two love interests, what can I say? It’s the usual toss up between Bad Boy and Ol’ Reliable. But Griffin gives a good twist on this and actually makes the relationships an interesting dynamic. The problem was that they occasionally interrupted the pacing.
Excuse me, ma’am. Mind if I interrupt your story pacing?
Image by Avidel
Enjoyable and highly readable – I look forward to the next one!
Yael Itamar
I was curious about Masque of the Red Death, but this review has moved it up to “Must Read.”
ValeriaAndreaBS
I knoe, the love triangle didn’t kill me either! It was, well, twisty. I quite liked that aspect.
Neyra
I have a copy of this, but still haven’t read it >.< I’m looking for Poe’s work first then this 🙂 Great review Kat, glad this book was a good read!
Kara_M
Same rating I gave it. I didn’t necessarily love the book; I found it boring in places, but there is no denying the author is talented. I definitely want to read the sequel to see how it ends. It was a very atmospheric book with pretty strong world building. Great review, Kat!
Bookish Brunette
Dude this book ROCKED my FACE off!!!! I thought Will was so sweet & sexy til Elliot completely stole my heart when he told her that he’d feed her to the crocodiles to get what he wanted. 😉 shhhhyea, I’m all crazy that way. 😉
MusingsinRed
Well, as I am infatuated with all things red…. as my blog’s name can tell you… I must say I was attracted to the book cover!! 🙂
But the content sounds interesting!! I needs must check it out!! 🙂
BlookGirl
I adored this book and am glad to see that you enjoyed it overall, too. I imagine the second book will be MUCH better than the first, and I sure hope it is. The love triangle isn’t really one – at least not yet – but I can see where it’s headed. I think the absence of in-your-face-love-triangle is what made this one bearable for you 🙂
Great review!
Kate C.
Hmm… Still on the fence about this one. Maybe I’ll get to it in a few months. Right now I only have time for books I’m DYING to read. 🙂