Masque Of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

WARNING.  Mild spoilers at the distance. And cats. 

 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.

Goodreads
Series: Masque of the Red Death #1
Published April 24th 2012 by Harper Collins

The Masque of the Red Death contains a world in it that I never dared to imagine. Diseases as potent as fear and desperation were highlighted in this bleak and artistically gloomy book. Apparently, ever since I was a child (or spawn XD) I was always fascinated by balls, corsets and all those ostentatious finery. So I was expecting that I would thoroughly love the book plus the males, of course. Sadly, relating so much to Araby wasn’t enough to keep me grounded enough. Even if I can feel the heroine’s own sentiment and yes, I respected her because of the “vow”, there’s still something that lacked Masque. Definitely not the world building, hell, I’d give a thousand awards for Bethany Griffin for that feat alone but because it was so overshadowed by the dark desperation and grotesqueness caused by the plagues. And things like this aren’t exactly for me. I had enough of heavy depression to last me a lifetime, thank you. Oh, but I’m no hypocrite. I pictured myself doing what Araby does if I’m her. I like it when everything is fair. I salute the girl for her ways after her brother’s death. Except the drugs part. Unceremoniously passing out behind a curtain is cute but the “bed scene” with Will? I love that. Sincerely.

In the Steampunk aspects, it deserves a shining perfect score. But there are also foolish aspects with Araby that deserves a what- the- hell-did-you-just-agree-to-his-whims-that-easily reaction. Seriously, if I were her, I’d put up even the littlest resistance. Too bad I wasn’t her. I learn to love the characters especially (Hear! Hear! This is the first time I love someone besides the hottie) Elise and Henry, Will’s lil bro and sis. They are so straight-forward, adorable and honest. I would let your betrayal stunt slip away, Will. I understand it if your siblings are this irresistible. And Elliot, oh dear Elliot, I’m pulling my hair here. I can’t decide if you’re a to-be-avoided foreign object or a totally-huggable guy. The romance is killing me. I’m so frustrated who to choose. But I’m a lil biased with Will, the tattoo guy so…  

*pats Will’s back that soon turned to shameless rubbing*  

Oops, I gotta keep my hands to myself. The love triangle is very, very cunning. Indeed, I was taken aback. I knew there was one traitor but I didn’t expect it would be him. I was hurt. Ya know, I was rooting for him and all that I hate the other guy like how I hate cheese crap but then again, it was understandable (I think)

                                                               *EXACTLY*

The author’s writing style was like a sort of oasis after that “plague” called City of Bones (SOON!) It was engaging and the visualization is something I have to praise about the book. I loved it because I can smoothly read without frowning or wanting to bang my head to the comp desk. Oh well, I can survive the death of a few brains cells or so after that horror of COB. Eherm…so overall to you Poe fans out there if you’re dissatisfied by the shortness of his original work like the author, check out Masque of the Red Death. By the way, after seeing the acknowledgements, I was disoriented for a minute, freaking out because, hey, IS THAT REALLY ALL? So probably I need another Masque fix. It was one hell of a ride in a black cart and I like it. 

                                         *That was the ending???!!!

P.S. This is a one day read and review. To make it up for my slacking. Apologies for any missing point/s. 

He kisses me. Very gently, on the cheek.How tragic it is that my mask is off, and he’s just kissing my cheek.

          "Elliott loved her.” I stop breathing. After everything, how can this be what makes me cry?