The Masque of the Red Death - Softcover

Griffin, Bethany

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1780621191 ISBN 13: 9781780621197

Publisher: Orion Children's Books, 2012

Synopsis

Death is impossible and living is impossibly hard for 17-year-old Araby Worth in this sexy, post-Apocalyptic reimagining of Poe's gothic horror story of the same name.

It's 1870 and a deadly virus has decimated the population of North America. Masked corpse-collectors roam the streets, removing the bodies before the contagion can spread. Though Araby tries to escape it all with drugs and parties, even at her most intoxicated she can't forget her brother's death - or her guilt for causing it.

But things begin to change when William, the fascinating proprietor of The Debauchery Club where she searches for oblivion, and Elliott, nephew of the insane dictator, enter her life. One wants her heart, and the other her name. Convinced that he has won over his uncle's army, Elliott believes that having Araby on his arm will charm the populace into supporting a new government. After all, her father is the inventor of the mask which prevents the spread of the plague and saved civilisation - for those who can afford it.

... but Araby's greatest interest is that his plans will make protective masks available to all citizens and, in particular, to Will's young siblings, whom she has come to love despite herself. But nothing is what it seems. A new contagion called the Red Death is sweeping the city and a shocking revelation about the origin of the new virus puts Araby's life in danger.

The mob wants her. The rebels want her. And both boys want her. In this superb two-book series, what and who Araby chooses may just decide the fate of humanity ...

About this title

Review:

A stylish Gothic mystey (School Librarian)

Revolution, romance, decadence and decay make a heady mix ... Never patronising, often horrific ... a brave, breathless adventure. Written with restraint and relentlessly addictive (SFX Magazine)

Masque of the Red Death is a very well written debut novel. The writing itself is beautiful, the vivid descriptions are the best I've read recently. Bethany Griffin's writing style is very unique, and I loved it. This book was a joy to read. The whole idea is very unique. It's a concoction of dystopian and steampunk mixed together perfectly to create this hauntingly beautiful story. I wasn't sure whether I was going to like this book or not but it blew my mind. It's such a mysterious tale that leaves the reader catching their breath in suspense. (Read, Write and Read Some More)

[A] dark and gripping dystopian romance (Book Trust)

Griffin captures beautifully what it might be like to become terrifyingly familiar with disease and death. (TES)

It's a must read for all dystopia, steam punk and historical lovers. (THE BOOK ADDICTED GIRL)

Revolution, romance, decadence and decay make a heady mix in Bethany Griffin's YA thriller inspired by Edgar Allen Poe's plague-riddled short story... Never patronising, often horrific, Masque is a brave, breathless adventure. Written with restraint and relentlessly addictive, the worst thing is the unbearable wait until the release of the concluding second part. (Rosie Fletcher SFX)

Book Description:

Death is impossible and living is impossibly hard for 17-year-old Araby Worth, with her exclusive, decadent lifestyle surrounded by a devastated society ...

About this edition

• Publisher: Orion Children's Books
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 1780621191
• ISBN 13: 9781780621197
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 336