Xpresso Reads

Masque of the Red Death has been my most anticipated book of the year since I discovered it last September. I was obviously first attracted to it by its cover, followed by its premise that talks of a gothic setting, a plague apocalypse, and a Debauchery club… need I say more? As far as steampunk novels go, this is easily my favorite. I absolutely loved the atmosphere throughout the story. The ruined city, the dangers in the streets, the masks, the disease; it's dark and it's dreary, with intricate details that had me truly envisioning this world in disrepair, full of mortality. The always present danger of this easily contracted death is palpable. It gave me shivers and made me cringe. Bethany clearly did not falter in her world building. Its unwavering somber ambiance constantly propels us in a dying world so different from our own, yet, frighteningly not inconceivable. Inside this disintegrating world lives Araby. Living with the guilt of losing her twin brother, she's dealing with her grief in form of punishment by not experiencing life to its fullest. Or at least, nothing Finn didn't get the chance to. This, to me, was incredibly sad. I felt sorry for her especially because she is blinded by her despair; incapacitated. However, when she meets Will with his gorgeous looks, and Elliott with his master plans, things start to improve. Both of these guys are full of charm; even through my misgivings, I kept a liking for both of them. Their vast differences make them both terribly appealing, while their intentions left me with unabated curiosity and doubt.I would not consider this a very fast paced book. Nevertheless, the literary style kept me completely mesmerized by the vastly detailed world and likeable characters. The writing is noticeably elegant; the beautiful flow creates an experience where a fast pace is not necessary to enjoy its execution. But I still wouldn't have minded digging a little deeper inside the fundamental plot line instead of only getting twists (albeit fascinating) that lead to a big foreshadowing of what's to come.Since I haven't read Edgar Allen Poe's original work, I can't comment on the comparison, but I was positively impressed with Bethany Griffin's Masque of the Red Death: an exquisitely woven tale both lavish and ominous.--For more of my reviews, visit my blog at Xpresso Reads