Masque of the Red Death by: Bethany Griffin

Title: Masque of the Red Death
Author: Bethany Griffin
Publisher:  Greenwillow Books
Pages: 319
Format: ebook
Source: Purchase
Series: Masque of the Red Death Bk #1

Description:


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 around them.

So what does Araby Worth have to live for?

Nights in the Debauchery Club, beautiful dresses, glittery makeup . . . 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 is what he seems. Both have secrets. Everyone does.

And Araby may find not just something to live for, but something to fight for--no matter what it costs her.

My Thoughts:

Araby Worth is quiet and depressed to say the least blaming herself for her brother's death.  The world Araby lives in is infected with deadly plague.  The only thing protecting the people is a special mask that people buy.  Araby tries to hide her sadness and guilt over her brother's death by going to The Debauchery Club, with her friend April.  They are able to enter the club as long as they are "clean".  It's there that Araby meets Will a young man and during the course of their various interactions does she learn about his younger sister and brother who are parentless with only Will to raise them.  

We also meet Elliott, April's brother who wants to rise up against the Prince to free people from the disease.  Make masks for the kids, with Araby's help they are able to make new masks, and turn the Prince's army against them.  

Both Elliot and Will have secrets from Araby and both seem to be in love with her.  This was a great story of a very horrible situation and what happens when people are desperate for saving.  When everyone believes they know what is right from the town.  I really loved reading about Araby, Elliot and April rising up against their ruthless Uncle the Prince.  I can't wait to see what happens next!