Title: Dance of the Red Death
Author: Bethany Griffin
Series: Red Death, book #2
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Publication Date: June 11, 2013
Source: from publisher via Edelweiss
Purchase: Amazon |
Barnes & Noble
Bethany Griffin continues the journey of Araby Worth in Dance of the Red Death—the sequel to her teen novel Masque of the Red Death.
In Dance of the Red Death, Araby’s world is in shambles—betrayal, death, disease, and evil forces surround her. She has no one to trust. But she finds herself and discovers that she will fight for the people she loves, and for her city.
Her revenge will take place at the menacing masked ball, though it could destroy her and everyone she loves…or it could turn her into a hero.
With a nod to Edgar Allan Poe, Bethany Griffin concludes her tragic and mysterious Red Death series with a heroine that young adult readers will never forget.
Well, now.
Dance of the Red Death picked up right where
Masque left off...with little to no review of the previous book's events. I suggest a re-read of
Masque if you've got the time. (I'd do it for the swoons alone...they are far and few in this follow-up novel.) Fighting abounds, escapes and near-misses are aplenty, and even an
I love you or two is uttered. And yet, this finale in the Red Death series just wasn't quite what I was hoping for.
Our Heroine: That damned silver syringe makes an appearance once again, but this time around, Araby is able to refuse oblivion. She has learned to deal with grief and regret on her own terms. Araby's truly grown as a character, from the spoiled, naïve girl she was in
Masque to the battle-hardened, world-weary revolutionary she is in
Dance. Despite all of the horrific things she's been a witness to, she still maintains hope that together, she and Elliott can right the wrongs of their families.
The Love Triangle: In retrospect, I think it was always pretty obvious where Araby's affections lie, even after loyalties were tested and betrayals had come between characters. But just because it was obvious, doesn't mean I wanted to see it. I always favor my bad boys with a side of redemption, and this series was no different. What Araby says is true: Elliott
would make a good leader. What I'm unsure of is whether that fact alone remains his only redeeming quality. I think Araby's presence does help to soften his demeanor some, but I'm not sure anyone could truly ever crack the ice surrounding his heart.
Will, on the other hand, is outwardly brusque, but on the inside, he's like a big, cuddly teddy bear. His presence on the airship, and among the group in general, is at first only mildly tolerated. His misdeeds are few but they are great, and he has a lot to atone for. But unlike Elliott, whose actions only serve himself or his purpose, Will
is trying to regain trust. It's clear that his feelings for Araby haven't changed and that he'd be willing to do anything to protect her...even if that means protecting her from Elliott.
I remember
Masque being much swoonier. There were
moments, but where were the lines like this?
“And I’m falling in love with you,” he whispers. “But I would throw you in the water and watch crocodiles tear you to bits, if I thought that doing so would accomplish my goals. Do. Not. Trust. Anyone. Especially me.”
What? You weren't swooning at that point? ;0)
The World: Still as depraved and desolate as it was in the first book...but maybe more so with the release of a second contagion. Now, even a mask may not keep you safe. But maybe the prince can? Doubtful.
The contradictions introduced in the first book are still prevalent in this sequel: the decaying, crumbling city versus the decadent castle. Traveling through the treacherous, crocodile-infested marshlands versus taking flight in an airship. The impoverished versus the wealthy. I imagine that's exactly what it would come down to if such a plague were to be released upon us today: those who can afford to survive and those who cannot.
My only issue with the world-building is actually one that I find all too common in dystopian and post-apocalyptic novels: what about the world outside of Prospero's city? Has there been no communication with the outside world? Is this place all that exists any longer?
I
thought two books would be enough, but I was wrong.
At first, I was rather elated that this would be a duology. I love when authors and their publishing houses realize that the material is better suited for a two-part series as opposed to the standard trilogy. Although a satisfying ending to the series,
Dance left this particular reader wanting still more from this derelict world, despite the dire conditions the characters still face. Sure, both books were crammed with drama and action and all manner of twists and turns. And the ending was great. But I still have so many questions. Still, the one that plagues me most, and the one I'm least likely to ever get an answer to is,
Would Elliott really have been able to do it?
Rating: 
Be sure to check out my guest post from the author plus a great giveaway as part of the Dance of the Red Death Blog Tour, hosted by Rockstar Book Tours!
the Red Death series
About the author:
Bethany Griffin is a high school English teacher who prides herself on attracting creative misfits to elective classes like Young Adult Literature, Creative Writing, and Speculative Literature. She is the author of Handcuffs & MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH (April 2012). She lives with her family in Kentucky.
Find Bethany:
Website |
Twitter |
Facebook |
Goodreads
Monday, June 10, 2013
Review: Dance of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin
Author: Bethany Griffin
Series: Red Death, book #2
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Publication Date: June 11, 2013
Source: from publisher via Edelweiss
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
In Dance of the Red Death, Araby’s world is in shambles—betrayal, death, disease, and evil forces surround her. She has no one to trust. But she finds herself and discovers that she will fight for the people she loves, and for her city.
Her revenge will take place at the menacing masked ball, though it could destroy her and everyone she loves…or it could turn her into a hero.
With a nod to Edgar Allan Poe, Bethany Griffin concludes her tragic and mysterious Red Death series with a heroine that young adult readers will never forget.
Well, now. Dance of the Red Death picked up right where Masque left off...with little to no review of the previous book's events. I suggest a re-read of Masque if you've got the time. (I'd do it for the swoons alone...they are far and few in this follow-up novel.) Fighting abounds, escapes and near-misses are aplenty, and even an I love you or two is uttered. And yet, this finale in the Red Death series just wasn't quite what I was hoping for.
Our Heroine: That damned silver syringe makes an appearance once again, but this time around, Araby is able to refuse oblivion. She has learned to deal with grief and regret on her own terms. Araby's truly grown as a character, from the spoiled, naïve girl she was in Masque to the battle-hardened, world-weary revolutionary she is in Dance. Despite all of the horrific things she's been a witness to, she still maintains hope that together, she and Elliott can right the wrongs of their families.
The Love Triangle: In retrospect, I think it was always pretty obvious where Araby's affections lie, even after loyalties were tested and betrayals had come between characters. But just because it was obvious, doesn't mean I wanted to see it. I always favor my bad boys with a side of redemption, and this series was no different. What Araby says is true: Elliott would make a good leader. What I'm unsure of is whether that fact alone remains his only redeeming quality. I think Araby's presence does help to soften his demeanor some, but I'm not sure anyone could truly ever crack the ice surrounding his heart.
Will, on the other hand, is outwardly brusque, but on the inside, he's like a big, cuddly teddy bear. His presence on the airship, and among the group in general, is at first only mildly tolerated. His misdeeds are few but they are great, and he has a lot to atone for. But unlike Elliott, whose actions only serve himself or his purpose, Will is trying to regain trust. It's clear that his feelings for Araby haven't changed and that he'd be willing to do anything to protect her...even if that means protecting her from Elliott.
I remember Masque being much swoonier. There were moments, but where were the lines like this?
What? You weren't swooning at that point? ;0)
The World: Still as depraved and desolate as it was in the first book...but maybe more so with the release of a second contagion. Now, even a mask may not keep you safe. But maybe the prince can? Doubtful.
The contradictions introduced in the first book are still prevalent in this sequel: the decaying, crumbling city versus the decadent castle. Traveling through the treacherous, crocodile-infested marshlands versus taking flight in an airship. The impoverished versus the wealthy. I imagine that's exactly what it would come down to if such a plague were to be released upon us today: those who can afford to survive and those who cannot.
My only issue with the world-building is actually one that I find all too common in dystopian and post-apocalyptic novels: what about the world outside of Prospero's city? Has there been no communication with the outside world? Is this place all that exists any longer?
I thought two books would be enough, but I was wrong.
At first, I was rather elated that this would be a duology. I love when authors and their publishing houses realize that the material is better suited for a two-part series as opposed to the standard trilogy. Although a satisfying ending to the series, Dance left this particular reader wanting still more from this derelict world, despite the dire conditions the characters still face. Sure, both books were crammed with drama and action and all manner of twists and turns. And the ending was great. But I still have so many questions. Still, the one that plagues me most, and the one I'm least likely to ever get an answer to is, Would Elliott really have been able to do it?
Rating:
Be sure to check out my guest post from the author plus a great giveaway as part of the Dance of the Red Death Blog Tour, hosted by Rockstar Book Tours!
Bethany Griffin is a high school English teacher who prides herself on attracting creative misfits to elective classes like Young Adult Literature, Creative Writing, and Speculative Literature. She is the author of Handcuffs & MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH (April 2012). She lives with her family in Kentucky.
Find Bethany:
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
Thursday, June 6, 2013
{Blog Tour} Dance of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin: Guest Post + Giveaway
Hello, lovely readers! I am so excited to bring you a special guest post from Bethany Griffin, author of the amazing Red Death series, as part of the Dance of the Red Death Blog Tour. The awesome ladies at Rockstar Book Tours have put together a great tour, complete with some equally amazing giveaway prizes. Before we get to that, here's a little bit about the epic sequel to Masque of the Red Death:
Author: Bethany Griffin
Series: Red Death, book #2
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Publication Date: June 11, 2013
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository
In Dance of the Red Death, Araby’s world is in shambles—betrayal, death, disease, and evil forces surround her. She has no one to trust. But she finds herself and discovers that she will fight for the people she loves, and for her city.
Her revenge will take place at the menacing masked ball, though it could destroy her and everyone she loves…or it could turn her into a hero.
With a nod to Edgar Allan Poe, Bethany Griffin concludes her tragic and mysterious Red Death series with a heroine that young adult readers will never forget.
My review goes up on Monday!
Bethany Griffin is a high school English teacher who prides herself on attracting creative misfits to elective classes like Young Adult Literature, Creative Writing, and Speculative Literature. She is the author of Handcuffs & MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH (April 2012). She lives with her family in Kentucky.
Find Bethany:
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
Bethany has obliged us today with a glimpse at her writing space. I just love when authors are willing to share such an intimate look at their lives as writers...and just how different each writing spot is from author to author! Without further ado, here's Bethany...
In the summer/spring/fall, this is where you can usually find me. Gilbert hangs out here with me, and usually a few cats.
Here is my reading chair and my stacks of books (behind chair) and Gilbert, again. I was planning to fill the wall with built in bookshelves, but since there is a chance we may not remain in this house as long as I expected when I bought it…(and this room is technically a dining room) I’m thinking of getting some of my foreign book covers blown up and framing them for that wall. Of course, that leaves the question of the books…
This is where I do the actual work, in the winter or when it’s raining. This particular picture was in the throes of revising Dance of the Red Death. I’m usually not that messy.
Hehe...don't worry, Bethany! My mother is always wondering how I ended up with a brown thumb when she's always been quite the gardener. People know better than to give me plants if they have any hopes of them remaining alive. =) Thanks for the view of your writing space! It was so fun seeing all of the spots where you make the magic happen. :D
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Follow the rest of the Dance of the Red Death Blog Tour:
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Teaser Tuesday #60: Born of Illusion by Teri Brown & Dance of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
Author: Teri Brown
Series: Born of Illusion, book #1
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Publication Date: June 11, 2013
Source: received from publisher via Edelweiss
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Born of Illusion is the first book in a new series. Each book in the series will introduce a new historical figure, whose legend is shrouded in magic, along with the young woman whose fate is irrevocably tied to his. The through line in each of the books will be The Ghost Club, the real life secret society that was founded in 1862 by the likes of Charles Dickens, Sir Conan Doyle, and W. B. Yeats to advance mankind’s knowledge of the paranormal. The first three books in the series will deal with Houdini, Aleister Crowley and Rasputin.
Isn't that cover simply gorgeous?!? I love books about magic, especially set in the practical world. And I absolutely adore books set in the 1920s. I think I should have been born a flapper. Goodness knows I've dressed up as one enough times over the years for Halloween! :) When I first discovered this book, I didn't know it was going to be a series, and I had no idea how it would evolve, but I am so delighted with this news!
Author: Bethany Griffin
Series: Red Death, book #2
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Publication Date: June 11, 2013
Source: from publisher via Edelweiss
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
In Dance of the Red Death, Araby’s world is in shambles—betrayal, death, disease, and evil forces surround her. She has no one to trust. But she finds herself and discovers that she will fight for the people she loves, and for her city.
Her revenge will take place at the menacing masked ball, though it could destroy her and everyone she loves…or it could turn her into a hero.
With a nod to Edgar Allan Poe, Bethany Griffin concludes her tragic and mysterious Red Death series with a heroine that young adult readers will never forget.
I have a weird soft spot for duologies. And this one most of all. I love the throwback to Poe but I also love that this is a post-apocalylptic story that brings something different to the table. Maybe not entirely new but definitely different.
Mendy didn't get a chance to send me her teaser this week, so I'm sharing two. The blog tours for both of these books are stopping by this week. Be sure to stop back by for awesome posts and giveaways!
What are you teasing this week? Share it in the comments or leave a link so we can visit!
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Waiting on Wednesday: Dance of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin
"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week's WoW selection is...
Author: Bethany Griffin
Series: Masque of the Red Death, book #2
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Publication Date: April 23, 2013
Araby Worth is poised either to save her city, or to abandon it. In a novel that embodies dark, sexy, tragic, and fearless, Bethany Griffin concludes her incredible, atmospheric reimagining of Edgar Allan Poe’s classic short story.
Araby Worth’s city is on fire. Her brother is dead. Her best friend could be soon. Her mother is a prisoner, her father is in hiding. And the two boys who stole her heart have both betrayed her. But Araby has found herself, and she is going to fight back.
Inspired by one of Edgar Allan Poe’s most compelling stories, “The Masque of the Red Death,” Bethany Griffin has spun two sultry and intricate novels about a young woman who finds herself on the brink of despair but refuses to give in. Decadent masquerades, steamy stolen moments, and sweeping action are set in a city crumbling from neglect and tragedy. A city that seeps into your skin. Dance of the Red Death is the riveting conclusion to the dark and fascinating saga of an unforgettable heroine.
Why I'm waiting: I wanted this book the second I finished Masque of the Red Death. That book was captivating and so full of surprises, and book two is poised to be even more so. And did I read that right? There are only two books in this series? That's kind of impressive...an author who knows her story could be told in two books rather than stretching it out to make three. I mean, I would probably [gladly] read a third book in this series, but I'll settle for what I can get. =)
Not sure how I feel about the cover. So, if the red on the cover of Masque symbolized warning and death, does this purple really symbolize royalty and wealth...as in Araby's rise to the front ranks of the rebellion, maybe? I can get on board with that, I suppose. As long as Elliott is there by her side. I don't trust him, but I'm pulling for him, anyway. :P
Friday, April 20, 2012
Review: Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin
Author: Bethany Griffin
Series: Masque of the Red Death
Publisher: Greenwillow, an imprint of HarperCollins
Publication Date: April 24, 2012
Source: ARC
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.
The world Araby lives in isn’t terribly difficult to imagine. She lives in a decaying city, surrounded by marshlands and full of crumbling buildings, remnants of a time before the plague hit. Crocodiles and plague-riddled bats are a real fear. The wealthy drive steam carriages and careen through the vestiges of streets that have long since seen better days, while the impoverished live on the other side of the city, covering their faces in cloth since they cannot afford the porcelain masks that the wealthy wear to hinder the contagion in the air. There will always be the haves and have-nots, and never is that more obvious than in times of despair and desolation.
Araby is ruined, tragic, and more than a smidge self-deprecating. But she is also moral and kind. Araby harbors insurmountable guilt over the death of her twin brother. To assuage this guilt, she demeans herself, along with her friend April, in the Debauchery District, where all manner of depravity can be found. There are sexual encounters in dark corners and casual drug use and underage drinking, but in the society remaining after the destruction caused by the plague, this doesn’t seem uncommon or even illegal, and so it seems appropriate, considering how the world has progressed thus far.
Despite her best efforts, and a vow to her dead brother, Araby finds herself the unlikely love interest of two very different boys. Differences notwithstanding, both boys have something to offer Araby. They’re not just pretty faces, vying for the attention of a beautiful girl. Elliott, although arrogant and of questionable motives, is not what I expected from a poetry-writing university guy. He shows Araby that she is strong and capable of making much-needed changes in their decaying world. And he wants her by his side so that they can enact these changes together. Will, on the other hand, is sweet and honorable and also not what I expected, considering he’s pretty much a tattooed bouncer at the club frequented by Araby and April in their quest to forget the world around them. It’s because of Will that Araby overcomes her survivor’s guilt and lives for her brother Finn instead of denying herself pleasures because of his death.
Both boys are clear about their feelings with Araby, but it takes Araby a lot longer to trust Elliott because of his questionable motives. The problem with this triangle is not that it exists; it’s that I liked both boys so much. Many times I switched teams in this one, only to be swayed to the other side again. I loved seeing how both sides lived, for Will lived on the wrong side of the tracks, so to speak, and Elliott lived a spoiled life of decadence, much like the one Araby was accustomed to. My only regret is that it took Araby so long to realize she felt something more for Elliott, but honestly, I don’t think I could’ve trusted the guy with my heart either, especially when he says things like this:
But even so, I think Elliott stole my heart. His brutal honesty won me over, I guess.
This book will definitely make it to my list of top reads this year. Between the gritty, desolate surroundings and the rich, lavish lifestyles and even the disparity between the characters, I could not put this book of contrasts down. It was such a strange, entrancing mix of everything I love to see – a dystopian society, steampunk and gothic elements, and a budding romance – and it all came together to produce this amazing novel. It’s absolutely one of the best books I’ve read this year, and I’m actually kind of scared to pick up another book so soon, for fear that nothing I read for awhile will compare.
Rating:
Book-A-Likes: obviously Poe's version, Wither by Lauren Destefano, or Legend by Marie Lu
Saturday, April 14, 2012
In My Mailbox #27
In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It's a weekly meme where we all get to brag about the books and swag we got in the mail, for review, won in contests, etc.
For Review:
Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols, ARC courtesy of the author
Shine by Jeri Smith-Ready, thanks to Simon Schuster for the ARC
Socialpunk by Monica Leonelle, egalley courtesy of the author
Gilt by Katherine Longshore, via Netgalley
Until I Die by Amy Plum, ARC courtesy of HarperCollins
Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin -- YES, another copy thanks to HarperCollins :)
The Fame Game by Lauren Conrad, also thanks to HarperCollins
Enchanted by Alethea Kontis, via ARC tour, courtesy of the Southern Book Bloggers
Prey, Shift & Alpha (books 4-6 in the Shifters series) by Rachel Vincent, audiobooks
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starryeyedjen
- I work with numbers by day, and I'm a mommy and avid reader by night. I'm a self-proclaimed Spreadsheet Queen, and I'll read anything you put in front of me. I seriously love all the books! And I adore audiobooks, too!
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