Source: My Collection (paperback)
My rating: 4 of 5 stars :star :star :star :star
So I had heard a lot of great things about this book for so long and that cover was so amazing I bought it. Thing is, it joined all the other books I bought and sat on my shelf for awhile. Then Halloween came along and I knew I had to read this every book to get in the spirit. I'm so glad I did because I really enjoyed this!
I'm not sure how many of the people who read this have read the original story [book:The Masque of the Red Death|204779] by [author:Edgar Allan Poe|4624490], but I strong recommend you do. It's not that you'd have a hard time understanding this novel otherwise, but I just think it adds to the story. I'm impressed by how the author wove the original story in and stretched it to cover two books. The main "party" which was my favorite part of the book is the majority of the second book, or so I hear, so I wasn't sure how the pacing would be but it was flawless.
The only reason I gave this four stars was because in the beginning I had a hard time with the MC attitude and her drug use. The drug use was unexpected and difficult in the beginning. I did appreciate her growing from it though. I know everyone has something they prefer not o read about, and drug use is mine. There is a personal/family issue as the reason, but through no fault of the author I almost abandoned this book because I didn't know how heavy the drug use would be. Fortunately it contained very little substance abuse/addict behavior. Just enough, actually as any more and I would've abandoned it.
I love how I completely changed teams from Will to Elliott by the end. Although I'm not a fan of love triangles, this one wasn't totally barf-worthy.. I can't wait to read the sequel!
You need to read this book! It was a lot of fun and definitely something different from what I've been reading in YA lately. One of the best retellings I've ever read.
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“Just because you don't want to see something doesn't mean that it will go away. Do you think inhumanity doesn't exist if you pretend not to see it? Or maybe get too drunk to understand? We've forgotten the things that make life worthwhile.” ― Bethany Griffin, Masque of the Red Death
I didn't like this book as much as you did, and I'm wondering if reading the original story would have changed my mind. I totally prefer Elliott too btw. :)
ReplyDelete-P.E. @ The Sirenic Codex
Isn't that crazy how it changes? Lol. :O I recommend reading the original story..if for nothing else other than it was an excellent short story. If you like movies, I'd recommend finding the one with Vincent Price as Prospero...priceless!! Lol if that doesn't make you wanna try this series again, nothing will ;)
DeleteI read the short story first -- it's short and I agree that it helps you understand the story. Hope you enjoy the second book too :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by! Jen @ YA Romantics
Thanks Jen! ^_^
DeleteGreat review! Short and to the point - love it! Also that you suggested reading the original story first - I wouldn't even have thought about doing that, but now - when I finally get around to pick this book up - I'll make sure I do that :)
ReplyDeleteYou should! It's super short and sweet ;)
DeleteI've borrowed this one 3 times from my library and I still haven't gotten around to it. It sounds great and I'm glad you enjoyed it now that you were finally able to get to it.
ReplyDelete-Kimberly @ Turning the Pages
Thanks Kimberly! :D
DeleteHappy to hear you enjoyed this book! I loved it as well. And Book 2 is great too, I really recommend it!
ReplyDeleteI finished book two earlier this week! I didn't like it as much as this one. I really disliked the way it ended though, keep your eyes out for a discussion post! I am going to discuss retellings and when they work or don't! >.<
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