Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

A plague has killed most of humanity, but there are still those that survive. They wear porcelain masks so that they don't breathe in the deadly air. Those that can't afford the masks take their chances. The cart goes through the streets daily collecting the dead.

Araby is one of the lucky ones in the fact that her father is a renowned scientist who created the masks. She lives a life of luxury but her heart isn't in it. Her twin brother died from the disease, so she has vowed she will not do or feel anything that her deceased brother cannot. She spends her time with April, a girl in the same apartment building, going to masque's all dressed and glittered up. There, she seeks a drug to give her oblivion.

At the club, she meets Will and finds herself attracted to him, but distances herself from him emotionally. She also finally meets April's brother, Elliott, who is on a mission to overthrow the Prince, the man who runs everything. Araby vows to help him, in secret from her parents. She steals from her father and she dodges her mother. But she isn't the only one with secrets and the only danger surrounding her isn't in the air.

Masque of the Red Death is a post-apocalyptic thriller that is seeped in shadows and secrecy. The world-building is complex and compelling but the main heroine, Araby, fell short of my expectations. She made poor choices and was very flighty. The characters of Will and Elliott, though, were very well-developed and quickly held my attention. I'll definitely be picking up the next book by Bethany Griffin, but I hope Araby becomes a stronger character.