Waiting on Wednesday, #16

 Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases we can't wait to get our hands on.

Here's my selection for this week...

Dance of the Red Death (Masque of the Red Death #2) by Bethany Griffin

Expected Publication: April 23, 2013

Publisher: Greenwillow Brooks

The sequel to Masque of the Red Death, which Melissa Marr called, “Haunting and beautiful.” 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.

First off, can I just see a show of hands on who thinks this book has an absolutely gorgeous cover? I mean look at it! Beautiful shades of purple surrounded by whispers of black and gray and embellished with a Victorian/elegant art. I love it! Steampunk fans... they're calling our names! The cover alone wins this second installment of the Masque of the Red Death a spot on my bookshelf. :)

But we're not here today to talk about how perfect this book will look on my shelf... :P We're here to remember how the last book in this series left off with a significant cliffy. I remember being equally drawn to both male characters. Elliot had a direct manner about him that Araby could definitely appreciate living in a dark and sinister world of deceit. Where as Will was definitely appealing, but I can't help and feel disappointed in this character for his final act of betrayal despite how honorable his intentions were. So which way will Araby go? Will or Elliot? Elliot or Will? I can't wait to find out more and dive deeper into this gorgeous gothic tale where the world building is addicting and the characters are intriguing.

If you consider yourself a fan of steampunk, gothic, dystopian or even Edgar Allen Poe this book is calling your name. So mark you calendar for April 23, 2013 to enjoy this sure-to-be dramatic conclusion of this series.

Soooo... what book are you waiting on?