Dark, richly detailed and beautifully written, DANCE OF THE RED DEATH is a riveting conclusion to author Bethany Griffin's Masque of the Red Death series. This story captivates as it takes readers from a city on the verge of collapse to the plague-ridden swamps on its outskirts to the opulent but deadly palace of Prince Prospero for a sinister and macabre masked ball.This second and final book in the series will keep readers on edge as they follow along with Araby in her pursuit to find her father, save her friend, save her city and defeat the two rivals who wish to see its destruction. It is a haunting story filled with heartbreak and loss, a heroine who is faced with difficult decisions and an ending that is bittersweet.With the Red Death taking lives faster than the Weeping Sickness ever did, with two madmen on a collision course that will leave the city and its citizens in ruins and with two boys who hold a piece of her heart awaiting her decision, Araby Worth's time is running out.But unless she can find her father, discover a cure for this deadliest of diseases, emerge victorious from Prospero's latest game and stop Malcontent from achieving his goal of total annihilation, there will be no reason for her to choose between a future with Elliott or one with Will. Because there will be no future. Not for her. Not for her friends. Not for anyone.Beautiful even at its most horrifying, DANCE OF THE RED DEATH weaves its magic and draws readers into its darkly alluring world full of twists and turns, shocks and surprises, with its flawed, damaged, despairing but not defeated, maniacal, malevolent, determined and hopeful characters. All of whom are incredibly fascinating. All of whom serve to make this story one that is memorable.Author Bethany Griffin gives readers another unique look at a story that has Poe's as its inspiration. She builds the suspense in this sequel, making this a nail-biter, and gives her once directionless protagonist a purpose, turning her into a heroine that is strong, determined and one worth rooting for.DANCE OF THE RED DEATH is an immensely entertaining finish to this two-book series. With its battle of good versus evil times two, its triangle-shaped love story, its chilling setting, its intriguing characters and the surprises it delivers along the way, it is a story not to be missed.Note: This review is based on an advance readers copy I received from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. However both an electronic and print copy of the book were purchased for my collection.