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Masque of the Red Death #1.5
Glitter & Doom
A 50-page, digital-only novella set in the world of Bethany Griffin's dark and haunting retelling of the classic Edgar Allan Poe story Masque of the Red Death. When a rich teenage girl who spends her nights in the most desirable club and a smart, young inventor meet, they might have more in common than they know.
April, niece to the dying city's cruel dictator, is Araby Worth's glittery and frivolous best friend. But she's more than she appears. And when she disappeared in Masque of the Red Death, where did she go? This short novella answers that question, taking us deep underneath the crumbling city, where April crosses paths with Kent, the serious young inventor who is key to rebellion. Glitter & Doom is a story of chilling action, of spies, and of surprising love. Can love be anything but doomed is a city that's burning down around its survivors?
A dark, unnerving story about two of the most fascinating characters from Masque of the Red Death.
April, niece to the dying city's cruel dictator, is Araby Worth's glittery and frivolous best friend. But she's more than she appears. And when she disappeared in Masque of the Red Death, where did she go? This short novella answers that question, taking us deep underneath the crumbling city, where April crosses paths with Kent, the serious young inventor who is key to rebellion. Glitter & Doom is a story of chilling action, of spies, and of surprising love. Can love be anything but doomed is a city that's burning down around its survivors?
A dark, unnerving story about two of the most fascinating characters from Masque of the Red Death.
44 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2013
9 people are currently reading
1888 people want to read
About the author
Bethany Griffin
10 books958 followersBethany Griffin teaches high school English and creative writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
March 26, 2013
Well, this was certainly not what I was expecting. Then again 50 pages is really not much to work with...
Glitter
April's story, from sometime after Prospero kills her father to when she's captured by Malcontent. I read Masque of the Red Death for the Poe inspirations and the sweeping vistas of a poisoned, diseased city, so I really wasn't impressed with April's character - Glitter fills in the gaps and confirms Prospero, as expected, is one sick dude, so there's that, but beyond Prospero's depravity this short story really needed more of the plague descriptions and urban desperation that made the first book so sick.
Doom
Basically, Masque of the Red Death from when April escapes from Malcontent to the end of the book, told from Kent's point of view. Personally, the last part of the book made the least amount of sense to me, and although I'm curious what'll happen next, this story added absolutely nothing new.
The Dance of the Red Death Preview
One chapter, they're in Kent's airship, nothing fancy.
Glitter
April's story, from sometime after Prospero kills her father to when she's captured by Malcontent. I read Masque of the Red Death for the Poe inspirations and the sweeping vistas of a poisoned, diseased city, so I really wasn't impressed with April's character - Glitter fills in the gaps and confirms Prospero, as expected, is one sick dude, so there's that, but beyond Prospero's depravity this short story really needed more of the plague descriptions and urban desperation that made the first book so sick.
Doom
Basically, Masque of the Red Death from when April escapes from Malcontent to the end of the book, told from Kent's point of view. Personally, the last part of the book made the least amount of sense to me, and although I'm curious what'll happen next, this story added absolutely nothing new.
The Dance of the Red Death Preview
One chapter, they're in Kent's airship, nothing fancy.
January 13, 2014
Oh wow! This was so cute! I dont remember Masque of the Red Death too well. I read it quite a while ago (May 2012), and I havent read Dance of the Red Death yet. But I do somewhat recall Kent, and I dont think I had any idea that this was going on with him and April. They are a surprising couple, but so cute! And I loved April in this. I remember her character, but I dont really remember what I thought of her. She was awesome and strong in this.
May 30, 2017
3.5 Sterne für eine grausame, aber gelungene Novella. Ich war wirklich positiv überrascht. Wäre die Story nicht wieder in dieses Geschnulze abgedriftet, sondern so hart geblieben, wie sie es anfangs war, hätten es sogar noch mehr Sterne werden können.
June 6, 2013
Novellas are tough. They really are. This one falls somewhere between Brigid Kemmerer's brilliant Elemental series novellas (which really add to the richness of the world and characters, but you don't have to read them to enjoy the novels) and major misfires like Undone and The Queen's Army, both of which follow side characters/love interests--but if you read them in the order recommended by the publisher (both are, like Glitter & Doom, numbered 1.5), they spoil MAJOR plot twists from the following novel. Such a weird choice. I cannot fathom why this is a thing that happens.
So this novella doesn't spoil anything. It basically just fleshes out the events of Masque of the Red Death. What it felt like, really (and I have no idea whether this is what happened), was that the author started writing Dance of the Red Death and realized that there are some major characters who got shortchanged a bit in book one, which really just told Araby's story. Here we're following April and Kent, the young scientist, and through them we learn a lot about Elliott, the short leg of the major love triangle of the series.
It's worth reading, but it feels like an early draft. It's good for people (like me) who read A LOT of books and can't remember what happened in Masque of the Red Death because we've read 350 other novels in the meantime--unless we (ahem) can remember THE ENTIRE BOOK UP UNTIL THE ENDING. So SOME of us will have to re-read the end of the first book anyway.
And I will never stop being annoyed that the two pretty girls in this series are named April and Araby. BOTH have "A" names. Grrrrrr.
So this novella doesn't spoil anything. It basically just fleshes out the events of Masque of the Red Death. What it felt like, really (and I have no idea whether this is what happened), was that the author started writing Dance of the Red Death and realized that there are some major characters who got shortchanged a bit in book one, which really just told Araby's story. Here we're following April and Kent, the young scientist, and through them we learn a lot about Elliott, the short leg of the major love triangle of the series.
It's worth reading, but it feels like an early draft. It's good for people (like me) who read A LOT of books and can't remember what happened in Masque of the Red Death because we've read 350 other novels in the meantime--unless we (ahem) can remember THE ENTIRE BOOK UP UNTIL THE ENDING. So SOME of us will have to re-read the end of the first book anyway.
And I will never stop being annoyed that the two pretty girls in this series are named April and Araby. BOTH have "A" names. Grrrrrr.
May 26, 2013
I read Glitter & Doom right after reading Masque of the Red Death , and honestly, I think the contents of this novella should have been included in the full length novel. I haven't read many novellas, but the ones I have read felt unnecessary and too short for real character development or insights to occur. Not with Glitter & Doom!
This novella gives you greater insight into mostly April and Kent, but also Elliot, Will and Malcontent. I have SO much more respect for April now, as it was shown that her shallowness is a front, a survival technique, and that she is actually quite capable and smart. It was really interesting to learn more about Kent, as we only saw glimpses of him in Masque! I think we will be seeing more of him in Dance of the the Red Death. Besides Will I thought he really represented the good still left in humanity.
Just as with Masque some of the contents of Glitter & Doom are disturbing. Particularly the parts related to Elliot's upbringing under the Prince. My stomach actually turned at one part related to an animal (it's not a dog, just as an FYI). We also got to see more of Malcontent and how insane he has become and what his plans are for the city.
As a result of all the wonderful character development Griffin achieved in 50 pages, coupled with the details given regarding the events near the end of Masque of the Red Death, I really feel like these storylines and details should have somehow been included in the book, for they would have made for a much richer text. However, upon consideration, maybe the format would not have worked so well, as Glitter & Doom was told from two different perspectives (April - Glitter, and Kent - Doom) and at the start the reader is given a significant scene and then the rest of the chapters develop throughout time, ex.: "Five Years Later...".
Overall, Glitter & Doom was one of the best novellas I've read thus far, and fans of Masque of the Red Death should definitely read this one during the wait for Dance of the Red Death!
This novella gives you greater insight into mostly April and Kent, but also Elliot, Will and Malcontent. I have SO much more respect for April now, as it was shown that her shallowness is a front, a survival technique, and that she is actually quite capable and smart. It was really interesting to learn more about Kent, as we only saw glimpses of him in Masque! I think we will be seeing more of him in Dance of the the Red Death. Besides Will I thought he really represented the good still left in humanity.
Just as with Masque some of the contents of Glitter & Doom are disturbing. Particularly the parts related to Elliot's upbringing under the Prince. My stomach actually turned at one part related to an animal (it's not a dog, just as an FYI). We also got to see more of Malcontent and how insane he has become and what his plans are for the city.
As a result of all the wonderful character development Griffin achieved in 50 pages, coupled with the details given regarding the events near the end of Masque of the Red Death, I really feel like these storylines and details should have somehow been included in the book, for they would have made for a much richer text. However, upon consideration, maybe the format would not have worked so well, as Glitter & Doom was told from two different perspectives (April - Glitter, and Kent - Doom) and at the start the reader is given a significant scene and then the rest of the chapters develop throughout time, ex.: "Five Years Later...".
Overall, Glitter & Doom was one of the best novellas I've read thus far, and fans of Masque of the Red Death should definitely read this one during the wait for Dance of the Red Death!
Want to read
February 27, 2013My initial reaction after spotting this book:
HOLY LORD BABY JESUS. Mercy has been given!
My reaction after reading theMASSIVE slight problem:
Glitter and doom (mask..red death..release date .......wait.....DA F#%K?!?!?!?!?
Why, WHHYYY cruel world? Is there no mercy to thy devout book lovers?
Reaction after looking at release date:
Dispatcher: 911 what is your emergency
Caller: help...*hyperventilates* ... 1.5 ... Release date....NO MERCY
Dispatcher: a librarian is on their way, just hang in there ma'am.
Why would they torture me this way?! It just makes me want to read it even more, but if I read it, then I'll have to wait for book 2!!!!
Team Elliot and Eagerly awaiting book 2. Until then I will be in a very, very dark place in my life.... D:
HOLY LORD BABY JESUS. Mercy has been given!
My reaction after reading the
Glitter and doom (mask..red death..release date .......wait.....DA F#%K?!?!?!?!?
Why, WHHYYY cruel world? Is there no mercy to thy devout book lovers?
Reaction after looking at release date:
Dispatcher: 911 what is your emergency
Caller: help...*hyperventilates* ... 1.5 ... Release date....NO MERCY
Dispatcher: a librarian is on their way, just hang in there ma'am.
Why would they torture me this way?! It just makes me want to read it even more, but if I read it, then I'll have to wait for book 2!!!!
Team Elliot and Eagerly awaiting book 2. Until then I will be in a very, very dark place in my life.... D:
May 26, 2020
I downloaded this short piece from Overdrive on a whim. I'm glad I did because it was actually enjoyable. Sort of like a light frothy dessert of SteamPunk Lite. I haven't looked up any references but it has all the makings of something written for Young Adults. Romance and attraction is everything and the bombs and plague are the setting.
The one feature that really stood out was the creepy violence in the beginning pages. The cruelty is obviously part of the motivation and backstory and it works to make the villain hateable. I don't know if child and animal cruelty is part of the series, but it's contained within 1.5.
Pay to Read?
If your local library/Overdrive offers this for free and you want an introduction to the series, then try it. I don't think it's worth 99cents though. I can't imagine that there is anything devastatingly new in this material. And you could end up feeling cheated because at about the 70% point it transitions into more of an outline of the actions taken, and feelings felt.
The one feature that really stood out was the creepy violence in the beginning pages. The cruelty is obviously part of the motivation and backstory and it works to make the villain hateable. I don't know if child and animal cruelty is part of the series, but it's contained within 1.5.
Pay to Read?
If your local library/Overdrive offers this for free and you want an introduction to the series, then try it. I don't think it's worth 99cents though. I can't imagine that there is anything devastatingly new in this material. And you could end up feeling cheated because at about the 70% point it transitions into more of an outline of the actions taken, and feelings felt.
October 11, 2015
This is a short story that takes place between the two Masque of the Red Death books. It’s been a while since I read this series and I kind of forgot I had this short story on my Kindle. It was fun to go back and revisit this world.
The story follows April as she and Kent meet again and work to help bring down April’s evil uncle Prospero. This is some background at the beginning about April’s childhood and a glimpse that the first time she meet Kent. The novella is told in two parts first from April and then from Kent.
It was fun to go back and revisit this world and get some information filled in on where April disappeared to and some background on how she met Kent. It adds some to the story but not a lot. It’s does help you relate to Kent better though. It was also interesting to see Araby and Will’s relationship from Kent’s POV.
This isn’t really a novella I would recommend reading as a stand alone, but if you are a fan of the Masque of the Red Death series this does provide some nice background and fills out Kent’s story nicely.
Overall this was a fun read and provides some good background on April and Kent. I would recommend if you are a fan of the Masque of the Red Death series and want a little more of that world. This was an excellent series overall and I highly recommend it.
The story follows April as she and Kent meet again and work to help bring down April’s evil uncle Prospero. This is some background at the beginning about April’s childhood and a glimpse that the first time she meet Kent. The novella is told in two parts first from April and then from Kent.
It was fun to go back and revisit this world and get some information filled in on where April disappeared to and some background on how she met Kent. It adds some to the story but not a lot. It’s does help you relate to Kent better though. It was also interesting to see Araby and Will’s relationship from Kent’s POV.
This isn’t really a novella I would recommend reading as a stand alone, but if you are a fan of the Masque of the Red Death series this does provide some nice background and fills out Kent’s story nicely.
Overall this was a fun read and provides some good background on April and Kent. I would recommend if you are a fan of the Masque of the Red Death series and want a little more of that world. This was an excellent series overall and I highly recommend it.
Want to read
December 8, 2012Anything that is part of the Masque of the Red Death series is a MUST read for me.
June 4, 2016
I've said it before and I will probably say it again but these short stories and novellas can be quite hit or miss for me. They can add a lot to the world but they have to be able to stand on their own. "Shadow Cats" and "Shattered Mountain" by Rae Carson and "Leashing the Tempest" by Jenn Bennett are a few examples of novellas that work perfectly. I think they need to be held independent of the series since not all readers will purchase them but they should also fill in some blank spots or add to the world created by the author to reward series followers.
"Glitter and Doom" was a good novella but nothing amazing. I am very glad to have read it because I enjoyed "Masque of the Red Death" so much and I am eager to start the sequel "Dance of the Red Death". The writing is as excellent in the novella as it is in the first book. I really found myself enjoying the viewpoints of April and Kent. In fact, I am really rooting for Kent, I find I like him quite a lot. It was also a fun refresher for those of us who finished the first book quite awhile ago(like me!). That said, if you miss this one, you aren't missing anything important. There wasn't anything that made me think "Wow, I had to read that!". However, I am going to go jump into "Dance of the Red Death" right now, so I guess this novella did its job!
"Glitter and Doom" was a good novella but nothing amazing. I am very glad to have read it because I enjoyed "Masque of the Red Death" so much and I am eager to start the sequel "Dance of the Red Death". The writing is as excellent in the novella as it is in the first book. I really found myself enjoying the viewpoints of April and Kent. In fact, I am really rooting for Kent, I find I like him quite a lot. It was also a fun refresher for those of us who finished the first book quite awhile ago(like me!). That said, if you miss this one, you aren't missing anything important. There wasn't anything that made me think "Wow, I had to read that!". However, I am going to go jump into "Dance of the Red Death" right now, so I guess this novella did its job!
November 3, 2013
2.5/5 stars.
I don't really know what to say about this one. I mean, it provides a nice bridge between the two books, but other than that, I don't know that it was really necessary. Obviously I may change my opinion on that once I read Dance of the Red Death, and if so I shall update this review space. But right now? I'm just sort of "eh" about it.
I did like the background it provides on both April and Elliot, though, since I liked that glimpse into what makes Elliot tick. You got these glimmers of insight into Elliot through his interactions with Araby in the first book, but otherwise he was difficult to read. Perhaps this novella will make him less so? Time will tell.
***
To see more of my reviews, please visit me @ Read and Reviewed!
I don't really know what to say about this one. I mean, it provides a nice bridge between the two books, but other than that, I don't know that it was really necessary. Obviously I may change my opinion on that once I read Dance of the Red Death, and if so I shall update this review space. But right now? I'm just sort of "eh" about it.
I did like the background it provides on both April and Elliot, though, since I liked that glimpse into what makes Elliot tick. You got these glimmers of insight into Elliot through his interactions with Araby in the first book, but otherwise he was difficult to read. Perhaps this novella will make him less so? Time will tell.
***
To see more of my reviews, please visit me @ Read and Reviewed!
May 30, 2013
“Be pretty,” her mother said, rearranging April’s frilly skirts. “Keep your eyes wide and innocent. It’s the only thing that might protect you.”
Beautifully written :)
Just like Masque of the Red Death was and Dance of the Red Death will be. I can't wait to read it!
June 8, 2013
This novella was weird...
With Glitter, I felt that it was a compilation of stories that Griffin felt she needed to catch up on. It was just a random mash of old stories from random years. They were mentioned as memories in book 2, but maybe Griffin should have just left them at that.
With Dom, I felt like Griffin should have tried to incorporate it into one of the two books, either as an epilogue or as a prologue. I know it's a short story for people can look forward to the second book, but it just felt so out-of-place with whatever Glitter was supposed to be.
With Glitter, I felt that it was a compilation of stories that Griffin felt she needed to catch up on. It was just a random mash of old stories from random years. They were mentioned as memories in book 2, but maybe Griffin should have just left them at that.
With Dom, I felt like Griffin should have tried to incorporate it into one of the two books, either as an epilogue or as a prologue. I know it's a short story for people can look forward to the second book, but it just felt so out-of-place with whatever Glitter was supposed to be.
Want to read
November 17, 2012OoOoOo What is this?!? :O
January 30, 2018
This wasn't as bad as the main books; perhaps because it was short. The POV characters are still gloomy (and think about the obstacles they've faced), but again, the brevity moves the plot along.
The first chapter takes place from April's point of view. There's a quick bit about her history and growing up with Elliott (Elliott's really had a rough childhood, although there's no motivation for why his uncle has treated him so poorly). Then we see her get captured and she demonstrates her abilities as sassy, fun and proactive - let's just say she would make a much better main character for a novel then Araby did. We also see her early interactions with Kent where . I also have a thing for
The second chapter shifts to Kent, who has not had a great childhood either. We read about his attraction to April. All I can say is that this novella does a good job of selling that relationship.
2.5/5 (probably rated this high because it was so much better than the other books in this series.)
The first chapter takes place from April's point of view. There's a quick bit about her history and growing up with Elliott (Elliott's really had a rough childhood, although there's no motivation for why his uncle has treated him so poorly). Then we see her get captured and she demonstrates her abilities as sassy, fun and proactive - let's just say she would make a much better main character for a novel then Araby did. We also see her early interactions with Kent where . I also have a thing for
The second chapter shifts to Kent, who has not had a great childhood either. We read about his attraction to April. All I can say is that this novella does a good job of selling that relationship.
2.5/5 (probably rated this high because it was so much better than the other books in this series.)
May 22, 2020
Una pequeña historia centrada en dos personajes secundarios en la historia April y Kent.
Me agradó mucho conocer un poco la infancia de ambos, en especial como veía April su situación respecto a Prospero cuando era niña. Ademas, conocer un poco más ese encuentro entre ambos, pero nunca se habían dado más detalles.
Kent me parece que es un personaje que debieron explotar mucho más, había muchas más cosas en el que se debieron explicar. Una de ellas y que siento faltante, su amistad con Will.
Me agradó mucho conocer un poco la infancia de ambos, en especial como veía April su situación respecto a Prospero cuando era niña. Ademas, conocer un poco más ese encuentro entre ambos, pero nunca se habían dado más detalles.
Kent me parece que es un personaje que debieron explotar mucho más, había muchas más cosas en el que se debieron explicar. Una de ellas y que siento faltante, su amistad con Will.
January 12, 2019
2.5 but I’m feeling generous.
It’s a short snippet of April’s disappearance and some backstory with Kent. I felt Kent’s backstory was helpful in Making him a full fledged character.
Why the low rating? It’s a short story. I would had liked more.
It’s a short snippet of April’s disappearance and some backstory with Kent. I felt Kent’s backstory was helpful in Making him a full fledged character.
Why the low rating? It’s a short story. I would had liked more.
April 4, 2020
3.75 or 8
September 8, 2020
For an in-between book, this wasn't bad. We get to see a little insight as to April's family life, but it's nice and dramatic.
February 8, 2021
Short novella that really helps fill in the April gaps. I’m glad I decided to read it instead of going into the next book.
August 25, 2025
This didn’t add anything to the Red Death world. The characters still feel so flat. The “budding romance” just isn’t convincing.
June 19, 2013
GLITTER & DOOM is a captivating short novella told in two parts - Glitter, from April’s point of view and Doom, from Kent’s. It offers readers a peek at the world from two characters who play an important role in the series’ outcome and gives insight into events that take place outside of the main story but are integral to it.
This story allows readers to get to know both characters a little bit more, to see how they first met and to see just what parts they played in the events leading up to the climactic conclusion at the end of the first book, MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH. And it gives them a few more reasons to detest both Prospero and Malcontent.
Glitter let’s readers see how April and Elliott became the people they were when they are first introduced in book one. It reveals a moment from their earlier lives that is both horrifying and heartbreaking. It shows a different side of April than the one most often seen through Araby’s point of view. And it doing so, it makes her a much more relatable character.
Doom gives readers Kent’s backstory and let’s them make a stronger connection to a character who only plays a supporting role in the novels. It let’s readers see what his motivations are and why he feels the way he does. And by getting this short peek at his history and his early encounters with April, he becomes a much more three-dimensional character than he is in the novels.
GLITTER & DOOM is a quick but riveting read that will offer up a different reading experience depending upon whether it is read prior to the final book in the series or after, though it can be read either before or after DANCE OF THE RED DEATH. It is both a heartwarming and bittersweet story that delivers danger, excitement, suspense and romance in each of its two parts.
And while not essential to an overall enjoyment of the series, the stories and characters in GLITTER & DOOM add quite a bit to it, making it a must read for fans.
This novella also includes a short excerpt of Chapter One from DANCE OF THE RED DEATH.
On a personal note...
I had no idea when I picked up GLITTER & DOOM that it was two short stories from April and Kent’s points of view. I thought it was only April’s story. When I found out that it was both of their stories I was even more eager... and anxious... to read it.
Though I can’t say why that is. But those who read DANCE OF THE RED DEATH will know exactly what I’m talking about... or why I can’t say anything about how I felt when reading this novella.
I have always thought April was awesome. And reading her short story and reading about her in Kent’s made her even more so. She was brave. Fearless. Clever. And seeing her with Kent in the scenes in this novella makes me wish for an entire novel from her point of view.
And I loved seeing a younger Elliott, even though what happened was absolutely devastating. I loved getting to see those tiny glimpses of Will. I loved getting to see what April thought of Araby. And I loved the fact that this novella made me absolutely adore a character I hadn’t paid much attention to in the novels - Kent.
What I most loved, however, is the thing I can’t talk about. Though I suppose it wouldn’t be too revealing to say that because I read this after the series ended, I made a much stronger emotional connection to the story than I would have had I read it prior to reading DANCE OF THE RED DEATH.
While I normally am a proponent of reading things in order, I’m glad I read it out of sequence. It felt like a much more important story than it might have if I hadn’t known how things ended for all this series’ main characters.
Even though this was such a short novella, the author managed to break my heart a couple of times. Once in Glitter and once in Doom. And she made me fall in love with her series all over again.
I cannot recommend GLITTER & DOOM enough. This is a must, must, must read and a short story I must, must, must read again.
This story allows readers to get to know both characters a little bit more, to see how they first met and to see just what parts they played in the events leading up to the climactic conclusion at the end of the first book, MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH. And it gives them a few more reasons to detest both Prospero and Malcontent.
Glitter let’s readers see how April and Elliott became the people they were when they are first introduced in book one. It reveals a moment from their earlier lives that is both horrifying and heartbreaking. It shows a different side of April than the one most often seen through Araby’s point of view. And it doing so, it makes her a much more relatable character.
Doom gives readers Kent’s backstory and let’s them make a stronger connection to a character who only plays a supporting role in the novels. It let’s readers see what his motivations are and why he feels the way he does. And by getting this short peek at his history and his early encounters with April, he becomes a much more three-dimensional character than he is in the novels.
GLITTER & DOOM is a quick but riveting read that will offer up a different reading experience depending upon whether it is read prior to the final book in the series or after, though it can be read either before or after DANCE OF THE RED DEATH. It is both a heartwarming and bittersweet story that delivers danger, excitement, suspense and romance in each of its two parts.
And while not essential to an overall enjoyment of the series, the stories and characters in GLITTER & DOOM add quite a bit to it, making it a must read for fans.
This novella also includes a short excerpt of Chapter One from DANCE OF THE RED DEATH.
On a personal note...
I had no idea when I picked up GLITTER & DOOM that it was two short stories from April and Kent’s points of view. I thought it was only April’s story. When I found out that it was both of their stories I was even more eager... and anxious... to read it.
Though I can’t say why that is. But those who read DANCE OF THE RED DEATH will know exactly what I’m talking about... or why I can’t say anything about how I felt when reading this novella.
I have always thought April was awesome. And reading her short story and reading about her in Kent’s made her even more so. She was brave. Fearless. Clever. And seeing her with Kent in the scenes in this novella makes me wish for an entire novel from her point of view.
And I loved seeing a younger Elliott, even though what happened was absolutely devastating. I loved getting to see those tiny glimpses of Will. I loved getting to see what April thought of Araby. And I loved the fact that this novella made me absolutely adore a character I hadn’t paid much attention to in the novels - Kent.
What I most loved, however, is the thing I can’t talk about. Though I suppose it wouldn’t be too revealing to say that because I read this after the series ended, I made a much stronger emotional connection to the story than I would have had I read it prior to reading DANCE OF THE RED DEATH.
While I normally am a proponent of reading things in order, I’m glad I read it out of sequence. It felt like a much more important story than it might have if I hadn’t known how things ended for all this series’ main characters.
Even though this was such a short novella, the author managed to break my heart a couple of times. Once in Glitter and once in Doom. And she made me fall in love with her series all over again.
I cannot recommend GLITTER & DOOM enough. This is a must, must, must read and a short story I must, must, must read again.
March 10, 2017
I liked this short novella better than the whole first book.
February 19, 2015
To be only fifty pages long, I thought this novella was outstanding! I honestly felt that this would've been excellent bonus material to include at the end of Masque of the Red Death.
So here's a little background information. Glitter is told from April's point of view. Now, when I read the first book, in the beginning I wasn't a big fan of April. I thought she was very shallow and that she didn't bring much to the table. At the end of the book I did like her a little better. Well, at the end of this book, I have nothing but respect for her.
I loved seeing this side of April that actually has depth and the ability to think about things other than fake eyelashes and pretty dresses.
Also, not only did we get a background story on April, we learned a bit more about Elliot's childhood, as well. I felt that in the original story, we kept hearing about how horrible Prince Prospero was, but we didn't actually know extent of his craziness. Well maybe we did, after all he did poison Araby, kept her mother prisoner for years, killed all of Elliot's friends, and sliced Elliot and April's father's throat.Well, I don't know why, but I just felt he really showed his ass in this one. But needless to say, I'm going to love watching the downfall of Prince Prospero, and Reverend Malcontent for that matter!
Doom is told from Kent's point of view. Kent was Elliot's inventor in the last book. He built the balloon that Will and Araby kissed in,right before Will backstabbed her, and he also invented the airship that they flew in at the end.
It was so interesting how everything connected. In Masque of the Red Death I wondered how Elliot and Kent came to be so close. Well, they were friends since childhood. But anyways, I really enjoyed learning about Kent's backstory and how he basically followed in his father's footsteps in becoming an inventor.
April and Kent together:
I loved the idea of these two being together. It was so adorable watching them bicker while they were locked in a room and I can't wait to see if we're going to get a glimpse of their relationship in the next book. Also, I wonder what's going to happen to April.
So here's a little background information. Glitter is told from April's point of view. Now, when I read the first book, in the beginning I wasn't a big fan of April. I thought she was very shallow and that she didn't bring much to the table. At the end of the book I did like her a little better. Well, at the end of this book, I have nothing but respect for her.
I loved seeing this side of April that actually has depth and the ability to think about things other than fake eyelashes and pretty dresses.
Also, not only did we get a background story on April, we learned a bit more about Elliot's childhood, as well. I felt that in the original story, we kept hearing about how horrible Prince Prospero was, but we didn't actually know extent of his craziness. Well maybe we did, after all he did poison Araby, kept her mother prisoner for years, killed all of Elliot's friends, and sliced Elliot and April's father's throat.
Doom is told from Kent's point of view. Kent was Elliot's inventor in the last book. He built the balloon that Will and Araby kissed in,
It was so interesting how everything connected. In Masque of the Red Death I wondered how Elliot and Kent came to be so close. Well, they were friends since childhood. But anyways, I really enjoyed learning about Kent's backstory and how he basically followed in his father's footsteps in becoming an inventor.
April and Kent together:
I loved the idea of these two being together. It was so adorable watching them bicker while they were locked in a room and I can't wait to see if we're going to get a glimpse of their relationship in the next book. Also, I wonder what's going to happen to April.
April 2, 2014
Beauty and the Nerd
Set in the same world as Masque of the Red Death and its sequel, Dance of The Red Death, Glitter & Doom is a short story (about 50 pages, give or take) that focuses on two of the series protagonists, April and Kent. The blurb for Glitter & Doom promises that it will show us what happened to April when she mysteriously disappeared for much of Masque of the Red Death - and while some of the story does indeed take place between the two novels, it also functions as a prequel of sorts, giving us an idea of what life was like for April and Elliott during their imprisonment in Price Propsero's castle.
There are two main parts to Glitter & Doom: "Glitter," which is told from April's perspective, and "Doom," in which the narrative switches to Kent.
"Glitter" opens with a spectacle in Prince Prospero's throne room. An eleven-year-old April and her mother are forced to look on as Prospero commands Elliott to torture a young boy in front of the court. He refuses and suffers terribly for his defiance. Fast forward five years, and we meet April as she waits in line for the opening of a new nightclub, The Morgue. Here she's approached by a mysterious robed woman who attempts to lure her into the Debauchery Club instead. The women are attacked en route and April barely escapes with her life. It's a year after this incident that April and her new-ish friend Araby are stood up (seemingly) by brother Elliot at the Debauchery Club. She and Araby are drugged - by one of Reverend Malcontent's men, it turns out - and April is kidnapped...only to find herself imprisoned underground with Kent, her brother's nerdy friend.
"Doom" shifts the focus to Kent, who's been kidnapped by Malcontent and forced to build a bomb - the very bomb that will be used to destroy Elliott's ship Discovery in Masque of the Red Death. We learn a little bit of Kent's back story (which is both adorable and heartbreaking), and see how the characters' story arcs intersect at various points throughout the duology. He and April manage to escape, but not before Prospero burns Kent's childhood home to the ground - and the "frivolous" rich girl and the nerdy, nearly-blind inventor start to fall for one another. The story ends with the explosion of Discovery - and Elliott and Kent's plans for revolution.
I actually really enjoyed Glitter & Doom, even if it's a bit overpriced at $2.99. (The story goes by very quickly.) I came to loathe the love triangle between Araby, Elliott, and Will, especially as it takes center stage in Dance of the Red Death; personally, I find this blossoming romance between April and Kent much more compelling. This one's worth a read for fans of the series, especially if you're curious about these supporting characters.
http://www.easyvegan.info/2014/04/17/...
Set in the same world as Masque of the Red Death and its sequel, Dance of The Red Death, Glitter & Doom is a short story (about 50 pages, give or take) that focuses on two of the series protagonists, April and Kent. The blurb for Glitter & Doom promises that it will show us what happened to April when she mysteriously disappeared for much of Masque of the Red Death - and while some of the story does indeed take place between the two novels, it also functions as a prequel of sorts, giving us an idea of what life was like for April and Elliott during their imprisonment in Price Propsero's castle.
There are two main parts to Glitter & Doom: "Glitter," which is told from April's perspective, and "Doom," in which the narrative switches to Kent.
"Glitter" opens with a spectacle in Prince Prospero's throne room. An eleven-year-old April and her mother are forced to look on as Prospero commands Elliott to torture a young boy in front of the court. He refuses and suffers terribly for his defiance. Fast forward five years, and we meet April as she waits in line for the opening of a new nightclub, The Morgue. Here she's approached by a mysterious robed woman who attempts to lure her into the Debauchery Club instead. The women are attacked en route and April barely escapes with her life. It's a year after this incident that April and her new-ish friend Araby are stood up (seemingly) by brother Elliot at the Debauchery Club. She and Araby are drugged - by one of Reverend Malcontent's men, it turns out - and April is kidnapped...only to find herself imprisoned underground with Kent, her brother's nerdy friend.
"Doom" shifts the focus to Kent, who's been kidnapped by Malcontent and forced to build a bomb - the very bomb that will be used to destroy Elliott's ship Discovery in Masque of the Red Death. We learn a little bit of Kent's back story (which is both adorable and heartbreaking), and see how the characters' story arcs intersect at various points throughout the duology. He and April manage to escape, but not before Prospero burns Kent's childhood home to the ground - and the "frivolous" rich girl and the nerdy, nearly-blind inventor start to fall for one another. The story ends with the explosion of Discovery - and Elliott and Kent's plans for revolution.
I actually really enjoyed Glitter & Doom, even if it's a bit overpriced at $2.99. (The story goes by very quickly.) I came to loathe the love triangle between Araby, Elliott, and Will, especially as it takes center stage in Dance of the Red Death; personally, I find this blossoming romance between April and Kent much more compelling. This one's worth a read for fans of the series, especially if you're curious about these supporting characters.
http://www.easyvegan.info/2014/04/17/...
July 5, 2013
I decided to read Glitter & Doom after reading Masque of the Red Death. I loved MotRD and I really wanted to see if the novella would give me some more detail about either Araby or the others. I was glad to see that it gave more about April and Kent, but extremely happy when I realized we would get more into Elliot and Malcontent's characters as well. Like do a happy dance excited. In MotRD, we didn't get much into Kent's character, April I liked but had many reservations about for a while, and Elliot... same as his sister. My opinions have shifted a little.
April seemed very superficial to me at the beginning of MotRD, although by the end of the book that opinion had slightly changed. In G&D, my opinion has changed. She deals with things the way she was taught and she has more layers than what outwardly appears to be there. April was literally taught to fall back on her looks as not just an appearance, but a means. A way to survive and go on. BUT her brother didn't let that be her only means of survival and taught her more than we see in MotRD. She and Elliot are simply trying to survive amongst the crazy they were born into... family and the world they live in. Elliot... I think I love Elliot. I am now in the love triangle of Will and Elliot... it is official. I love them both! Elliot is so much more than he appears to be and what he shows people. So much more. He has a big heart that he hides in order to survive and we get a glimpse as to what occurred while Elliot and April were children in Prospero's castle. My heart aches for them. Kent we really didn't get a whole lot from and he was just sort of there... or so we think. Kent is SUCH an integral part of the story and we never even realize it until reading G&D. To say anything more than that in my eyes would give it a way or lead to a spoiler and I don't want to do that. Just know that Kent is more than he seems. I hope to see his story unfold a little more in DotRD, which I will be reading as soon as my library notifies me of having a copy.
This novella honestly should have been written into the novel in my opinion. The events of G&D really help the story and I feel that people will be missing a lot from the storyline without reading it. April and Kent play bigger rolls in this saga than we know just by reading MotRD... much bigger. These rolls are outlines and some major blanks are filled in with G&D. And for being so short it does not lack in the action department... or romance *giggles*. G&D is not what you would expect and really throws you.
Overall, this novella is a must read between MotRD and DotRD. It is detailed, though short and gives insight that I feel is much needed about supporting characters. It really helps the story a long and is written very well in my opinion.
April seemed very superficial to me at the beginning of MotRD, although by the end of the book that opinion had slightly changed. In G&D, my opinion has changed. She deals with things the way she was taught and she has more layers than what outwardly appears to be there. April was literally taught to fall back on her looks as not just an appearance, but a means. A way to survive and go on. BUT her brother didn't let that be her only means of survival and taught her more than we see in MotRD. She and Elliot are simply trying to survive amongst the crazy they were born into... family and the world they live in. Elliot... I think I love Elliot. I am now in the love triangle of Will and Elliot... it is official. I love them both! Elliot is so much more than he appears to be and what he shows people. So much more. He has a big heart that he hides in order to survive and we get a glimpse as to what occurred while Elliot and April were children in Prospero's castle. My heart aches for them. Kent we really didn't get a whole lot from and he was just sort of there... or so we think. Kent is SUCH an integral part of the story and we never even realize it until reading G&D. To say anything more than that in my eyes would give it a way or lead to a spoiler and I don't want to do that. Just know that Kent is more than he seems. I hope to see his story unfold a little more in DotRD, which I will be reading as soon as my library notifies me of having a copy.
This novella honestly should have been written into the novel in my opinion. The events of G&D really help the story and I feel that people will be missing a lot from the storyline without reading it. April and Kent play bigger rolls in this saga than we know just by reading MotRD... much bigger. These rolls are outlines and some major blanks are filled in with G&D. And for being so short it does not lack in the action department... or romance *giggles*. G&D is not what you would expect and really throws you.
Overall, this novella is a must read between MotRD and DotRD. It is detailed, though short and gives insight that I feel is much needed about supporting characters. It really helps the story a long and is written very well in my opinion.
October 31, 2013
I always have mixed feelings about novellas in a series since I so often don’t see the point of them, perhaps due to my general love of meta in all things.
I find novellas frustrating because they often don’t have anything to add to the series and they’re too short to develop any kind of engaging story in their own right to pull me in. Sometimes they’re an interesting “day in the life” insight into the characters when they’re not facing the epic plot of epicness – which can be interesting character development but even that is of mixed utility, especially if it’s done before.
Without something to add to the main story – some advanced world building or plot or character development, something that will reflect on the main story I’m usually left feeling like the book was rather pointless, an unnecessary addition clinging to a main plotline at best or a cynical money grab at worst. At the same time, if the entire main meta rests on development revealed in a novella or short story, I find it annoying because such major developments should really be woven into the main plot line, not included in a novella which, I confess, I generally consider an add-on to a series rather than essential reading.
In all, I’m pretty difficult to please when it comes to novellas.
And all that being said, Glitter and Doom was one of those books that got it right.
Of course, part of the reason Glitter and Doom really worked for me was the same reason I found Dance of the Red Death kind of disappointing. The whole series follows Araby around when, frankly, she’s the least interesting and compelling character there is. Quite literally, just about everyone else: April, Elliot, Kent, Will, even Will’s younger siblings, would be more interesting protagonists than Araby. I actually want to praise the quality of these side characters but am stopped by the sheer lack of any compelling qualities in the protagonist herself.
Which is where Glitter and Doom comes in –a book that is about April and Kent and even a little Elliot. We get to see the backstories of Elliot that we missed and that add so much texture to his character. We get to see who Kent was, what motivated him, why he was involved, how he met April and how he actually became one of the team – rather than just a character who was dropped into the plot rather randomly.
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I find novellas frustrating because they often don’t have anything to add to the series and they’re too short to develop any kind of engaging story in their own right to pull me in. Sometimes they’re an interesting “day in the life” insight into the characters when they’re not facing the epic plot of epicness – which can be interesting character development but even that is of mixed utility, especially if it’s done before.
Without something to add to the main story – some advanced world building or plot or character development, something that will reflect on the main story I’m usually left feeling like the book was rather pointless, an unnecessary addition clinging to a main plotline at best or a cynical money grab at worst. At the same time, if the entire main meta rests on development revealed in a novella or short story, I find it annoying because such major developments should really be woven into the main plot line, not included in a novella which, I confess, I generally consider an add-on to a series rather than essential reading.
In all, I’m pretty difficult to please when it comes to novellas.
And all that being said, Glitter and Doom was one of those books that got it right.
Of course, part of the reason Glitter and Doom really worked for me was the same reason I found Dance of the Red Death kind of disappointing. The whole series follows Araby around when, frankly, she’s the least interesting and compelling character there is. Quite literally, just about everyone else: April, Elliot, Kent, Will, even Will’s younger siblings, would be more interesting protagonists than Araby. I actually want to praise the quality of these side characters but am stopped by the sheer lack of any compelling qualities in the protagonist herself.
Which is where Glitter and Doom comes in –a book that is about April and Kent and even a little Elliot. We get to see the backstories of Elliot that we missed and that add so much texture to his character. We get to see who Kent was, what motivated him, why he was involved, how he met April and how he actually became one of the team – rather than just a character who was dropped into the plot rather randomly.
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March 30, 2013
2.5 stars
I thought this could stave of my longing for Dance of the Red Death a little but no. The look into April's head didn't really endear her to me but it did make me more interested in Elliot.
--------------------------------
Wait, what? Is this supposed to be 1.5 or 2.5?!
Edit;
Oh boo it won't be in Elliot's POV.
I thought this could stave of my longing for Dance of the Red Death a little but no. The look into April's head didn't really endear her to me but it did make me more interested in Elliot.
--------------------------------
Wait, what? Is this supposed to be 1.5 or 2.5?!
Edit;
Oh boo it won't be in Elliot's POV.
A 50-page, digital-only novella set in the world of Bethany Griffin's dark and haunting retelling of the classic Edgar Allan Poe story Masque of the Red Death. When a rich teenage girl who spends her nights in the most desirable club and a smart, young inventor meet, they might have more in common than they know.
April, niece to the dying city's cruel dictator, is Araby Worth's glittery and frivolous best friend. But she's more than she appears. And when she disappeared in Masque of the Red Death, where did she go? This short novella answers that question, taking us deep underneath the crumbling city, where April crosses paths with Kent, the serious young inventor who is key to rebellion. Glitter & Doom is a story of chilling action, of spies, and of surprising love. Can love be anything but doomed is a city that's burning down around its survivors?
A dark, unnerving story about two of the most fascinating characters from Masque of the Red Death. - source
April 26, 2017
I've said it before and I will probably say it again but these short stories and novellas can be quite hit or miss for me. They can add a lot to the world but they have to be able to stand on their own. "Shadow Cats" and "Shattered Mountain" by Rae Carson and "Leashing the Tempest" by Jenn Bennett are a few examples of novellas that work perfectly. I think they need to be held independent of the series since not all readers will purchase them but they should also fill in some blank spots or add to the world created by the author to reward series followers.
"Glitter and Doom" was a good novella but nothing amazing. I am very glad to have read it because I enjoyed "Masque of the Red Death" so much and I am eager to start the sequel "Dance of the Red Death". The writing is as excellent in the novella as it is in the first book. I really found myself enjoying the viewpoints of April and Kent. In fact, I am really rooting for Kent, I find I like him quite a lot. It was also a fun refresher for those of us who finished the first book quite awhile ago(like me!). That said, if you miss this one, you aren't missing anything important. There wasn't anything that made me think "Wow, I had to read that!". However, I am going to go jump into "Dance of the Red Death" right now, so I guess this novella did its job!
"Glitter and Doom" was a good novella but nothing amazing. I am very glad to have read it because I enjoyed "Masque of the Red Death" so much and I am eager to start the sequel "Dance of the Red Death". The writing is as excellent in the novella as it is in the first book. I really found myself enjoying the viewpoints of April and Kent. In fact, I am really rooting for Kent, I find I like him quite a lot. It was also a fun refresher for those of us who finished the first book quite awhile ago(like me!). That said, if you miss this one, you aren't missing anything important. There wasn't anything that made me think "Wow, I had to read that!". However, I am going to go jump into "Dance of the Red Death" right now, so I guess this novella did its job!
September 11, 2015
A short novella, "Glitter & Doom" is told through April's eyes. The first section takes place when April is 11 and Elliott is 13, and they are "living" (or being held prisoner) in their uncle's castle after the "death" (those who have read Masque of the Red Death will know why that is in quotation marks) of their father. A little more about their father's murder, and exactly who was present at the time of it, is revealed.
Prince Prospero is attempting to teach his young nephew the fine art of torture, but Elliott is a less than willing pupil. Although what happened was mentioned in Masque of the Red Death, it's much different to "see" what is occurring through an eleven-year-old's eyes. It's amazing that Elliott isn't a complete sociopath by the time he meets Araby (well, maybe he is...I guess that remains to be seen).
The second section of the book details what happens when April is abducted from the Debauchery Club. Another character who only makes a few brief appearances in Masque of the Red Death, Kent, has a fairly prominent role to play in events that happen in the latter part of that book.
There's not a ton of new information here, but it is interesting to have a few fill-in scenes. It whets the appetite for Dance of the Red Death (this ebook also includes a small preview of that book).
Prince Prospero is attempting to teach his young nephew the fine art of torture, but Elliott is a less than willing pupil. Although what happened was mentioned in Masque of the Red Death, it's much different to "see" what is occurring through an eleven-year-old's eyes. It's amazing that Elliott isn't a complete sociopath by the time he meets Araby (well, maybe he is...I guess that remains to be seen).
The second section of the book details what happens when April is abducted from the Debauchery Club. Another character who only makes a few brief appearances in Masque of the Red Death, Kent, has a fairly prominent role to play in events that happen in the latter part of that book.
There's not a ton of new information here, but it is interesting to have a few fill-in scenes. It whets the appetite for Dance of the Red Death (this ebook also includes a small preview of that book).
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