This Dark Endeavor – The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein The Dark Endeavor Chronicles #1
by Kenneth Oppel
ARC, 304 pages
Publication Date: August 23, 2011
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Book Source: BEA
ASIN: 1442403152
4.5 Stars
Summary from Goodreads: Victor and Konrad are the twin brothers Frankenstein. They are nearly inseparable. Growing up, their lives are filled with imaginary adventures…until the day their adventures turn all too real. They stumble upon The Dark Library, and secret books of alchemy and ancient remedies are discovered. Father forbids that they ever enter the room again, but this only peaks Victor’s curiosity more. When Konrad falls gravely ill, Victor is not be satisfied with the various doctors his parents have called in to help. He is drawn back to The Dark Library where he uncovers an ancient formula for the Elixir of Life. Elizabeth, Henry, and Victor immediately set out to find assistance in a man who was once known for his alchemical works to help create the formula. Determination and the unthinkable outcome of losing his brother spur Victor on in the quest for the three ingredients that will save Konrads life. After scaling the highest trees in the Strumwald, diving into the deepest lake caves, and sacrificing one’s own body part, the three fearless friends risk their lives to save another.”
Margie’s Review: A forbidden secret library. Adventure. A love triangle. Suspense.
The quest to find the ingredients to the elixir of life…
What an amazing prequel to Mary Shelley’s classic, Frankenstein –Victor is your typical 15 year old teen boy, everything seems to be fun and games until something serious and life-changing happens and Victor must decide if doing the wrong thing is actually the right thing to do. He enlists his twin brother, Konrad, their ‘distant’ cousin, Elizabeth, and family friend, Henry, on an adventure never to be forgotten.
Yes, there is a bit of a love triangle going on, but it is done so perfectly that you will not lose the pace of the story, nor be distracted by it either.
There were a few ‘gasp-out-loud’ moments where I had to will the images out of my head – but I am squeamish, lol, and those who are not, will love every single detail of their journey.
Margie
About the Author: Kenneth Oppel is the author of numerous books for young readers. His award-winning Silverwing trilogy has sold more than a million copies worldwide and has been adapted into an animated TV series and stage play. Airborn won a Michael L. Printz Honor Book Award and the Canadian Governor General’s Literary Award for children’s literature; its sequel, Skybreaker, was a New York Times bestseller and was named Children’s Novel of the Year by the London Times. His most recent book is Half Brother.
Born on Canada’s Vancouver Island, he has lived in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, Canada, and in England and Ireland and now lives in Toronto with his wife and children.
Kelly
OOHH! Hadn’t heard of this book thanks for the review. I just might check it out!