This Dark Endeavour by Kenneth Oppel

Pages: 298

Intended Audience: Teens

Genre: Gothic thriller

Notes for parents: Scenes of violence

The Back Cover

Sixteen-year-old Victor Frankenstein leads a charmed life. He and his twin brother, Konrad, and their beautiful cousin Elizabeth take lessons at home and spend their spare time fencing and horseback riding. Along with their friend Henry, they have explored all the hidden passageways and secret rooms of the palatial Frankenstein chateau. Except one.

The Dark Library contains ancient tomes written in strange languages and filled with forbidden knowledge. Their father makes them promise never to visit the library, but when Konrad becomes deathly ill, Victor knows he must find the book that contains the recipe for the legendary Elixir of Life. But his success depends on how far he is willing to push the boundaries of nature, science, and love—and how much he is willing to sacrifice.

What the Back Cover doesn’t tell you:

This is book one in a series called The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein that explores the teenage years of the famous doctor.

What’s good?

A dark premise, strong characterization, and beautiful prose draw the reader into this gothic tale of a brother’s desperate search for a cure. With a slow but steady pace and lots of action and adventure, we watch as Victor travels down a sinister path that teeters on the edge of love and madness. The suspense builds steadily to a palpable breaking point and ends with an ominous promise of more thrills to come.

Best part:  The sweet and cowardly Henry Clerval.

What’s not so good?

Fans of Shelley’s Frankenstein may not like that the story doesn’t exactly stay true to the original, albeit only slightly in my opinion.

Worst part: I’m not a fan of the love triangle.

Recommendations þþþþo

I was completely taken in by the gothic setting, the dangerous mood, and the elegant language of this highly entertaining story. I’m looking forward to reading book 2. Recommended.

Oppel, Kenneth. This Dark Endeavour. Toronto: Harper Collins, 2012.