Book Review

This Dark Endeavor: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein

This book was HEAVENLY!
OK it was pretty dark, (it had to live up to it's name), but dark in an OH SO GOOD way! The writing was beautiful and as hypnotizing as the story. After reading this I immediately downloaded Mary Shelley's classic Frankenstein so I could find out the rest of Victor's story. Mr. Oppel if that is what you intended, Mission Accomplished sir!

by Kenneth Oppel
Released August 23, 2011
352 pages
Book #1 in the Dark Endeavor Chronicles
Checked out from the Kuna Public Library

Summary
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.

My Review
I follow many book blogs. I do! I love them! I'm always looking for the next read. However, I have found that sometimes book blogs can get really caught up in the hype of a book or the hype of an author. They make it all sound so great that you run out and get the book and even though it may be good it is not the spectacular piece of fiction you were hoping for. More than once this has happened to me so I tend to stick with the series(es) that I am currently reading and wait till the end of the year. That's when book bloggers start doing their year end wrap up posts and generally tell you, out of all the million books they read, which were their favorites . Then I can sift through the titles I was kind of interested in and push the favorites of my trusted reviewers to the top of my "To Be Read List ". Brilliant, I know!
Mundie Moms had this as one of their favorite reads of the year. When I went into the library, strictly looking for audio books, This Dark Endeavor was on display as a new book. I would be the first to check it out (so cool!) and it was on the list, so... I picked it up.

SOOO glad I did! I loved this book!!

You know sometimes these nods to the classics want to continue a great story but somewhere along the way they get lost and fall way short of hitting their mark. NOT THIS ONE! I thought, honestly,how are they going to bring me from point A) 16 year old innocent boys, with a love interest no less, to point B)mad scientist who recreates life from dead body parts. (And not make it hokey!) THEY DID IT! You know with a classic character such as Dr. Frankenstein I was afraid there would be such a focus on making their characters relatable that the story line would be a major snooze. DIDN'T HAPPEN!
I have never read the classic Frankenstein but I could completely see how this boy whom you love and can't help rooting for could get from point A to B. What amazing writing! It was elegantly written as well as action packed and hauntingly spooky. The love triangle between the boys was weaved in subtly and was prominent but didn't overshadow the amazing plot and story line. Truthfully, I have always been a little morbidly fascinated by a villains descent into madness. What choices did they make and for what reasons that led them to the depths they plumb? Were they really so different from the heroes? I couldn't put this one down. Now I hope the classic can live up to this book!
I understand from Goodreads that there will be more of these books. Bring it on!

Pick it up! You won't be sorry!