–review by Kara, teen reviewer

This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Oppel

four-stars

Victor Frankenstein has a twin brother, Konrad. They are alike in almost every single way, except that Konrad is generally better and more liked than Victor. One day they discover the Dark Library, a hidden library filled with books about alchemy and a lot of other things that are banned during 18th century Switzerland. Then Konrad falls ill, very ill. Viktor, his cousin Elizabeth, and their friend Henry must delve into the occult to find a cure.
I’ve only read the first fifty pages of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley and only know a little bit about the author herself, and I enjoyed it quite a lot. For anyone who knows the basic outline of the tale of Victor Frankenstein, the novel is filled with little references and clues. It isn’t an entire retelling of Frankenstein, but more like a prologue. I mean, the series is called “The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein.” But let me tell you, it is a very good prologue.

The writing ties this novel to Mary Shelley’s original Frankenstein without cheapening itself or its inspiration. With little hints and references to the author’s actual life, anyone who knows a little bit about Mary Shelley and her novel will love the little easter eggs that Oppel scatters throughout This Dark Endeavor. It’s also very easy to see how this novel can transition into Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.

I loved how it gave Victor a backstory. He wasn’t just some madman greedy for knowledge, fame, and power. He was just someone trying to save his best friend, his closest confidante, and his brother. Kenneth Oppel’s writing and story really make you root for Victor. From his struggle with living in his brother’s shadow to hunting for the cure that will save said brother. The greatest strength of this novel is its ability to make you feel for the man you know will turn “evil” later on.

Overall, I really recommend this book to anyone who is even remotely interested in the backstory of any “villain,” but I don’t recommend it to people who don’t like reimaginings of classic works because this is after all a story about Mary Shelley’s Victor Frankenstein.  4 stars. –Kara, teen reviewer


 

Find the book in our library:  This Dark Endeavor