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anythinggoes's review against another edition
5.0
OHMYGOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THE BEST READ OF 2018 TBFH!!!!!!!! OHMYGOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
oct. 25, 2022 reread: i felt and understood everything more this time and i love it even more
oct. 25, 2022 reread: i felt and understood everything more this time and i love it even more
cynsworkshop's review against another edition
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
A dark and delicious fantasy, The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein is a “retelling” Mary Shelley would applaud.
The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein is a unique new take on the tale of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein that made Elizabeth the star and highlights the madness that swallows Victor.
Storytelling
I love the way White made Elizabeth the star of the novel. Any person who has ever read Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein knows Elizabeth as the love interest of Victor Frankenstein, who is killed by the monster.
But White has decided to make Elizabeth the star of the story and focus on highlighting what we all know: that Victor is the real monster of the story.
I love how the story plays out; Elizabeth attaches her life and value to that of Victor. She went from a cold and cruel life to one of luxury and full meals. But it came with a cost. By making herself indispensable to the Frankenstein family as the only one who understands Victor, she has tied herself to him without thought. And Victor has decided he can’t live without her, leading to his experiments and madness.
The way the plot unfolds is incredible, slowly creeping on the reader developing that madness in a way that catches the reader off guard. Of course, the novel does not unfold similarly; it takes on its own life. And that is what makes it so incredible. The pacing is incredible, and the way it builds up the tension and plot to create this eerie and gothic tale.
Amazing Characters
Once again, I love how White made Elizabeth the novel’s star. Elizabeth is a thoughtful and careful character. Her voice rings throughout the novel and resonates with the reader. She captures the period wonderfully, the way women are regarded as of little value.
But Elizabeth is clever and brilliant in how she outsmarts Victor, the supposed genius and monster of the story.
I also must note the way White created the “monster” and the gentle voice she gave him. It was done brilliantly and captures the idea of Shelley’s original piece. It works in this retelling and honors the original piece.
The added character Mary was just another brilliant addition. White gave Mary Shelley a part in her own work of art. Mary sounds like I imagine the real Mary Shelley would sound. A brilliant woman who works as a bookseller and helps Elizabeth outsmart Victor repeatedly was a fantastic element of the story that further held my attention.
Final Thoughts
The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein is such a fantastic retelling. It makes Elizabeth more than a side character, turning her into a star, all while honoring the original classic.
noirverse's review against another edition
4.0
3.75 stars rounded up. This book succeeded at what it set out to do in making Elizabeth have more agency, but the pacing felt wonky at parts, and the switch between Elizabeth being obsessed with protecting Victor to Elizabeth figuring out Victor is the real murderer and deciding to kill him could’ve been fleshed out more. Regardless, this had a great gothic tone to it and plenty of interesting backstory.
emrodav's review against another edition
4.0
A really amazing, horrific retelling/re-imagining of Frankenstein from Elizabeth's perspective. I marked it down a little bit because the pacing was a little off (a bit slow in the beginning, a bit rushed at the end), but I absolutely enjoyed this and would recommend it to anyone looking for a good horror story.
bibliobrandie's review against another edition
5.0
This was such a good retelling of Frankenstein from the perspective of Elizabeth! It was thoughtful and creepy and I love what White did with all of the characters.
dowryofbooks's review against another edition
4.0
4/5 stars
"a girl given to a boy as a gift"
"a girl whose whole life revolves around the brilliant boy she loves"
"a girl who inadvertently helps create a monster"
I went into this book thinking it was going to be just "meh". Let me just say i'm pleasantly surprised. I loved this. This would have been a perfect spooky season read. I partly listened to this on audio and something about the narrator made the atmosphere of this story come to life. From the beginning, the writing is so ominous and foreboding. The historic setting just added to it. All of the characters were flawed and so well written. I loved reading about the relationship dynamic between Elizabeth and Victor. I’m honestly in love with Kiersten White's writing style, it always draws me in.
This wasn't a perfect story, it had its flaws. Definitely not for everyone, but i'd still highly recommend.
"a girl given to a boy as a gift"
"a girl whose whole life revolves around the brilliant boy she loves"
"a girl who inadvertently helps create a monster"
I went into this book thinking it was going to be just "meh". Let me just say i'm pleasantly surprised. I loved this. This would have been a perfect spooky season read. I partly listened to this on audio and something about the narrator made the atmosphere of this story come to life. From the beginning, the writing is so ominous and foreboding. The historic setting just added to it. All of the characters were flawed and so well written. I loved reading about the relationship dynamic between Elizabeth and Victor. I’m honestly in love with Kiersten White's writing style, it always draws me in.
This wasn't a perfect story, it had its flaws. Definitely not for everyone, but i'd still highly recommend.
emblazedwords's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I could tell while reading this that White was well-versed in the original book and stuck pretty close to it in her retelling (including the different side characters that don't often make it in other retellings). I especially loved how she gave motivation and this anti-hero quality to Elizabeth, while making Victor this sicko!
I really vibed with the retelling, and I thought the horror elements were really well done. Unfortunately, I found some of the writing a little too melodramatic, which could just be because it's YA. As well, I feel like there was some pacing issues with the book that made it hard to keep up with it at times.
Otherwise, totally recommendable for people who want a different Frankenstein retelling!
The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein - 4⭐/5
I really vibed with the retelling, and I thought the horror elements were really well done. Unfortunately, I found some of the writing a little too melodramatic, which could just be because it's YA. As well, I feel like there was some pacing issues with the book that made it hard to keep up with it at times.
Otherwise, totally recommendable for people who want a different Frankenstein retelling!
The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein - 4⭐/5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
Moderate: Child death
delaney_de_spain's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
quinzelle's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
jess_mango's review against another edition
4.0
A retelling of the story of Shelley's Frankenstein told from the perspective of Elizabeth, who was raised as a ward by Victor Frankenstein's family. It has been a few years since I have read the original Frankenstein so it wasn't super fresh in my mind. Even so, this was an enjoyable, thrilling read. Elizabeth is not really a sympathetic character. Life has taught her to go after what is important for her best interest. For her, this is keeping Victor on the right path even if it means covering up for his horrific actions.