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noirverse's review against another edition
2.0
Hmm, not sure what happened with this sequel. I did like the core plot much better, but the characters took a sharp turn into being more annoying than compellingly flawed. To start off with the things I liked, I liked that Henry gained an actual personality (sort of) and the spirit world plot was interesting. However, the previous book's love triangle turning into a love square where Elizabeth was being pursued by every boy she knows felt kind of ridiculous, and I actively did not want Elizabeth and Victor to get together. The ending fizzled out into being a whimper where it hints at Victor's fate in such a half-hearted way. I think this series had a lot of potential had the author worked on the concept more, but the finished product was a let-down.
themandimonster's review against another edition
5.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as well as the first one. Getting a take on the beginnings of Victor Frankenstein and where his possible start happened... It was really interesting. I loved the supernatural/paranormal aspect of this particular story!
calleyne's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book! Read it and the first one if you are into adventure stories about dealing in the black arts and alchemy.
alliehwilliams's review against another edition
5.0
I did not think it was possible for me to enjoy this book as much as This Dark Endeavor, but I think it is ultimately the better book. It started a little slow to me as the family is still reeling at the beginning and I wasn't sure where the story was going. However, once it got going I could not put it down. Oppel is a creative writer who is not afraid to take risks and steer the reader into some very dark places. All very appropriate for the subject matter, but surprising nonetheless. Half the time I wanted to smack Victor, but he is not the only one who needed an occasional smack this time. And while frustrating because you just keep hoping they won't do what you know they are going to do, all the main characters' motivations are believable and understandable. Oppel is doing a great job of building a character with the God complex and the insatiable curiosity to try what we all know he eventually attempts. I can't wait for the final installment and I highly recommend this series!
fyrekatz's review against another edition
5.0
This is the tale of the young boy named Victor Frankenstein. This book takes place about a month after the first book. With his brother's death. Victor wants to bring him back from the dead- but of course it wasn't to be but the wanting of power grows in Victor and Darkness clouds his mind thru the book. Its most excellent!
showell's review against another edition
4.0
Fairly engrossing prequel to the events of the original Frankenstein novel. Second book feels more like horror than the first in the series (although both are middle grade friendly so not that scary to me). This is one duology that benefits from being read back to back, because the two books definitely build on each other.
There is a love triangle (quadrangle?) but it’s basically a set of interwoven relationships and jealousies set in motion by the fact that there are three teenage boys and only one eligible girl so of course all the boys are competing for her. Some fun stuff with the evil twin dynamic.
Honestly I just really enjoyed it. Some great Frankenstein-based fan fiction.
There is a love triangle (quadrangle?) but it’s basically a set of interwoven relationships and jealousies set in motion by the fact that there are three teenage boys and only one eligible girl so of course all the boys are competing for her. Some fun stuff with the evil twin dynamic.
Honestly I just really enjoyed it. Some great Frankenstein-based fan fiction.
michellehenriereads's review against another edition
3.0
Victor still exhibits characteristics of the tortured Byronic hero and hopes that Elizabeth will be his salvation. Though Elizabeth recognizes Victor wants something even more than he wants her.
The focus is on the supernatural; entry into the spirit world, affects of the spirit world on the real world, and the creation of a body for a man's spirit. I actually wished for...
To read the full review go to www.talesuntangled.wordpress.com
If you liked this one try Uglies by Scott Westerfeld, Unwind by Neal Shusterman and House of The Scorpion by Nancy Farmer they are all thought provoking and have a dark edge.
The focus is on the supernatural; entry into the spirit world, affects of the spirit world on the real world, and the creation of a body for a man's spirit. I actually wished for...
To read the full review go to www.talesuntangled.wordpress.com
If you liked this one try Uglies by Scott Westerfeld, Unwind by Neal Shusterman and House of The Scorpion by Nancy Farmer they are all thought provoking and have a dark edge.
aoosterwyk's review against another edition
4.0
Fantastic, just as good as the first. The characters are a great balance of strength and weakness and their motives drive the story. This would make a great book club selection for the right group because there is so much to talk about: alchemy, romance, science, mythology and history. I have loved every book I've read by Oppel. Keep them coming!
reneeyik's review against another edition
4.0
Wow. You know, I think Kenneth Oppel's twist on the original Frankenstein is so amazing and this sequel lived up to it's expectations.
The atmosphere was perfect. Reading this at night really helped give it a creepy, haunting feeling. The mansion- all the secret hiding places, and all the other new settings that are introduced into the book are so well imaged.
The characters have stayed true to them and each is so unique. Victor, I really appreciated his character development throughout the book, while sticking to the same sort of person he is. Each character was well written and I didn't know which one I favoured since I seemed to like all of them.
I'm pretty sure that there is another book coming out in this series, so I cannot wait for that!
The atmosphere was perfect. Reading this at night really helped give it a creepy, haunting feeling. The mansion- all the secret hiding places, and all the other new settings that are introduced into the book are so well imaged.
The characters have stayed true to them and each is so unique. Victor, I really appreciated his character development throughout the book, while sticking to the same sort of person he is. Each character was well written and I didn't know which one I favoured since I seemed to like all of them.
I'm pretty sure that there is another book coming out in this series, so I cannot wait for that!