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emslovestoread's review against another edition
4.0
I've decided that I'm a fan of gothic horror novels. Really, no time period does horror better than gothic. It's dark, twisted, terrifying...while being free from all the gore and disgusting stuff that turn me off in modern horror.
This series is no exception. When I read the first book, I was a little put off in the beginning by the slower pacing. By the time I finished, however, I realized that it was perfect. The story NEEDED it. It didn't need to speed by at a pace I couldn't keep up with.
The sequel is no exception. Slow moving, but perfectly paced. It's just exactly what makes a gothic horror story so fabulous. You never really know where it's going or how things will be resolved. There isn't a lot of 'Oh, I can guess what's going to happen next because this is YA." Sure, we know that things are going to work out in the end. But they rarely work out in the way one expects, and the characters never come out of it unscathed. They are figuratively torn apart and have to put themselves back together in some cobbled fashion. This is, for me, a metaphor for the larger Frankenstein story. We all know that one.
Oppel is a brilliant story crafter. The way he weaves the tale leaves me breathless - not because it's all happening so fast, but because I can't figure out where we're going next. The world building is fabulous and so realistic. There were times when I felt like I could smell the same things that the characters were, see the same sights, experience the same feelings. It was great.
As far as characters go, WOW. After reading this, and having read Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, I can totally see how Victor got to be the way he did. The two authors should really go hand-in-hand. Read the books together.
Victor is power hungry and always wanting what he knows he can't have. It never stops him from trying though, which carries through to Shelley's masterpiece. I really liked getting a glimpse of teenage Victor. The way Oppel writes him leads perfectly into Victor as an older student. He isn't a bad person; he's just consumed with the need to KNOW and the need for power.
The supporting characters are also strong. Elizabeth, Konrad, and Henry all serve as foils for Victor. Each one of them has a characteristic that he lacks. Elizabeth is staunch in her belief in God and refuses to back down from that when challenged. Konrad has a love for life and living things. Not that Victor doesn't, but Konrad is motivated more by love than power. Henry is loyalty and quiet strength defined. There is nothing loud or showy about any of them and it's the perfect contrast to Victor's bravado.
I'm guessing that there is another book coming in this series, based on the ending of Such Wicked Intent. I will definitely be on the lookout to continue this story.
4.5 Eiffel Towers
This series is no exception. When I read the first book, I was a little put off in the beginning by the slower pacing. By the time I finished, however, I realized that it was perfect. The story NEEDED it. It didn't need to speed by at a pace I couldn't keep up with.
The sequel is no exception. Slow moving, but perfectly paced. It's just exactly what makes a gothic horror story so fabulous. You never really know where it's going or how things will be resolved. There isn't a lot of 'Oh, I can guess what's going to happen next because this is YA." Sure, we know that things are going to work out in the end. But they rarely work out in the way one expects, and the characters never come out of it unscathed. They are figuratively torn apart and have to put themselves back together in some cobbled fashion. This is, for me, a metaphor for the larger Frankenstein story. We all know that one.
Oppel is a brilliant story crafter. The way he weaves the tale leaves me breathless - not because it's all happening so fast, but because I can't figure out where we're going next. The world building is fabulous and so realistic. There were times when I felt like I could smell the same things that the characters were, see the same sights, experience the same feelings. It was great.
As far as characters go, WOW. After reading this, and having read Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, I can totally see how Victor got to be the way he did. The two authors should really go hand-in-hand. Read the books together.
Victor is power hungry and always wanting what he knows he can't have. It never stops him from trying though, which carries through to Shelley's masterpiece. I really liked getting a glimpse of teenage Victor. The way Oppel writes him leads perfectly into Victor as an older student. He isn't a bad person; he's just consumed with the need to KNOW and the need for power.
The supporting characters are also strong. Elizabeth, Konrad, and Henry all serve as foils for Victor. Each one of them has a characteristic that he lacks. Elizabeth is staunch in her belief in God and refuses to back down from that when challenged. Konrad has a love for life and living things. Not that Victor doesn't, but Konrad is motivated more by love than power. Henry is loyalty and quiet strength defined. There is nothing loud or showy about any of them and it's the perfect contrast to Victor's bravado.
I'm guessing that there is another book coming in this series, based on the ending of Such Wicked Intent. I will definitely be on the lookout to continue this story.
4.5 Eiffel Towers
rlynnparsons's review against another edition
5.0
This is such a great book that had me creeped out by the end of the very first chapter. I found myself zooming theough the book, because of how fast the action was going and because the suspense was driving me mad! It treads in the realm of the ancient and otherworldly, adding to the strangeness and danger of the first book. I loved it.
tmaluck's review against another edition
3.0
Cross "Goosebumps" with "Frankenstein" and this is the result. I enjoyed this YA fetch quest for its classy Victorian setting and ever-shifting love rectangle, but had a hard time swallowing the entire "portal to the afterlife" plot device. The first book dealt more with alchemy and using rare ingredients to yield supernatural results, but superpowers granted by magical butterflies in a time-slowed limbo version of reality... come on. Although I disliked the plot devices, the characters -especially the increasingly mad young Frankenstein- carry the story well.
eviebookish's review against another edition
5.0
I was extremely lucky to be able to feature Kenneth Oppel's first installment in The Apprenticeship Of Victor Frankenstein series during my MEN in YA event in 2011. This Dark Endeavor was fabulous and I absolutely and utterly loved it. It ended up being one of my TOP 10 favourite reads of 2011, and since then I have re-read it at least 5 times. When back in June 2012 I was lucky enough to get my hands on an ARC of the second book in Oppel's gorgeous series, I won't lie - my eyes prickles with tears. Tears of joy! I did not waste a single day, I immediately dived into it. And it was phenomenal. Such Wicked Intent is a sublime and unparalleled work of literary genius. Dark, stately, and highly atmospheric, it pulls the reader in with its lush, 19th century-sque prose and wildly original plot line. It's astonishingly fluent, deliciously adventurous, moody and sinister - in other words, it's YA adventure at its very best. Very few can pull off dark and eerie the way Kenneth Oppel does it!
An ancient myth, long buried (and terrifying) secrets, forbidden knowledge and a dark endeavor of even greater proportions than Victor's previous one - in Suck Wicked Intent you'll find all that and much, much more. If you loved the first book, you will definitely love the sequel, too (if not more). Victor is back, and the restless spirit of his does not let him stay out of trouble. His unquenchable thirst for knowledge and power pushes him to continue his exploration of the underground caves and hidden chambers of the Frankenstein chateau. The Biblioteka Obscura has been destroyed by Victor's father, its dangerous collection burned to dust, but if you think that The Dark Library was the only secret the old chateau held within its premises, you're very wrong. When by sheer accident, Victor and Elizabeth discover a portal to the spirit world, they can not resist the temptation of seeing Konrad again. Convinced they stumbled upon a way to raise him from the dead, the two of them, together with their friend, Henry, will embark on yet another dangerous quest, and one that may prove to be too much for them to handle.
I loved the premise of this novel, especially the way it focused on exploring Victor's psyche, with all its flaws and imperfections. Entering the spirit world gives Victor unnatural physical strength and intelligence, but it also awakens his more lustful urges, selfishness and craving for forbidden knowledge and power. Victor finds himself attracted to the newly discovered realm, much like a moth is drawn to the light of a flame. He's addicted to its lustrous colors and textures, the clarity it brings to his thoughts and visions, and the new possibilities it reveals. The mysterious butterflies enhance his abilities and fill him with a torrent of knowledge. But the thing about power, especially one that comes from a dark and evil source, is that.. it always comes at a price.
Kenneth Oppel did a phenomenal job depicting Victor's wild, arrogant nature. His portrayal is overblown in the best sense of the world - rich in detail, flavour and spirit. Victor is a character like no other I have met before - he's as uncontrollable and unpredictable as a tornado, passionate, obsessive, brave (bordering on suicidal), and completely intriguing. He's not entirely a positive character, neither is he a downright evil one. Misguided? Perhaps. Too curious and ambitious for his own good? Most definitely. Hurtful, bold, forceful and selfish? Yes, quite often. He's also dedicated, clever and sharp. It's a potentially deadly mixture, but one absolutely enthralling nevertheless. What can I say? I love Victor. I adore his flamboyant, eccentric personality. I know, it probably means there is something very wrong with me and I should seek help - oh, well. Blame Kenneth Oppel!
When you turn the last page of Such Wicked Intent, you will be struck by how gorgeous this book is from the first page to last, and you'll be tempted to go back to the beginning and read it all over again. I did just that. I couldn't stop myself. I've read this book and then went ahead and read it again. And I still can't say that I had enough of it. It's no secret that I'm a total sucker for books with dark and eerie themes, and if they have enthralling gothic settings and memorable, unique characters - even better! I loved Marry Shelley's Frankenstein - her timeless story has sent shivers down my spine many times, but as much as I appreciated her boldness and inventiveness, she did not manage to evoke as many emotions in me as Oppel did in his series. His portrayal of Victor is truly magnificent and insightful, and it really allows you to understand both the motives behind his actions, and the events that shaped his tragic future.
All in all, Such Wicked Intent is a compelling and engrossing piece of literature. It's full of gothic thrills, chilling mysteries, burning passion, and alchemy. Fast-moving, action-packed and dripping with atmosphere, it's one of the 2012 absolute must-reads.
An ancient myth, long buried (and terrifying) secrets, forbidden knowledge and a dark endeavor of even greater proportions than Victor's previous one - in Suck Wicked Intent you'll find all that and much, much more. If you loved the first book, you will definitely love the sequel, too (if not more). Victor is back, and the restless spirit of his does not let him stay out of trouble. His unquenchable thirst for knowledge and power pushes him to continue his exploration of the underground caves and hidden chambers of the Frankenstein chateau. The Biblioteka Obscura has been destroyed by Victor's father, its dangerous collection burned to dust, but if you think that The Dark Library was the only secret the old chateau held within its premises, you're very wrong. When by sheer accident, Victor and Elizabeth discover a portal to the spirit world, they can not resist the temptation of seeing Konrad again. Convinced they stumbled upon a way to raise him from the dead, the two of them, together with their friend, Henry, will embark on yet another dangerous quest, and one that may prove to be too much for them to handle.
I loved the premise of this novel, especially the way it focused on exploring Victor's psyche, with all its flaws and imperfections. Entering the spirit world gives Victor unnatural physical strength and intelligence, but it also awakens his more lustful urges, selfishness and craving for forbidden knowledge and power. Victor finds himself attracted to the newly discovered realm, much like a moth is drawn to the light of a flame. He's addicted to its lustrous colors and textures, the clarity it brings to his thoughts and visions, and the new possibilities it reveals. The mysterious butterflies enhance his abilities and fill him with a torrent of knowledge. But the thing about power, especially one that comes from a dark and evil source, is that.. it always comes at a price.
Kenneth Oppel did a phenomenal job depicting Victor's wild, arrogant nature. His portrayal is overblown in the best sense of the world - rich in detail, flavour and spirit. Victor is a character like no other I have met before - he's as uncontrollable and unpredictable as a tornado, passionate, obsessive, brave (bordering on suicidal), and completely intriguing. He's not entirely a positive character, neither is he a downright evil one. Misguided? Perhaps. Too curious and ambitious for his own good? Most definitely. Hurtful, bold, forceful and selfish? Yes, quite often. He's also dedicated, clever and sharp. It's a potentially deadly mixture, but one absolutely enthralling nevertheless. What can I say? I love Victor. I adore his flamboyant, eccentric personality. I know, it probably means there is something very wrong with me and I should seek help - oh, well. Blame Kenneth Oppel!
When you turn the last page of Such Wicked Intent, you will be struck by how gorgeous this book is from the first page to last, and you'll be tempted to go back to the beginning and read it all over again. I did just that. I couldn't stop myself. I've read this book and then went ahead and read it again. And I still can't say that I had enough of it. It's no secret that I'm a total sucker for books with dark and eerie themes, and if they have enthralling gothic settings and memorable, unique characters - even better! I loved Marry Shelley's Frankenstein - her timeless story has sent shivers down my spine many times, but as much as I appreciated her boldness and inventiveness, she did not manage to evoke as many emotions in me as Oppel did in his series. His portrayal of Victor is truly magnificent and insightful, and it really allows you to understand both the motives behind his actions, and the events that shaped his tragic future.
All in all, Such Wicked Intent is a compelling and engrossing piece of literature. It's full of gothic thrills, chilling mysteries, burning passion, and alchemy. Fast-moving, action-packed and dripping with atmosphere, it's one of the 2012 absolute must-reads.
maliap's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Death, Drug abuse, and Blood
Minor: Gore and Sexual assault
jaymeshaw's review against another edition
4.0
This did not turn out at all how I expected... It was an interesting spin on the tale of Victor Frankenstein and his "monster". I liked the back story in the first novel and the continuation of the story in the 2nd. IF there is a 3rd installment, I'm not even sure where it CAN go. Still a really great novel out of Oppel. If he didn't write about bats and things like that, I'm sure I'd pick up a few more of his novels.
swordsandsapphics's review against another edition
3.0
Though this was still good, I liked its predecessor much better. This book granted, had more supernatural stuff, which was cool, but I feel like it was just trying too hard. This Dark Endeavor, by comparison, felt more nuanced. In this book, some of the characters make some pretty stupid decisions, and can't see things coming that I predicted about halfway through the book. There are some things I raised my eyebrows at, and I think the conclusion was really hasty. That said, I still did definitely enjoy it. Oppel's writing style felt reminiscent of some actual nineteenth century writing styles, and Victor Frankenstein was as compelling of a protagonist as ever.
aprilbooksandwine's review against another edition
5.0
Am I the only one who is OCD about book and series formats? For real, once I start a series in one format, I prefer to keep going in that format. Y’all, I broke this habit with Such Wicked Intent by Kenneth Oppel, the second of Kenneth Oppel’s books re-imagining Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein for a YA audience. I have to say, it’s much easier going from print to audio than the reverse. Such Wicked Intent is quite an enjoyable, if not eerie listen.
Read the rest of my review here
Read the rest of my review here
sabsey's review against another edition
5.0
I know this review is late - but I had to write something about this book!
I just wanted to say that I love this duology so much, and after finally getting my hands on the sequel I was not disappointed. I love the characters and I didn't realise how much I had missed them.
I'm quite impressed by Oppel's characterisation of young Victor (which is so similar to the original Victor from Frankenstein so kudos to him!) This book took a somewhat darker (and much more fantastical) tone than the first book and it only served to improve the main elements of the story. In terms of the romantic subplot, while I got a bit tired of Victor and his "obsession with Elizabeth" I think it still helped the plot and characters in their journey.
Overall, I adored it just as much as the first one, and the only complaint I have, really, is that it had to end!
I'm hoping for a third book (yes despite the fact it's a duology) because these three main characters have become permanently stuck in both my head and heart and I don't want to let go of them.
I just wanted to say that I love this duology so much, and after finally getting my hands on the sequel I was not disappointed. I love the characters and I didn't realise how much I had missed them.
I'm quite impressed by Oppel's characterisation of young Victor (which is so similar to the original Victor from Frankenstein so kudos to him!) This book took a somewhat darker (and much more fantastical) tone than the first book and it only served to improve the main elements of the story. In terms of the romantic subplot, while I got a bit tired of Victor and his "obsession with Elizabeth" I think it still helped the plot and characters in their journey.
Overall, I adored it just as much as the first one, and the only complaint I have, really, is that it had to end!
I'm hoping for a third book (yes despite the fact it's a duology) because these three main characters have become permanently stuck in both my head and heart and I don't want to let go of them.