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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
Reseña completa en: http://laestanteriadeithil.blogspot.com.es/2013/04/una-oscura-obsesion-kenneth-oppel.html
Una oscura obsesión es un libro eminentemente juvenil lleno de aventuras, acción y magia. Con un protagonista, Víctor, con unas maneras un poco peculiares y que claramente se diferencia de otros protagonistas le acompañaremos en la búsqueda de una cura para su hermano. Aunque la ambientación podría haber sido mucho mejor explotada, encontramos una pluma ágil y amena que narra con fluidez enganchándonos rápidamente hasta un final que seguramente no nos esperásemos.
Una oscura obsesión es un libro eminentemente juvenil lleno de aventuras, acción y magia. Con un protagonista, Víctor, con unas maneras un poco peculiares y que claramente se diferencia de otros protagonistas le acompañaremos en la búsqueda de una cura para su hermano. Aunque la ambientación podría haber sido mucho mejor explotada, encontramos una pluma ágil y amena que narra con fluidez enganchándonos rápidamente hasta un final que seguramente no nos esperásemos.
Can I start this review by saying that I have never read Frankenstein and I don't really know who the characters are or what happens in the story.
In recent years, some authors have decided that it is not ok for books to have ambiguous characters or irksome cliffhangers. For this reason, more and more of these prequels and sequels have been popping up around the world. I have read a few of these books, but this is the first that I have seen to preceed Frankenstein.
In all honesty, I started to read it because I liked the cover, but I very quickly started to enjoy it and I soon discovered that it was completely my cup of tea.
At first, I found Victor's narrative a little odd and unrealistic, but I later understood that it was all part of his character.
I read this solidly and (although I tried to avoid spoilers) was gearing myself up for the end. I sat there with the book in my hands and even though I knew it was coming, I still had to read the last bit a few times over. How is it that, even though I knew what was going to happen, I still could not believe it? I think it was the way the end was written, the writing was not fantastic throughout, but that line was a stroke of genius.
In recent years, some authors have decided that it is not ok for books to have ambiguous characters or irksome cliffhangers. For this reason, more and more of these prequels and sequels have been popping up around the world. I have read a few of these books, but this is the first that I have seen to preceed Frankenstein.
In all honesty, I started to read it because I liked the cover, but I very quickly started to enjoy it and I soon discovered that it was completely my cup of tea.
At first, I found Victor's narrative a little odd and unrealistic, but I later understood that it was all part of his character.
I read this solidly and (although I tried to avoid spoilers) was gearing myself up for the end. I sat there with the book in my hands and even though I knew it was coming, I still had to read the last bit a few times over. How is it that, even though I knew what was going to happen, I still could not believe it? I think it was the way the end was written, the writing was not fantastic throughout, but that line was a stroke of genius.
This Dark Endeavour – The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein was written by Kenneth Oppel and originally published in 2011 by Harper Trophy Canada
Most people have heard of Dr. Frankenstein and his monster; if not from Mary Shelley’s book Frankenstein ‘or the Modern Prometheus’, than from one of the many movie adaptations that have been made since the books 1818 release. I was lucky enough to be assigned Frankenstein when I was in University and really enjoyed the book though I really must revisit it since it has been too long and details escape me. When I first heard that Kenneth Oppel was writing a prequel series I knew I had to read it because I love a good origin story. And when is a better time to pick up a gothic thriller than October?
First I want to have a quick chat about the cover. I own the redesigned cover with Victor standing in front of a building which I actually enjoy. I like the choice of font and that the outline of the picture is blurred. The shadowed face looks dark and ominous and everything seems to fits the theme of the book. I also listened to the audiobook; I think the actor did a good job but nothing stood out or wowed me about the performance.
Victor and his identical twin Konrad have always done everything together. With the help of their distant cousin Elizabeth and their friend Henry they put on extravagant plays as well as challenge each other in fencing. They live an easy life in the Chateau Frankenstein nestled in the woods of Geneva. They have had a very loving and liberal upbringing which has shaped their personalities. Konrad is the older twin by only two minutes, but he couldn’t be more different from his twin. He is charming and adored by everyone for his wit and athletic ability. Victor on the other hand is curious by nature with an arrogance that makes him work hard to live up to his brother. When Konrad suddenly falls ill with a strange disease Victor will stop at nothing to help him get better. Doctor after doctor attempt to cure him without success, so when science fails him he turns to the “Bibliotheca Obscura,” the Dark Library buried deep in the castles secret passageways and off limits to them by their father. Searching the many ancient tomes he comes across a recipe for the “Elixir for life.” He seeks the help of the shunned alchemist Polidori to interpret the strange alphabet, and his friends to help find the obscure ingredients necessary to save his brothers life before it’s too late.
This book grabbed my attention from the very beginning as almost immediately lives are put in danger. After being sucked in you won’t be able to put the book down because there is action, adventure and creepiness in every chapter. This book stays true to its source material as it is gothic and gritty and just plain good.
There is something about Victor that makes you feel for him and wins you over. Even though he is arrogant and often jealous of his brother, he is at the same time charming and passionate about everything he does. He definitely has a weakness and vulnerability when it comes to his brother, and will make great sacrifices to ensure his safety. Even going against his father’s wishes when he tells him, “You must abandon this dark endeavour” Throughout the book you can also start to see the dark side of Victor, and knowing the eventual path he takes to becoming an evil genius this is not surprising.
I enjoyed the book and finished it very quickly because I needed to find out what was going to happen in the end especially after hearing from others that the ending was gory and gross. I will definitely be checking out the second book called Such Wicked Intent soon to find out what happens next. I also think that I will be picking up Frankenstein again shortly. If you haven’t read this yet you should to. It’s a classic for a reason
Check out http://bibliophilesisters.wordpress.com/ for more reviews.
Most people have heard of Dr. Frankenstein and his monster; if not from Mary Shelley’s book Frankenstein ‘or the Modern Prometheus’, than from one of the many movie adaptations that have been made since the books 1818 release. I was lucky enough to be assigned Frankenstein when I was in University and really enjoyed the book though I really must revisit it since it has been too long and details escape me. When I first heard that Kenneth Oppel was writing a prequel series I knew I had to read it because I love a good origin story. And when is a better time to pick up a gothic thriller than October?
First I want to have a quick chat about the cover. I own the redesigned cover with Victor standing in front of a building which I actually enjoy. I like the choice of font and that the outline of the picture is blurred. The shadowed face looks dark and ominous and everything seems to fits the theme of the book. I also listened to the audiobook; I think the actor did a good job but nothing stood out or wowed me about the performance.
Victor and his identical twin Konrad have always done everything together. With the help of their distant cousin Elizabeth and their friend Henry they put on extravagant plays as well as challenge each other in fencing. They live an easy life in the Chateau Frankenstein nestled in the woods of Geneva. They have had a very loving and liberal upbringing which has shaped their personalities. Konrad is the older twin by only two minutes, but he couldn’t be more different from his twin. He is charming and adored by everyone for his wit and athletic ability. Victor on the other hand is curious by nature with an arrogance that makes him work hard to live up to his brother. When Konrad suddenly falls ill with a strange disease Victor will stop at nothing to help him get better. Doctor after doctor attempt to cure him without success, so when science fails him he turns to the “Bibliotheca Obscura,” the Dark Library buried deep in the castles secret passageways and off limits to them by their father. Searching the many ancient tomes he comes across a recipe for the “Elixir for life.” He seeks the help of the shunned alchemist Polidori to interpret the strange alphabet, and his friends to help find the obscure ingredients necessary to save his brothers life before it’s too late.
This book grabbed my attention from the very beginning as almost immediately lives are put in danger. After being sucked in you won’t be able to put the book down because there is action, adventure and creepiness in every chapter. This book stays true to its source material as it is gothic and gritty and just plain good.
There is something about Victor that makes you feel for him and wins you over. Even though he is arrogant and often jealous of his brother, he is at the same time charming and passionate about everything he does. He definitely has a weakness and vulnerability when it comes to his brother, and will make great sacrifices to ensure his safety. Even going against his father’s wishes when he tells him, “You must abandon this dark endeavour” Throughout the book you can also start to see the dark side of Victor, and knowing the eventual path he takes to becoming an evil genius this is not surprising.
I enjoyed the book and finished it very quickly because I needed to find out what was going to happen in the end especially after hearing from others that the ending was gory and gross. I will definitely be checking out the second book called Such Wicked Intent soon to find out what happens next. I also think that I will be picking up Frankenstein again shortly. If you haven’t read this yet you should to. It’s a classic for a reason
Check out http://bibliophilesisters.wordpress.com/ for more reviews.
I am a fan of Kenneth Oppel, but this book disappointed me.
I tried to read it a couple of times. Today I forced myself to read 50 pages. I still wasn't hooked. I couldn't come to care about the characters. So then I went and read the end to see if it was going to be worth plodding on. I wasn't impressed. (although I more or less figured out how it all ended)
Perhaps it's just because I am not and never have been a fan of Gothic novels.
Whatever, I'm giving up on this one.
I tried to read it a couple of times. Today I forced myself to read 50 pages. I still wasn't hooked. I couldn't come to care about the characters. So then I went and read the end to see if it was going to be worth plodding on. I wasn't impressed. (although I more or less figured out how it all ended)
Perhaps it's just because I am not and never have been a fan of Gothic novels.
Whatever, I'm giving up on this one.
Pre-reading: I read Frankenstein a lot in school and I didn't love or hate it - no strong feelings really...
I heard good things about this, but I wasn't sure if I really wanted to read it either, but I picked it up and loved the end papers!
Should I be ashamed that my love of endpapers produced stronger feelings in me than the book it was based on? Ah anywho, I'm going to give it a go...
Oh crap, I just saw that this is a "Book One"...why? why is every book a book one?
Post-reading: Definitely a book one. Don't get me wrong...there was adventure and hijinks...but you know he's going somewhere if this is supposed to be a Frankenstein retelling. I won't be along for the journey.
The endpapers are still top notch.
I heard good things about this, but I wasn't sure if I really wanted to read it either, but I picked it up and loved the end papers!
Should I be ashamed that my love of endpapers produced stronger feelings in me than the book it was based on? Ah anywho, I'm going to give it a go...
Oh crap, I just saw that this is a "Book One"...why? why is every book a book one?
Post-reading: Definitely a book one. Don't get me wrong...there was adventure and hijinks...but you know he's going somewhere if this is supposed to be a Frankenstein retelling. I won't be along for the journey.
The endpapers are still top notch.
I like everything I've ever read by this author!!
This Dark Endeavor is the prequel to Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. It tells the story of young Victor and Conrad Frankenstein, their beautiful cousin Elizabeth, and close friend Henry. There is action, adventure, and occult dabbling. Well done!
This Dark Endeavor is the prequel to Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. It tells the story of young Victor and Conrad Frankenstein, their beautiful cousin Elizabeth, and close friend Henry. There is action, adventure, and occult dabbling. Well done!
Frankenstein was one of those great books that first taught me that novels considered classics can be gripping and poignant, as opposed to dry and wrapped in impenetrable protective layers of antiquated language. Because of this, I was interested to see what [a:Kenneth Oppel|88922|Kenneth Oppel|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1235057356p2/88922.jpg], the author who brought me the much adored [b:Airborn|1734463|Airborn (Matt Cruse, #1)|Kenneth Oppel|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1257785091s/1734463.jpg|2519210] series (sky pirates. steampunky goodness. 'nough said.), would do with the childhood of one of my favorite semi-deranged characters of all time, THE Dr. Frankenstein. The book delves into the childhood of the infamous Dr. Frankenstein and begins to expose the answers to the many questions that circle around one of literature's most famous madmen, from the ground up. The reader encounters a mysterious illness, a mysterious subterranean library, and (you guessed it) a mysterious old alchemist in retirement with his abnormally large cat. Kenneth Oppel's excellent use of period-perfect language is much appreciated and does not stand in the way of disturbing the flow of mounting action. Characteristic of this author's other works, are the beautifully drawn up characters, particularly our protagonist, young Victor himself (also, the perspective of our first person narrator). We are privy to both his flaws and his strengths, as well as those of the people who surround him, and there is great potential for empathy, something that can be difficult to grasp for a full cast of characters, when the novel is written in first person. Well-paced and surprising, this first book in what promises to be a series well worth the reading, raises far more questions than it answers. Interestingly, I did not find myself frustrated by the fact, so much as excited for the next installment. Well played, Mr. Oppel. Well played.
2.5 Stars!
This one sat right down the middle for me. I am, in general, a fan of Kenneth Oppel, but this book didn't connect with me as much. I very recently read the original Frankenstein, and this retelling just didn't do it for me.
I'm a bit sad, as I was really expecting to love this book, but in the end I have no strong feelings either way.
This one sat right down the middle for me. I am, in general, a fan of Kenneth Oppel, but this book didn't connect with me as much. I very recently read the original Frankenstein, and this retelling just didn't do it for me.
I'm a bit sad, as I was really expecting to love this book, but in the end I have no strong feelings either way.
I am a huge Frankenstein fan, maybe I have read too much. Until now I have really enjoyed Kenneth Oppel's books and would not hesitate to recommend them. Now I have to be more careful.
I did not buy the relationship between the twins because no other Frankenstein books made any reference to a twin, nor did Oppel make a case for why we had not heard of him before.
I did like the action and adventure, the searches for the bits of the elixir and the helps. It did feel to me as though these were contrived for the story yet I enjoyed them.
I had great hopes and I am disppointed.
I did not buy the relationship between the twins because no other Frankenstein books made any reference to a twin, nor did Oppel make a case for why we had not heard of him before.
I did like the action and adventure, the searches for the bits of the elixir and the helps. It did feel to me as though these were contrived for the story yet I enjoyed them.
I had great hopes and I am disppointed.