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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
I can't really explain why, but This Dark Endeavor had me hooked from the very first word even though I have no interest whatsoever in Frankenstein. Oppel's writing style is incredible, descriptive and staying true to the historical context of the time period. The relationship between Victor, Konrad, and the rest of their family is well-crafted and it was so easy to imagine their sense of closeness. Victor himself is an intriguing character and Oppel does a flawless job of portraying him as reckless, ambitious, and unstoppable in his quest to heal his twin brother. Maybe I should have seen it coming, but the ending was so utterly shocking I couldn't believe my eyes for a moment. What more can I say? Alchemy, love, mystery, sacrifice, and betrayal intertwine in this thrilling story that explores the history and motivations of a young Frankenstein.
These are good YA books for boys and girls, I was hoping for a little less of the mushy love stuff but I think even with it in there my son will like it.
I just love this book so much! Normally a YA book with a love triangle is entirely not my thing but I feel like Victor Frankenstein throwing an absolute fit because the girl he likes wants his twin brother instead of him is just so wildly in-character that I can't actually be mad about it. Plus I love all the stuff about alchemy and the writing style is very good as well. I can't say I really like Luke Daniels' narration here, but that's mostly because I find it baffling that they chose someone with an American accent for this. Would definitely recommend this to people who have enjoyed Mackenzi Lee's [b:This Monstrous Thing|22811807|This Monstrous Thing|Mackenzi Lee|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1424275328l/22811807._SY75_.jpg|42360113].
Who'd have thought to create a prequel to Mary Shelley's Frankenstein? Well Kenneth Oppel is a mastermind! I think Oppel really understood what Shelley was trying to portray and introduced each character nicely by developing them into what is eventually to become in Shelley's book.
Victor is an arrogant, temperamental 16yr old who is always trying to prove himself to his family and the people who surround him. From his point of view, he is constantly overshadowed by his smarter, more athletic twin brother, Konrad.
His other counterparts are Elizabeth, his distant cousin, raised under the same roof, and his friend Henry. All character's interact with each other flawlessly, and as the book plays out, Victor is affected by each person in both a positive and negative light which plays an important role on Victor's character development. Its fascinating watching the brilliant scientist surfacing, and the madman within being born to the point where I've already felt extremely sad for what Victor will eventually become (in Shelley's book).
Even though I haven't read the original Frankenstein book nor seen the movies, I'm basing most of my opinions and thoughts from a synopsis I read off Wiki.
I give this book a solid 4 stars.
This book has a very dark theme, and is also Junior grade level reading.
Victor is an arrogant, temperamental 16yr old who is always trying to prove himself to his family and the people who surround him. From his point of view, he is constantly overshadowed by his smarter, more athletic twin brother, Konrad.
His other counterparts are Elizabeth, his distant cousin, raised under the same roof, and his friend Henry. All character's interact with each other flawlessly, and as the book plays out, Victor is affected by each person in both a positive and negative light which plays an important role on Victor's character development. Its fascinating watching the brilliant scientist surfacing, and the madman within being born to the point where I've already felt extremely sad for what Victor will eventually become (in Shelley's book).
Even though I haven't read the original Frankenstein book nor seen the movies, I'm basing most of my opinions and thoughts from a synopsis I read off Wiki.
I give this book a solid 4 stars.
This book has a very dark theme, and is also Junior grade level reading.
This book was very well-written and the characters well fleshed out. Still it did not hold my interest at the end and I found myself skim reading quite a bit in the last two chapters. It is not a bad book...it just did not hold my interest to the very end like others have.
Love love love the idea behind this book...it so completely surprised me and sorta validated the whole mission behind Frankenstein's "insanity." So cool how the story is woven and the characters are created. Loved it.
Though Victor and Konrad Frankenstein are twins, they couldn't be more different. After Konrad grows ill with a mysterious illness Victor, cousin Elizabeth, and Victor's best friend Henry set out in search of a cure. After stumbling upon a dark library within their castle home, and against the specific command of Victor and Konrad's father, the three pursue a cure with the help of an infamous alchemist.
Adventure and terrifying close calls lie within, some nail biting moments too. I really enjoyed it!
Adventure and terrifying close calls lie within, some nail biting moments too. I really enjoyed it!
Most of this book was more like 3.5 stars. It really didn't pick up until the end. I liked the Knife of Never Letting Go series much better. Though, the ending was great.
A story in which I found myself greatly interested in what the lead character would do. Knowing his flaws and still fighting with himself to get through with what is necessary. Not taking matters laying done and charging into the unknown. A great adventure to be taken on and I would gladly read more of Oppel's works.