Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
3.5 stars. Improves greatly in the final third, when the seeds planted in the first act take fruit and the "YA trio of adventurers" trope finally takes a backseat to some unique moments. I wouldn't give this canonical status, but as a YA adventure with Frankensteinian flavor, it works.
This book started off really slow for me. I just didn't like the characters enough to care. Luckily, around the middle it started to become more interesting, although I can't help but think that it could have included even more of the strange. Maybe another book is on the way? So, I liked it enough, but I won't be raving about it to anyone.
Read my review here:
https://fantasticfictions.com/this-dark-endeavor/
https://fantasticfictions.com/this-dark-endeavor/
Yes, this serves as the prequel to Frankenstein! There is an extra character or two, and you'll notice a minor physical change in Victor that will not carry over, but for the most part, you can go right into Mary Shelly's Frankenstein as soon as you close This Dark Endeavor. There are some slow parts, but I liked it.
This Dark Endeavor captures the bond between siblings with depth and accuracy; between the rivalry, the love, the adventures they embark upon, and the need to just stab your sibling with a foil, kept me listening. Even when the pendulum swings downward in Victor and Konrad's relationship, their loyalty to each other never falters.
Favorite Character:
Elizabeth is a wonderful balance of femininity and just being one of the boys. She can be wild as any wolf, yet remain a believable character. She has weakness and isn't afraid to show it. But seriously, she fended off a vulture with her teeth. Do not mess with her.
Favorite Character:
Elizabeth is a wonderful balance of femininity and just being one of the boys. She can be wild as any wolf, yet remain a believable character. She has weakness and isn't afraid to show it. But seriously, she fended off a vulture with her teeth. Do not mess with her.
I thought it was really good. The Victorian setting was pretty awesome and I liked the plot line. It had a nice pace to it; not too fast, not too slow. Overall it was a pretty good novel.
I love the idea of Frankenstein as a teen. It's interesting to see his character develop as he struggles with the love/jealousy of his twin brother. Their cousin, Elizabeth, is a likable, strong female character. I really enjoyed this story, and can't wait to read the 2nd book in this trilogy.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes