Review: "This Dark Endeavor" by Kenneth Oppel

"This Dark Endeavour" is the first book in Kenneth Oppel’s The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein series. Taking place when Victor Frankenstein is just a teenager, "This Dark Endeavour" charts Victor’s quest to to make the fabled elixir of life after his twin brother, Konrad, falls seriously ill. Accompanied by Konrad, and their distant cousin, Elizabeth, Victor begins to study ancient alchemical texts after finding a secret library in his family’s chateau. Yet, once Konrad gets sick, Victor’s interest in alchemy becomes an obsession, often putting his and Elizabeth’s lives in danger as they try to gather the ingredients necessary for the elixir of life. The story is suspenseful and atmospheric, and I often could not put it down.

Fans of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and of the gothic horror genre are sure to enjoy this gripping read. Oppel stays true to the feel of Shelley’s original work, while creating a whole new back story and bringing new life to the characters of Frankenstein in this prequel. He also expertly writes his characters, creating a plausible explanation for the adult Victor Frankenstein’s obsession with overcoming death. This Dark Endeavour is followed up by an excellent sequel, "Such Wicked Intent", and I am eagerly awaiting Oppel announcing the third book in the series.

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