This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Oppel

Have you ever wondered what Victor Frankenstein was like as a boy?  What events might have shaped him into the man who decided to explore the dark science of reanimating a nonliving body?  In his new book, This Dark Endeavor, Kenneth Oppel writes a prequel to Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein.

      Kenneth Oppel writes about 16 year old Victor Frankenstein. This Gothic adventure sets the stage for Victor Frankenstein’s obsession with alchemy over “true” science.  Victor lives an idyllic life on a beautiful estate near Geneva Switzerland.   When Victor’s twin brother, Konrad, falls ill, Victor believes that he can save his brother using a forbidden book found in a secret alchemist lab on the Frankenstein estate.   Victor, his cousin Elizabeth and friend Henry race against time to gather the ingredients for the Elixir of Life.   All the while Victor, who sees himself as flawed, is tormented by his own motivations for saving his brother.  Is it to gain fame, win the heart of their cousin Elizabeth or is it truly for the love of his brother?  Although the Gothic style will not appeal to all readers, this is a well crafted intense novel with plenty of page turning action.

Other teen books by Kenneth Oppel

Half Brother

Airborn

Skybreaker

Starclimber

Carla Avitabile, Novato Library