Wednesday, July 25, 2012

This Dark Endeavour


Rating: 5/5

Title: This Dark Endeavor

Series: Book One of The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein

Author: Kenneth Oppel

Page Count (paperback): 298

Official Amazon Description

   
     Victor Frankenstein leads a charmed life. He and his twin brother, Konrad, and their beautiful cousin Elizabeth take lessons at home and spend their spare time fencing and horseback riding. Along with their friend Henry, they have explored all the hidden passageways and secret rooms of the palatial Frankenstein chateau. Except one.

     The Dark Library contains ancient tomes written in strange languages and filled with forbidden knowledge. Their father makes them promise never to visit the library, but when Konrad becomes deathly ill, Victor knows he must find the book that contains the recipe for the legendary Elixir of Life.

     The elixir needs only three ingredients. But impossible odds, dangerous alchemy and a bitter love triangle threaten their quest at every turn.

      Victor knows he must not fail. Yet his success depends on how far he is willing to push the boundaries of nature, science and love?and how much he is willing to sacrifice.



My Thoughts


      This Dark Endeavor is a work of literary art. From the cover, to the plot, to the characters; Oppel was spot on! One of a book's most important assets is its cover, and in this case, This Dark Endeavor certainly has bragging rights! Between the handsome character sketch of Victor on the front, to the haunting buildings eclipsed by unsettle clouds and the blurred edges; I do believe I was completely enthralled with this book before I even read the first page. Having read Kenneth Oppel's previous series; Silver Wing, as a child, I was already familiar with the depth of Oppel's writing and This Dark Endeavor was no exception. Written in the first person perspective of Victor Frankenstein, This Dark Endeavor is truly captivating, allowing you to witness the story first hand through Victor's rebellious mind. There was never a single moment while reading the novel in which I felt bored of the story, with brilliant cliffhangers at the end of chapters and an excellently paced plot (not to fast and not to slow), which was filled with completely unexpected twists ensured that I couldn't stop turning the pages. If you're in search of a wickedly good, well-written YA book with a hint of romance, I urge you to pick up This Dark Endeavor; you won't regret it!

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14 comments:

  1. Wow! This cover alone has awarded Mr. Oppel's novel a place on my TBR list! Thanks for sharing! :)

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  2. Oh sweet! I picked this up a bit ago for pretty cheap at BAM. I loved the idea and I'm so glad it's a great book. :)

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  3. This sounds great! It's mysterious and has a love triangle! I am ALL for it! LOL ;p Thank you for stopping by my blog! Now following you back! :D

    ~ Maida @ Literary Love Affair 

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  4. Totally putting this on my list! I love Frankenstein so this is a winner for me!

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  5. I heard about this book by rick riordan! seems interesting!

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  6. Great review,and one for my list also. Very interesting and looks good too. First time I've come across Kenneth Oppel. Another new discovery, thanks.
    Suzy

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    1. I think you'll enjoy Kenneth Oppel he has such a way of weaving magic with words :)

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  7. I don't usually read YA, but I might have to pick this one up sometime because I love Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, and I remember liking Kenneth Oppel's Silverwing series as a child. I'm very interested in seeing how much of the original novel remains intact in this derivative work. :)

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    1. I haven't read Frankenstein, myseld, that is definitley something I have to get around to doing; I hope you enjoy This Dark Endeavor!

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  8. Hey hope your week is going well.. I nominated you for the VB award…if you have already received it then I nominate you again?
    LOL Passing on the appreciation
    http://picturemereading.wordpress.com/2012/07/29/stacking-the-shelves-2/

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  9. Sounds great and the cover is gorgeous! Looks very gritty! Thanks for stopping by my blog. I am following you back via GFC! Thanks

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