Review: His Dark Endeavor: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein

His Dark Endeavor: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein by Kenneth Oppel
Review by Kristy Z.

Kristy's Rating: 4 of 5 Stars

Synopsis (GoodReads): Victor and Konrad are the twin brothers Frankenstein. They are nearly inseparable. Growing up, their lives are filled with imaginary adventures...until the day their adventures turn all too real.

They stumble upon The Dark Library, and secret books of alchemy and ancient remedies are discovered. Father forbids that they ever enter the room again, but this only peaks Victor's curiosity more. When Konrad falls gravely ill, Victor is not be satisfied with the various doctors his parents have called in to help. He is drawn back to The Dark Library where he uncovers an ancient formula for the Elixir of Life. Elizabeth, Henry, and Victor immediately set out to find assistance in a man who was once known for his alchemical works to help create the formula.

Determination and the unthinkable outcome of losing his brother spur Victor on in the quest for the three ingredients that will save Konrads life. After scaling the highest trees in the Strumwald, diving into the deepest lake caves, and sacrificing one’s own body part, the three fearless friends risk their lives to save another.

Kristy's Review: More please! That was my first thought upon finishing this gem of a book. We are taken into the life of a young Victor Frankenstein. yes, the Frankenstein of Mary Shelley fame. The adventure begins as Konrad, Victor's twin brother, is taken ill and Victor along with his cousin Elizabeth and friend, Henry seek to cure him. This book is full of action and adventure, edge of your seat drama and suspense that leaves you practically breathless!

Victor's character is pretty developed throughout the book but what I love it how his maniacal mind begins to take shape as the book progresses. You can see how dabbling in alchemy begins to bring out the darkness within Victor. By time the book ends you know he is well on his way to becoming the Frankenstein we all know from Shelley. 

The book was beautifully written. Oppel does a superb job making us feel like we are in 18th Century Geneva. The vocabulary is spot on for the period. The conversations are believable and the characters all have qualities you will love or love to hate! 

An overwhelming 4 stars and a hope that a sequel is in the works, for I would love to know what is next for young Victor Frankenstein.