This Dark Endeavor

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mood:  sleepy

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This Dark Endeavor: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein by Kenneth Oppel

Release Date:  August 23, 2011

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 304

Format: Hardcover
Source: Library
Intrest: Young Adult
Challenge: 2011 Reading Challenge
Buy the Book: Amazon

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.

 This book was rock my socks incredible!!! Seriously! I read the entire book in one sitting! Where ever I went, this book came with me! Mostly because I was so captivated by the story I could not put it down. lol

I thought the synopsis sounded incredible and I was really excited about reading it! I was worried though, that because I had never read Frankenstein and didn't know much about it other than, crazed scientist gathers body parts and creates a monster! Honestly, that's pretty much all you need to know, if anything!

This is a pre-Frankenstein story, and I thought the author did an incredible job with it! I don't want to say too much about the story itself, because I don't want to spoil a single bit of it for you! The story is about the Frankenstein family, twin brothers Victor and Konrad in particular! The brothers have a lot of sibling rivalry going on, and they are constantly trying to best one another! Despite their competativness they have a strong bond which teeters on a thread when Victor discovers that his brother has been keeping a secret from him that could push the brothers apart forever! Konrad becomes extremely ill, and despite the best doctors money can buy, his condition seems to be decreasing. When the traditional practice of bleeding doesn't do anything to improve Konrad's worsening condition, Victor turns to science and alchemy to cure his dying brother! Victor sets about with the help of his friend Henry and his sort of cousin Elizabeth to seek out the nearly impossible to find ingredients to create, the Elixir of Life! Which will save Konrad's life, or so they hope! These 3 friends are sent on an incredible adventure where their own lives will be put at risk to save the life of their beloved Konrad, and their friendship, love and loyalty will be tested. Jam packed with action, adventure, deceit, and a love triangle!

This book was completely amazing! II can't wait to read more from the extremely talented Kenneth Oppel!