The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein
Written by Kenneth Oppel
Twins Victor and Konrad Frankenstein are the best of friends and fierce competitors. They are adventurous and always exploring. One day they discover a hidden library and lab. Inside the library are all kinds of books on dark magic and alchemy. Konrad falls ill and is on the edge of dying. Doctors try to help but nothing seems to work. Victor, in his effort to help his twin brother, seeks help from the alchemy potions. This leads Victor, Konrad, thier cousin Elizabeth, and their friend Henry on a wild quest to find the necessary ingredients for the elixir. Have you ever wondered how Victor Frankenstein got to the point where he wanted to create life? What led him to such a dark life? This book tells the story of Victor as a teenager. He searches dark magic and wants to understand the mysteries of alchemy.
The characters are compelling and you want to know what happens to them. The story moves along at a good pace and will hold your interest. Victor and Konrad vie for Elizabeth’s attention and this propels some of the story’s competition. There is a bit of gore and violence as the story develops.
Review by Warren Child, Cyprus High Media Center
Rating: ★★★★✩ (4 stars)
Interest Level: High School
Kenneth Oppel – Official Website
This Dark Endeavor: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein
Written by Kenneth Oppel
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
298 pages
Release Date: August 23, 2011
ISBN: 9781442403154 (hardcover)
Publisher’s Description
Growing up, twin brothers Victor and Konrad fill their lives with imaginary adventures…until the day they stumble upon The Dark Library, where they discover secret books of alchemy and ancient remedies. When Konrad falls gravely ill, Victor is drawn back to The Dark Library and uncovers an ancient formula, beginning a treacherous search for the ingredients to create the forbidden Elixir of Life. Their success depends on how far they are willing to push the boundaries of nature, science…and love.
