This Dark Endeavor

Frankenstein- it always brings this image of a monster with green skin and bolts in his neck. Kenneth Oppel brings the Frankenstein family to life in the prequel to the old tale. Twins Victor and Konrad, along with cousin Elizabeth and friend Henry stumble upon a dark library in the basement of their castle. Victor, the impulsive, passionate twin, is immediately taken with the idea of alchemy, which is against the law. When Konrad falls ill and cannot be cured by medicine, Konrad and his friends go on a quest to create an Elixir of Life. They enlist the help of a crippled alchemist Julius Polidori, who who helps them decipher the recipe. As Konrad continues to wither away, Victor completes his quest and finds the ingredients for the elixir. Will he get it to Konrad in time? Is Polidori really out for his own gain? Can he get the beautiful Elizabeth to love him instead of Konrad? Is Victor hanging on the edge of evil? This was an excellent book filled with the great writing I have come to appreciate about Kenneth Oppel. It made me want to read Frankenstein again, with teenage Victor in mind. He is a fascinating character with motives that may not always be pure. Total thumbs up for this book. I do hope there will be a sequel. I even love the cover- tall. dark and handsome- well you know the rest. Happy reading my friends.