On the Shelf: This Dark Endeavor

THIS DARK ENDEAVOR | KENNETH OPPEL | SIMON & SCHUSTER | 2011

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 again, 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. But 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.

I’ll be honest - I don’t read a lot of YA fiction. I’ve always found the writing too “simple” for my personal taste, even though a lot of the plots may sound intriguing. This book may have changed my opinion. Sure, the writing is simple, but it was nice to not have to guess at the story’s meaning - to have everything clear, in a way.

I couldn’t resist reading an interpretation of Frankenstein’s younger years. The story has the perfect blend of science, magic, religion, and love to drive the story forward. And the main character’s desire for power is something all readers will relate to - even if they don’t want to admit it.

The story is enticing. Oppel has a way with words that few other authors have. I’m certain that this story will become a contemporary classic. I can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel.

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“I held the candle high. We were in a surprisingly large chamber. Nearby was a torch jutting from a wall sconce, and I quickly lit it. The room brightened, an orange glow flickering over tables scattered with oddly shaped glassware and metal instruments - and row upon row of shelves groaning with thick tomes. ‘It’s just a library,’ I said, relieved.”