This Dark Endeavor

The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein, Book 1

By: Kenneth Oppel

Narrated by: Luke Daniels

Length: 8 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©2011 Kenenth Opel (P)2011 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Good story for all ages

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I Recommend this book!

What did you like best about this story?

The story teller makes or breaks an audiobook. This one is done very well!

Chilling and oddly poignant

Oppel, who I knew previously from his delightful Matt Cruse adventure series, takes a decided turn into true darkness with this imaginative and appropriately frightening prequel to Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.

Do you have to have read the original to appreciate this book? Not really. Although I think some things may hit a reader a bit more if they know exactly what is to come later in the lives of the characters.

In Oppel's vision of young Viktor Frankenstein, he is a complex boy who feels both great love and great jealousy for his twin brother Konrad. This conflict is a driving force in much of what he does, wanting to be better and better loved. His brother's mysterious illness spurs him to pursue the study of alchemy, in spite of their father's warnings that it will all come to no good.

Of course, the greatest conflict between brothers is their beautiful cousin Elizabeth. As in the Matt Cruse books, the female lead is much more than an object of desire; she joins Viktor in his dangerous quest to gather the ingredients for an elixir that will supposedly save his brother's life.

The last third of the book is particularly frightening, mostly because of how it shows how obsession can drive someone to do the most extreme things in the name of love.

If you like a dark adventure story with memorable characters, then this is just the book for you.

Excellent narration!

Would you try another book from Kenneth Oppel and/or Luke Daniels?

Yes, but not specificaly because of them.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

It snuck up on me.

Which character – as performed by Luke Daniels – was your favorite?

Luke Daniels did an excellent job with many of the characters. If ever I were on the fence about a book, Luke would make up my mind to buy it.

Any additional comments?

Not quite the noir book I expected it to be. Would be appropriate for young teens. I kept thinking of the Scooby Doo gang. Not a waste of money at $5.

Fantastic prequel and wonderful narration

This was an amazing book. I have loved Frankenstein (the original) for many years. So to see a prequel intrigued me. The quotation on the back hooked me..."There is a passion in you that scares me." The writing is amazing and, though I haven't reread Frankenstein in several years, the tone matches really well. Oppel does a wonderful job creating a back story that reveals the drive and obsession that Victor possesses. Apparently, it's being made into a movie. I hope that they do the story justice. The narration was very fitting and matched the mood perfectly. I highly recommend this!

great book

a great prequel to the works of shelly cant wait to read the second book

What a find!

I can NOT recommend this book more highly. It is rivetting, I couldn't put the headphones down!

Average at best.

Good writing but less than suspenseful. It seemed more like a young adult novel. Luke Daniels does an excellent job, but I found myself wishing I was reading the Iron Druid Chronicles.

Frankenstein Fan

Any additional comments?

Ever since my academic years I have had a fascination with Frankenstein. When I found Oppel's accounts of the young Victor, I knew I had to read his novel. I believe Shelley would appreciate this tale that introduces and develops the Frankenstein we meet in her novel.

Great prequel

I enjoyed the story and the narration (one of my favorite narrators). My only complaint is I was left wanting more.

Creative story with excellent narration.

Where does This Dark Endeavor: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Top ten

What other book might you compare This Dark Endeavor: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein to and why?

A darker more grown up Lemony Snicket

Have you listened to any of Luke Daniels’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Whenever victor goes into the old dark library.