Brad About Books: This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Oppel

THIS DARK ENDEAVOR
Published: August 23, 2011
Publisher: Simon & Schuster BFYR
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 298 pages
Source: Library
Series: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein, #1

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 piques 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.

Dark and twisted, This Dark Endeavor is a haunting and chilling read that embarks question of what madness and insanity truly are.

I have to start off by saying that this book starts off with a bang. It may be my favorite first chapter ever, just because of the events. Here's a snippet of the first chapter:

"Why?" I asked her. "Why was it only me you attacked?"

"Because it is you," she whispered, "who is the real monster."

Insane, right? But it's not just in the first chapter; so many crazy endeavors (hah!) happen to our characters throughout out the course of the novel. Some would be lighthearted, but for the majority, you can count on morbid and dark events to come in This Dark Endeavor. 

Victor was such an awesome character! It's rare to find male protagonists in YA, and when I do find one whose simply a great person and a strong character nonetheless, I am always impressed of how the author pulls that off. Victor is that one character who is always in the shadows: I don't know if I would want him as a friend if I were living inbetween these pages. He's really awesome, but then again, he's going into madness.

Which I loved that madness is touched upon in This Dark Endeavor. So many qualities of losing your mind are woven in throughout the story, and some things flipped my mind upside down. This book takes a very sharp and dark turn towards the end, and I thought I was imagining stuff. But nope, Kenneth Oppel takes us to the edge with one particular part of the story that made my jaw fall open.

Overall, This Dark Endeavor is a morbid, yet epic, tale that's part mystery, part what-in-the-world is happening. Looking for something to bend your mind? This Dark Endeavor is the way to go.

M Y   R AT I N G