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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
A mixed review.
This book has many good qualities. The premise is neat — the adventures of young Dr Frankenstein. The writing is clear and there are even a few pretty sentences. There are good doses of social conflict and action. And it follows the less typical structure of a tragedy, although without a completely catastrophic ending. But!
I really didn't like the main character -- young Victor Frankenstein. He has serious ambition and courage, but he's very self-centred. This makes for a great character arc since he will obviously learn from his mistakes in the end, but I found it very difficult to get into a story
where I didn't care for the protagonist.
A quick summary: Victor's twin brother Konrad (the 'better' twin -- nicer, smarter, better at fencing) falls ill and so Victor delves into forbidden alchemy and dark arts to try to heal him by creating the Elixir of Life, despite their father forbidding this. Also, throughout the novel, Victor lusts after his brother's girlfriend (who is also their cousin, ahem), and is a complete dirtbag about this crush.
This was recommended reading for Annabel Lyon's 'Advanced writing for YA' class in the UBC creative writing MFA program. Why? Okay, here's a redeeming quality -- Oppel employs a solid technique for keeping the pace up in the second act. He avoids the "sagging middle" by providing Victor and cousin Elizabeth with three mini quests required before they can hope to make the Elixir of Life. In fact, the second act is the best part of the book, and these three adventures are definitely the most entertaining section of the novel.
By the way, people on Good Reads generally loved this book. However... readers who are really into Mary Shelley's Frankenstein were more often disappointed. Take that as you will.
This book has many good qualities. The premise is neat — the adventures of young Dr Frankenstein. The writing is clear and there are even a few pretty sentences. There are good doses of social conflict and action. And it follows the less typical structure of a tragedy, although without a completely catastrophic ending. But!
I really didn't like the main character -- young Victor Frankenstein. He has serious ambition and courage, but he's very self-centred. This makes for a great character arc since he will obviously learn from his mistakes in the end, but I found it very difficult to get into a story
where I didn't care for the protagonist.
A quick summary: Victor's twin brother Konrad (the 'better' twin -- nicer, smarter, better at fencing) falls ill and so Victor delves into forbidden alchemy and dark arts to try to heal him by creating the Elixir of Life, despite their father forbidding this. Also, throughout the novel, Victor lusts after his brother's girlfriend (who is also their cousin, ahem), and is a complete dirtbag about this crush.
This was recommended reading for Annabel Lyon's 'Advanced writing for YA' class in the UBC creative writing MFA program. Why? Okay, here's a redeeming quality -- Oppel employs a solid technique for keeping the pace up in the second act. He avoids the "sagging middle" by providing Victor and cousin Elizabeth with three mini quests required before they can hope to make the Elixir of Life. In fact, the second act is the best part of the book, and these three adventures are definitely the most entertaining section of the novel.
By the way, people on Good Reads generally loved this book. However... readers who are really into Mary Shelley's Frankenstein were more often disappointed. Take that as you will.
I liked and disliked this book. There were points were I nearly stopped but then read on and got hooked for short periods of time, only to be dropped and re-caught again. This book wasn't amazing but neither was it terrible. If there are more in this series I will read them, though I do not wait in any anticipation.
What worked out really well was Elizabeth, who didn't want any part of a love triangle, who stuck to her beliefs, who didn't play the helpless damsel, and who contributed to the adventure in a worthwhile way. Hooray for that. Worth it too was the glimpses we got of a Victor that isn't totally right, one that's jealous and conniving and I definitely wanted more of that. Maybe in the second book there is?
Another reviewer said this felt a little formulaic, and it is. There's a quest, the heroes have to go on it, they find one piece of the puzzle after ~danger~ then they find another piece of the puzzle after ~danger~ and then there's ~even more danger~ for the third piece.
Overall, not bad, could have been stronger in places, but not bad. Booktalkable for sure, a word that I've come to define as 'something I can booktalk to the kids and be pleased when they take it'.
Another reviewer said this felt a little formulaic, and it is. There's a quest, the heroes have to go on it, they find one piece of the puzzle after ~danger~ then they find another piece of the puzzle after ~danger~ and then there's ~even more danger~ for the third piece.
Overall, not bad, could have been stronger in places, but not bad. Booktalkable for sure, a word that I've come to define as 'something I can booktalk to the kids and be pleased when they take it'.
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.
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.
Honestly some parts of this book was bad but most of it was actually great.
2.5
this is was ok. I thought it was gonna be a much darker story with Victor spiraling out control. I wanted to see more alchemy, and Victor going batshit crazy but alas that didn't happen. I also didn't like the "love triangle" if you can call it that. I though it was unnecessary and so out of the blue that Victor suddenly found himself in love with Elizabeth ok whatever, dude. I did enjoy the writing.
this is was ok. I thought it was gonna be a much darker story with Victor spiraling out control. I wanted to see more alchemy, and Victor going batshit crazy but alas that didn't happen. I also didn't like the "love triangle" if you can call it that. I though it was unnecessary and so out of the blue that Victor suddenly found himself in love with Elizabeth ok whatever, dude. I did enjoy the writing.
Though Victor and Konrad Frankenstein are twins, they couldn't be more different. After Konrad grows ill with a mysterious illness Victor, cousin Elizabeth, and Victor's best friend Henry set out in search of a cure. After stumbling upon a dark library within their castle home, and against the specific command of Victor and Konrad's father, the three pursue a cure with the help of an infamous alchemist.
Adventure and terrifying close calls lie within, some nail biting moments too. I really enjoyed it!
Adventure and terrifying close calls lie within, some nail biting moments too. I really enjoyed it!
While I really liked this, I think this is way too advanced for QP. Readers have to have some background knowledge in order to fully understand this history. We are assuming a lot if we give this to non-readers. A No for me.