Book Review: Such Wicked Intent by Kenneth Oppel

Such Wicked Intent: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein by Kenneth Oppel
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication date: August 2012
Pages: 320
Source: ARC from ALA
For: Review (and RIP VII)
Series: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein, Book 2

*Spoilers for This Dark Endeavor are inevitable*
Victor is stunned after tragedy strikes his family and vows to swear off alchemy and other dark arts completely. But when he discovers a portal to the world of the spirits, a place of unspeakable power for the living, he is unable to resist. He and his friends Henry and Elizabeth, along with his twin Konrad, embark on an adventure that might just end up being their last.

Things I Liked:
I pretty much devoured most of this book in one sitting (after a slow start).  I was enthralled with the creepy, unexpected, Gothic story contained in it.  I can't say I liked the story or the characters so much as I was deeply interested in where it would lead Victor.  I'm trying to picture the Victor in these book becoming the Victor from Frankenstein and Oppel is doing a fabulous job building that.  It was also beautifully written, which only complemented the action of the story.  A great pick for the RIP challenge or for atmospheric reading.

Things I Didn't Like:
I was slightly uncomfortable by some of the ideas in it, since I'm not a fan of the occult.  I kind of missed the focus on "science" as being what Victor would rely on to achieve his pursuits.  Also, Victor is a jerk and Elizabeth is an idiot.  However, Henry was a nice change from the characters.  I also had some struggles reading it because of personal things - one of my twin nephews passed away this summer and it was hard to read about Victor's struggles dealing with his brother's loss.  Still, the book captured my attention and was fascinating from beginning to end.  I'm interested in the next book, after which I must reread Frankenstein.

Read-alikes:
Start with This Dark Endeavour by Kenneth Oppel
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
maybe a few mild ones

mrg-factor: none
though Victor does have a naked episode or two

v-factor: ->
 not so much gory, but rather creepy and disturbing

Overall rating: ***

What spooky, creepy, disturbing read do you want to pick up during October?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: This Dark Endeavour by Kenneth Oppel

This Dark Endeavor: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein by Kenneth Oppel
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication date: August 2011
Pages: 304
Source: Library
For: Fun
Series: Yes, Book 1.

Viktor and Konrad are twin brothers who have shared just about everythin in life. But when Konrad becomes ill, Viktor finds that the only place he can turn is to alchemy and a dark secret hidden in his father's house. Will he be able to save Konrad before it is too late, or will he find that he has fallen into something much deeper and darker than he imagined?

Things I Liked:
[I totally wish I'd read this in 2012, so I could pair it with Frankenstein for my Classic Double Challenge.  Alas, I didn't.]  Just the concept of seeing Frankenstein as a teen delights me.  I really enjoyed the interactions of the characters, including a love triangle that didn't suck.  I especially liked seeing Viktor wonder about his motivations and the lengths he'd go to in order to save his brother.  I thought it was a pretty good backstory that fit right in with the classic book.  There was also quite a few exciting adventures and a touch of the Gothic spookiness from the original tale.  A pleasure to read. I liked Elizabeth a lot:

"I just assumed it would be Henry and me climbing the tree."
"Oh."  she nodded humbly.  "Yes.  I suppose that makes the most sense.  I can just wait at the bottom and do needlepoint by the light of the lantern-"
"Elizabeth-," I said, hearing the fire kindling in her voice.
"-or just daydream about the latest Paris fashions." p 105

Things I Didn't Like:
It definitely doesn't have the spark or the depth of ethical issues that Frankenstein does.  I guess that's what happens when you talk about what some crazy guy did before he went really crazy! 

Read-alikes:
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
A little like Prophecy of the Sisters trilogy by Michelle Zink for the atmosphere and Gothic feel

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: ! 
one or two

mrg-factor: none 
a bit of kissing, though

v-factor: -> 
some rather intense parts, a little fighting

Overall rating: **** 

What do you think of a prequel for a classic book?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage