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The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein #2
Such Wicked Intent
When his grieving father orders the destruction of the Dark Library, Victor retrieves a book in which he finds the promise of not just communicating with the dead, but entering their realm, and soon he, Elizabeth, and Henry are in the spirit world of Château Frankenstein, creating and growing a body.
[Book two of The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein series.]
[Book two of The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein series.]
310 pages, Hardcover
First published August 2, 2012
About the author
Kenneth Oppel
84 books2,538 followersI was born in 1967 in Port Alberni, a mill town on Vancouver Island, British Columbia but spent the bulk of my childhood in Victoria, B.C. and on the opposite coast, in Halifax, Nova Scotia...At around twelve I decided I wanted to be a writer (this came after deciding I wanted to be a scientist, and then an architect). I started out writing sci-fi epics (my Star Wars phase) then went on to swords and sorcery tales (my Dungeons and Dragons phase) and then, during the summer holiday when I was fourteen, started on a humorous story about a boy addicted to video games (written, of course, during my video game phase). It turned out to be quite a long story, really a short novel, and I rewrote it the next summer. We had a family friend who knew Roald Dahl - one of my favourite authors - and this friend offered to show Dahl my story. I was paralysed with excitement. I never heard back from Roald Dahl directly, but he read my story, and liked it enough to pass on to his own literary agent. I got a letter from them, saying they wanted to take me on, and try to sell my story. And they did.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 625 reviews
November 3, 2019
as much as i hated the opening sentences,
The books flew open like startled birds trying to escape the flames. One after another I savagely hurled them into the hottest part of the bonfire, watching them ignite almost before they landed.
**no!! don't burn the bookas!!**
i really liked this book. more than the first one, actually. although they both get four stars because i don't do math. i think this one skews darker than the first one, and builds upon the consequences arising from the first book's events.(tiptoe, tiptoe...) you can't unring a bell, and you can't recapture lost innocence, so it is only natural that the characters have a darker feel to them now, after that first book.
oppel is very good at writing all of the story's elements; the action/horror parts, the sibling relationships, the romantic/rival parts, and the inner turmoil/raw ambition psychological elements.it is a page-turner, but one with real momentum and weight to its story.
he is also good at passing off byron's poetry as the poetry of a different character, with no credit given. what's that all about, oppel?? and later, one of the characters claims, "The place makes us mad, bad, and dangerous to know." please to explain yourself, sir. are we going to see more byron in the future?? properly-attributed? i await my answer.
apart from that, it is a really compelling mystery/action/horror novel with some realistically-written characters and a solid "will there be more...?" ending.
and, man, i love that new font.
come to my blog!
The books flew open like startled birds trying to escape the flames. One after another I savagely hurled them into the hottest part of the bonfire, watching them ignite almost before they landed.
**no!! don't burn the bookas!!**
i really liked this book. more than the first one, actually. although they both get four stars because i don't do math. i think this one skews darker than the first one, and builds upon the consequences arising from the first book's events.(tiptoe, tiptoe...) you can't unring a bell, and you can't recapture lost innocence, so it is only natural that the characters have a darker feel to them now, after that first book.
oppel is very good at writing all of the story's elements; the action/horror parts, the sibling relationships, the romantic/rival parts, and the inner turmoil/raw ambition psychological elements.it is a page-turner, but one with real momentum and weight to its story.
he is also good at passing off byron's poetry as the poetry of a different character, with no credit given. what's that all about, oppel?? and later, one of the characters claims, "The place makes us mad, bad, and dangerous to know." please to explain yourself, sir. are we going to see more byron in the future?? properly-attributed? i await my answer.
apart from that, it is a really compelling mystery/action/horror novel with some realistically-written characters and a solid "will there be more...?" ending.
and, man, i love that new font.
come to my blog!
January 21, 2019
Esta segunda parte superó con creces al primer libro, aquí podemos explorar más las personalidades de todos, en especial la de Víctor, donde comienza a tomar forma esa idea descabellada de ser un dador de vida.
La fantasía conjugó un papel fundamental, que permitió que los elementos se mezclaran bien para darnos una travesía intensa en la que la acción se mantuvo a buen ritmo.
La mención de nombres que aparecen de manera sutil en la obra original de frankenstein, fue la cereza del pastel, consigue que embone muy bien estas historias como precuela y eso es todo un logro.
La fantasía conjugó un papel fundamental, que permitió que los elementos se mezclaran bien para darnos una travesía intensa en la que la acción se mantuvo a buen ritmo.
La mención de nombres que aparecen de manera sutil en la obra original de frankenstein, fue la cereza del pastel, consigue que embone muy bien estas historias como precuela y eso es todo un logro.
September 6, 2017
Who will go rogue? Who will lose their mind? Who is the wicked?
In the sequel to “This Dark Endeavor”, Victor, Konrad, Elizabeth and Henry are transported into a paranormal spirit world. Alchemy and potent potions will first lend to superior strengths, but won’t stand against time. Slowly, these characters go through their own little nightmares influenced by grim and dark forces from the other side.
“Here's all I know: that the world is uncontrollable. Chaos reigns. That anything and everything might be possible. I won't subscribe to any rational system again. Nothing will bind me.”
― Kenneth Oppel, Such Wicked Intent
One by one their minds play tricks on one another, or pull them away from each other. Will the power over what they have created in the spirit world tear them apart or save them?
“I'm just trying to spare you hurt. Her love for Konrad is like the foundation of the earth."
"The earth sometimes shifts.”
― Kenneth Oppel, Such Wicked Intent
Or is the other side so compelling that it will collapse with them and all they know and love?
This was a super enjoyable read. An easy intro to the paranormal genre. Again, it was well written, good pace and you never know what happens around the next page. Since the characters were already established in the previous novel, you won’t get to delve into more character development. Instead it focuses more on action, plot and scenery. Keeping the reader on his toes solving the riddle of the wicked!
In the sequel to “This Dark Endeavor”, Victor, Konrad, Elizabeth and Henry are transported into a paranormal spirit world. Alchemy and potent potions will first lend to superior strengths, but won’t stand against time. Slowly, these characters go through their own little nightmares influenced by grim and dark forces from the other side.
“Here's all I know: that the world is uncontrollable. Chaos reigns. That anything and everything might be possible. I won't subscribe to any rational system again. Nothing will bind me.”
― Kenneth Oppel, Such Wicked Intent
One by one their minds play tricks on one another, or pull them away from each other. Will the power over what they have created in the spirit world tear them apart or save them?
“I'm just trying to spare you hurt. Her love for Konrad is like the foundation of the earth."
"The earth sometimes shifts.”
― Kenneth Oppel, Such Wicked Intent
Or is the other side so compelling that it will collapse with them and all they know and love?
This was a super enjoyable read. An easy intro to the paranormal genre. Again, it was well written, good pace and you never know what happens around the next page. Since the characters were already established in the previous novel, you won’t get to delve into more character development. Instead it focuses more on action, plot and scenery. Keeping the reader on his toes solving the riddle of the wicked!
January 9, 2018
I was hoping that this book would blow the first one out of the water and come to a stunning conclusion. That wasn’t the case but it was just as good as the first one so at least there’s that!
I found this book to be much darker than the first and I quite enjoyed the twists and turns it took. Quite a few times I was completely caught by surprise by the turn of events. This book was definitely action packed and a page turner!
My main issue with this series is the love triangle. It’s actually quite painful at times and really affected my enjoyment of the story.
I really love how the subtle nods the author gives to the original Frankenstein story. They’re subtly and effortlessly blended in and a big part of why I enjoyed the story so much.
I found this book to be much darker than the first and I quite enjoyed the twists and turns it took. Quite a few times I was completely caught by surprise by the turn of events. This book was definitely action packed and a page turner!
My main issue with this series is the love triangle. It’s actually quite painful at times and really affected my enjoyment of the story.
I really love how the subtle nods the author gives to the original Frankenstein story. They’re subtly and effortlessly blended in and a big part of why I enjoyed the story so much.
November 29, 2014
"Beware; for I am fearless, and therefore powerful."-Frankenstein
Setting:Geneva, Switzerland; the early 1800s (I think)
Coverly Love?:Yes! I think the image of Victor and Elizabeth is exquisite.
Plot:After the events of the last book, Konrad Frankenstein is dead. While Henry Clerval has lost one of his closest friends and Elizabeth has lost her betrothed, perhaps the person lost greatly affected by his tragic death is his twin brother Victor. Wracked with raw grief over the death of his beloved brother and rage over the fact he could not save him, Victor makes a promise to himself; he will bring Konrad back. However, no mere mortal man can bring back life; only God can. Or can he? In yet another quest in the Dark Arts, Victor and his friends try to bring back to life the one person they all love and care for. To do this, they must go to places that have never been explored before, and question their own faith and beliefs. But as the saying goes, be careful what you wish for. Will they be successful in their quest and be able to bring back Konrad? And what is the line between obsession and madness?
Really, the idea of writing a prequel involving a teenage Victor Frankenstein is pretty brilliant. I say this for two reasons. For one thing, teenagers in general are of an impressionable age. This is the time when they really start to come into their own and form their own beliefs and ideas. Unfortunately, this leads some teens to think that they know it all and have ALL THE POWER!! Secondly, the idea of Victor having a twin brother is also very clever on the author's part. I don't have s twin (or a sibling, for that matter), but I do know that the bond between twins is a strong bond that is unlike any other. By having Victor lose and try to bring back his twin, we can see how the idea of creating new life and playing God forms into his mind. What really makes this novel extraordinary is Kenneth Oppel's genius writing and seamless integration of the themes of the original novel. You can see how these fictional instances in young Victor's life might explain how it could have shaped and formed him as he got older. Overall, I thought this book, plot wise, was even better than the first book.
Characters:Victor Frankenstein has not recovered from the traumatic death of his twin. And before Konrad died, he made a solemn promise he might regret; by any means necessary, he will bring him back. Victor is frighteningly intelligent, endlessly inquisitive, and passionately devoted to those he loves. Unfortunately, he can also be ruthless, arrogant, maniacal, emotionally aloof, and quite possibly mad. If he were here today, you wouldn't want to hug him. You'd want to bop him over the head and tell him to get his shit together. He may be fury inducing, but he is endlessly fascinating to read about. Probably this is because I got all the subtle nods to the original book the author incorporated in dealing with Frankenstein. My particular favorite was when in trying to revive his twin brother, .
Henry Clerval is Victor's best friend and foil in more ways than one. While Victor is perpetually impatient, Henry has endless supplies of it. Henry's compassionate nature counteracts Victor's occasional cold shoulder. Henry's level head and logical reasoning counteracts Victor's reckless behavior and fits of maniacal madness and rage. You can really see the difference between the two boys, and you wonder why on Earth they can even stand to be friends with one another. Henry really doesn't play that much of a role in the book, other than to help Victor and the foil to Victor's emotions.
Elizabeth Lavenza is Konrad's former betrothed, friend to Henry and Victor's adopted sister/friend/romantic obsession. Honestly, she only serves two purposes in the book; to be the romantical object of every single male character in the book (it seemed like), and have her represent the religious side of the book. She is devoutly religious compared to Victor's staunch atheist beliefs. And... that's it. I'm a bit disappointed by the fact that she doesn't really play a substantial role in the plot line other than those two reasons, as she had much more potential as a character. But in a few of the scenes, we can see how Frankenstein would have been much more different if the Creature had been shown the compassion and love Elizabeth had shown to him.
Konrad... isn't really here in the book. But he is. I can't give away too much without it being a spoiler, but I will say that he does play a substantial role in the story and the plot line itself. Remember, he is the sole reason Victor is setting out trying to play God in the first place. He's in an "in between" stage of life and death (but he's still dead. Sorry!).
Pros:I loved the subtle nods to the original story and how the author so effortlessly blended them in to the prequel. You can really see how the lines of being obsessed and being considered mad can be truly blurred to the point of the person not knowing what they're doing anymore. Watching Victor, Henry and Elizabeth descend into obsession (or madness?) was fascinating to read about.
Cons:I think the author went a bit overkill with the religion vs. science debate. Yes, it plays a big part in the original story and the prequel as a whole, but it veered towards being Bible-thumping more times than I had hoped it would. And for some readers, the three main characters will become utterly unlikable in their quest. Teenagers!!! There was also just a bit too much romantic obsession for my liking. Sheesh!!
Love Triangle?:Yes; the subtitle for this book should just be Everybody Loves Elizabeth, because.... well, everyone is in love with her!! Victor, Konrad (his ghost, I should say), Henry, Konrad's new life form, Theo James, Benedict Cumberbatch...
OK, definitely not the last two, but the other four for sure. And we have a new female character in the mix! Annaliese, Konrad's ghost female companion. Since Elizabeth still loves Konrad, there's that love triangle going on. And with Konrad vs. Victor vs. Elizabeth vs. Henry, we've got ourselves a love square!!
Instalove?:Um, kind of; Victor, Konrad and Henry already have the loverly feels for her, but Konrad's new life form, when he gets to be a certain age, gets the manly urge to... ya know. I wouldn't call it instalove though.
A Little Romance?:Like I said before, this should be subtitled "Everybody Loves Elizabeth". Konrad is dead, so that ship has sunk. But Victor still loves her, even though he's promised himself that he would stop having feelings for her. Though the reader has to ask himself; does he REALLY love Elizabeth? Or does he just want to love her because she loves Konrad and not him? A bit of twin competition, maybe? And poor Henry loves her as well, but there's just no hope for the poor guy.
Conclusion:All in all, a brilliant prequel series to a classic novel. It attempts to answer the question of how Frankenstein came to be the mad scientist he is. The foreshadowing is awesome and wonderfully integrated, and the characters are fully formed and realized (if a bit annoying). I would recommend this to those who like classic retellings or Gothic horror fans.
Read This!:Read the original source for this series, Frankenstein. If you read it before you read the prequel novels, you can catch the nods to the original!! And don't forget to read the first novel, This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Oppel!!
July 29, 2016
Let's do this!
Oh and this is the guy( I forgot his name)
Wow!!!!! I loved this!!!! A bit sad at the end though. Full review to come.
Oh and this is the guy( I forgot his name)
Wow!!!!! I loved this!!!! A bit sad at the end though. Full review to come.
September 24, 2012
Originally reviewed on The Book Smugglers
**WARNING: This review contains unavoidable spoilers for the first book in the Victor Frankenstein series. If you have not read This Dark Endeavor and do not wish to be spoiled, LOOK AWAY.**
Review:
It has been weeks since Konrad's death, and Chateau Frankenstein is frozen in a state of cold grief. Victor's failed concoction - the elixir of life, brewed at much danger and cost Victor the fingers of his left hand - is a bitter blow. In his grief and rage, Victor turns away from alchemy and burns every book from the chateau's Dark Library - all except for one book, which survives the flames. This book holds the key to another obsession and the hidden history of Chateau Frankenstein's original patriarch, the enigmatic Wilhelm Frankenstein. Victor's ancestral home holds many more secrets, from ancient caves beneath the home's foundation, further hidden passages and secret rooms, and even a key to the realm of the dead. Using the notes and tools left behind by Wilhelm, Victor and friends Elizabeth and Henry unlock a way into the spirit world, where they are overjoyed to find Konrad, waiting in a kind of limbo.
Once again, Victor vows to save his twin brother and find a way to bring him back to the world of the living, using the occult arts and the knowledge he amasses in the spirit realm. But something else in the spirit world longs for life and light, and will use Victor's obsessions, his jealousies, and his schemes to accomplish its own ends.
The second book in the apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein series, Such Wicked Intent is every bit as well-written and haunting as This Dark Endeavor...if somewhat less satisfying. Whereas This Dark Endeavor focused on alchemy and the kindling of Victor Frankenstein's obsession with the shadowy reaches of science, Such Wicked Intent absconds the sciences completely and shifts its focus to the occult and actual magic. I'm not sure how effective this switch is, or how in line with Mary Shelley's text (which, after all, is the end goal this series is building towards). Traveling to the spirit world and resurrecting the souls of the dead in golems made of mud and bone seems a trifle more magical and sophisticated than Victor's ultimate creation, his Modern Prometheus hewn from the bodies of men, and activated with his understanding of the alchemy, science, and electricity. The question of the unquestionably supernatural flavor of this second novel aside, there's no question of Oppel's skill as a storyteller, as Such Wicked Intent is a compulsively readable book with formidable monsters, twists, and incredibly effective character building - I'm just not entirely convinced that I liked the book.
Take the characters, for example. In this second installment, Victor's passions burn even brighter, his schemes and manipulations more pronounced, his arrogance and hubris all the more glaring even after losing his twin. Victor is so consumed with his quest for knowledge and power, at the cost of anyone in his way, that it's hard to feel any affinity for the character. He vows to save Konrad, but soon is making plans to ship the resurrected Konrad away from his family so that he can steal Elizabeth's affections for himself. By the book's end, there is some redemption for Victor - but it's becoming increasingly hard to stomach him as a character. But perhaps that is ok, for likability is irrelevant - we all know Victor's future and his fate, after all. But I can't help but feel like we need something more, that we need something to root for Victor, ultimately. But perhaps that's just me.
Victor aside, it's hard to like any of the characters in this second book - Elizabeth in particular is frustrating in that she is the perpetual object of obsession, not just for Victor and Konrad's ghost, but now also for Henry Clerval.* Additionally, Henry is given credit for one of Lord Byron's most famous poem "She Walks in Beauty," supposedly penning this piece for Elizabeth.** And it's not just Konrad, Victor, and Henry lusting/fighting over Elizabeth, either - even the long dead supreme spirit of a past boogeyman (and a violent golem in Konrad's form) longs for her. This is Elizabeth's role in the series - to be fought over and desired by all she meets. Not my favorite type of storyline or heroine.
These criticisms regarding characterization said, Such Wicked Intent is a beautifully written book and a bonafide page turner. The idea of the spirit world, of the secret caves beneath Chateau Frankenstein and the people who built these burial chambers, is fantastic. The monster of this piece (and some very creepy butterflies) is terrifying and original. I'm not exactly sure if the existence of the spirit world or of Chateau Frankenstein's place in it ultimately makes sense, but this otherworldly storyline is haunting and effective stuff.
Suffice it to say, my feelings for Such Wicked Intent are conflicted. I appreciate, as always, Kenneth Oppel's obvious skill as a writer and storyteller. I also appreciate his daring to create a conflicted and decidedly un-likable protagonist. I appreciate these things, but ultimately, I can't say I loved this book. I'll be around for Victor's next dark obsession, though, with a wary eye.
----------
* Yes, seriously, there is a new overlapping love triangle in this book between Henry, Elizabeth and Victor. In addition to one between Victor, Elizabeth, and Konrad. And Konrad, Elizabeth, and the spirit of a girl named Analiese. No thank you.
** While I appreciate this nice allusion to Mary Shelley's relationship with Lord Byron, attributing the poem to a lovestruck teenage Henry Clerval about Elizabeth is rather annoying.
**WARNING: This review contains unavoidable spoilers for the first book in the Victor Frankenstein series. If you have not read This Dark Endeavor and do not wish to be spoiled, LOOK AWAY.**
Review:
It has been weeks since Konrad's death, and Chateau Frankenstein is frozen in a state of cold grief. Victor's failed concoction - the elixir of life, brewed at much danger and cost Victor the fingers of his left hand - is a bitter blow. In his grief and rage, Victor turns away from alchemy and burns every book from the chateau's Dark Library - all except for one book, which survives the flames. This book holds the key to another obsession and the hidden history of Chateau Frankenstein's original patriarch, the enigmatic Wilhelm Frankenstein. Victor's ancestral home holds many more secrets, from ancient caves beneath the home's foundation, further hidden passages and secret rooms, and even a key to the realm of the dead. Using the notes and tools left behind by Wilhelm, Victor and friends Elizabeth and Henry unlock a way into the spirit world, where they are overjoyed to find Konrad, waiting in a kind of limbo.
Once again, Victor vows to save his twin brother and find a way to bring him back to the world of the living, using the occult arts and the knowledge he amasses in the spirit realm. But something else in the spirit world longs for life and light, and will use Victor's obsessions, his jealousies, and his schemes to accomplish its own ends.
The second book in the apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein series, Such Wicked Intent is every bit as well-written and haunting as This Dark Endeavor...if somewhat less satisfying. Whereas This Dark Endeavor focused on alchemy and the kindling of Victor Frankenstein's obsession with the shadowy reaches of science, Such Wicked Intent absconds the sciences completely and shifts its focus to the occult and actual magic. I'm not sure how effective this switch is, or how in line with Mary Shelley's text (which, after all, is the end goal this series is building towards). Traveling to the spirit world and resurrecting the souls of the dead in golems made of mud and bone seems a trifle more magical and sophisticated than Victor's ultimate creation, his Modern Prometheus hewn from the bodies of men, and activated with his understanding of the alchemy, science, and electricity. The question of the unquestionably supernatural flavor of this second novel aside, there's no question of Oppel's skill as a storyteller, as Such Wicked Intent is a compulsively readable book with formidable monsters, twists, and incredibly effective character building - I'm just not entirely convinced that I liked the book.
Take the characters, for example. In this second installment, Victor's passions burn even brighter, his schemes and manipulations more pronounced, his arrogance and hubris all the more glaring even after losing his twin. Victor is so consumed with his quest for knowledge and power, at the cost of anyone in his way, that it's hard to feel any affinity for the character. He vows to save Konrad, but soon is making plans to ship the resurrected Konrad away from his family so that he can steal Elizabeth's affections for himself. By the book's end, there is some redemption for Victor - but it's becoming increasingly hard to stomach him as a character. But perhaps that is ok, for likability is irrelevant - we all know Victor's future and his fate, after all. But I can't help but feel like we need something more, that we need something to root for Victor, ultimately. But perhaps that's just me.
Victor aside, it's hard to like any of the characters in this second book - Elizabeth in particular is frustrating in that she is the perpetual object of obsession, not just for Victor and Konrad's ghost, but now also for Henry Clerval.* Additionally, Henry is given credit for one of Lord Byron's most famous poem "She Walks in Beauty," supposedly penning this piece for Elizabeth.** And it's not just Konrad, Victor, and Henry lusting/fighting over Elizabeth, either - even the long dead supreme spirit of a past boogeyman (and a violent golem in Konrad's form) longs for her. This is Elizabeth's role in the series - to be fought over and desired by all she meets. Not my favorite type of storyline or heroine.
These criticisms regarding characterization said, Such Wicked Intent is a beautifully written book and a bonafide page turner. The idea of the spirit world, of the secret caves beneath Chateau Frankenstein and the people who built these burial chambers, is fantastic. The monster of this piece (and some very creepy butterflies) is terrifying and original. I'm not exactly sure if the existence of the spirit world or of Chateau Frankenstein's place in it ultimately makes sense, but this otherworldly storyline is haunting and effective stuff.
Suffice it to say, my feelings for Such Wicked Intent are conflicted. I appreciate, as always, Kenneth Oppel's obvious skill as a writer and storyteller. I also appreciate his daring to create a conflicted and decidedly un-likable protagonist. I appreciate these things, but ultimately, I can't say I loved this book. I'll be around for Victor's next dark obsession, though, with a wary eye.
----------
* Yes, seriously, there is a new overlapping love triangle in this book between Henry, Elizabeth and Victor. In addition to one between Victor, Elizabeth, and Konrad. And Konrad, Elizabeth, and the spirit of a girl named Analiese. No thank you.
** While I appreciate this nice allusion to Mary Shelley's relationship with Lord Byron, attributing the poem to a lovestruck teenage Henry Clerval about Elizabeth is rather annoying.
February 22, 2019
4 Stars
Review:
Much like the first book, this was an ominous and gripping Frankenstein-inspired story about a character enticed by power and the bond between twins.
In fact, I would say this book was even more ominous than the first, and also a little bit creepy at times, because of the things happening in the plot.
Once again, Victor was an intriguing character with some darkness in him, but a character who was definitely not all bad. Something he did near the end was especially touching. As I've said before, he struggled with always making the right choices, but I think his heart was ultimately in the right place.
What I especially liked about this duology was the retelling aspect. Well, it wasn't so much a retelling as it was a prequel of a somewhat alternate version of Frankenstein since the details of Victor's life weren't quite the same (e.g. he didn't have a twin in the original). I liked how this showed the beginning of Victor's obsession, how easy it was for him to descend a bit into madness. It showed how a character could let something like what happens in the original book (creating life, messing with those kind of things) happen. This story was rather open-ended though. And unpredictable, for that matter. I kept predicting how it would end, how it would relate to the original, but I kept being wrong. *SPOILER* *END SPOILER* But there was one specific reference to the original, one that tied it to this duology, that makes me wonder exactly what the reader is supposed to infer. *SPOILER* *END SPOILER* Like I said, seemingly open to interpretation. Not my favorite type of ending, to be honest, but sometimes speculating on different possibilities is fun, and it was a creative retelling/prequel all the same.
My only real complaint is that I wanted more from these books. More darkness. More interaction between Victor and Konrad. More emotion from Victor.
But, like I said in my last review, despite any minor issues I had, I was enthralled while reading and didn't want to put these books down. It only took me two days to read each, and that's saying a lot with the slump I've been in.
Overall, I thought this was a gripping alternate-Frankenstein prequel duology. Although I'm pretty sure this is not going to happen, I would happily read a continuation---a retelling of the main story---if the author ever chose to write it!
Recommended For:
Fans of Book 1 in Kenneth Oppel's The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein series. Anyone who likes ominous books, Frankenstein retellings, and twin relationships.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Review:
Much like the first book, this was an ominous and gripping Frankenstein-inspired story about a character enticed by power and the bond between twins.
In fact, I would say this book was even more ominous than the first, and also a little bit creepy at times, because of the things happening in the plot.
Once again, Victor was an intriguing character with some darkness in him, but a character who was definitely not all bad. Something he did near the end was especially touching. As I've said before, he struggled with always making the right choices, but I think his heart was ultimately in the right place.
What I especially liked about this duology was the retelling aspect. Well, it wasn't so much a retelling as it was a prequel of a somewhat alternate version of Frankenstein since the details of Victor's life weren't quite the same (e.g. he didn't have a twin in the original). I liked how this showed the beginning of Victor's obsession, how easy it was for him to descend a bit into madness. It showed how a character could let something like what happens in the original book (creating life, messing with those kind of things) happen. This story was rather open-ended though. And unpredictable, for that matter. I kept predicting how it would end, how it would relate to the original, but I kept being wrong. *SPOILER* *END SPOILER* But there was one specific reference to the original, one that tied it to this duology, that makes me wonder exactly what the reader is supposed to infer. *SPOILER* *END SPOILER* Like I said, seemingly open to interpretation. Not my favorite type of ending, to be honest, but sometimes speculating on different possibilities is fun, and it was a creative retelling/prequel all the same.
My only real complaint is that I wanted more from these books. More darkness. More interaction between Victor and Konrad. More emotion from Victor.
But, like I said in my last review, despite any minor issues I had, I was enthralled while reading and didn't want to put these books down. It only took me two days to read each, and that's saying a lot with the slump I've been in.
Overall, I thought this was a gripping alternate-Frankenstein prequel duology. Although I'm pretty sure this is not going to happen, I would happily read a continuation---a retelling of the main story---if the author ever chose to write it!
Recommended For:
Fans of Book 1 in Kenneth Oppel's The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein series. Anyone who likes ominous books, Frankenstein retellings, and twin relationships.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
April 5, 2020
Oh dear, my heart. Where to begin?
I picture Oppel thinking something like this: How am I going to beat the rather disturbing three trials from the first novel? Solution- let's have some creepy mud children and butterflies mixed with a little body snatching and maybe we'll even drown someone.
I have to say I rather hated Elizabeth this novel. She can be as religious as she likes, please stop forcing it on Victor, and stop being so self-righteous. I suppose the ending explains some of her stupidity, but I was past irritation when she
Actually, the whole novel made me uncomfortable and I loved it.
I'm sure everyone knows the original story of Victor Frankenstein, who used electricity make his resurrection work.
Update: I'm still waiting desperately for the third but there has been no news...
Update: I guess this was a duology?
I picture Oppel thinking something like this: How am I going to beat the rather disturbing three trials from the first novel? Solution- let's have some creepy mud children and butterflies mixed with a little body snatching and maybe we'll even drown someone.
I have to say I rather hated Elizabeth this novel. She can be as religious as she likes, please stop forcing it on Victor, and stop being so self-righteous. I suppose the ending explains some of her stupidity, but I was past irritation when she
Actually, the whole novel made me uncomfortable and I loved it.
I'm sure everyone knows the original story of Victor Frankenstein, who used electricity make his resurrection work.
Update: I'm still waiting desperately for the third but there has been no news...
Update: I guess this was a duology?
November 17, 2015
I have to say that I liked this book better than the first in the series (This Dark Endeavor) although I did find a few minor things frustrating. My biggest gripe was that the pacing was a bit too fast in places. But overall, the story was pretty gripping. This book is even darker than the first, and there were times I somewhat regretted reading so late at night ;). The ending resolved things for the most part, although I felt there could have been more exploration/discover of what the pit god was and where it came from, how it ended up in the pit, what killed it, etc.
I would recommend this for fans of horror and dark fiction. The concept is really cool, too--Victor Frankenstein as a teen and how he ends up on the path of scientist obsessed with reanimation. I like that the story takes a winding route, not jumping straight to the traditional Frankenstein's monster.
*side note*
Yes, you can totally read this without having read This Dark Endeavor. Reading TDE first would probably make reading this one a richer experience, but it's not necessary to understand the plot at all. Likely though, if you read this, you'll want to read the other anyway.
Looking forward to the next in the series.
My Website
Find me on Facebook
My YA fantasy series:
book 1
book 2
I would recommend this for fans of horror and dark fiction. The concept is really cool, too--Victor Frankenstein as a teen and how he ends up on the path of scientist obsessed with reanimation. I like that the story takes a winding route, not jumping straight to the traditional Frankenstein's monster.
*side note*
Yes, you can totally read this without having read This Dark Endeavor. Reading TDE first would probably make reading this one a richer experience, but it's not necessary to understand the plot at all. Likely though, if you read this, you'll want to read the other anyway.
Looking forward to the next in the series.
My Website
Find me on Facebook
My YA fantasy series:
book 1
book 2
December 16, 2012
I must say that I enjoyed the first book of this series MUCH more than this volume. I wouldn't say this is a "bad" book, but honestly it was just okay. It had a few moments of triumph that were exciting and heart pounding, but for the most part all the characters just became more annoying or whiny versions of the great characters they were in book one.
I did enjoy it enough to keep reading and I honestly wanted to finish it, but it is not a book I think I would ever want to read a second time. I think the author would have been better suited to have concluded the story with the heart-wrenching that ended book one. It would have been a great motive for the single-minded passion that would have lead into the original story of Frankenstein. Instead we are left with a conclusion that should have made Victor Frankenstein give up his quest making the original story seem like an alternate ending.
*** I won this book through Goodreads First Reads ***
I did enjoy it enough to keep reading and I honestly wanted to finish it, but it is not a book I think I would ever want to read a second time. I think the author would have been better suited to have concluded the story with the heart-wrenching that ended book one. It would have been a great motive for the single-minded passion that would have lead into the original story of Frankenstein. Instead we are left with a conclusion that should have made Victor Frankenstein give up his quest making the original story seem like an alternate ending.
*** I won this book through Goodreads First Reads ***
July 12, 2015
What an amazing adventure of a book. I'd read This Dark Endeavor, book 1, a while ago and absolutely loved it. Dark and gothic, it took me to an unbelievable time and through awful tragedy.
and here we are, Elizabeth and Victor, after that tragedy. Even Henry is touched by the loss. When Victor burned the dark library and all it held, I really couldn't imagine where this could go.
But then the life board, the pendulum, the creepy words. The clock, the elixir and the story just took off. I'm still reeling a bit, from all that happened. It was a great book 2.
and here we are, Elizabeth and Victor, after that tragedy. Even Henry is touched by the loss. When Victor burned the dark library and all it held, I really couldn't imagine where this could go.
But then the life board, the pendulum, the creepy words. The clock, the elixir and the story just took off. I'm still reeling a bit, from all that happened. It was a great book 2.
January 8, 2021
The spirit world is interesting, but nothing much is happening. I'm pretty sure I know exactly where the story is going and I just don't care enough to continue. Also I do not have the energy to read a book with a fucking love square where Victor, Henry, and Kondrad all are into Elizabeth :/
October 9, 2017
I'm such a klutz, I've read the sequel first *sigh*
July 27, 2022
من جلد اول رو بیشتر دوست داشتم ملموس تر و جالب تر بود…پایان هر دو جلد خیلی سریع اتفاق میفته انگار نویسنده میخواسته سریع جمعش کنه…در مجموع ولی بسیار پرکشش بود فضای کتاب هم خوب منتقل میشد و حس جالبی داشت
(از اون نقدای در هم بر هم:))) )
(از اون نقدای در هم بر هم:))) )
July 30, 2022
Well I have to say Elizabeth was annoying me all the time. A love square seriously?! anyway the story is pretty good but it finished so fast.
September 8, 2012
Read more of my reviews at Dazzling Reads
Those Seeking Excellence will Definitely Find it Here
There are not so many YA Canadian authors out there. But let me tell you something, Kenneth Oppel alone, counts for a thousand more.
There is no biggest pleasure in the world than to read a book written by Kenneth Oppel. He was born to write and to express his thoughts in the most eloquent and graceful way. From tender and heartwarming moments, to the most gruesome and ghoulish scenes, Mr. Oppel's quill never ceased to dazzle me.
Such Wicked Intend, sequel to This Dark Endeavor, kept me completely absorbed within its pages. Its haunting and utterly bewitching atmosphere, strong cast of characters and out-of-this-word marvelous plot, make this book one of the best YA novels I have ever read.
It is impossible not to love the impulsive, ambitious, jealous and highly arrogant young Victor Frankenstein. Victor, who always wants to prove others that he's right and whose thirst for power is like the one of a man who has been long lost in a desert, is one of my favorite characters in the YA world. But, underneath those pejorative connotations, there is a young man whose heart feels and suffers (as much, or even more than the rest) the lost of his beloved twin brother. Victor's complex personality, if well is full of flaws, I as a reader can easily feel sympathy for him. Kenneth Oppel masters the creation of multi-layered and mountain-thick characters. Victor is the perfect proof of that.
Within the darkness of this book there is so much beauty. Beauty in the writing, beauty in the character's noble hearts, beauty in the outcome. But there is also outrageous ambition. Victor wants to be his own master and create his own rules and limits of what it is possible and not. Again, playing God is an irresistible temptation for Victor. His insatiable hunger for power, and his constant unbearable grieving (emotional and physical), leads him to discover once again the evil secrets of the dark library, now almost completely burned.
With an extraordinary narrative, Such Wicked Intend delivers with fiery passion a grandiose piece of YA literature. Those who seek excellence will certainly find it here. Bravo!
Those Seeking Excellence will Definitely Find it Here
There are not so many YA Canadian authors out there. But let me tell you something, Kenneth Oppel alone, counts for a thousand more.
There is no biggest pleasure in the world than to read a book written by Kenneth Oppel. He was born to write and to express his thoughts in the most eloquent and graceful way. From tender and heartwarming moments, to the most gruesome and ghoulish scenes, Mr. Oppel's quill never ceased to dazzle me.
Such Wicked Intend, sequel to This Dark Endeavor, kept me completely absorbed within its pages. Its haunting and utterly bewitching atmosphere, strong cast of characters and out-of-this-word marvelous plot, make this book one of the best YA novels I have ever read.
It is impossible not to love the impulsive, ambitious, jealous and highly arrogant young Victor Frankenstein. Victor, who always wants to prove others that he's right and whose thirst for power is like the one of a man who has been long lost in a desert, is one of my favorite characters in the YA world. But, underneath those pejorative connotations, there is a young man whose heart feels and suffers (as much, or even more than the rest) the lost of his beloved twin brother. Victor's complex personality, if well is full of flaws, I as a reader can easily feel sympathy for him. Kenneth Oppel masters the creation of multi-layered and mountain-thick characters. Victor is the perfect proof of that.
Within the darkness of this book there is so much beauty. Beauty in the writing, beauty in the character's noble hearts, beauty in the outcome. But there is also outrageous ambition. Victor wants to be his own master and create his own rules and limits of what it is possible and not. Again, playing God is an irresistible temptation for Victor. His insatiable hunger for power, and his constant unbearable grieving (emotional and physical), leads him to discover once again the evil secrets of the dark library, now almost completely burned.
With an extraordinary narrative, Such Wicked Intend delivers with fiery passion a grandiose piece of YA literature. Those who seek excellence will certainly find it here. Bravo!
November 2, 2012
Reason for Reading: This is the author's latest book.
Absolutely stunning. The first book was good and this one is twice as good. Oppel has stepped up the gothic atmosphere, introduced the supernatural element, played the romance element and kept the entire story very dark. There is not one character in this book who is not immune to the elements of the darkside. The reader doesn't really know if anyone is truly a 'good' character. I found this to be one of the best books I've read by Oppell and I've read his entire oeuvre except his early novels. Very dark, Oppel has managed to keep the same religious undertones that are found in the original Shelly's Frankenstein. Keeping the character of Elizabeth a Christian, Victor's actions are questioned over and over again as to whether he is playing God, does he have a god complex and while Oppel delves into the supernatural, unlike Shelly, I realistically get a good feel that this could indeed be the set up that turns the boy into the man who eventually creates the creature known most commonly by his own name. This was a page-turner for me and I'm quite impressed with the variety of styles Oppel is capable of writing to such perfection. This is his forte though,when he turns to the atmospheric, dark and moody he is in his element. A must read for fans of gothic literature.
Absolutely stunning. The first book was good and this one is twice as good. Oppel has stepped up the gothic atmosphere, introduced the supernatural element, played the romance element and kept the entire story very dark. There is not one character in this book who is not immune to the elements of the darkside. The reader doesn't really know if anyone is truly a 'good' character. I found this to be one of the best books I've read by Oppell and I've read his entire oeuvre except his early novels. Very dark, Oppel has managed to keep the same religious undertones that are found in the original Shelly's Frankenstein. Keeping the character of Elizabeth a Christian, Victor's actions are questioned over and over again as to whether he is playing God, does he have a god complex and while Oppel delves into the supernatural, unlike Shelly, I realistically get a good feel that this could indeed be the set up that turns the boy into the man who eventually creates the creature known most commonly by his own name. This was a page-turner for me and I'm quite impressed with the variety of styles Oppel is capable of writing to such perfection. This is his forte though,when he turns to the atmospheric, dark and moody he is in his element. A must read for fans of gothic literature.
September 7, 2015
A weaker 4 stars than the first in this duology.
I quite enjoyed this series that is a sort of prequel to Frankenstein I prefer the first book, just because Elizabeth's character was unbearable in this book. It seems unreal to me that these 2 people keep going along with Victor when clearly they should know better by now.
Definitely a fun entertaining read and I hope you check it out some day :)
I quite enjoyed this series that is a sort of prequel to Frankenstein I prefer the first book, just because Elizabeth's character was unbearable in this book. It seems unreal to me that these 2 people keep going along with Victor when clearly they should know better by now.
Definitely a fun entertaining read and I hope you check it out some day :)
May 18, 2018
Set as the second of two sequels to Frankenstein, this book is darkly twisting and wildly unpredictable. Although more fantasy than the first, the science-fiction theme is strong and prevalent. Maybe not better than the first, it is at least as good. I'm really happy I finally got around to ready this!
August 25, 2022
خیلی دوسش داشتم ولی بعضی چیزا واقعا نصفه موند ...
March 19, 2012
I got this as an ARC from the PLA conference this past week, and I read it on the bus ride home. I LOVED this book. To me, it's always a happy day when the sequel is better than the original. Oppel did some fantastic character development in this book. I repeat, fantastic. He has really delved into Victor's psyche, and what can I say about Henry other than I love him. This book was downright frightening at points, and the unexpected plot-twists had me flying through the pages. Nothing about this book is cliche. This is the best book I have read in a long while, and I hope there is a book three.
July 7, 2014
Positively brilliant sequel to Oppel's This Dark Endeavor. Plenty of fast paced action, twists and turns. Had me on the edge of my seat and I had no idea what was going to happen, even after having read Mary Shelley's tale. All of the characters are richly developed and feel so very real. Once again Oppel doesn't write down to his readers and he has created a dark gothic tale for readers 13 plus. The ending is left open so even if Oppel doesn't write another story, you feel satisfied with what happened.
November 4, 2019
It's been a very long time since I read the first book, and I remember really liking that one. This one however I had difficulty focusing on. Victor was so unlikable and his decent to obsession came on so quickly that I didn't care what happened to him. The rivalry with Henry was stupid and why did literally every guy fall head over heels for Elizabeth? She was terrible. Perhaps I would have felt differently if I had not waited so long to read this one, but I just wasn't feeling it.
January 28, 2020
Hace tiempo que quería leer este libro y cuando lo tuve me dio la sensación de que no me iba a gustar, debido a que al parecer la gran mayoría de los libros que se me quedaron rezagados terminan decepcionandome, sin embargo, tal vez es porque no tenía espectativas que al final este me gustó.
No puedo hablar mucho de la trama porque sería spoiler, pero la bilogía está basada en el clásico escrito por Mary Shelley, Frankenstein.
Habiendo leído la obra original hace poco, puedo decir que Kenneth Oppel a hecho un gran trabajo adaptado la historia y otorgándole su sello personal. El estilo gótico se mantiene toda la saga, mezclando bien el horror, la locura y el lado más humano de los personajes a la perfección. Su escritura es bastante ágil, tiene un muy buen control de su historia y es interesante leer una historia compuesta en su gran mayoría por personas que son horribles porque el autor lo desea y no por su propia inexperiencia.
La extención del libro es regular, pero cierra bien la trama, dejando solo un poco a la imaginación lo que vendrá. Los guiños a la obra original están colocados de manera sútil y no se sienten innecesarios o forzados, mientras que los personajes fueron bien adoptados ser diferente, pero manteniendo la escencia.
Por supuesto, el libro no es perfecto. Hay un pequeño problema que quizás pueda arruinar la experiencia a los fans más puristas de la obra original y es que la trama de este segundo volumen se basa completamente en lo sobrenatural, por lo que puede haber un shock durante la lectura. Personalmente encuentro esta trama muy interesante, pero si no te haces a la idea entonces puede entorpecer la experiencia. Además el tema de la criatura se toma desde un punto de vista muy distinto, porque de hecho no nos encontramos ante la misma criatura y eso cambia lo que esta representa.
El romance es necesario para la trama porque a partir de este se crean la mayor parte de las situaciones en las que se explora la naturaleza de los personajes, pero también puede ser hartante que solo exista un personaje femenino relevante y todos los hombres estén enamorados de ella.
En fin, en general la historia me gustó, es interesante, tiene una narrativa entretenida, ágil y concisa, pero también tiene sus detalles. A pesar de eso y porque superó las pocas espectativas que tenía, le di una calificación de 4/5.
Ustedes ¿Ya leyeron esta bilogia?
Pd: lo que sí me pareció chocante es que mi edición está llena de errores de tipeo. Específicamente algunas palabras estaban pegadas.
No puedo hablar mucho de la trama porque sería spoiler, pero la bilogía está basada en el clásico escrito por Mary Shelley, Frankenstein.
Habiendo leído la obra original hace poco, puedo decir que Kenneth Oppel a hecho un gran trabajo adaptado la historia y otorgándole su sello personal. El estilo gótico se mantiene toda la saga, mezclando bien el horror, la locura y el lado más humano de los personajes a la perfección. Su escritura es bastante ágil, tiene un muy buen control de su historia y es interesante leer una historia compuesta en su gran mayoría por personas que son horribles porque el autor lo desea y no por su propia inexperiencia.
La extención del libro es regular, pero cierra bien la trama, dejando solo un poco a la imaginación lo que vendrá. Los guiños a la obra original están colocados de manera sútil y no se sienten innecesarios o forzados, mientras que los personajes fueron bien adoptados ser diferente, pero manteniendo la escencia.
Por supuesto, el libro no es perfecto. Hay un pequeño problema que quizás pueda arruinar la experiencia a los fans más puristas de la obra original y es que la trama de este segundo volumen se basa completamente en lo sobrenatural, por lo que puede haber un shock durante la lectura. Personalmente encuentro esta trama muy interesante, pero si no te haces a la idea entonces puede entorpecer la experiencia. Además el tema de la criatura se toma desde un punto de vista muy distinto, porque de hecho no nos encontramos ante la misma criatura y eso cambia lo que esta representa.
El romance es necesario para la trama porque a partir de este se crean la mayor parte de las situaciones en las que se explora la naturaleza de los personajes, pero también puede ser hartante que solo exista un personaje femenino relevante y todos los hombres estén enamorados de ella.
En fin, en general la historia me gustó, es interesante, tiene una narrativa entretenida, ágil y concisa, pero también tiene sus detalles. A pesar de eso y porque superó las pocas espectativas que tenía, le di una calificación de 4/5.
Ustedes ¿Ya leyeron esta bilogia?
Pd: lo que sí me pareció chocante es que mi edición está llena de errores de tipeo. Específicamente algunas palabras estaban pegadas.
December 4, 2022
Un objetivo perverso.
Kenneth Oppel.
Alerta de Spoiler del primer libro.
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Después de la muerte de su hermano Konrad, Victor Frankenstein se encuentra en una profunda tristeza y decepción por no poder salvar a su querido hermano y por no haber logrado encontrar el Elixir de la vida, sin embargo, tras encontrar un misterioso libro de metal que habla sobre la manera de resucitar a los muertos, este se mete a la cabeza la idea de poder regresar a Konrad al mundo de los vivos. Con ayuda de su mejor amigo Henry y la ex amante de su hermano Elizabeth, tratan de revivir a Konrad, no sin muchos problemas de por medio y el deseo que tiene Victor hacia conquistar a Elizabeth.
Es una historia bastante interesante y con mucho drama de por medio, me gusto lo grises que son los personajes y las referencias que hay en relación al libro original de Frankenstein o el moderno prometeo de Mary Shelley.
Kenneth Oppel.
Alerta de Spoiler del primer libro.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Después de la muerte de su hermano Konrad, Victor Frankenstein se encuentra en una profunda tristeza y decepción por no poder salvar a su querido hermano y por no haber logrado encontrar el Elixir de la vida, sin embargo, tras encontrar un misterioso libro de metal que habla sobre la manera de resucitar a los muertos, este se mete a la cabeza la idea de poder regresar a Konrad al mundo de los vivos. Con ayuda de su mejor amigo Henry y la ex amante de su hermano Elizabeth, tratan de revivir a Konrad, no sin muchos problemas de por medio y el deseo que tiene Victor hacia conquistar a Elizabeth.
Es una historia bastante interesante y con mucho drama de por medio, me gusto lo grises que son los personajes y las referencias que hay en relación al libro original de Frankenstein o el moderno prometeo de Mary Shelley.
April 19, 2022
Wow! This was a heart-pounding conclusion to the duology.
Since this wasn't a re-read for me like the first book was, the stakes felt very real and the tension in the story was amazing. It was very easy to forget that this was supposed to be a prequel to Frankenstein because I got so absorbed in the story. It definitely would've been interesting to see this series as a movie, and I'm sad that development never progressed after the rights were purchased all those years ago (though perhaps it's for the best that it didn't progress during the height of YA book-to-movie adaptations).
Since this wasn't a re-read for me like the first book was, the stakes felt very real and the tension in the story was amazing. It was very easy to forget that this was supposed to be a prequel to Frankenstein because I got so absorbed in the story. It definitely would've been interesting to see this series as a movie, and I'm sad that development never progressed after the rights were purchased all those years ago (though perhaps it's for the best that it didn't progress during the height of YA book-to-movie adaptations).
August 27, 2019
Me costó un poco terminarlo. El libro fue poco dinámico por lo que mi lectura fue lenta, muy lenta.
La historia es buena la verdad pero no es para mí. Curiosamente me gustó pero no la pondría en mis favoritos y creo que no la volvería a leer. No la odio, de hecho, les recomiendo leerla pero no terminó por engancharme.
Víctor está lejos de estar en mi lista de personajes favoritos y aún así le agarré un poco de cariño. Elizabeth de plano me cayó mal, me desesperaba bastante.
Pues bueno, si les gusta todo aquello que tenga que ver con Frankestein estos libros son más que adecuados.
La historia es buena la verdad pero no es para mí. Curiosamente me gustó pero no la pondría en mis favoritos y creo que no la volvería a leer. No la odio, de hecho, les recomiendo leerla pero no terminó por engancharme.
Víctor está lejos de estar en mi lista de personajes favoritos y aún así le agarré un poco de cariño. Elizabeth de plano me cayó mal, me desesperaba bastante.
Pues bueno, si les gusta todo aquello que tenga que ver con Frankestein estos libros son más que adecuados.
February 4, 2013
Zitat:
"Ein Tropfen Blut quoll aus meinem Finger auf das Schmuckstück und sofort wurde das Ding in meiner Hand zu etwas Lebendigem."
(S. 15)
"Immer schneller wächst die Kreatur heran, sieht jede Sekunde mehr aus wie ein Mensch. Seine Haut ist nicht länger lehmig, sondern nach Farbe und Beschaffenheit menschlich."
(S. 133)
"Ich kratzte mich an der Stirn und wurde irgendwie das Gefühl nicht los, dass wir einen Fehler begangen hatten, aber der konnte jetzt nicht mehr rückgängig gemacht werden."
(S. 167)
Inhalt:
Nach dem Tod seines Bruders ist Victor völlig verzweifelt. Konrad war fester Bestandteil seines Lebens, sein Vertrauter. Und nun ist er plötzlich nicht mehr da.
Kurze Zeit nach Konrads Tod werden auf Geheiß seines Vaters sämtliche Bücher und Phiolen aus der schwarzen Bibliothek verbrannt. Nur ein metallenes rotes Buch hat das Flammeninferno unbeschadet überstanden. Victor findet dieses Buch und wird davon sofort wie magisch angezogen. In dem Buch findet Victor Anweisungen für das Hexenbrett. Damit soll man mit den Toten kommunizieren können! Es liegt in Victors Natur, dass seine Begeisterung für manche Dinge gegen jegliche Bedenken die Oberhand gewinnt. Beim Versuch, das Hexenbrett in seinem Zimmer auszuprobieren, wird Victor von Elizabeth überrascht. Er kann sie davon überzeugen, den Versuch zu wagen. Immerhin schreckt Elizabeth vor Herausforderungen nie zurück. Tatsächlich scheint das Vorhaben zu gelingen! Das Pendel des Hexenbretts schlägt aus... Hastig notieren Victor und Elizabeth die Buchstaben, auf die das Pendel zeigt. Erst erscheint alles wirr, doch schließlich kann Victor eine Botschaft entziffern.
Am nächsten Tag erzählen sie Henry von diesem Erlebnis. Natürlich ist Henry skeptisch. Aber er scheint ihnen zu glauben.
Kurz darauf kommen Elizabeth, Henry und Victor einem gut gehütetem Geheimnis auf die Spur. Jetzt haben sie Zugang zur Welt der Toten!
Dort stoßen sie allerdings auf etwas, was besser unentdeckt geblieben wäre...
Meinung:
Es ist meiner Meinung nach immer schwer, eine Fortsetzung zu einem wirklich guten ersten Teil zu schreiben. Kenneth Oppel ist dies allerdings eindrucksvoll gelungen! Seine Ideen für diesen zweiten Band und die Umsetzung haben hier einfach eine Geschichte entstehen lassen, die gelesen werden muss. Alles ist stimmig, jede Seite verspricht Spannung und Unterhaltung! Mehr kann man von einem guten Buch ganz einfach nicht erwarten...
Auch wenn der erste Teil nun schon einige Zeit zurück liegt, hat es der Auto nicht versäumt, wichtige Geschehnisse aus dem ersten Band nochmals kurz rückblickend zu betrachten. Diese Schreibweise hat mir auf jeden Fall dazu verholfen, wieder schnell in diesen spannenden Plot einsteigen zu können. Herr Oppel brachte mir die Geschichte aus Victors Sicht in der Vergangenheitsform nahe. Das ist vermutlich auch der Grund, weshalb ich mich immer sehr direkt am Geschehen und an den Protagonisten fühlte. Und die Charaktere in diesem Buch sind einfach einzigartig!
Victor, der Draufgänger, der Weltverbesserer, und manchmal auch der Taktiker... Mit besseren Eigenschaften kann man ihn eigentlich kaum beschreiben! Hautnah fühlt man mit ihm, erlebt seine Gedanken und versteht auch seine Handlungen. Einerseits so, wie man sich jemanden vorstellt, der Geschöpfe erschafft oder erschaffen will und jede Herausforderung annimmt. Andererseits erlebt man Victor eben doch als Menschen mit echten Gefühlen... In einigen Szenen hat er mich definitiv überrascht!
Elizabeth ist natürlich mein Herzblatt in diesem Buch. Auch sie fühlt sich hin- und hergerissen. Da sind einerseits ihre wirklich starken Gefühle für Konrad, dem sie nun in der Totenwelt begegnen aber nicht näher kommen kann. Andererseits hat sie dort auch diesen animalischen Instinkt, der sie zu Victor treibt. So richtig kann sie sich nicht entscheiden und so manches Mal war ich doch aufgrund ihrer Reaktionen zumindest erstaunt. Aber nach wie vor bleibt sie eindeutig meine Herzdame.
Der Protagonist mit der größten Entwicklung ist für mich jedoch eindeutig Henry. Hat man ihn im ersten Teil noch als schutzbedürftig und mitleiderregend erlebt, kann man nun eine völlig andere Seite an ihm entdecken. Aber gerade bei ihm möchte ich eigentlich nicht zu viel verraten. Lest es selbst! Allein Henry ist es schon wert, dieses Buch gelesen zu haben...
Ich kann mich an keine Stelle in der Geschichte erinnern, an der ich mich von Langeweile getrieben sah. Im Endeffekt war eine durchgehende Spannung mit nachvollziehbaren Handlungen zu verspüren, die mich durch die Seiten rasen ließ. Ganz, ganz kleine Unebenheiten verflogen zu Nebensächlichkeiten und ich hatte einen vollkommenen Lesegenuss!
Der Autor hat mich mit einem zufiedenstellenden Ende zurückgelassen; Potential für eine eine Fortsetzung ist aber definitiv vorhanden!
Urteil:
Solange ich auch überlege, ich finde einfach kaum etwas, was ich an diesem Buch zu bemängeln hätte. Für diesen wirklich guten zweiten Band muss ich ganz einfach 5 Bücher vergeben. Ich bin eindeutig dem Frankenstein-Wahn verfallen...
Für alle Fans spannender Abwechslungen, die sich nicht auf das klassische Genre versteift haben und Überraschungen lieben. Ein Must-Read für alle, die bereits vom ersten Teil begeistert waren...
Die Serie:
1. Düsteres Verlangen - Die wahre Geschichte des jungen Victor Frankenstein
2. Ein dunkler Wille - Das Schicksal der Brüder Frankenstein
3. laut Autor wird evtl. noch ein dritter Teil erscheinen
© his-and-her-books.blogspot.de
"Ein Tropfen Blut quoll aus meinem Finger auf das Schmuckstück und sofort wurde das Ding in meiner Hand zu etwas Lebendigem."
(S. 15)
"Immer schneller wächst die Kreatur heran, sieht jede Sekunde mehr aus wie ein Mensch. Seine Haut ist nicht länger lehmig, sondern nach Farbe und Beschaffenheit menschlich."
(S. 133)
"Ich kratzte mich an der Stirn und wurde irgendwie das Gefühl nicht los, dass wir einen Fehler begangen hatten, aber der konnte jetzt nicht mehr rückgängig gemacht werden."
(S. 167)
Inhalt:
Nach dem Tod seines Bruders ist Victor völlig verzweifelt. Konrad war fester Bestandteil seines Lebens, sein Vertrauter. Und nun ist er plötzlich nicht mehr da.
Kurze Zeit nach Konrads Tod werden auf Geheiß seines Vaters sämtliche Bücher und Phiolen aus der schwarzen Bibliothek verbrannt. Nur ein metallenes rotes Buch hat das Flammeninferno unbeschadet überstanden. Victor findet dieses Buch und wird davon sofort wie magisch angezogen. In dem Buch findet Victor Anweisungen für das Hexenbrett. Damit soll man mit den Toten kommunizieren können! Es liegt in Victors Natur, dass seine Begeisterung für manche Dinge gegen jegliche Bedenken die Oberhand gewinnt. Beim Versuch, das Hexenbrett in seinem Zimmer auszuprobieren, wird Victor von Elizabeth überrascht. Er kann sie davon überzeugen, den Versuch zu wagen. Immerhin schreckt Elizabeth vor Herausforderungen nie zurück. Tatsächlich scheint das Vorhaben zu gelingen! Das Pendel des Hexenbretts schlägt aus... Hastig notieren Victor und Elizabeth die Buchstaben, auf die das Pendel zeigt. Erst erscheint alles wirr, doch schließlich kann Victor eine Botschaft entziffern.
Am nächsten Tag erzählen sie Henry von diesem Erlebnis. Natürlich ist Henry skeptisch. Aber er scheint ihnen zu glauben.
Kurz darauf kommen Elizabeth, Henry und Victor einem gut gehütetem Geheimnis auf die Spur. Jetzt haben sie Zugang zur Welt der Toten!
Dort stoßen sie allerdings auf etwas, was besser unentdeckt geblieben wäre...
Meinung:
Es ist meiner Meinung nach immer schwer, eine Fortsetzung zu einem wirklich guten ersten Teil zu schreiben. Kenneth Oppel ist dies allerdings eindrucksvoll gelungen! Seine Ideen für diesen zweiten Band und die Umsetzung haben hier einfach eine Geschichte entstehen lassen, die gelesen werden muss. Alles ist stimmig, jede Seite verspricht Spannung und Unterhaltung! Mehr kann man von einem guten Buch ganz einfach nicht erwarten...
Auch wenn der erste Teil nun schon einige Zeit zurück liegt, hat es der Auto nicht versäumt, wichtige Geschehnisse aus dem ersten Band nochmals kurz rückblickend zu betrachten. Diese Schreibweise hat mir auf jeden Fall dazu verholfen, wieder schnell in diesen spannenden Plot einsteigen zu können. Herr Oppel brachte mir die Geschichte aus Victors Sicht in der Vergangenheitsform nahe. Das ist vermutlich auch der Grund, weshalb ich mich immer sehr direkt am Geschehen und an den Protagonisten fühlte. Und die Charaktere in diesem Buch sind einfach einzigartig!
Victor, der Draufgänger, der Weltverbesserer, und manchmal auch der Taktiker... Mit besseren Eigenschaften kann man ihn eigentlich kaum beschreiben! Hautnah fühlt man mit ihm, erlebt seine Gedanken und versteht auch seine Handlungen. Einerseits so, wie man sich jemanden vorstellt, der Geschöpfe erschafft oder erschaffen will und jede Herausforderung annimmt. Andererseits erlebt man Victor eben doch als Menschen mit echten Gefühlen... In einigen Szenen hat er mich definitiv überrascht!
Elizabeth ist natürlich mein Herzblatt in diesem Buch. Auch sie fühlt sich hin- und hergerissen. Da sind einerseits ihre wirklich starken Gefühle für Konrad, dem sie nun in der Totenwelt begegnen aber nicht näher kommen kann. Andererseits hat sie dort auch diesen animalischen Instinkt, der sie zu Victor treibt. So richtig kann sie sich nicht entscheiden und so manches Mal war ich doch aufgrund ihrer Reaktionen zumindest erstaunt. Aber nach wie vor bleibt sie eindeutig meine Herzdame.
Der Protagonist mit der größten Entwicklung ist für mich jedoch eindeutig Henry. Hat man ihn im ersten Teil noch als schutzbedürftig und mitleiderregend erlebt, kann man nun eine völlig andere Seite an ihm entdecken. Aber gerade bei ihm möchte ich eigentlich nicht zu viel verraten. Lest es selbst! Allein Henry ist es schon wert, dieses Buch gelesen zu haben...
Ich kann mich an keine Stelle in der Geschichte erinnern, an der ich mich von Langeweile getrieben sah. Im Endeffekt war eine durchgehende Spannung mit nachvollziehbaren Handlungen zu verspüren, die mich durch die Seiten rasen ließ. Ganz, ganz kleine Unebenheiten verflogen zu Nebensächlichkeiten und ich hatte einen vollkommenen Lesegenuss!
Der Autor hat mich mit einem zufiedenstellenden Ende zurückgelassen; Potential für eine eine Fortsetzung ist aber definitiv vorhanden!
Urteil:
Solange ich auch überlege, ich finde einfach kaum etwas, was ich an diesem Buch zu bemängeln hätte. Für diesen wirklich guten zweiten Band muss ich ganz einfach 5 Bücher vergeben. Ich bin eindeutig dem Frankenstein-Wahn verfallen...
Für alle Fans spannender Abwechslungen, die sich nicht auf das klassische Genre versteift haben und Überraschungen lieben. Ein Must-Read für alle, die bereits vom ersten Teil begeistert waren...
Die Serie:
1. Düsteres Verlangen - Die wahre Geschichte des jungen Victor Frankenstein
2. Ein dunkler Wille - Das Schicksal der Brüder Frankenstein
3. laut Autor wird evtl. noch ein dritter Teil erscheinen
© his-and-her-books.blogspot.de
October 27, 2019
This was a delightful duology! So much adventure, mystery and magic. I loved this series!
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