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My Frankenstein
The classic story you thought you knew…
During its Amazon Promotion My Frankenstein was Number One in Young Adult Horror and Number Two in Young Adult Paranormal
Eva
Has always been an outsider in her small town. Her heart yearns for what she can never have. Her mind is always far away. She only wants to find her place in a fast changing world.
Viktor
The new baron. Young. Brilliant. He promises to bring a new age of lightning and steel to this quiet little valley. Eva falls under his spell. And in her, Viktor finds someone he can teach and mold.
Adam
Viktor’s mysterious cousin. His face and body are scarred but he possesses incredible strength. Viktor claims he is feeble minded. But Eva reaches out to the poor wretch. What she discovers will shock her to the core.
During its Amazon Promotion My Frankenstein was Number One in Young Adult Horror and Number Two in Young Adult Paranormal
Eva
Has always been an outsider in her small town. Her heart yearns for what she can never have. Her mind is always far away. She only wants to find her place in a fast changing world.
Viktor
The new baron. Young. Brilliant. He promises to bring a new age of lightning and steel to this quiet little valley. Eva falls under his spell. And in her, Viktor finds someone he can teach and mold.
Adam
Viktor’s mysterious cousin. His face and body are scarred but he possesses incredible strength. Viktor claims he is feeble minded. But Eva reaches out to the poor wretch. What she discovers will shock her to the core.
257 pages, Paperback
First published March 3, 2011
6 people are currently reading
197 people want to read
About the author
Michael J. Lee
3 books32 followersBorn in the Midwest, spent time out on the East Coast and in LA.
Learned the craft of screenwriting the hard way, as a barely paid reader. Got a good feel for the form and for storytelling. My approach to story is a lot like Bruce Lee's approach to fighting, absorb what is useful.
Published my first Paranormal Romance My Frankenstein on Kindle just recently. It's been an adventure writing and promoting my first book!
Learned the craft of screenwriting the hard way, as a barely paid reader. Got a good feel for the form and for storytelling. My approach to story is a lot like Bruce Lee's approach to fighting, absorb what is useful.
Published my first Paranormal Romance My Frankenstein on Kindle just recently. It's been an adventure writing and promoting my first book!
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November 26, 2022tbr
April 28, 2011
In a small village in 19th century England, a young and quite naive girl named Eva has an undeniable passion for science and progress, and she even managed to make a lightning rod. While she is trying to attach the latter to the roof of the inn she’s living in, she nearly falls down, because the scene that’s unfolding in front of her – her best friend kissing the boy she has loved all her life – makes her so upset that she loses her balance. Luckily, two strange men enquire about her well-being before entering the inn. Although she finds the first man to be quite attractive, and he seems like a true gentleman, it takes a while before Eva figures out that this man is Viktor, the new baron of their village.
Much like Eva herself, Viktor is a scientist. Amazed by the girl’s intelligence, he agrees to teach her the sciences, from electricity and mathematics to biology and chemistry, along with the help of his friend, a Russian called Igor. Viktor is a man of progression, and he is determined to bring their village into a new era. What Eva doesn’t know yet, is that her love for Viktor might be dangerous, not only for her, but for her friends and the entire village as well.
Then, one day, Viktor does the unthinkable. He introduces Eva to his cousin Adam, who got horribly deformed in an accident. Whereas Eva is capable of looking past the horrific appearance of Adam, and even manages to teach him something, Viktor could not care less about the young and horribly looking man. But Eva feels like something is up, and Viktor isn’t telling her the whole truth. To protect not only herself, but Adam as well, she is determined to find out what the truth is.
I loved Eva as a character. She is intelligent, but hardly realises she is. She is charming, intuitive and caring, but no one seems to recognise these qualities in her, aside from Viktor then. Viktor is a progressive scientist, too advanced for his era, too innovative, modern and evolved for his century. He is the tragic scientist, the misunderstood genius, the evil mastermind who does evil in the name of progress and evolution. I was secretly hoping that, even when she discovered some of his more evil personality traits, Eva would still be able to love him. To see whether or not she did, you will have to read the book though. I can only say that I still did, that he and Eva are one of the most fitting, tragically romantic couples I’ve come across in literature, and that they really touched my heart. They are both very interesting, relatable and well-described characters. I can understand that not everyone will like Viktor’s personality, but I believe he truly intended to do good, but did everything wrong, and thus was more of a tragic hero than of an evil villain.
I loved the fact that the author takes the original Frankenstein story by Mary Shelley, and adds this darkly romantic twist to it. The idea is both original and interesting, and when pulled off successfully – as Michael Lee absolutely did in this novel – it can change your view on the original Frankenstein story forever. Now I can no longer imagine Frankenstein without thinking about Viktor and Eva and their mutual bond.
I also loved the fact that Viktor Frankenstein isn’t just interested in creating a human being out of corpses and bringing it to life. He brings progression and modernization to Eva’s village, from a coal mine to a hospital, and practically brings the 19th century, filled with scientific research, machinery and evolution, to this village that still seems to be stuck in the dark Middle Ages. I also enjoyed reading about the villager’s reaction to all that, about their rebellion against progress, about their battle for the old and familiar against the new and unknown.
My Frankenstein reads very easily. It’s a fast-paced novel, with a decent story behind it, excellent characterization and it also explores several interesting topics. Michael Lee’s writing style is very fluent, and the story is gripping from the beginning to the end. I would advise My Frankenstein to anyone who enjoys a good classic retold, or to anyone who liked reading the original Frankenstein story.
Read the full review on my website.
Much like Eva herself, Viktor is a scientist. Amazed by the girl’s intelligence, he agrees to teach her the sciences, from electricity and mathematics to biology and chemistry, along with the help of his friend, a Russian called Igor. Viktor is a man of progression, and he is determined to bring their village into a new era. What Eva doesn’t know yet, is that her love for Viktor might be dangerous, not only for her, but for her friends and the entire village as well.
Then, one day, Viktor does the unthinkable. He introduces Eva to his cousin Adam, who got horribly deformed in an accident. Whereas Eva is capable of looking past the horrific appearance of Adam, and even manages to teach him something, Viktor could not care less about the young and horribly looking man. But Eva feels like something is up, and Viktor isn’t telling her the whole truth. To protect not only herself, but Adam as well, she is determined to find out what the truth is.
I loved Eva as a character. She is intelligent, but hardly realises she is. She is charming, intuitive and caring, but no one seems to recognise these qualities in her, aside from Viktor then. Viktor is a progressive scientist, too advanced for his era, too innovative, modern and evolved for his century. He is the tragic scientist, the misunderstood genius, the evil mastermind who does evil in the name of progress and evolution. I was secretly hoping that, even when she discovered some of his more evil personality traits, Eva would still be able to love him. To see whether or not she did, you will have to read the book though. I can only say that I still did, that he and Eva are one of the most fitting, tragically romantic couples I’ve come across in literature, and that they really touched my heart. They are both very interesting, relatable and well-described characters. I can understand that not everyone will like Viktor’s personality, but I believe he truly intended to do good, but did everything wrong, and thus was more of a tragic hero than of an evil villain.
I loved the fact that the author takes the original Frankenstein story by Mary Shelley, and adds this darkly romantic twist to it. The idea is both original and interesting, and when pulled off successfully – as Michael Lee absolutely did in this novel – it can change your view on the original Frankenstein story forever. Now I can no longer imagine Frankenstein without thinking about Viktor and Eva and their mutual bond.
I also loved the fact that Viktor Frankenstein isn’t just interested in creating a human being out of corpses and bringing it to life. He brings progression and modernization to Eva’s village, from a coal mine to a hospital, and practically brings the 19th century, filled with scientific research, machinery and evolution, to this village that still seems to be stuck in the dark Middle Ages. I also enjoyed reading about the villager’s reaction to all that, about their rebellion against progress, about their battle for the old and familiar against the new and unknown.
My Frankenstein reads very easily. It’s a fast-paced novel, with a decent story behind it, excellent characterization and it also explores several interesting topics. Michael Lee’s writing style is very fluent, and the story is gripping from the beginning to the end. I would advise My Frankenstein to anyone who enjoys a good classic retold, or to anyone who liked reading the original Frankenstein story.
Read the full review on my website.
July 8, 2012
My Frankenstein
Michael Lee
**
An interesting but clumsy take on a classic. Somewhat moralistic and have some exciting moments but held nothing special. Characters, especial the protagonist and many of the extras, lacks solid personality and often times unconvincing. Events are often exciting but feels too set up, stiff and artificial. The ending is a vague emotional cliché of happiness and love talk. Do still have bright moments but most often quite inconsequential.
This spin off of a classic story has a moralistic lecture undertone but feels somewat downplayed or unconsious or even ignorable... its as if moral teachings are added just for the sake of it. Nothing consiously important, especially in the ending where our protagonist is mooning over her love, moral teachings forgotten. More concerned on emotion and splashes of excitement but otherwise doesn't really offer much.
The characters are very much puppet like - theatrical but still puppet like. The protagonist, Eva, has a very roller coaster like play of emotions in the story that often times they feel forced, as if they had to be in this kind of emotions just so that the story would remain intact. It is quite difficult to connect with her. Descriptions of her emotion also feels like excuses so that readers to forgive and accept them. The minor characters is just as awkward and uninteresting. Their emotions lack dimension. They are just another set of puppets controlled by the author. The most interesting characters: Victor, Adam and Rolfe: just failed to be in the spotlight, which is given to Eva all of the time.
Just like the characters, the plot is just as artificial. The events are so cliché that it feels like watching a bad B-movie. Seems like the author wants as many dramatic scenes as possible crammed into the book, totally ignoring cohesion. The most clear example is Igor's suicide. The point of view is rudely broken from Eva to Igor just so that we could see it dramatically unfold. It's actually the only moment where Igor is given the spotlight making it stood out glaringly.
The ending is an overused cliché. Lost love, happiness philosophy, emotional musings. Very corny and very unimaginative.
The entire book is not handled very well. The character, the plot, even the theme that the original story has is brought together clumsily and without finesse. A book that strive to be more but failed to do so. It do have some bright moments now and then to interest reading but the whole book has an empty, junk food feel.
Michael Lee
**
An interesting but clumsy take on a classic. Somewhat moralistic and have some exciting moments but held nothing special. Characters, especial the protagonist and many of the extras, lacks solid personality and often times unconvincing. Events are often exciting but feels too set up, stiff and artificial. The ending is a vague emotional cliché of happiness and love talk. Do still have bright moments but most often quite inconsequential.
This spin off of a classic story has a moralistic lecture undertone but feels somewat downplayed or unconsious or even ignorable... its as if moral teachings are added just for the sake of it. Nothing consiously important, especially in the ending where our protagonist is mooning over her love, moral teachings forgotten. More concerned on emotion and splashes of excitement but otherwise doesn't really offer much.
The characters are very much puppet like - theatrical but still puppet like. The protagonist, Eva, has a very roller coaster like play of emotions in the story that often times they feel forced, as if they had to be in this kind of emotions just so that the story would remain intact. It is quite difficult to connect with her. Descriptions of her emotion also feels like excuses so that readers to forgive and accept them. The minor characters is just as awkward and uninteresting. Their emotions lack dimension. They are just another set of puppets controlled by the author. The most interesting characters: Victor, Adam and Rolfe: just failed to be in the spotlight, which is given to Eva all of the time.
Just like the characters, the plot is just as artificial. The events are so cliché that it feels like watching a bad B-movie. Seems like the author wants as many dramatic scenes as possible crammed into the book, totally ignoring cohesion. The most clear example is Igor's suicide. The point of view is rudely broken from Eva to Igor just so that we could see it dramatically unfold. It's actually the only moment where Igor is given the spotlight making it stood out glaringly.
The ending is an overused cliché. Lost love, happiness philosophy, emotional musings. Very corny and very unimaginative.
The entire book is not handled very well. The character, the plot, even the theme that the original story has is brought together clumsily and without finesse. A book that strive to be more but failed to do so. It do have some bright moments now and then to interest reading but the whole book has an empty, junk food feel.
April 16, 2011
My Frankenstein is the debut fantasy novel from Michael Lee, and it is an excellent beginning. I have read the original Mary Shelley version, and while classically good, I was never really that into the story. I most definately enjoyed Lee's retelling of the story. The overtones of steampunk and romance were perfect for the gothic storyline and I really enjoyed it! I was engrossed from the moment I began reading, the plot dragging you in and keeping you there.
In my opinion, this was a very character-driven novel, and these characters were so rich and textured that they made the story. Eva is a strong, intelligent young woman who wants more for herself and her village than to continue on in the neverending traditions without chane. When she meets the baron, Viktor, he represents all the things she thinks she wants as he talks about his grand plans for the sleepy, little village. Eva becomes his willing student and staunchest supporter, swept away by his attention and newness. To me, in the original tale, Igor was almost a non-character, completely unrelatable to me as a person. In My Frankenstein, he was given life and personality as he was torn between loyalty to Viktor and concern for Eva. Viktor was ever changing in his personality, at times the dashing baron and at others, the dark, almost evil man with a mysterious plot. All of the characters, while vastly different, made for an extremely rich tale. And, while not necessarily integral to the story, the cover art is stunning! I highly recommend picking this novel up and giving it a read! I give it a 4.5 mugs!
In my opinion, this was a very character-driven novel, and these characters were so rich and textured that they made the story. Eva is a strong, intelligent young woman who wants more for herself and her village than to continue on in the neverending traditions without chane. When she meets the baron, Viktor, he represents all the things she thinks she wants as he talks about his grand plans for the sleepy, little village. Eva becomes his willing student and staunchest supporter, swept away by his attention and newness. To me, in the original tale, Igor was almost a non-character, completely unrelatable to me as a person. In My Frankenstein, he was given life and personality as he was torn between loyalty to Viktor and concern for Eva. Viktor was ever changing in his personality, at times the dashing baron and at others, the dark, almost evil man with a mysterious plot. All of the characters, while vastly different, made for an extremely rich tale. And, while not necessarily integral to the story, the cover art is stunning! I highly recommend picking this novel up and giving it a read! I give it a 4.5 mugs!
August 4, 2012
It has been a very long time since I've read Mary Shelly's Frankenstein and I read it twice. Once in middle school, for fun, and once in high school because we had to. I remember loving it and that it's my favorite version of Frankenstein followed by Young Frankenstein staring Gene Wilder and Peter Boyle, and because of that movie every time I see the name Igor I pronounce it "eye-gore". Most other versions are just really bland or trying to go off into weird places. I haven't decided if this is young adult or not it's verging on not mostly because there is sex, though it isn't described Eva just disrobes and they have sex, there's no description of it so...I don't know the rest feels very young adult. I did like this book it is a dark tale and the spirit of the original Frankenstein novel is in this book. I think Dr. Frankenstein is a bit more dark and jerk-like and Igor is a much more rounded character in this story. It's hard not to think of the orginal when reading this, mostly because a lot of what happens ins alluded to, you don't know FOR SURE that these wagons that are being carted around are full of dead bodies, you assume that's what Rolfe is made of. But of course you know that already, before the 'big reveal' so it's hard to really get into that mystery aspect of the book, because you already know the secrets. Eva's relationship with Adam is great, mostly Overall the book is an entertaining retelling of a classic, but it's not as good.
April 29, 2012
I decided to read this book up for something to do on a road trip. I thought it would be good and wouldn't get too involved, since it's a re-telling of Frankenstein.
Yeah - that didn't work out at all. I ignored everybody and everything like they didn't exist and never had. I believe my pooch passed out at some point from lack of food and the necessary breaks while on the road. Don't feel too bad, she got me back.
So, out of left field, I decided that I loved this book! It has a very dark/gothicky feel to it and had just the right amount of build up. I could not stop turning pages if my life depended on it (and at several points, it probably did)
Viktor Frankenstein blows into town, meets Eva while she's trying not to fall off the roof and make an idiot of herself, and this is where it alllll begins. Vik's a mad scientist who screws up everyone's lives in town, not to mention the town itself, and whether or not the author intended it, I could not bring myself to hate him. Eva falls hard for him, having just been brushed aside by the love of her life and begins to assist him at the castle.
Adam pops up (oh, and I love HIM to bits and pieces), Eva is challenged to 'help' him, and this is when things start to become a little clearer for her regarding the man she is falling in love with. I can't say much because I don't want to ruin it for you - but I'm not above begging you to read it.
Again, I love the feel of My Frankenstein and am going to try talk Michael Lee into a second book for it. :)
I really, REALLY need to know what happens 'after'.
Yeah - that didn't work out at all. I ignored everybody and everything like they didn't exist and never had. I believe my pooch passed out at some point from lack of food and the necessary breaks while on the road. Don't feel too bad, she got me back.
So, out of left field, I decided that I loved this book! It has a very dark/gothicky feel to it and had just the right amount of build up. I could not stop turning pages if my life depended on it (and at several points, it probably did)
Viktor Frankenstein blows into town, meets Eva while she's trying not to fall off the roof and make an idiot of herself, and this is where it alllll begins. Vik's a mad scientist who screws up everyone's lives in town, not to mention the town itself, and whether or not the author intended it, I could not bring myself to hate him. Eva falls hard for him, having just been brushed aside by the love of her life and begins to assist him at the castle.
Adam pops up (oh, and I love HIM to bits and pieces), Eva is challenged to 'help' him, and this is when things start to become a little clearer for her regarding the man she is falling in love with. I can't say much because I don't want to ruin it for you - but I'm not above begging you to read it.
Again, I love the feel of My Frankenstein and am going to try talk Michael Lee into a second book for it. :)
I really, REALLY need to know what happens 'after'.
August 14, 2011
Frankenstein was never one of my favorite stories. I liked it and appreciated it. But for me it wasn't on the same level as say Dracula. So I was interested in seeing how this story would come out. I have read similar stories in the past, where an author takes a classic tale and retells it from a different perspective. I have to say in this case I was pleasantly surprised with what I read.
I think most people reading this will know the story of Frankenstein. So going in you already have a passing familiarity with the concept. But Michael really goes further. He is not just retelling the story from Eva's point of view. He has really expanded it and brought it into a more steampunk era of progression as well.
Viktor isn't just a mad scientist. He really is a genius that can still be considered completely crazy. He has a secret ultimate plan that involves more than reanimation.
Eva is a great character. She is smart and strong and really progressive for her time. She sees things in a much wider view and an eye toward the future that most of her fellow townspeople can't envision. Sadly this makes her easier prey for Viktor when he comes to town.
Overall the story is not at all hard to follow. It paces well and does not drag. Its easy to read and is a really good thought out version of the story we all already know.
I think most people reading this will know the story of Frankenstein. So going in you already have a passing familiarity with the concept. But Michael really goes further. He is not just retelling the story from Eva's point of view. He has really expanded it and brought it into a more steampunk era of progression as well.
Viktor isn't just a mad scientist. He really is a genius that can still be considered completely crazy. He has a secret ultimate plan that involves more than reanimation.
Eva is a great character. She is smart and strong and really progressive for her time. She sees things in a much wider view and an eye toward the future that most of her fellow townspeople can't envision. Sadly this makes her easier prey for Viktor when he comes to town.
Overall the story is not at all hard to follow. It paces well and does not drag. Its easy to read and is a really good thought out version of the story we all already know.
May 23, 2011
Eva was a little too bright to fit well into the small town in which she was raised. She was regarded as an odd little duck and frequently discounted and even maligned until the day Baron Frankenstein arrived. The Baron is a man of science with big plans to modernize the town. He takes an interest in Eva, opens his library to her, tutors her, but his interest in Eva is not purely academic. Eva is soon swept off her feet by the Baron’s passion.
One day she meets Adam, the Baron’s cousin. He is simpleminded, horribly scarred, and possessed of hauntingly familiar eyes. She comes to realize that Adam may not be simpleminded as she first thought, and may just lack an education. She sets about teaching Adam on a dare from the Baron. During her time in the castle, she grows to love Adam and witnesses the Baron’s cruelty, both in his treatment of his cousin, and in his plans for the town.
My Frankenstein is a well written and well executed blend of romance and horror. I think if Mary Shelley were alive, she’d be smiling about this take on her creation. She would appreciate the care that was taken to extract the best parts of her story and stitch them into something completely new with a life of its own. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to lovers of romance and horror, or to those simply looking for a good read. Michael Lee is an author to keep an eye on. Expect great things.
One day she meets Adam, the Baron’s cousin. He is simpleminded, horribly scarred, and possessed of hauntingly familiar eyes. She comes to realize that Adam may not be simpleminded as she first thought, and may just lack an education. She sets about teaching Adam on a dare from the Baron. During her time in the castle, she grows to love Adam and witnesses the Baron’s cruelty, both in his treatment of his cousin, and in his plans for the town.
My Frankenstein is a well written and well executed blend of romance and horror. I think if Mary Shelley were alive, she’d be smiling about this take on her creation. She would appreciate the care that was taken to extract the best parts of her story and stitch them into something completely new with a life of its own. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to lovers of romance and horror, or to those simply looking for a good read. Michael Lee is an author to keep an eye on. Expect great things.
September 5, 2012
Michael Lee reworked the classic tale of “Frankenstein” to give YA readers a story of romance, horror and intrigue. Fortunately (or maybe not for some), the story has been watered down so it’s less grotesque and disturbing compared to Shelley’s version.
Even though I knew it would be similar, if not identical to the original “Frankenstein”, I was taken in right from the start and I found myself “clicking” away at my electronic reader with enthusiasm. The writing is brisk, and paced extremely well without extraneous details, so that the reader is never bored. However, with this style of writing, the story suffers slightly in characterization. I felt that more time should have been to the various characters to give them more depth and personality.
Recommended to young adults 16 years old and above, especially for those who want to have a taste of what Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” is all about. Exact rating : 3.5
Even though I knew it would be similar, if not identical to the original “Frankenstein”, I was taken in right from the start and I found myself “clicking” away at my electronic reader with enthusiasm. The writing is brisk, and paced extremely well without extraneous details, so that the reader is never bored. However, with this style of writing, the story suffers slightly in characterization. I felt that more time should have been to the various characters to give them more depth and personality.
Recommended to young adults 16 years old and above, especially for those who want to have a taste of what Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” is all about. Exact rating : 3.5
April 18, 2011
An original take on Frankenstein that didn't work for me sadly enough. The story idea is quite good and intriguing and the setting is dark and gritty. The writing however didn't appeal to me. It's rather wonky and it keeps on the surface: you don't really get to feel the emotions of the characters. The short diary fragments at the start of some chapters were the best in my opinion and I felt disappointed Lee hadn't used this viewpoint for the whole story. As for the story itself: it felt just as wonky as the writing. I got the feeling Lee wasn't sure if he wanted to write a Young Adult or an Adult story and ended up with something that hangs in between these two. Chances of me reading other books by Lee: His ideas and world building are good, so I might give other books a try depending on the story.
October 10, 2014
At first to be honest this book kinda bugged me. In the original Frankenstein, Victor is misguided and a coward. In this retelling he is a horrible person. The kind of person I don't want to read about. He wanted what he wanted and he got it by any means necessary.
Then there was Eva, Rolfe and Heidi. I didn't really like that dynamic, but it had to be that way to get where it was going. Once cousin Adam came around it was all worth it.
Some of the best parts were watching as each character(Igor, Adam, and Eva) realized what Victor was making them into and took charge of their own destiny.
From the moment Victor captured Eva till the end, I literally couldn't put it down. I was talking to the story like I would interject as a friend told a story.
I really loved the ending and it made me wonder if I wouldn't do the same thing.
Then there was Eva, Rolfe and Heidi. I didn't really like that dynamic, but it had to be that way to get where it was going. Once cousin Adam came around it was all worth it.
Some of the best parts were watching as each character(Igor, Adam, and Eva) realized what Victor was making them into and took charge of their own destiny.
From the moment Victor captured Eva till the end, I literally couldn't put it down. I was talking to the story like I would interject as a friend told a story.
I really loved the ending and it made me wonder if I wouldn't do the same thing.
February 14, 2019
I read Frankenstein along time ago. This was good definitely different from what I expected. Had a lot of twists an turns. I liked viktor in the beginning, but he got darker and darker. But in the original viktor is hard to like.
April 13, 2014
Very well written, and very clever spin on Frankenstein. However, I'm more of a sappy, HEA girl. This is full of drama, and certainly doesn't fall anywhere close to the chick-lit I tend to read. That's okay, though. It really was a good read, and the author is very talented...hence 4 stars.
May 8, 2014
At the risk of repeating a story that everyone knows, all I can say is that Michael J Lee does a brilliant job of making it accessible to a modern generation. Really excellent and hope there is another one in the pipeline sometime soon!
May 13, 2014
I wasn't sure what to expect with this book but I was hooked from the opening chapter. Very well written I think it will definitely appeal to a younger generation as the language is easier than the original. Very much looking forward to another release from the author.
April 19, 2011
An awesome retelling of Frankenstein, with romance and intrigue and a great plucky heroine.
April 1, 2011
review will be posted soon!
April 15, 2014
Can you love the "monster"?
read this and decide if you can or should. And there is that eternal question, who is the true monster.
read this and decide if you can or should. And there is that eternal question, who is the true monster.
April 18, 2014
I do not know how this book got so many high ratings. I read the review that called it clumsy and artificial (and I would add pretty predictable), and that pretty much sums it up.
May 4, 2016
I really enjoyed reading this. It was very entertaining and engrossing.
April 20, 2017
Character Spotlight: My Frankenstein by Michael J. Lee
So far, I've read about Frankenstein's twin brother whom he tried to save but couldn't, which lead to the events of the original version.
I have also come across his twin daughters, one of whom was curious enough to continue with his work.
And, this last book that I read mentioned him to be a champion of Industrial Revolution, trying to force a small town into the modern world.
What is evident in the Frankenstein family tree is there is a dark thread running through it, which appears in all its members!
What I Liked About My Frankenstein
The refreshing way Frankenstein acted to Eva's intelligence. It didn't matter to him if she was a girl. What made her beautiful to him was her mind. In fact, there was one scene where he sees Eva and her very beautiful friend together. Even then, Eva's beauty calls out to him while the friend he dismisses as an Amazon. That isn't to say that Amazons weren't awesomesauce. It is simply how Victor thinks because to him, brute strength is for mentally inferior people.
The "monster", Adam, is as innocent as the original monster. He also retained the stubborn nature and had a way with words. All of it kept the true spirit of the original alive.
Some of the words that stood out to me:
It's in that moment you discover that you never really cared about benefiting mankind. What you did, you did for yourself. To stand on the mountaintop and look down on mankind. The mortal sin of pride.
These words were spoken by Igor who assisted Victor in his quest and later came to regret it.
Maybe I feel nothing because I am nothing. Or am I nothing because I feel nothing?
Spoken by Adam, these words made me sad. They stem from all the brainwashing that Victor had done on the poor creature, even going as far as to tell him he wasn't even a thing, let alone a man!
What I didn't Like About My Frankenstein
There wasn't any depth to the story. I don't know why it felt that way to me. It could be the sequence of events, which wasn't surprising at all. It could also be how Eva behaved towards Frankenstein, which was again no surprise. It might be the ending as well, which doesn't fit in with the rest of the novel.
So, this is how the project stands now
Parent Material: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Others’ Take: The Mammoth Book of Frankenstein by Stephen Jones
Historical Retakes: Anno Frankenstein by Jonathan Green
Young Adult Forays: Dr. Frankenstein’s Daughters by Suzanne Weyn
Sci-Fi Pastiche: Prodigal Son by Dean Koontz
Series Picker-Uppers: The Second Birth of Frankenstein by Will Hill
Prequels: This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Oppel
Precipitating Conditions: The Lady and Her Monsters by Roseanne Montillo
I will end this post with a Frankenstein joke:
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