This Dark Endeavor: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein by Kenneth Oppel

This is another ARC that I received at BEA.  I wasn't sure if it would be too dark for me but I really enjoyed it.  Here's the Goodreads blurb:

Victor and Konrad are the twin brothers Frankenstein. They are nearly inseparable. Growing up, their lives are filled with imaginary adventures...until the day their adventures turn all too real. 

They stumble upon The Dark Library, and secret books of alchemy and ancient remedies are discovered. Father forbids that they ever enter the room again, but this only piques Victor's curiosity more. When Konrad falls gravely ill, Victor is not satisfied with the various doctors his parents have called in to help. He is drawn back to The Dark Library where he uncovers an ancient formula for the Elixir of Life. With their friend Elizabeth, Henry and Victor immediately set out to find assistance from a man who was once known for his alchemical works to help create the formula. 

Determination and the unthinkable outcome of losing his brother spur Victor on in the quest for the three ingredients that will save Konrad's life. After scaling the highest trees in the Strumwald, diving into the deepest lake caves, and sacrificing one’s own body part, the three fearless friends risk their lives to save another.

This was an action packed adventure from start to finish.  We learn about Victor's formative years and the events that lead to his future as Doctor Victor Frankenstein who will create a monster in his quest to create life.  This book will appeal to boys and girls alike with it's mixture of action, adventure, mystery and romance. The story is often dark but nothing less should be expected from this prequel.  The characters are all different and each is interesting in their own way.  Victor feels like he will always live in his brother's shadow and that he'll never be good enough for people to like him the way that they always like Konrad.  Henry is quiet and fearful but he has a way with words.  Henry isn't like Victor who dreams of greatness.  Henry merely wants to do what is expected of him and what is most sensible.  Elizabeth is interesting because she has such a vibrant personality and different sides of her personality become more pronounced depending on which of the Frankenstein brothers she is interacting with.  Victor brings out her wild side and Konrad brings out her sensible and romantic nature.  Overall, this is a great book and I hope you'll all give it a read when it is published on August 23rd.  There are some scenes of violence so I suggest this book for readers 12 and up.  

You can add This Dark Endeavor to your Goodreads list or preorder it from your local bookstore.  You can also find out more about Kenneth Oppel and his work on his website.  

This Dark Endeavor gets 4 Fairies for being an interesting and dark read.