Review:
Having already completed both books in this duology, it’s hard for me to separate the two, but I can safely say I enjoyed this ominous Frankenstein-inspired story.
Both books had this great undercurrent of darkness and ominousness throughout, but the first was the more adventurous of the two. The plot was a bit formulaic with how the characters needed to go on a sort of mini-quest to obtain each of the ingredients they needed to make the Elixir of Life, but each quest was filled with something dangerous or disturbing, and altogether it was well-written and made for a good story.
One thing I really thought the author did a great job with was Victor’s feelings toward his twin, how he loved Konrad and couldn’t imagine life without him, but how he also envied him in ways and felt like the inferior twin.Also Victor’s character growth, his spiral into darker thoughts, doing the wrong things, or doing the right things for the wrong reasons. I found myself thinking, “Oh, Victor, no,” more and more frequently. I felt for him though. He had some darkness in him, but he fought against it, and I think his heart was ultimately in the right place.
I was not so lovable as Konrad, no. I would never have his charm, or grace or patience or effortless skill at things. But I had the same fine body, and what mine contained had more grit and determination and passion.
Were these not things worth loving?
Most of all though, this book was gripping. Maybe it could’ve been a little darker and explored certain things more, but I didn’t want to put it down once I started, and that’s always the sign of a good book.
I also want to mention that the blurb mentions a love triangle, and there kind of was one since both Victor and Konrad had feelings for Elizabeth, but I wouldn’t call it a true love triangle. I wouldn’t even say there’s a romance subplot in the duology. Victor’s romantic feelings influence some of his thoughts and actions, but that’s about it.
So overall, I was gripped by this book, I really liked the bit of darkness and complexity in Victor’s character and his relationship with his twin, and I knew I wanted to continue with the next book as soon as I finished!
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes ominous books, Frankenstein retellings, and twin relationships.
More Books in the Series:
Book Review: This Dark Endeavor (The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein Book 1) by Kenneth Oppel
Book Review: Such Wicked Intent (The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein Book 2) by Kenneth Oppel
![Book Review: How to Howl at the Moon (Howl at the Moon Book 1) by Eli Easton [Audiobook]](https://metaphorsandmoonlight.com/wp-content/uploads/Book-Review-How-to-Howl-at-the-Moon-Howl-at-the-Moon-Book-1-by-Eli-Easton-255x255.jpg)
Oppel is one of my favourite childhood authors and I can’t believe this one somehow missed my radar?? The main character sounds fascinating and I adore complicated sibling relationships (which is a bit weird, seeing as how I’m an only child :P). Thank you for sharing! <3
I’m also an only child, kinda, and I think that’s precisely why I like reading about sibling relationships, especially twins. We like because it lets us experience that kind of relationship! I hope you like the book if you try it!
Ooh I like the sound of alchemy and elixirs (that could be a book title, or maybe a roleplaying game lol), and the hunt for ingredients sounds fun too. Nice that Victor has a complicated relationship with his brother, with both feelings of familial loyalty as well as resentments or jealousies.
That could totally be some sort of game! Or you could extend it into “Alchemy, Elixirs, and the Hunt for Ingredients” and make it a puzzle game or something, haha. But yeah, I really liked Victor’s complicated feelings about his brother!
Victor sounds like a complex character and I liked that so much was explored with his character and his relationship with Konrad. I’m guessing the whole book is told from his POV? Seems like the perfect time to read something that’s so ominous and atmospheric.
Yep, all from his POV! It’s definitely a great read if you want something ominous and atmospheric!
I’ve always wanted to read these books, I love the brooding atmosphere on the cover😁
It does have a very brooding atmosphere!
I love how many Frankenstein retellings there are around. This one sounds particularly good for the character and relationship portrayals. One to look out for 🙂
I want more of them! But I did think this was a good one, though it’s more like a prequel, I think.
Thank you for a great review, Kristen – I love the dynamic between twins, not least because my husband is one of a twin…
Thanks! I also love reading about twins, maybe because I don’t know much about that kind of relationship. How cool that your husband is a twin!
I do love a good Frankenstein retelling, so this book sounds like one I would love to read.
Me too! I hope you like this one!
Oh my goodness, I am SO adding this one to my Goodreads wishlist! I have read many books by Kenneth Oppel in the past and I think he is a brilliant writer. I wasn’t aware that he did a Frankenstein inspired story, and seeing as I love the classic, I think I am going to like this one. I am glad it was so gripping and that you could enjoy it so much ^.^ I’m really excited right now!!
I hope you like it! I’m the opposite of you since I’ve never read any of his other books lol. But I did like this one!
I’m way late in commenting so don’t feel like you have to comment back, Kristen. I’ve had this review up on my laptop for – well I guess since it posted. I wanted to see what you thought because this book felt familiar to me. I just realized this morning that it’s because my older daughter read it and put it on my tbr pile. 😉 I’m glad you enjoyed it even if it could have been darker, written a bit tighter. It sounds really good and since both my daughter and you recommend it, I’ll pull it off the pile sooner than later. LOL
I don’t mind late comments! Your daughter has good taste 😉 I hope you like it!