Book Review: This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Oppel

Name: This Dark Endeavor
Author: Kenneth Oppel
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Released: 2011
Reviewed by: Prince

This Dark Endeavor - A book that will make you sit awake till you finish reading it. One of the excellent novel from Kenneth Oppel. This was my recent read and am happy with it.

To begin my review about this science fiction novel, let me start by introducing the main characters.

1. Victor & Konrad Frankenstein - 15-year-old twins

2. Elizabeth - Beautiful Cousin of Victor & Konrad Frankenstein

3. Henry - Close friend of Victor & Konrad Frankenstein

4. Julius Polidori - An alchemist, the villain

This Dark Endeavor

Yeah, these are the main characters in the novel. Now lets get into storyline, Victor and Konrad are very lovable and affactionate twins. They live a happy and peaceful life at Chateau Frankenstein. Treated with rigorous liberal education by their loving parents, and given the companionship of their distant cousin Elizabeth and neighbor Henry, at fifteen years of age, the twins wanted nothing more. It was the exploration of a secret place "The Dark Library" in Chateau that lits up the flame in the story. The Dark Library contains some of the ancient books (Books used by Alchemist) which are said to provide some extraordinary powers to human beings including "Elixir of Life".

Konrad, one of the twins gets sick suddenly and bedridden by a unknown disease. Many doctors were called upon to find out the cure. But their efforts in vain, none of them had an answer to the unknown disease. The family becomes much worried seeing Konrad bedridden and struggling to fight against the disease. Mr. Frankenstein calls for Dr. Murnav, a foreign doctor who examines Konrad for a week and suspects the disease to be connected with some activity in blood. He promises to cure Konrad with his further investigations. Meanwhile Victor, the twin brother is not satisfied with Dr. Murnav and sets his own exploration along with Elizabeth & Henry to save Konrad. He enters into Dark Library breaking the promise he made to his father to keep away from the Dark Library and the ancient books.

Meanwhile they come across the alchemist Julius Polidori, who suggests them that he can prepare "The Elixir of Life" that can certainly cure any disease in this world and give a new life. But to prepare the Elixir of Life, they need three rare ingredients. Will Victor along with Elizabeth & Henry bring those very rare ingredients to prepare the Elixir of Life? Will Victor save Konrad's life? The story takes you through the thriller path. Do expect some of the mind blowing twists and turns that you would have never imagined. Also there is portion of "Love & Jealous" between the twin's which you would feel really interesting.

I personally had a great time reading through this awesome book. I can't wait to read the next book in the series "Such Wicked Intent".. I would give a rating of 4.8 out of 5 for this mind twisting thriller.