We’re celebrating the 5 year anniversary of The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein‘s Duology! This time last year (give or take a few days) the final book, Such Wicked Intent was released! To celebrate, you can read the full book of This Dark Endeavor here on Riveted!

Why should you read This Dark Endeavor? Well, I’m glad you asked! This Dark Endeavor was one of my FAVORITE novels when it came out in 2011. I’m a huge Frankenstein fan, so anything set in the world of Frankenstein, I have to pick up! Here’s the full summary:

In this prequel to Mary Shelley’s gothic classic, Frankenstein, 16-year-old Victor Frankenstein begins a dark journey that will change his life forever. Victor’s twin, Konrad, has fallen ill, and no doctor is able to cure him. Unwilling give up on his brother, Victor, his beautiful cousin Elizabeth, and best friend Henry begin a treacherous search for the ingredients to create the forbidden Elixir of Life.

Impossible odds, dangerous alchemy, and a bitter love triangle threaten their quest at every turn.

Victor knows he must not fail. But his success depends on how far he is willing to push the boundaries of nature, science and, love — and how much he is willing to sacrifice.

If that summery didn’t convince you to read it, here are my 5 reasons to read This Dark Endeavor ASAP!


1. Prequel to Frankenstein! 

It’s a wonderfully fun and energetic prequel to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. The story of Victor and his monster Frankenstein has been told over and over again, however, the Victor’s backstory story doesn’t have as many renditions. This Dark Endeavor was a refreshing take on Frankenstein!

2. Love Triangle

I’m usually not a fan of love triangles but Kenneth makes the situation believable. It didn’t feel overdone or dramatic, instead it added an extra dimension to the story!

3. It’s Completed

There’s nothing better than a series to binge read! You don’t have to wait for the cliff hanger to be resolved because both books are already out! Settle in this weekend for a wonderful binge reading marathon.

4. Kenneth Oppel’s Writing is Fantastic!

If you don’t know Kenneth Oppel, I highly recommend reading his books. He’s also the author of the middle grade novel, The Nest. Even if you don’t typically read middle grade, the writing style will draw you in, just as he does with This Dark Endeavor!

5. Action Packed!

I can’t give too much away without spoiling the story, but so much happened in this novel, it was intense! (Especially in the end!) You’ll have to read it for yourself to see what I mean.