Book Review- This Dark Endeavor, by Kenneth Oppel

Book Review: This Dark Endeavor, by Kenneth Oppel
 Spoilers alert!

Synopsis:

 Bravery, danger, and intense passion. How does obsession begin?

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 discover secret books of alchemy and ancient remedies. Father forbids them from ever entering the room again, but when Konrad falls gravely ill, Victor is drawn back to the Dark Library where he uncovers an ancient formula for the Elixir of Life. Victor, along with his beautiful cousin Elizabeth and friend Henry, immediately set out to find a man who was once known for his alchemical works to help them create the formula.
     Determined to save Konrad, the three friends scale the highest trees in Strumwald, dive into the deepest lakes, and even make an unthinkable sacrifice in their quest for the elixir’s ingredients. And as if their task was not complicated enough, a new realm of danger—that of illicit love—threatens to end the ordeal in tragedy.

Book Review:

     Recently I decided to reread This Dark Endeavor, having only read it once a couple years ago. All I remembered was that I enjoyed it.
     To my younger self, this book was magnificent- but to my older, reviewing self, I immediately identified the obvious flaws.
     First, however, I must say how much I loved the beginning, then and now. The intriguing fight scene really drew me in, as well as Victor falling off the balcony and being rescued by Konrad. I could feel their brotherly affection for one another where minutes before they were fighting to the death.
     I must also mention the comic relief provided by Elizabeth, the love interest, Victor, and Konrad. I was cracking up well into the night. The love triangle, also, was extremely well-done, and did not interfere in any way with the overall plot- everything was woven perfectly together, one event fueling another, and subtle foreshadowing that hinted at later conflicts, as well as a sibling rivalry that was backed by an undying affection for each other.
     Now for the flaws.
     Some parts, like the discovery of the Dark Library, were extremely underdone, while others, like the preparation of dinner for the servants, were overdone. 
     I found it a little TOO convenient that each of the ingredients for the Elixir of Life were revealed only one at a time. Also, there were only three ingredients. It is an Elixir of LIFE, people! There should be more ingredients!  And it was also extremely convenient that each of the ingredients was extremely close to where Victor, Elizabeth, and Konrad lived. 
     Overall, however, I really enjoyed the dark story of the apprenticeship/corruption of Victor Frankenstein
     I recommend this book for anyone 12 and up.
     Four out of five stars.